In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Robert Grosz, President & COO of WorldVue, a nearly 50-year leader in hospitality technology solutions. Bob shares his journey from the Midwest to the forefront of real estate and tech, and how culture, quick decision-making, and loyalty have shaped his leadership style.

We dive into:

• Why “culture eats strategy for breakfast” and how karaoke helped build stronger teams
• The evolution of WorldVue from looping movies on VHS to delivering cutting-edge cloud-based guest experiences
• How mobile technology and personalization are transforming hospitality
• Why technology should be part of hotel design conversations from day one

Robert's insights highlight not only where hospitality tech is today, but also where it’s headed. This is a fun, thoughtful conversation packed with leadership lessons, industry trends, and a few Neil Diamond references.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/14OVBJ8FHro

This episode is sponsored by WorldVue — https://www.worldvue.com/

Links:

Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-g-9806552/
WorldVue: https://www.worldvue.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/218

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can independent hotels win in today’s digital landscape with creators, podcasts, and emerging platforms?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Podcast, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with hospitality leaders Hillary Folkvord (Hotelier & Entrepreneur, Sacajawea Hotel), Melissa Benhaim (Founder of Benhaim Public Relations), Jennifer Glatt (M.A., Boutique & Independent Hotel Journalist & Storyteller), and Karla Cobreiro (Chief Credibility Officer, Cobreiro Comms) to uncover the strategies driving authentic storytelling, social media success, and hotel brand growth.

From building trust through authentic, personality-driven storytelling to leveraging influencers and content creators, this panel explores how independent hotels can stand out in a competitive market.

You’ll learn:

• Why the best story wins when it comes to hotel branding and guest experience.
• How to create a cohesive brand voice across Instagram, podcasts, newsletters, and websites.
• Practical strategies for social media, video marketing, and PR outreach that actually drive bookings.
• The importance of hyperlocal collaborations with local businesses, guides, and vendors.
• What hotel leaders should look for when partnering with influencers and content creators.
• How AI search and platforms like Substack are changing the way hotels get discovered.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2bbOc5hZu-Q

Links:

Panelists

Melissa Benhaim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-benhaim-90263734/

Karla Cobreiro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-cobreiro/

Hillary Folkvord on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-folkvord-b777b313/

Jennifer Glatt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-glatt/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/217

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

We’re live from the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, Florida, joined by Munir Maluf, CEO & Founder of MP Parking.
In this episode, we dive into the future of hotel valet parking and how the Smart Valet Podium is transforming the guest arrival experience.

Munir shares his insights on:

• Why the valet experience is the first impression of a hotel
• How MP Parking bridges the gap between hotel culture and valet service
• The importance of hotel involvement in parking operations
• How MP Parking improves staff satisfaction and guest service

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YzScq585I50

Links:
Munir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munir-maluf-0a6a1913/
Miami Parking Inc: https://www.parkmp.com/
Le VALET: https://www.levalets.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/216

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we sit down with Jaimey Bembry, CEO & Founder of Bhlen, to explore how hotels can transform the guest experience by replacing outdated paper lists and brochures with digital guest guides.

Discover how Bhlen helps hotels and hospitality brands:

• Eliminate paper lists with eco-friendly digital solutions
• Deliver personalized, hyper-local experiences for guests
• Boost revenue by promoting on-site restaurants & services
• Support ESG & sustainability goals with trackable data
• Provide an easy, no-app, no-integration solution using QR codes

From digitizing local restaurant guides to creating experience-as-a-service platforms, Bhlen is changing how travelers discover cities, attractions, and hidden gems—directly from their phones.

If you’re a hotelier, destination manager, or travel industry professional, this episode will give you actionable insights on the future of guest engagement and why the next generation of hospitality is digital-first.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2pI52saL24w

Links:
Jaimey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimey-bembry-9950245/
Website: www.bhlen.com

Email: info@bhlen.com

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/215

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, recorded live at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, hosts Steve and David sit down with Gage Johnston from Dalla Corte, a Milan-based manufacturer of premium espresso machines and grinders.

Gage shares how Dalla Corte is helping boutique and independent hotels elevate their coffee programs with innovative automation, Italian design, and practical solutions for low-staff environments. From the Icon Espresso Machine that simplifies latte art and recipe consistency, to strategies for reducing "coffee leakage" when guests leave for Starbucks across the street, this conversation dives deep into the future of coffee in hospitality.

You’ll hear about:

• Why coffee is now one of the fastest-growing revenue drivers for hotels.
• How automation helps hotels deliver café-quality drinks without hiring baristas.
• The role of design, efficiency, and customer insights in upgrading F&B programs.
• Practical advice for hoteliers looking to enhance their coffee offerings without overhauling their outlets.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P8GUWgGpTII

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Gage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gage-johnston-b59086229/
Dalla Corte: https://dallacorte.com/usa/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/214

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we sit down at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami with Venkatesh Sakamuri, CEO of Stayflexi, and Krishna Talasila, CIO & Co-Founder of Stayflexi, to explore how they’re transforming hospitality technology.

Venkatesh introduces Stayflexi IQ, their new AI-powered data intelligence and revenue management platform designed to help independent hotels compete with big brands. He shares insights on the future of AI in hospitality, the importance of demand and competitor intelligence, and why an all-in-one PMS platform enhances the guest journey.

Krishna dives into lessons learned from expanding in India, how Stayflexi scaled to over 3,500 properties worldwide, and why they’re now doubling down in the U.S. market. He also explains how Stayflexi IQ can integrate seamlessly with existing hotel systems, giving hoteliers actionable insights without a complete tech overhaul.

If you’re a hotelier, hospitality professional, or simply interested in the future of hotel tech, AI, and revenue management, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Stayflexi is empowering independent hotels with AI-driven intelligence
• Why data is the “new king” in hospitality
• The benefits of an all-in-one PMS vs. multiple integrations
• Key lessons from scaling in India and expanding globally
• The future of revenue management in the AI era

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QlAMhqhEi3s

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Venkat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venkatsakamuri/
Krishna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasank-stayflexi/
Stayflexi: https://business.stayflexi.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/213

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, David and Steve sit down in person with global traveler and hospitality expert Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami.

Scott shares why he believes independent hotels have a major edge over big brands, the growing importance of wellness and quiet luxury, and why storytelling and showcasing the destination and people are key to standing out. From behind-the-scenes F&B experiences to his personal travel habits, Scott offers real insights for hoteliers looking to connect with both locals and travelers.

We also dive into:

• Why people make a stay truly memorable
• The changing culture and energy of South Florida
• Scott’s top travel tips (including the #1 airplane hygiene hack)
• Hospitality trends that will shape the future of independent hotels

Whether you’re in the hotel business or just love travel, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about hospitality, community, and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jxbsHgnN9YE

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Website: https://www.mrscotteddy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

X: https://x.com/mrscotteddy

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/212

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Trent Freeman, Vice President of Operations at Valencia Hotel Group. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality and leadership roles at Four Seasons, Omni, and Peabody Hotels & Resorts, Trent brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating authentic guest experiences.

He shares how his career journey—from starting at the front desk to leading operations across Valencia’s boutique luxury properties—shaped his leadership style and perspective on culture, community, and authenticity in hospitality.

We dive into:

• How early career lessons shaped his leadership approach
• The power of Valencia’s Culture Club and weekly Book Club for leadership development
• Insights on creating hotels that are true hubs for their communities
• Valencia’s annual Helps Week initiative and how philanthropy impacts employee engagement and guest experiences
• Why authenticity goes beyond thread count and décor—and how hotels can genuinely connect with their communities

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k4rX0u19344

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Trent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-freeman-21ab7278
Valencia Hotel Group: https://www.valenciahotelgroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/211

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.