Join Steve Turk on this captivating episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast as he sits down with Vanessa James, CEO and founder of VJ Media, and the visionary behind Food, Wine and Fete. Vanessa shares her incredible journey from aspiring sports broadcaster to becoming a dynamic force in the media and events industry. Discover how she navigated her career, overcame challenges, and successfully built her own brand, all while staying true to her Caribbean roots. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a media enthusiast, or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and inspiration.

[00:00:00] Introduction:

• Steve Turk introduces Vanessa James, CEO and founder of VJ Media and Food, Wine and Fete.

[00:01:00] Early Beginnings:

• Vanessa’s early aspiration to become a sports broadcaster inspired by Robin Roberts.
• Her move from Trinidad to the US and initial love for football.

[00:03:00] Transition to Radio:

• Vanessa’s start as a receptionist at Clear Channel (now iHeart Radio).
• Her progression to becoming the first female program director in her market.

[00:08:00] Career Growth in Tallahassee:

• Details on Vanessa’s roles and responsibilities in Tallahassee.
• Balancing multiple jobs and gaining corporate radio experience.

[00:10:00] Move to Miami:

• Vanessa’s strategic move to Miami to further her career.
• Working at the Sun Sentinel and transitioning back to radio.

[00:13:00] Entrepreneurial Leap:

• The pivotal layoff that led Vanessa to start Vanessa James Media.
• Building a voiceover business and securing initial clients.

[00:19:00] Building a Brand:

• Strategies Vanessa used to grow VJ Media.
• The importance of networking and maintaining professional relationships.

[00:25:00] Event Production:

• Creation and success of BJ Media Mixology.
• Launching Food Wine and FET, an all-inclusive Caribbean celebration.

[00:30:00] Advice for Aspiring Professionals:

• Key advice for young professionals entering the industry.
• Importance of being reliable, trusting your gut, and valuing collaboration.

[00:40:00] Future Plans:

• Vanessa’s vision for the future of her events and business.
• Excitement for upcoming Food Wine and FET events and other projects.

[00:43:00] Conclusion:

• Steve Turk’s appreciation for Vanessa’s insights and contributions.
• Vanessa’s final thoughts and encouragement for listeners.

[00:45:00] Professional Sign-off:

• Vanessa James provides a professional sign-off for the podcast.

[00:46:00] Sponsor Message:

• Steve Turk mentions Biscayne Coffee, the episode's sponsor, and their mission to preserve Biscayne Bay.

Listeners can tune into The Hospitality Mentor Podcast on all major streaming platforms and YouTube. For more information, visit Vanessa James Media's website and follow her on social media platforms.

Today we're doing a crossover episode and sharing my other podcast. I do with my co-host Victor Feria called Tangy Talks. I hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to Episode 16 of Tangy Talks! In this episode, Steve Turk and Victor Feria share their summer strategies and insights into managing the hospitality business during South Florida's slower season. They discuss team appreciation, the rise of midterm rentals, revenue management tips, and industry challenges. Plus, exciting news about sponsoring a local fighter and the upcoming Hospitality Mentor networking event. Don't miss out!

Chapters:

• [00:00] Introduction
• Steve and Victor kick off the episode with a light-hearted chat about their journey to becoming a top podcast and their plans for a team outing at Top Golf.
• [01:00] Team Appreciation and Leadership
• Discussion on the importance of showing appreciation to the team, especially after a busy first half of the year. Strategies for team engagement and celebrating hard work.
• [02:00] Navigating Slow Season in South Florida
• Insights into managing the slower summer season in South Florida, including the impact of current events, politics, and inflation on travel and hospitality.
• [04:00] Revenue Management Tips
• Victor shares revenue management strategies, emphasizing the importance of early planning and adjusting amenities to maintain profitability during slower periods.
• [06:00] Industry News: Vacasa Layoffs
• Analysis of Vacasa's recent layoffs and what it means for the vacation rental industry. Lessons learned and advice for property owners and managers.
• [09:00] Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals
• Discussion on the rising trend of long-term rentals and the flexibility of the hybrid model to adapt to market changes. Pros and cons of different rental strategies.
• [11:00] Owner Relations and Communication
• The importance of maintaining good relationships with property owners and ensuring transparency and communication. How Tangy Management prioritizes owner experience.
• [13:00] Midterm Rentals: The New Trend
• Exploration of the growing demand for midterm rentals, especially in light of upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup. Benefits of offering flexible rental options.
• [15:00] Personal Experiences with Midterm Rentals
• Steve and Victor discuss their personal thoughts on living in different locations for extended periods and the logistical considerations for midterm stays.
• [18:00] Tangy Management's Approach to Slow Season
• Strategies Tangy Management employs to navigate the slow season, including competitive pricing, team planning, and maintaining core team members.
• [21:00] Market Analysis and Competitor Insights
• How Tangy Management analyzes market trends and competitor pricing to stay competitive during the slower months.
• [23:00] Preparing Owners for Slow Season
• Advice for property owners on preparing for the slow season, including setting realistic expectations and being flexible with rental rates.
• [26:00] Creative Revenue Solutions
• Exploring additional revenue streams for vacation rentals, such as offering extra services and events to guests.
• [28:00] Upcoming Events and Sponsorships
• Announcement of the July 10th Hospitality Mentor networking event and the sponsorship of local fighter Christian Esquilin.
• [30:00] Wrap-Up and Sign-Off
• Steve and Victor close the episode with a reminder about the upcoming event and a friendly challenge for their Top Golf outing.

In this episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort. Mauro shares his incredible journey from waiting tables to becoming a leader in luxury hospitality. Discover the key moments and relationships that shaped his career, the challenges and rewards of working at world-renowned properties, and his insights on the future of hospitality marketing. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, Mauro's story will inspire and motivate you to pursue your passion in hospitality.

00:00 - Introduction

• Steve Turk welcomes listeners to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast.
• Introduction of Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort.

02:00 - Early Beginnings

• Mauro discusses his first job in hospitality, waiting tables, and how it shaped his perspective on the industry.
• His transition to a sales manager role at the Fasano Hotel in Sao Paulo.

08:00 - Career Growth

• Mauro’s experiences and growth at the Fasano Hotel.
• The importance of curiosity and going beyond job descriptions.

12:00 - Transition to St. Regis

• The cultural shock and differences between working at Fasano and St. Regis.
• The importance of structure and processes in large hospitality chains.

17:00 - Knowing Yourself

• Mauro’s advice on understanding your professional needs and finding the right fit in the hospitality industry.

19:00 - Joining Aqualina Resort

• Mauro’s decision to join Aqualina Resort after an inspiring conversation with Deborah Yeager.
• The importance of creativity and innovation in his role.

24:00 - Building Relationships

• The significance of networking and maintaining professional relationships in the hospitality industry.

27:00 - Embracing Technology

• Mauro’s views on using AI and technology to enhance the customer journey and improve efficiency.

30:00 - Conferences and Influencers

• The role of conferences and social media influencers in hospitality marketing.
• How Aqualina integrates these strategies to build its brand.

33:00 - Exciting Projects at Aqualina

• Upcoming renovations and projects at Aqualina Resort.
• Mauro’s excitement for the future and ongoing growth of the resort.

38:00 - Advice to Young Professionals

• Mauro’s advice to young hospitality professionals: focus on people and relationships.

41:00 - Closing Remarks

• Steve Turk wraps up the episode and thanks Mauro for sharing his story.
• Information on how to connect with Mauro Pinho.

42:00 - Sponsor Message

• Biscayne Coffee: Enjoy delicious coffee roasted in Miami while helping save Biscayne Bay. Use promo code MENTOR for 10% off your first order at BiscayneCoffee.com.

• Subscribe to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast for more inspiring stories from top hospitality professionals.

Episode Overview:

In this special crossover episode, Steve Turk, founder of The Hospitality Mentor, joins David Arraya on the Conscious Hospitality Podcast. Steve shares his journey from his early days as a cabana boy to becoming a renowned leader in the hospitality industry. With stories from iconic hotels like Lowe’s, Mandarin Oriental, and Trump Doral, Steve provides valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and finding passion in your work.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction: Steve and David discuss their long-standing friendship and the excitement of this crossover episode.
• Starting with Gratitude: David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and asks Steve what he is grateful for today.
• Early Life and Career Beginnings: Steve talks about his childhood in Miami, his diverse cultural background, and his early competitive nature.
• Discovering Hospitality: Steve shares how his father’s career as an attorney for major hotels influenced his interest in hospitality.
• Career Milestones: From his first job at Lowe’s Miami Beach Hotel to executive positions at renowned hotels like Mandarin Oriental and Delano.
• Challenges and Resilience: Steve recounts pivotal moments, including overcoming difficult leadership challenges and learning from setbacks.
• The Entrepreneurial Leap: The story behind Steve’s successful staffing company, the decision to sell it, and lessons learned about passion versus opportunity.
• Returning to Hospitality: Steve’s return to the hotel industry, his renewed passion for team-building, and his innovative approaches to leadership.
• Pandemic Reflections: How the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped Steve’s perspective on work-life balance and led to new entrepreneurial ventures.
• The Hospitality Mentor: Steve discusses the creation of The Hospitality Mentor, his goals for inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals, and his thoughts on the future of the industry.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Importance of Gratitude: Starting each day with gratitude can ground you and provide clarity in challenging times.
• Leadership Lessons: Effective leadership involves understanding and motivating diverse teams, and the power of regular one-on-one meetings.
• Entrepreneurial Insights: The balance between passion and opportunity, and the importance of staying true to your values.
• Resilience and Adaptability: How to navigate career challenges and make strategic decisions that align with your long-term goals.
• Work-Life Balance: The significance of balancing professional ambition with personal life, especially in times of crisis.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “When you’re grateful for things, you realize we have so much more than so many other people around the world.” – Steve Turk
• “Don’t be afraid to taste different things. If you want to move up, you’ve got to try different places.” – Steve Turk
• “This industry is one of the few where you can really start at the bottom and end up at the top, no matter what your education level is.” – Steve Turk

Follow The Hospitality Mentor:

• Website

Subscribe and Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and share more inspiring stories from the world of hospitality.

Chatting with Hotel Innovator Ryan Rivett. Dive into the exciting world of hotel life with Ryan Rivett, the brain behind MyPlace Hotels. We're talking about how he started a unique hotel brand, his adventures in the business, and what it takes to stand out in the busy world of hospitality.

Ryan opens up about his grandad's legacy with Super 8 Motels and how MyPlace Hotels is changing the game in staying overnight. Join us for a journey through the ins and outs of creating a place that feels like ‘My Place’ every time you visit.

Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the hotel business, straight from a pro.

Join Steve Turk on the Hospitality Mentor Podcast for an exclusive interview with Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel and Resort Collection. In this episode, Jennifer shares the story of her rise through the ranks in the hospitality industry and the insights she's gained along the way. From her early beginnings in upstate New York to orchestrating the strategic direction of Curator, discover the lessons Jennifer has learned in leadership, innovation, and the art of nurturing independent boutique hotels. This conversation not only traces the trajectory of a remarkable career but also dives into the future of hospitality and the significance of independent hotels in today's market. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your hospitality career, this episode is packed with wisdom, experience, and encouragement to inspire your journey.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, you will learn the fantastic story of Ashish Verma’s career in hospitality. Ashish is the Senior Vice President of the Luxury Division for the Unbound Collection at Hyatt Hotels. He shares his inspiring journey in the hospitality industry, starting as a management trainee for Oberoi Hotels in India after a back injury altered his initial dreams of becoming a professional tennis player. Ashish's path in hospitality took him from India to various global destinations, including Paris and New York, working with renowned hotel brands such as Oberoi, Hyatt, and Dream Hotel Group. Throughout his career, Ashish has learned the importance of passion, commitment, and continuous improvement in achieving excellence. His story highlights significant moments, such as being promoted to general manager during Hurricane Katrina at the Windsor Court Hotel and spearheading the successful rebranding and positioning of the Chatwal New York.

Connect with Ashish on LinkedIn

Don’t forget to check out Good Morning Hospitality - Steve and Sarah’s live show every Wednesday morning!

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

RealTime Reservation Offer

This episode is brought to you by our podcast partners at RealTime Reservation. Their inventory management system is best in class for hotels and resorts to manage their non-room inventory.

The web-based application allows for creative upselling of overnight and daytime visitors with add-ons and pre-planned packages. Hotel guests and non-guests can reserve cabanas, pool chairs, activities, amenities, excursions, events, day passes, and much more.

To learn more check them out here!

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Radi Garov, the General Manager at Soho Beach House in Miami, joins Steve in this episode to talk about his inspiring journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a banquet server after moving from Bulgaria to the U.S., Radi climbed the ladder through hard work, learning, and mentorship. He shares his experiences working in various positions and hotels, from his first job at C Trail Golf Resort to leading roles at FAENA and eventually Soho House. Radi talks about the unique challenges and learning opportunities at each step, including moving into luxury hospitality, mastering service standards, opening new restaurants, and adapting to the private membership model at Soho House.

Don’t forget to check out Good Morning Hospitality - Steve and Sarah’s live show every Wednesday morning!

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

RealTime Reservation Offer

This episode is brought to you by our podcast partners at RealTime Reservation. Their inventory management system is best in class for hotels and resorts to manage their non-room inventory.

The web-based application allows for creative upselling of overnight and daytime visitors with add-ons and pre-planned packages. Hotel guests and non-guests can reserve cabanas, pool chairs, activities, amenities, excursions, events, day passes, and much more.

To learn more check them out here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices