In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development.

You'll learn about:

• The story behind Valencia’s unique approach to upscale, one-of-a-kind hotels
• Why following trends isn’t always the answer—and how breaking the rules (strategically) can lead to success
• What’s next for the brand, including exciting new projects in Texas and Arizona
• His take on what really drives guest experience and longevity in today’s hotel landscape

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a world of cookie-cutter brands, this episode is for you.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VsVE3hNp1TU

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:
John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-keeling-5b829210/
Valencia Hotel Collection: https://www.valenciahotelcollection.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/193

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 Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler.

Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the creation of ONDA—a growing hotel brand designed to bring trusted, high-vibe stays to off-the-beaten-path destinations. From his first property in Costa Rica to his vision of scaling globally through a franchise model.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• How contrarian investing led him into hospitality
• What “the vibe” really means and why it's everything
• Why ONDA is filling a massive gap in emerging travel markets
• What it takes to build trust in remote, lifestyle-driven destinations

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZEiYFVyL5vk

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:
Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamgraf/?originalSubdomain=cr
ONDA: https://www.stayonda.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/192

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.

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association).

Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent hoteliers across the country. He opens up about what makes independent hotels so memorable, the shift in guest expectations, and how AHLA is reshaping its approach to support these unique properties.

Highlights include:

• What makes today’s travelers choose experience over standard
• AHLA’s new benefits and programs tailored to independent hotels
• Memorable stays like the Wigwam in Arizona
• How independent hoteliers can connect with AHLA and get involved

Tune in to hear why the future of hospitality is anything but cookie-cutter — and how leaders like Travis are making sure independent hotels have a powerful seat at the table.

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

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:
Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-mckie-68555b209/
AHLA: https://www.ahla.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/191

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 Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago.

Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investment. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sage Hospitality's growing independent hotel platform, including exciting properties like the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and Circa 39 in Miami Beach.

You’ll also get an insider's preview of Dean’s recent talk on deal-making, where he breaks down the complexities of hotel acquisitions, partnerships, and value creation—highlighting the transformative renovation of One Ocean Resort in Florida.

If you’re passionate about hospitality development, deal strategy, or just love hearing about iconic properties, this one’s for you.

Tune in now to hear:

• How Dean found his calling in hospitality
• What’s new with Sage and their growing portfolio
• A real-world case study of turning potential into profit
• The value of independent hotel experiences
• How Sage marries design, operations, and investment to drive results

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/60QBnHZtMtY

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:
Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-stambules-30a11046/
Sage Hospitality Group: https://sagehospitalitygroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/190

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 welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado.

Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels, a heartfelt blend of memoir and hospitality insights that's already making waves across the industry.

Joining the conversation is Stephen Chan, co-founder of Eagle Point Hotel Partners, the investment group behind both The Ozarker Lodge and Parker Hotel. Stephen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the $24M Parker property acquisition and talks trends in boutique hotel investing, including their new stealth-mode venture, Arbus Hospitality.

We explore:

• How Jeremy and Stephen approach branding, design, and repositioning
• The importance of community integration for boutique properties
• Lessons from growing a hotel brand post-COVID
• Why the independent hotel scene continues to thrive
• The future of ILC and its mission to inspire collaboration

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KuAExHR7BHA

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:
Jeremy Wells
Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wellsjeremy/
Longitude°: https://longitudedesign.com/
INDIE HOTEL: Why Hoteliers Are Breaking Free from Chains and Choosing Independence Book: https://www.amazon.com/INDIE-HOTEL-Hoteliers-Breaking-Independence/dp/B0CHL4713K

Stephen Chan
Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-chan-1b70142b/
Eagle Point Hotel Partners: https://www.eaglepointhotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/189

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 the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality.

She opens up about what makes ILC truly special—from building real partnerships with host properties to curating events where business gets done, but fun is never far behind. From rooftop cocktails to Miami shenanigans, you’ll hear how Meg and the ILC team are redefining what it means to connect in this industry.

Whether you’re an independent hotelier, event producer, or just love hospitality done differently, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DmZ_h4o24KM

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:
Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/
ILC: https://ilcongress.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/188

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 special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025.

From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and what it really takes to keep the podcast (and media company!) running at full throttle.

Highlights include:

• Why laughter has become the heartbeat of the show
• Behind-the-scenes chaos (and joy) from filming hotel experiences
• Favourite guests—from heartfelt conversations to industry game-changers
• What they’ve learned as hosts, producers, and friends
• Who they dream of interviewing next

This isn’t just a recap—it’s a celebration of hospitality, creativity, and the people behind the stories.

Tune in to laugh with us, learn with us, and see where we’re heading next.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X3xEpY8dxZk

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

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/187

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 with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel truly one of a kind.

What you'll hear about in this episode:

• How Michael accidentally fell into hospitality—and stayed for 32 years
• Why the Presidential Suite still feels like stepping back in time
• The recent additions: a brand-new spa, outdoor pool, and 5,500 sq ft ballroom
• How the hotel flawlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zHJX_H3-_JU

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:
Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cole-96a08b20/

Warwick Melrose - Dallas: https://www.warwickhotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/186

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.