Teaguetalks Podcast: Recent Episodes
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What does it take to build a company that lasts for generations?
Grey Raines, CEO & Managing Partner of The Raines Company, joins Teague Hunter to discuss the evolution of a fourth-generation hospitality business, the leadership lessons that shaped his career, and why people—not properties—are the true foundation of long-term success.
Together, they explore family business, partnerships, development, independent hotels, the changing expectations of today's travelers, and the importance of hiring for culture over talent.
This is an honest conversation about growth, legacy, and what the future of hospitality should look like.
What does it take to build a hospitality company that stands the test of time?
In this episode of Teague Talks, Teague Hunter sits down with Vamsi Bonthala, CEO of Arbor Lodging, to discuss his journey from practicing law on Wall Street to launching a hotel investment company just before the 2008 financial crisis. Twenty years later, Arbor Lodging has grown into one of the industry's leading ownership, investment, and management platforms.
Vamsi shares lessons on entrepreneurship, building enduring partnerships, learning hotel operations from the ground up, and navigating every phase of the market cycle. The conversation also explores today's investment environment, institutional capital, AI's impact on hospitality, international expansion, and why the industry's greatest opportunities still lie ahead.
Whether you're a hotel owner, investor, operator, or simply interested in leadership and building businesses that last, this episode is filled with practical insights and timeless advice.
This week, Teague travels to San Diego to sit down with Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, at the Sheraton San Diego Resort on Harbor Island. Greg shares his approach to leadership, team building, and owning and managing a diverse portfolio of more than 46 properties nationwide, spanning select-service hotels, boutique properties, and destination resorts.
Greg discusses the importance of empowering teams, his confidence for the long-term future of hospitality, and remaining actively involved in every facet of the company's operations, from acquisitions and asset strategy to branding and guest experience. He also reflects on his own path into the industry—one he jokingly describes as "dumb luck"—and the experiences that ultimately shaped his career.
From scaling operations to fostering excellence, Greg offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead at the highest levels of hospitality while keeping people, whether guests or team members, at the center of every decision.
This week, Teague sits down with Michael Lipson, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Access Point Financial. As the leader of a lending platform focused on hospitality, Michael shares how Access Point is navigating today’s financial market with both discipline and creativity.
Together, they explore why flexibility in a lender matters more than ever, how capital providers are interpreting today’s geopolitical pressures, and where Michael believes smart money is likely to flow across key assets and markets in the months ahead.
Michael also challenges us to question whether our outlook on interest rates is being shaped more by economic fundamentals or political narratives—and how that underlying bias can quietly influence our next moves.
What does it look like to build and grow in today’s market—while everyone else is still trying to figure it out? Live from the 37th Hunter Conference, Main Street Talks brings together the owners and developers doing exactly that—Alpesh Patel, Mitch Patel, Bo Patel, and Azim Saju.
These are the voices behind the portfolios—the ones spotting deals before they’re obvious, navigating capitalwith intention, managing risk without hesitation, and making the day-to-day decisions that actually move assets forward. They’re not reacting to change—they’re creating it.
In this candid, on-the-ground conversation, panelists pull back the curtain on how they’re thinking about growth in today’s environment, where they’re uncovering opportunity amid uncertainty, and what it truly takes to scale and sustain a hospitality platform right now.
Because in this industry, the real story is written on Main Street.
Live from the 37th Hunter Conference, Teague sits down with Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta for an on-stage conversation on what it takes to lead, evolve, and win in today’s hospitality industry.
A 40-year industry veteran who started out plunging toilets at a Washington DC Holiday Inn, Chris brings a ground-level perspective that spans ownership, development, and running one of the world's largest hospitality brands. Now overseeing more than 9,500 properties across 150 countries, he opens up about why this industry has earned his life's work and why he feels it's his duty to give back to the next generation.
Together, they dig into the real pressures owners are facing today, why Chris believes the macro tide is already starting to turn, and how Hilton is deploying AI across efficiency, distribution, and guest experience to drive results at the property level. Because no matter how much the industry evolves, a guest-first approach always wins.
This week on Teague Talks, Teague travels to the newly developed dual-brand Embassy Suites and Tempo by Hilton Pigeon Forge, where he sits down with Alpesh Patel, CEO of Kana Hotel Group, to discuss the strategy and momentum behind the $80 million investment in the heart of Tennessee.
From humble beginnings and an early passion for hard work, Alpesh shares how he strategically repositioned and evolved Kana’s portfolio, approaches brand selection with intention, and thoughtfully champions development in an ever-evolving landscape. The conversation dives into what it truly means to be guest-first—welcoming travelers like they’re entering your own home—and why no role is beneath him, from operations to housekeeping.
Next week, tune in for Teague’s exclusive tour of the 276-room dual-branded property that seamlessly marries practicality with modern luxury in Pigeon Forge.
This week, Teague sits down with Joe Bocherer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), to talk about the campus that’s home to the new venue for the Hunter Conference, Signia by Hilton Atlanta.
The duo dives into group travel trends, hosting the FIFA World Cup, and why the GWCCA sets the standard for safety and scale as we head into our biggest year yet. With just 17 days until our big move, Joe pulls back the curtain on what it takes to operate a campus of this magnitude—where security, logistics, and adaptability must work in lockstep to support everything from industry gatherings to global events.
This episode goes behind the scenes as the Hunter team, GWCCA, and Hilton align plans, people, and priorities to bring you the 37th Hunter Conference.
This week, Teague sits down with Eric Jacobs, Chief Global Growth Officer at Aimbridge Hospitality. As the leader driving global growth for the world’s largest hospitality management company, Eric shares how Aimbridge is intentionally moving beyond scale—prioritizing excellence and long-term value for owners, operators, and brands.
In Eric’s words, the goal isn’t just to be the biggest third-party manager, but the best partner. Teague digs into what that commitment looks like in practice—from operational discipline and accountability to leadership decisions that cascade all the way down to the guest experience.
Together, they also explore where AI is headed in revenue management and forecasting, how Aimbridge is balancing growth with uncompromising standards, and Eric’s predications on hospitality both domestically and abroad.
This week, Teague connects with Mitch Patel, Founder & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, to get a boots-on-the-ground perspective on the hospitality industry. As an active owner-operator, Mitch shares how Vision is approaching development, acquisitions, and strategy—what’s working, what’s being rethought, and how decisions are getting made in today’s market.
Mitch unpacks how owner and developer priorities are evolving as 2026 comes into focus—where conviction remains strongest, where discipline matters most, and how operators are balancing near-term caution with long-term opportunity. He also breaks down the trade-offs shaping the current cycle and what it takes to stay nimble as conditions continue to shift.
Mitch, or as Teague likes to call him, the “unofficial mayor of Chattanooga,” also gives his take on whether hospitality is still the place to be—and his answer is anything but shy.
Ahead of ALIS, Teague sits down with Jan Freitag, National Director of Hospitality Market Analytics at CoStar Group, to tackle the data-driven questions everyone is asking as the industry looks toward 2026.
Following a year defined by tariffs, rising inflation, and economic uncertainty, Jan unpacks what the data is truly signaling—offering a grounded view across markets, asset classes, demand segments, and shifting investor priorities.
With strong optimism around luxury and a more cautious outlook for the American leisure traveler, Jan explores the forces shaping corporate demand, how investors are weighing acquisitions versus new development, and what the World Cup could mean for hotel demand in the year ahead.
Teague travels to Bethesda, Maryland, to sit down with Leslie D. Hale, President and CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust. A Howard University alum with an early passion for finance, Leslie built her career driven by a desire to be on the decision-making side of the table—and today leads one of the industry’s most respected public lodging companies.
As the first African American woman to lead a publicly traded REIT, Leslie shares how her strategic mindset and appetite for calculated risks have shaped RLJ’s evolution. With a portfolio of 96 hotels across 23 states—totaling approximately 21,000 rooms—she discusses the company’s focus on urban lifestyle assets that thrive in “live, work, play” destinations.
From active dispositions to reinvesting through renovations and conversions, Leslie calls this “the best portfolio the company has ever owned.” She opens up about the power of mentorship, the value of diverse perspectives in leadership, and the art of balancing professional ambition with family—reminding us that success often means being comfortable without having it all figured out.
This week on Teague Talks, the deep dive into family-built hospitality continues with a focus on the next wave of leadership at Auro Hotels. After Part 1 with industry visionary HP Rama, Teague sits down with HP’s nephew, DJ Rama, President & CEO, and great nephew, Keval Rama, Senior Associate—leaders carrying Auro forward while staying true to the company’s founding values.
DJ shares Auro’s humble beginnings, the weight of stepping into a generational role, and how he’s shaping a culture where every associate feels like part of the family. Keval offers a third-generation perspective, reflecting on a childhood immersed in hospitality and the purpose that drives him today, including his commitment to improving the communities Auro serves.
Together, they discuss the delicate balance between honoring tradition and driving innovation, and what it really takes to lead a modern family business across multiple generations.
Teague travels to Greenville, South Carolina, for a conversation with HP Rama, Founder and Chairman of Auro Hotels. HP’s journey began with just $2 in his pocket and a vision that would lead him to co-found Auro Hotels—formerly JHM Hotels—with his brothers. What started more than five decades ago as a single roadside motel evolved into a global enterprise spanning nearly 40 hotels across two countries, each anchored in intentional hospitality.
A true industry visionary, HP helped shape the Asian American hotelier movement as a Founding Member of AAHOA and built Auro around a mission of purpose, collaboration, and service. Through initiatives like Auro University in Surat, India, he continues to champion learning and leadership in hospitality.
In this episode, HP reflects on the values that shaped his legacy—stewardship, selflessness, and a family-first philosophy—and how those same principles continue to guide Auro’s future.
Plus, stay tuned for Part 2 – a continuation of HP’s story, featuring his nephew, DJ Rama, President & CEO, and his great nephew, Keval Rama, Senior Associate, as they lead the next chapter of Auro Hotels.
Teague heads west to Phoenix for a conversation with Sam Fox—the visionary force behind Author & Edit Hospitality and Fox Restaurant Concepts. Known for building some of the most beloved restaurants across the country, Sam now brings his creative lens to hotels with The Global Ambassador, his first foray into hospitality that rethinks the food and beverage experience and avoids the pitfalls many hoteliers face.
With more than 150 restaurant concepts to his name and a $353 million transaction with The Cheesecake Factory behind him, Sam has proven he knows how to scale without losing the magic. Having earned a Michelin Key less than two years in, he shares how creativity and consistency is shaping The Global Ambassador, why focusing on today is the key to unforgettable guest experiences, and the lessons he’s carrying from restaurants into hotels. And of course—Teague asks the question we’re all wondering: what’s tougher to run, restaurants or hotels?
Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive tour of The Global Ambassador in Phoenix, coming next Friday.
Teague travels to Nashville to sit down with Anup Patel, Managing Director at Tara Investments, inside the firm’s recently opened dual-branded Canopy and Homewood Suites in the heart of The Gulch. Anup shares how his family’s journey from textiles in the UK to U.S. hotel ownership led to over $275 million in developments and acquisitions, including this $150 million flagship project.
From balancing family and business to navigating financing, construction challenges, and design details, Anup offers a behind-the-scenes look at building from the ground up—and why this property cements Tara’s confidence in their long-term development strategy.
Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive tour of the Canopy and Homewood Suites Nashville Downtown The Gulch, coming next Friday.
Growing up around the hotel business, Amar Shah and Rahul Rohatgi never felt called to operate properties themselves. Instead, they felt compelled to tell the stories behind them—and how South Asians helped reshape the trajectory of the American hospitality industry.
In this episode, Teague sits down with the directors of "The Patel Motel Story," a short-film making waves at the Tribeca Film Festival. For Amar, a self-described “counter kid” who grew up working at his family’s gas station, the project is deeply personal. Rahul’s path was different, but their shared roots and vision brought this story to life.
The film is the result of years of research, interviews, and time spent at AAHOA conventions—piecing together a narrative that had never truly been told on screen. Together, they talk about heritage, the hustle behind the American Dream, and why the time was right to tell it now.
Teague travels to Wrightsville Beach to sit down with Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, the visionaries behind Trailborn and founders of Castle Peak Holdings. These Goldman Sachs alums share how they built a vertically integrated hospitality platform, from development to operations, and landed a deal with Marriott with just four open properties.
Trailborn is reimagining experiential lodging with thoughtfully designed hotels in iconic destinations, combining curated itineraries, local flavor, and outdoor access for a stay that feels anything but standard.
Fresh off raising $315 million in just four months, Mike and Ben talk capital, brand building, and what’s next for the industry’s most-watched new brand. Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive look at the brand-new Trailborn Surf & Sound coming next Friday.
With 20+ years in Wall Street investment banking and a sharp eye for brand growth, Phil Zrihen—Brand COO and Head of Americas at Ennismore—brings a strategic lens to lifestyle hospitality. Through immersive design, integrated F&B, and a culture-driven operating model, he shares how Ennismore is building brands that owners want to invest in and travelers want to experience.
With 180+ properties open and 140+ in the pipeline, Phil discusses how Ennismore is scaling across the Americas, what makes a lifestyle brand financially viable, and why evolving guest expectations are reshaping development strategy.
There’s a reason the Savannah Bananas have a 3 million-person ticket waitlist. And there’s a reason their next game is set to draw 80,000 fans. It’s more than the wild choreography or the sea of yellow—it’s a business model built entirely around one thing: the fan.
Teague sits down for an exclusive interview with founder and entrepreneur Jesse Cole to explore how the Bananas have reimagined what a sports franchise can be. From eliminating all sponsorships to paying the taxes and fees from tickets, the Bananas are proof that putting fans first isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a sustainable, strategic advantage.
He shares the 10+ year journey it took to get there—filled with tough decisions, financial risk, and a relentless belief in doing things differently. Learn how you can apply the same bold thinking and long-game vision to build something that truly lasts.
After announcing that the Hunter Conference will be moving to the Signia by Hilton Atlanta—Teague sits down with Hilton’s President & CEO, Chris Nassetta, for a candid conversation.
After serving over 250 million guests last year, Hilton is expanding its footprint with 8,400+ properties across 140 countries—and more in the pipeline. Chris shares why he believes we’re in a "new golden age of travel", how Hilton continues to thrive despite industry challenges, and his perspective on interest rates, expense creep, and asset values.
Despite 2024’s headwinds, Hilton had a record-breaking year—hitting an all-time high stock price, launching four new brands, and forging multiple key partnerships. Don’t miss this conversation about what’s next for Hilton and the hospitality industry.
Teague Talks? More like Teague Tip-Off! This month, Teague takes it to the next level for an unstoppable conversation with Mit Shah, the Founder and CEO of Noble, at the Atlanta Hawks' elite training facility. Mit’s journey is a masterclass in ambition, from working the front desk at his parents’ motel to building one of hospitality’s most respected private equity firms with over $6.0 billion in assets. They go deep on family-driven grit, the power of top-tier talent, and why education is the ultimate game-changer in leadership and philanthropy. Looking to 2025 and beyond, Mit reveals where Noble is making its biggest plays and offers a first look at the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series at the upcoming Hunter Conference. And because no great episode is complete without a bit of action, they take the court for fast-paced, rapid-fire questions. Big moves. Big insights. Big episode.
NEW YEAR, NEW TEAGUE TALKS! Kicking off Season Five of Teague Talks, Teague sits down in the new Regent Santa Monica Beach with Andre Zotoff, CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, to explore his journey from a 16-year-old restaurant worker in Germany to a leader in luxury hospitality. Overseeing a portfolio of 13 iconic properties, Andre discusses how his culinary, operational, and cultural backgrounds shape his leadership at Strategic. From innovative renovations and redefining the luxury guest experience to a surprising IMDb connection, this episode offers plenty of laughs and an up-close look into high-end hospitality to start off 2025.
Stay tuned next week for an exclusive tour of the brand-new Regent Santa Monica Beach.
This week, Teague sits down in the brand new Regent Santa Monica Beach during its opening week for a conversation with IHG's Leanne Harwood, SVP, Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas. With a luxury and lifestyle portfolio spanning 700 hotels across 70 countries, Leanne highlights IHG's goal to establish themselves as the core player in the space by bringing back the iconic Regent brand to the shores of America. Leanne shares what else IHG is focused on, what each brand brings to the table, and the trends she's seeing amongst travelers.
This week, Teague chats with Al Patel, President of Baywood Hotels, for an inside look at managing a vast portfolio of 125 properties, with over 10 new hotels under construction and an additional 20 projects in the pipeline. From growing up in the business to leading one of the biggest hotel management companies today, Al shares what Baywood is currently focused on, the details behind the newly-developed Moxy Miami Wynwood, and his outlook on the industry going into 2025.
With the election right around the corner, Teague sits down with AHLA's Kevin Carey and Chirag Shah to discuss what we know so far about how the presidential race may shape the future of the hospitality industry. From economic policy shifts to critical workforce decisions, they dive into the potential implications on the horizon and what they could mean for hospitality leaders, real estate, and travel alike. Tune in to learn how to navigate the polls and ensure your voice is heard.
This week, Teague sits down with Rob Blood, Founder of Lark Hotels, for a candid conversation about the evolving boutique and independent hotel space. Recently awarded seven Michelin Keys within his portfolio, Rob shares how he began as an innkeeper in his mid-20s, what motivated him to purchase his first property in Kennebunkport, and how he transformed a nine-room inn into a profitable business that manages over 30 design-focused properties today.
This week, Teague chats with Lindsey Ueberroth, Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Lindsey leads the world's largest independent hotel brand, which represents more than 600 distinctive hotels spanning 80 countries. With rapid growth in the boutique and independent space, Lindsey shares her insights on hotels de-flagging, travel trends, and the benefits of being independent while still receiving brand support.
Teague travels to Athens, GA, where college football is in full swing, to sit down with James Whitley, COO and Co-Founder of Landmark Properties, the leader in student housing. From flipping houses as a college student to building Landmark into an industry powerhouse, James shares the inspiration behind his recent venture into the hotel space, including his purchase of the iconic Old Edwards Inn and the transformation of an abandoned denim factory into his first independent boutique hotel, Rivet House.
Teague sits down with Rob Smith, newly appointed President & CEO of Stonebridge Companies, to discuss his journey in overseas operations, his time at Aimbridge, and the lessons learned from industry icon Navin Dimond. Rob also shares insights into Stonebridge's future growth plans following the recent acquisition of Real Hospitality Group, along with his macro view on the industry and interest rates.
Teague is joined by Jin Lee, CEO of ARA US Hospitality Trust, a Singapore-based REIT focused on select-service hotels across the U.S. Jin shares the unique story behind the company's formation, discusses the challenges of managing a Singapore-based REIT while operating in the U.S., and outlines how their investment strategy has evolved over the years.
Teague sits down with Steve Palmer, Founder & Chief Vision Officer of Indigo Road Hospitality Group, at the newly opened Rivet House in Athens, GA. Known for his remarkable success in the restaurant business, Steve talks about his transition into hotel management and the journey that led him there. Behind the scenes of his incredible career, Steve opens up about his personal battle with addiction and how he's now giving back to others in the industry who have faced similar challenges.
With a recent NYC hotel bill taking over headlines, Teague sits down with AHLA’s Kevin Carey for a quick update on the details behind the proposed legislation. Tune in to learn how this could trickle down and affect other markets.
Teague is joined by Chan Patel, Chairman and CEO of the largest community bank in the U.S. focused on hospitality. From migrating to the States and purchasing his first hotel in 1976, Chan shares the incredible story behind what led him to raise $2 million and open the State Bank of Texas. The two discuss Chan's unique approach to lending, the recipe behind running a successful bank, and how he has seen the industry evolve over the years.
Teague sits down with Nolan Hecht, Senior Managing Director and Head of Real Estate at Certares, to explore why the company has been active despite the current economic conditions. Nolan shares how he’s getting his deals done, his optimism about the industry, and a little bit about his amateur boxing career.
Teague sits down with the recently-appointed CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality, Craig Smith. With a few months under his belt, Craig shares what drew him out of retirement after his impactful 35+ year career with Marriott, his plans for the global management company, and the impressive team he has built around him to set Aimbridge up for success.
Teague sits down with his good friend Jon Stanner, President & CEO of Summit Hotel Properties, to hear what’s going on in the world of hotel REITs. As Summit’s Q2 report approaches, Jon shares which areas are experiencing the most growth, industry trends, and his team's current priorities.
In the heart of NYC, Teague sits down at The Fifth Avenue Hotel with Alex Ohebshalom, Founder & CEO of Flâneur Hospitality. An emerging hotelier, Alex is no stranger to development. He shares his journey to hospitality, what sparked his idea to convert a century-old property into a luxurious 5.5 star hotel, and the challenges of making this 10-year project come to life.
This Friday, Teague welcomes Carlos Rodriguez, Sr., Chairman & CEO of Driftwood Capital, for an insightful discussion on how capital is shaping the transactional market. From growing up in Costa Rica and pursuing a career on Wall Street, Carlos shares the candid story behind his first hotel, the challenges of raising his first debt fund, and everything in between throughout his journey to making Driftwood what it is today.
This week, Teague sits down with respected competitor and friend, David Turley, President of Cronheim Hotel Capital, to discuss the current state of the lending market from their worlds. They delve into the market's evolution, the challenges they are confronting, and the projects they are currently undertaking in their daily operations.
Ahead of NYU, Teague sits down with Jan Freitag, National Director for Hospitality Market Analytics at CoStar, for an update on the current state of the industry. As we wrap up Q2, Jan dives into interest rates, group demand, and market trends, while Teague shares his crystal ball into transactions and development.
Steps away from IHG’s Atlanta headquarters, Teague sits down for an exclusive conversation with Jolyon Bulley, CEO of the Americas. From his start behind the front desk in Melbourne to becoming the CEO for one of the world’s largest hotel brands, Jolyon shares his passion for international hospitality, his microscope into global travel trends, and what’s on the horizon for IHG.
Sitting in the brand new The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Teague is joined by Hiren Desai, President & CEO of 3H Group, for an exclusive conversation. From his beginnings in Zambia to managing his first hotel in Chattanooga, Hiren shares the origin story of 3H Group, his development projects through the years, and what it’s been like working alongside his brother.
This Friday, Teague is joined by David Kong, Founder & Principal of DEI Advisors and former CEO of Best Western. David shares his early days from growing up in Hong Kong, what led him to becoming the longest-running CEO of any major hotel company, and what he’s doing to leave an impact on our industry.
This week, Teague sits down with Stephen Wendell, Founder & CEO of Mountain Shore Properties, for a chat on all things development. From growing up in a hotelier family while pursuing a career in law, Stephen shares how he stumbled into the real estate world, the challenges developers are facing today, and the latest projects that he’s been working on in the boutique space.
Teague takes the main stage at the 35th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference alongside the leaders behind the industry’s most successful private companies. The four panelists share insights into their world and offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in today's economic landscape.
Featuring Mitch I. Patel, Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.; Al Patel, Baywood Hotels | Hotel Management & Development, James Merkel, Rockbridge; and Greg Friedman, Peachtree Group.
At the 35th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, Teague takes the stage alongside the nation’s top brokerage firms for a deep dive on the state of the market. Moderated by LW Hospitality Advisors’ Evan Weiss, the four executives provide a comprehensive analysis of the current financial landscape, offering insights into trends, risks, and investment opportunities while forecasting potential market trajectories.
This week, Teague sits down with the one and only Rachel Humphrey, Founder of Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance. While many know Rachel for her incredible impact on the industry, few know her story and what led her to hospitality. After an impressive 20-year career as a trial lawyer, Rachel shares what led her to AAHOA, what she spends her time on today, and what she's looking forward to at the upcoming Hunter Conference.
On this International Women’s Day, Teague sits down with powerhouse Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation. From her upbringing on a hippy commune in Canada to her work on Capitol Hill, where she contributed to one of the most impactful campaigns in presidential history, Anna reflects on the influential individuals who shaped her career, sheds light on the mission of the AHLA Foundation, and provides a glimpse of what attendees can anticipate during the ForWard session at the upcoming Hunter Hotel Investment Conference.
In this week’s episode of Teague Talks, David Sotolov, Managing Director at Alliance Bernstein, joins Teague for a deep dive on all things lending. From the intricacies of various asset classes to insights on current spreads and interest rates, David shares his crystal ball into the debt market landscape. Tune in as they discuss what's driving the market, which sectors are thriving, and what lies ahead for investors in 2024.
Sitting inside the brand new Signia by Hilton Atlanta, Teague is joined by Danny Hughes, EVP and President of the Americas at Hilton. Danny reflects on his early days working in his family’s pub and pursuing his passion for culinary before shifting to the business side of hospitality. Beginning his Hilton career at the London Hilton on Park Lane over 35 years ago, Danny gives us insights into his journey at the company, two new Hilton brands, and their exciting plans for 2024.
Ryan Rivett, President & CEO of My Place Hotels, joins Teague from South Dakota for this week's episode. From starting out at his family’s fishing lodge to founding My Place Hotels alongside his grandfather and industry icon, Ron Rivett of Super 8, Ryan dives into his company’s secret sauce, the challenges with franchising today, and his 2024 outlook.
Teague sits down with Michael Bellisario, Director & Senior Research Analyst at Baird, to talk all things 2024 industry predictions. Starting with a recap of ALIS, Michael dives into the current outlook of the M&A market, what’s on the economic horizon, and his hot stock tips for this year.
This week, David Duncan, President & CEO of First Hospitality, joins Teague from Chicago for an industry chat. The two dive into the recent headlines surrounding the Hostmark acquisition and what the rest of 2024 looks like for First Hospitality. David shares his take on being a hotel broker, his overall outlook on the industry, and his thoughts on the University of Michigan win.
Teague sits down for a compelling conversation with Anthony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International. Having once received a rejection letter from Marriott as a recent college graduate, Anthony reflects on his path that led him to fill the biggest shoes at the company today. He shares insights into the pivotal figures who shaped his career and delves into the latest Marriott headlines, unveiling the company's vision for the exciting developments awaiting in 2024.
Mehul Patel, Managing Partner & CEO of NewcrestImage, sits down with Teague to discuss the company's 2024 strategies. Having bought and sold 283 hotels since 2014, Mehul reflects on the astonishing year that the company had in 2023 and delves into what you can expect from NewcrestImage in the coming months.
Teague kicks off 2024 with David Gutstadt, Co-Founder and Principal of Good City Studio. The Philly local shares how he went from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to spearheading the luxury lifestyle concept of Equinox Hotels. Right in time for New Year's resolutions, David gives us the run-down on his latest ventures that combine world-class entertainment, social, wellness and business offerings under one roof.
Teague is joined by Lodging Magazine's 2023 Person Of The Year, JayShah, to discuss the recent headlines surrounding the Hersha acquisition. The pair dive into the details behind the $1.4 billon, all-cash transaction and how it became a full circle moment for Jay as he recalls the early days when his parents purchased their first two motels in Philadelphia. Tune in to see what's next for Hersha, the Shah family, and the future generation of hospitality leaders.
This week, Teague sits down for a deep dive on 2024 industry predictions with Rachael Rothman, Head of Hotels Research & Data Analytics at CBRE. Rachael shares CBRE's forecast on the macroeconomic impact on the hotel industry and whether or not a recession is on the horizon.
This week, Teague sits down for a fireside chat with father-son duo, Bob and Wes Whitman of Whitman Peterson. In this heartwarming episode, the two share their paths to the hospitality industry and how they ended up joining forces as business partners. Bob and Wes fill us in on the latest ventures of Whitman Peterson, how they gravitated towards the outdoor hospitality space, and the valuable lessons that they learned from one another along the way.
On this week's episode, Teague catches up with the one and only Jagruti Panwala, President and CEO of Wealth Protection Strategies. From immigrating to the U.S. at age fifteen and becoming an "accident hotelier" by age twenty-two, Jagruti reveals how her passion for the hospitality industry served as a driving force behind her commitment to advocacy work and her roles as the first Chairwoman at AAHOA and Director at AHLA.
This week, Teague sits down with Cody Bradshaw, Managing Director & Global Head of Hotel Asset Management at Starwood Capital Group. From his early beginnings as a Tennessee boy, Cody shares how he fell into hospitality by accident after pursuing a basketball career at Cornell. Now a London local, Cody dives into his perspective on the global economy, what it's like working for Barry Sternlicht, and what Starwood is spending most of their time on today.
Teague Talks with Chip Rogers, President & CEO of AHLA, about the Israel-Hamas War commanding headlines, gridlock in Congress, and AHLA's lobbying priorities.
With the extended stay segment on fire, Teague sits down with Greg Juceam, President & CEO of Extended Stay America. Greg shares his journey from his early days as a bus boy to CEO of an industry leading company. Teague and Greg discuss the resilience of extended stay, Greg’s thoughts on competition as the segment grows, and the importance of brand.
As Hunter Hotel Advisors celebrates 45 years, we hear from the man who started it all, Bob Hunter. In this special episode, Bob joins his son Teague to reflect on his long, illustrious career and share his advice to his sons, Teague and Lee Hunter, and this new generation of industry leaders.
From Texas' Hill Country, Teague Talks with Dupree Scovell about working with family, playing football for Mike Leach, and what drives the Woodbine Development team as the company prepares to celebrate 50 years in business.
Teague Talks with Arash Azarbarzin, Principal & CEO of Highgate, about his career working with hospitality legends Barry Sternlicht and brothers Mahmood & Mehdi Khimji, what he does to prioritize the happiness of his people, and how he is using artificial intelligence to streamline operations.
This week, Teague catches up with his old friend, David Pepper, to talk about Choice's acquisition of Radisson, the future of extended-stay, and advice for the next generation of hospitality leaders.
On the heels of Hurricane Idalia, Teague Talks the state of the insurance market in Florida and elsewhere with Brandon Bridges of McGriff. With hurricane season underway, Bridges shares factors impacting the insurance market and how hotel owners and investors can protect themselves in the face of a changing climate.
With the Pacific Ocean behind them, Teague and Matt Marquis, CEO & Chairman of Pacifica Hotels, talk about investing through downturns and the beautiful, complicated realities of running a family business. Tune in to Teague Walks next week for an exclusive tour of Matt's latest project, The Wayfarer San Diego.
Teague Talks with Jon Stanner, President & CEO of Summit Hotel Properties, about his path to hospitality and investing for the market of today and the future.
Teague Talks with Suraj Hinduja, Managing Director of RTRX, and Joe Apgar, President of Pelotonia. This ride weekend, Pelotonia celebrates 15 years of One Goal. To date, the Pelotonia community has raised over $258 million, 100% of which goes directly to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Listen to learn how RTRX and Pelotonia are working together to raise critical funds to fight cancer.
Teague Talks with Jimmy Merkel, CEO & Co-Founder of Rockbridge, from the halls of The Junto Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Tune in to hear Jimmy's take on where the economy is heading, his plans for Rockbridge, and why he believes we are in the "golden age of hospitality."
This week, Teague Talks with Grey Raines, Principal and Managing Partner of Raines Hospitality, about the joys of growing the family business and the current economic conditions' impact on operations. Grey also shares his advice for the next generation of hospitality leaders.
This week, Greg Friedman, Managing Principal & CEO of Peachtree Group, joins Teague for an industry update. Greg shares why he remains bullish on hospitality and expects to see a boom in lending soon.
Teague sits down with Matt Gaghen, CEO of Under Canvas, to talk about the company's newest brand, ULUM, which is redefining outdoor adventure travel. Surrounded by Utah's red rock landscape and under the shadow of Moab's iconic Looking Glass Arch, Teague and Matt connect over the extraordinary places and people driving Under Canvas.
Teague is joined by Tracy Prigmore, Founder of SHAD and TLTsolutions, and the winners of the 2023 SHAD Pitch Competition, Chandler Williamson and Portia Hood. Tracy is on a mission to bring more women into the ownership side of our industry through her education program, competition, and mentorship. Tune in to listen to the inspiring trio share their early beginnings in hospitality, how they sourced their winning deals, and the advice they have for women interested in ownership.
Learn more about She Has a Deal: https://www.shehasadeal.com/
Find them on LinkedIn:
Tracy Prigmore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-l-prigmore-097656/
Chandler Williamson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-williamson-7b97711b7/
Portia Hood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/portia-h-97254a174/
It's never a dull moment when we get a chance to catch up with our good friend, Evan Weiss, Co-Founder, Principal & COO of LWHA. Evan hits the nail on the head when it comes to the current state of transactions, banking, and lending. Tune in to this week's entertaining episode of Teague Talks to hear Evan's latest synopsis of the industry and his predictions for the remainder of 2023.
Join Teague as he takes the main stage at the HUNTER Conference for one of the most popular general sessions, Main Street Talks. These experts share their perspectives on how rising interest rates, inflation, lingering labor shortages and other issues are currently impacting their bottom line.
Teague is joined by some of the industry's top REIT's and investors for one of the most popular sessions held each year at the HUNTER Conference, Wall Street Talks. Experts discuss where they have seen success in recent years, and how they expect to create and maintain value in 2023 and beyond.
NEW EPISODE! Teague Talks with Chet Pipkin, Founder & Executive Chairman of Belkin. Pipkin shares what the beginnings of the consumer electronics company looked like in his parents' garage, and how he combined his extensive background in technology with his latest eco-friendly hotel resort in Lake Tahoe, the Desolation Hotel.
Teague Talks with John Murray, President & CEO of Sonesta. Spanning across three continents, Sonesta is now the 8th largest hotel company in the world with 16 brands consisting of 1200 hotels. Tune in to hear John share his journey to Sonesta, where the company is headed, and his thoughts going into 2023.
Teague Talks with Mit Shah, Founder & CEO of Noble Investment Group. Mit provides overall strategic guidance for the Noble organization and heads its investment committee. Tune in to the latest episode of Teague Talks to hear Mr. Shah share Noble's goals for 2023 and the outlook they have going into the new year.
Kevin Osterhaus joined Graduate Hotels as President just over a year ago. He stepped into the role as the brand calibrated for incredible growth, with plans to open four hotels in 2023. Osterhaus shares with Teague what it takes to build a successful brand, the importance of nostalgia when creating connections, and where Graduate Hotels is going next.
Norman Radow, Founder & CEO of The RADCO Companies, has spent decades amassing an impressive multifamily real estate portfolio, but his latest big bet is on hospitality. In this latest episode, Norman shares with Teague why he believes "the next year or two may be the greatest buying opportunity since 11 years ago."
Since stepping into the role of President & CEO of Hotel Equities in 2017, Brad Rahinsky has grown the company through a series of strategic alliances. With 250+ hotels now under management, Rahinsky shares with Teague what it's like to operate hotels today and why he's "bullish" on 2023.
Todd Turner put the T in OTO Development, helping to found the company now known for its strong select-service position in urban cores nationwide. Following the passing of his dear friend, Corry Oakes, Todd Turner assumed the role of CEO. In this latest episode, Turner shares with Teague how he remembers his oldest friend and how he plans to honor Oakes' legacy through his leadership of OTO.
From the historic Schimmel Ballroom of the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, Teague Talks with Tom McLeay, President of Clarity Development Company. Following an exclusive tour of McLeay's first hotel, Teague and McLeay sit down for this extended conversation about development, history, and, of course, the Reuben sandwich.
In case you missed it, watch 'Teague Walks the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel' here.
Teague Talks with Mitch Patel, President & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, about spirituality, family, storytelling, and advice for the next generation of developers. In case you missed it, watch Teague and DJ tour the AC Hotel Greenville in the latest episode of Teague Walks: https://bit.ly/3zlXjiT
Following a private tour of his first boutique hotel, The Edwin in Chattanooga, Mitch Patel, President & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, sat down with our host, Teague Hunter, for an extended interview about all things hospitality. Mitch shares his current experience with the market, where he believes our industry is heading, and what he has learned about storytelling through the development of The Edwin.
Teague Talks with Navin Dimond, Founder, CEO, & Chairman of Stonebridge Companies. In this extended interview, Navin talks about his latest adaptive reuse project (The Slate Denver), the power of education, and where he believes the hospitality industry is heading.
Teague Talks hospitality with a panel of Main Street's best and brightest at the 33rd Hunter Hotel Investment Conference.
Teague Talks hospitality with a panel of Wall Street's best and brightest at the 33rd Hunter Hotel Investment Conference.
Teague Talks with Robert Cole, Founder, President & CEO of HVMG about labor, inflation, and other operational challenges. Listen here or watch and subscribe on the Teague Talks YouTube channel!
Teague Talks with CEO of Mission Hill Hospitality, Greg Kennealey. Mission Hill entered the select-service space in a big way this past year. In this episode, Greg shares why the new company chose select-service when it did and what's next.
Teague Talks with new CEO of Davidson Hospitality Group, Thom Geshay. From hotel DJ to CEO, Thom shares his wisdom on everything from flipping a dance floor to leadership. He also provides the next generation with some practical career advice for climbing the corporate ladder.
Teague Talks with go-to economist Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, about what we learned from 2021 and what we can expect to see in 2022 as the recovery continues.
Teague Talks is back! It’s only fitting we return with our old friend and President & CEO of AHLA, Chip Rogers. Teague Talks infrastructure, inflation, travel, and more with Chip. Above all, we hear how the politics of Washington could impact our industry in the coming weeks.
NOW LIVE. New York State of Mind. Jay Stein chats with me about life in New York, dining and entertainment, new vaccination requirements, unions, and much more.
Elie joins Teague to discuss the current and future state of business/leisure travel, brand development, recovery and much more.
Teague Talks this week is featuring the Wall Street Panel from this year's Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. Listen to Michael Medzigian, Neil H. Shah, R. Tyler Morse, and Scott Trebilco discuss their unique viewpoint on investment and how they plan to grow post-COVID.
Join Teague and Jonathan as they discuss how hoteliers will be affected by the newly proposed tax plans, 1031 exchange, capital gains, estate taxes, property taxes, and much more.
Join Teague and Justin as they discuss the evolution of APPLE REIT, Post-COVID acquisitions and dispositions, and where the industry is headed.
Join Teague and Amanda as they get into the numbers from this past year, and what the forecast for the next few years looks like.
Join me as he chats with my friend Mehul "Mike" Patel about developing during the pandemic, the four pillars of industry challenges we face today, and how we can all help implement change!
Teague chats with Robert about what life has been like on the west coast, developing pre and post pandemic, and where he sees opportunities for growth in the future.
Leading one of the hardest-hit segments in the hotel industry, Arash Azarbarzin joins Teague and gives us his insight into full-service and how SH has been surviving the pandemic
Teague chats with Biran about how AAHOA is assisting members through the pandemic, advising on lasting changes in the industry, and what is to come in 2021
Want to know what the big brands are thinking? Join Teague as he chats with Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt Hotels. Mark shares his thoughts and outlook on 2021, as well as dives into the lessons that COVID has taught him about the importance of hospitality and human connectivity.
Over the past 17 years, Dave Johnson has led Aimbridge Hospitality to become one of the largest hotel management companies in the world. Now a global powerhouse, Aimbridge’s portfolio consists of more than 1,500 branded and independent properties across 20 countries. Let’s find out how they are doing and what the future holds for Dave in his newly created role as Executive Chairman.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution of traveling more and losing the extra lbs you gained in 2020? Why not have the best of both worlds? Join Teague as he speaks with Shafi Syed, SVP, Global Head of Hotel Development & Acquisitions at Equinox Hotels, about continuing to be an innovator and leader in the “fitness as lifestyle” movement, and how they plan to continue to grow their community and expand their footprint across the world.
Teague kicks off the new year with Independent Hotelier and Influencer, Bashar Wali. Bashar brings inspiration and energy to get us ready for 2021!
Teague gets the latest updates from Chip on the new Stimulus Package, including additional PPP funds, debt relief, forgiveness, and much more.
Teague gets the scoop from Pat on top Choice conversions post COVID, overall corporate growth, and what business travel will look like post vaccine.
Teague dives deeper and finds out what’s the latest on Capitol Hill. Join us as Brian Crawford goes into detail about what’s to come during the lame-duck session, Biden's first 100 days, relief packages, shutdowns, and much more.
Teague gets the election run-down from Chip and discusses state props, the Senate race, and how all of this will impact the hospitality industry in the future.
Missed hearing from Tyler at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference this year. Glad we were able to catch up. Join us as we talk high level about the Hotel Industry, Stock Market & the future of travel!
Teague chats with Al Patel from Baywood Hotels about PPP loans, employment & hotel development.
William "Chip" Rogers, President & CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association, joins Teague as they discuss his instrumental role in the CARES Act, AHLA's new Safe Stay initiative, and his recent visit to the White House.
Join us for some lender therapy today, as Teague chats with Mat Crosswy from Stonehill Strategic Capital, Sanat Patel from Avana Capital, and Sushil Patel from State Bank of Texas.
Teague catches up with his good friend, Jim Merkel, Founder & CEO of Rockbridge. They talk the current status of deals, quarantine life, RTRX Conference, and play a game of "Would You Rather."
Channel your inner parrothead and join us as Teague and Evan chat about Margaritaville's positive outlook on summer, as well as some Jimmy Buffett trivia!
Teague and Mike chat about the hospitality market and what stocks are hot and which ones are not.
Teague talks with Nelson Knight from Apple Hospitality REIT, one of the largest publicly-traded lodging REITs in the country. Hear how COVID has impacted Apple's portfolio, stock price, and their outlook for 2020 and beyond.
Teague chats with his good friend and CEO of G6 Hospitality, Rob Palleschi. They discuss G6's portfolio performance, COVID impact, strategic outlook, and brand initiatives.
Teague and Tom chat about Pebblebrook’s COVID impact, current cash burn, and transactions pre and post COVID.
Teague and Catesby talk about what our new normal will look like with "frictionless" experiences into our favorite venues, airports, hotels and more.
Hear how Auro Hotels is handling operations in the US and India, dealing with banks, growing in the future and more!
Teague catches up with Corry, and we find out how he transitioned from Blockbuster to Extended Stay America to now developing and owning premier assets across the country. Join us as we listen to his journey, and make sure you stick around till the end when Corry shares a special treat from his AC Spartanburg hotel.
We dive into the data with Vince, as we discuss their recently released consumer report and find out some hot stock tips.
Hear how Mitch transitioned into the hospitality industry, founded Vision Hospitality Group with only $3,000 in his savings account, and became one of the most passionate and successful developers in the industry.
Teague and Dan catch-up and discuss portfolio exposure, liquidity, and how the industry may be evolving into a more transactional focused industry.
Teague chats with Navin and finds out how he became an "accidental hotelier”, and what he learned from previous recessions that will help in the current environment.
Join us as Teague and Dan discuss the receivership process, appraising hotels during COVID, and fundamental shifts in lodging.
Join us as Chris provides an update on Hilton and shares his insights and positive outlook on lodging and travel around the world. We also answer some questions from our viewers, so make sure you stay tuned in!
Join us as Teague chats with hospitality veteran Mark Laport about his 30+ year journey in the industry, new developments, and how a "real" capital call feels.
Join Teague as he catches up with Atlanta native, Tyler Henritze from Blackstone. Based in New York, Tyler gives an update on how COVID has impacted Blackstone and its investment strategy. Since joining Blackstone in 2004, Tyler has been involved in over $100 billion of real estate investments across all property types.
Teague chats with Neil about his transition from the tech industry into hospitality, and how he became a 2nd generation hotelier, growing his family portfolio to over 60 hotels.
Teague chats with Arne about his COVID timeline, how he’s been able to lead during a global pandemic, and how China's hotel performance may give us some insight into the recovery in the U.S.
Teague chats with William about the current environment of events and conventions, booking pace, and the impact on the hospitality industry.
Distressed Notes. Deploying Capital. Post-COVID Closings. Capital Markets... Tune in to hear from Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Hotel Group!