Best Destination Polaris Podcasts (2025)

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#213: An All-In-One PMS that Enhances the Guest Experience | with Venkatesh Sakamuri & Krishna Talasila 8:52

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11h ago8:52

8:52

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 ind…

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What the HECK Is Rev Ops? People, Process, Tech—Then AI (with Cliff Simon from Polaris) | Ep. 208 18:39

7h ago18:39

18:39

By Mason Cosby

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#212: The Independent Hotel Advantage | Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show Miami 14:41

4d ago14:41

14:41

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 …

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ICP vs. Target Audience: Stop Pushing the Rock Uphill (with Jeff Hardison) | Ep. 207 32:50

4d ago32:50

32:50

On Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby sits down with Jeff Hardison, CRO at CaseMark, to cut through tool-first thinking and get back to the fundamentals: pick the ideal customer profile that buys, retains, and expands—then run ABM to get more of your best. Jeff draws a sharp line between ICP and a target audience (the hunch you’re “pushing up a hill”) a…

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#211: How Hotels Can Be an Authentic Part of Local Communities | Trent Freeman of Valencia Hotel Group 26:50

7d ago26:50

26:50

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…

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What Is Account Based Marketing | Ep. 206 8:11

7d ago8:11

8:11

Have you ever crushed your marketing goals, only to find sales lagging far behind—and then still gotten in trouble for it? Mason Cosby, founder of Scrappy ABM, has been there too. In this episode of Scrappy ABM, Mason shares how account-based marketing creates alignment across marketing, sales, and customer success so everyone wins together. ㅤ With…

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One-to-Many ABM that Doesn’t Burn Cash (with Natalie Marcotullio) | Ep. 205 17:40

11d ago17:40

17:40

Scrappy ABM brings together Mason Cosby and Natalie Marcotullio for a conversation that keeps ABM grounded in practice: build hyper-specific verticals, show buyers their future state with interactive demos, and measure success on pipeline. ㅤ Natalie, Head of Growth and Product Marketing at Navattic, explains why one-to-many ABM works best when the …

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#210: A Deep Dive into Meetings & Events | with Steven Kinsley 46:17

14d ago46:17

46:17

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, sit down for a fast-paced and insightful conversation with Steven Kinsley, President of Kinsley Meetings. From his beginnings as a Ski Bum in Vail to leading a nationally recognized meetings and events company, Steve shares stories, lessons, and perspectives shaped by decades in hospitality and…

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The Old Way vs The Right Way | Ep. 204 49:12

14d ago49:12

49:12

A slightly provocative title sets the tone: the old way versus the right way. On Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby brings together leaders who’ve been in the belly of the beast—people who built ABM programs at technology vendors and across startup, mid-market, and enterprise realities. The panel aligns on a clear definition: a B2B revenue strategy that…

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#209: Leading the Food & Beverage at Hotel Polaris | with Chef Ken Butler 7:30

19d ago7:30

7:30

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Ken Butler, Executive Chef at Hotel Polaris, to explore the art of hospitality, the evolution of food and beverage trends, and the behind-the-scenes dedication that makes guest experiences unforgettable. From rooftop sushi to locally sourced Colorado flavors, Chef Ken shares his insights on how culinary innova…

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#208: How Hotel Polaris Creates a Great Guest Experience | with Nick Nations 8:49

19d ago8:49

8:49

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Nations, Director of Rooms at Hotel Polaris, to explore how genuine care, communication, and technology combine to create unforgettable guest experiences. Nick shares his philosophy on hospitality, why personality and compassion matter more than processes, and how his team leverages both tech and heart-first s…

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Make the Process the Accelerator, Not the Tool (with Josh Gainey) | Ep. 203 25:45

18d ago25:45

25:45

SDR teams that were well fed by inbound are now shifting from qualification to outbound prospecting. On Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby sits down with Josh Gainey, the Go Market lead over at Kasm Technologies, to break down a practical outbound playbook: start with the right SDR hire profile, define who not to target, and align on an A / C / F gradin…

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#207: How Hotel Polaris Creates a Perfect "Bleisure" Experience | with Kevin Barosso 6:45

20d ago6:45

6:45

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Barosso, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Polaris, to explore how the property is redefining the balance between business and leisure travel in Colorado Springs. From versatile dining and meeting spaces to unique leisure amenities, Kevin shares how the hotel is creating experiences that attract both p…

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#206: Behind Hotel Polaris at the United States Air Force Academy | with GM Curtis Bova 10:11

20d ago10:11

10:11

In this episode, we sit down with Curtis Bova, General Manager of Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, located right outside the U.S. Air Force Academy. Curtis shares the inspiring journey behind the hotel’s creation, its deep-rooted connection to the Academy, and how it has become a true neighbor within the local community. From its mid-century mode…

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Shockingly honest lessons: contractors, W2s, and turning down six–seven million | Ep. 202 44:32

21d ago44:32

44:32

Scrappy ABM host Mason Cosby sits down with Nick Bennett on 1,000 Routes and tells the story behind a “little teeny tiny side hustle” that became “sold a million bucks” and then “another million” within months. Starting with a $25,000 win in March 2023 and a $150,000 deal that “backed out,” Mason lays out “project revenue,” the activation playbook,…

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#205: SOHO House Goes Private, STR Outperfroms Hotels in Q2, US Traveler Trends | Hospitality Hot Topics with Mandy Murry 13:07

26d ago13:07

13:07

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality Hot Topics with Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by hospitality strategist Mandy Murry to break down the biggest trends and stories shaping the industry in August 2025. From evolving travel trends and the rise of AI trip planning to Soho House going private, Booking.com launching a credit…

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Why High-Spend Customers Hold the Key to Growth (with Katie Yagodnik) | Ep. 201 21:30

25d ago21:30

21:30

Scrappy ABM brings practical playbooks that don’t break the bank. In this episode, host Mason Cosby sits down with Katie Yagodnik, founder of SFE Advisors, to focus on one of the most underutilized areas of revenue growth: the post-sales experience. While much of the market obsesses over CAC, Katie and Mason unpack the power of net revenue retentio…

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#204: How Trailborn is Bringing Design-forward Hotels to Outdoor Destinations | with Michael Weiss 26:50

28d ago26:50

26:50

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Michael Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn, a brand redefining outdoor hospitality. Michael shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to Airbnb and Compass, to ultimately launching Trailborn—boutique, design-forward hotels in outdoor destinations like national parks, wine countr…

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AI in ABM: Data, Distribution, Destination, and Direction | Ep. 200 33:08

28d ago33:08

33:08

Scrappy ABM is all about practical playbooks that don’t break the bank. In this special repurposed episode, host Mason Cosby shares his conversation from the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9 with Mike Montague. Together, they explore how account-based marketing is evolving in the age of AI. Mason breaks down his four-part framework—data,…

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#203: How Cashless Tipping Can Improve Employee Morale & Retention in Hospitality | with Elle Rustique 27:00

1M ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Elle Rustique, Founder and CEO of TipBrightly—a FinTech company revolutionizing tipping through easy, cashless, app-free technology. Inspired by her mother, a hotel housekeeper, Elle turned a personal story into a mission to create more equity, gratitude, and recognition for frontline ho…

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The Seven Playbooks for Account-Based RevOps Success | Ep. 199 20:46

1M ago20:46

20:46

On this episode of Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby welcomes Galen Dow, founder of BrandGen and the first Elite tier HubSpot agency, New Breed. The conversation tackles one of the most common challenges for revenue leaders: how to run effective account-based advertising without draining budget on massive, expensive platforms. Galen shares the genesis …

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#202: Creating a Positive Impact on the Planet & People in Hospitality | with Jon Buerge 42:10

1M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jon Buerge, President of Urban Villages, to explore how sustainable development is reshaping hospitality. From his upbringing in Aspen and a deep-rooted love of nature to leading innovative, carbon-positive hotel projects like Populus, Jon shares how design, community, and environm…

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Why Sales Thinks Marketing is Useless | Ep. 198 12:06

1M ago12:06

12:06

If you’ve ever walked into a meeting with sales, presented a flawless marketing plan, and left with nothing but frustration, you’re not alone. On this episode of Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby reveals the five biggest reasons sales teams won’t buy into marketing programs—and what to do about it. From definitions that don’t match up, to time horizons…

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#201: Simplifying Hotel Operations | with Eoin Heavey 31:18

1M ago31:18

31:18

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eoin Heavey, CEO and founder of Maitre, a modern operating system built specifically for independent hotels. With a unique background spanning both technology and hospitality, Eoin shares his journey—from growing up in Dublin and playing competitive tennis at UC Berkeley to working…

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Why the Biggest Logos Don’t Mean the Best Accounts (with Leslie Venetz) | Ep. 197 26:11

1M ago26:11

26:11

Scrappy ABM, hosted by Mason Cosby, welcomes bestselling author Leslie Venetz, who wrote Profit Generating Pipeline. Together they break down what it really means to find and grow your most profitable customers. Leslie challenges the mindset of chasing “cheapest” or “biggest” customers, showing why renewal, upsell, and long-term partnerships define…

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#200: Turning a Love for Hotels into a Career in Hospitality | with Stacy Warner 25:34

1M ago25:34

25:34

This week’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Stacy Warner, Executive Vice President at Eat.Drink.Sleep., the boutique hospitality group known for concept-driven hotels, restaurants, and bars that blend standout design with unforgettable guest experiences. Stacy shares her journey from a small town in Massachusetts to shaping so…

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ABM Retrospective: The Good, the Bad, and the Pipeline | Ep. 196 51:56

1M ago51:56

51:56

ABM is a trust engine, but building it right takes patience, sponsorship, and more groundwork than most expect. In this live episode of Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby sits down with Ryan Gunn and Amanda “Chuck” Palmarchuk for a full retrospective on an ambitious ABM program launched in late 2020. Together, they revisit a program that started with $0…

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#199: Inside Viceroy's Development & Growth Strategy | with Mark Keiser 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

In today’s episode, David and Steve talk with Mark Keiser, President of Development at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, about his journey from a suburban upbringing and a year abroad in France to leading the brand’s global growth. Mark shares early career lessons—including taking on a GM role with zero hotel experience—the evolution of luxury lifestyle ho…

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How a Simple Travel Kit Strategy Turned an Event into a Buzz-Worthy Experience (with Yelena Kozlova from Finch) | Ep. 195 18:06

2M ago18:06

18:06

Scrappy ABM delivers practical playbooks that don’t break the bank, and this episode showcases just that. Host Mason Cosby talks with Yelena Kozlova, VP of Marketing at Finch, about an event activation that combined creativity, simplicity, and strong partner engagement to drive results. Yelena shares how Finch, the number one payroll network, built…

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#198: Micro-cations, Adventure Travel, Luxury Sleep Experiences & More | Hospitality Hot Topics 23:22

2M ago23:22

23:22

In this Hospitality Hot Topics edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Ryan Rivett, President & CEO of My Place Hotels, to unpack July’s biggest hospitality trends. From the TSA finally ditching the shoe-removal rule, to the rise of micro-cations and adventure travel, to the luxury sleep experience movemen…

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Why Ethical Selling and Niching Down Drive Scalable Growth | Ep. 194 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

Scrappy ABM shares an insightful crossover from the Becoming a Hiring Machine podcast, where Mason Cosby joins Sam Kuehnle to discuss how account-based marketing (ABM) principles create stability, profitability, and scale for recruiters. Mason explains why ABM is the most efficient way to do B2B, how ethical selling drives conviction, and why nichi…

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#197: Staypineapple's Growth Strategy & Using Technology to Personalize the Guest Experience | with Michael Hirschler 14:10

2M ago14:10

14:10

On today’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Michael Hirschler, Chief Growth Officer at Staypineapple, live from Staypineapple Chicago. Michael shares how the brand is redefining boutique hospitality through a combination of 'friend-style' service, a bold brand identity, and guest-focused innovation. They dive deep into Staypine…

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Scaling Revenue with Agentic AI and ABM (with Wendy White) | Ep. 193 20:16

2M ago20:16

20:16

Scrappy ABM brings practical playbooks that don’t break the bank, and in this episode, host Mason Cosby sits down with Wendy White, the CMO of Daxko. Known for being wildly talented and dramatically underappreciated in the world of CMOs, Wendy shares how she integrates AI across ABM and go-to-market strategies. From AI-powered outbound to long-tail…

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#196: Staypineapple's Food & Beverage and Chicago's Food Scene | with David Fingerman 10:09

2M ago10:09

10:09

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chef David Fingerman, Corporate Executive Chef at Staypineapple, live from The Atwood in Chicago. From delightful afternoon treats to Chicago’s gritty, authentic food and dive bar culture, Chef David shares what makes Staypineapple’s F&B program pop, and why hospitality is more personal …

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#195: The Naked Experience & Surprise and Delight at Staypineapple | with Beth Anne King 14:55

2M ago14:55

14:55

What happens when playful luxury meets bold hospitality? In this insight-packed episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Beth Anne King, Regional Director of Operations Staypineapple, to explore the playful luxury and deeply personalized service that define the brand. From high-end bedding that encourages you to sleep naked to su…

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Stop Asking for Meetings Too Soon: ABM Lessons That Actually Work | Ep. 192 18:12

2M ago18:12

18:12

Scrappy ABM is back with practical playbooks that save teams from heartache and stalled programs. Host Mason Cosby sits down with Amanda (Florez) Palmarchuk, the strategist behind many successful client programs. Together, they share simple tips and proven approaches to building ABM initiatives that actually work. This conversation unpacks how to n…

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Building Trusted Audiences That Drive Pipeline (with Rob Bellenfant) | Ep. 191 21:18

2M ago21:18

21:18

Scrappy ABM, hosted by Mason Cosby, sits down with Rob Bellenfant, CEO of TechnologyAdvice, to uncover why most B2B marketers struggle with content syndication. Rob shares how the right partner and the right audience create real pipeline, not just contact lists. ㅤ This conversation highlights why building trust with first-party audiences changes ev…

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#194: The Evolution of Revenue Management in Hospitality | with Daniel McGarry 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

Today's episode, we sit down with Daniel McGarry, the Regional Director of Revenue Management of Stonebridge, and an HSMAI Rising Leader. From mowing lawns in Lancaster to managing revenue strategy across historic Marriott tribute properties, Daniel shares his unique journey through hospitality — and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive …

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#193: Why the Valencia Group Doesn't Follow Trends | with John Keeling 4:37

2M ago4:37

4:37

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 be…

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Stop Sending the Same Email: Match Content to Buyer Stage Instead (with Trevor Grimes) | Ep. 190 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

ABM content that “kind of fits everywhere” often performs nowhere. In this tactical episode of Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby sits down with Trevor Grimes, Lead Content Strategist at Scrappy ABM, to lay out exactly how to create the right content for each stage of your account progression model. From understanding what qualifies as meaningful engage…

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#192: How ONDA is Building a New Model for Experiential Stays | with Bill Graf 6:06

2M ago6:06

6:06

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 …

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The Booth Hack That Hit Meeting Quotas on Day One (with Brandon Redlinger) | Ep. 189 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

What if a few LinkedIn headshots and some paint sticks could generate more qualified meetings than a six-figure ABM platform? On this episode of Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby welcomes Brandon Redlinger, a seasoned ABM leader and co-founder of The Forge, to break down a low-cost, high-yield play executed during Forrester’s Summit. The campaign—built…

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#191: AHLA's New Focus on Independent Hotels | with Travis Mckie 4:46

2M ago4:46

4:46

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 h…

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#190: How Sage Hospitality Thinks About New Investments | with Dean Stambules 5:30

2M ago5:30

5:30

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 investm…

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Why 80% of ABM Programs Fail—And How to Avoid It | Ep. 188 29:27

2M ago29:27

29:27

What if your ABM program is failing before it even starts? In this special repurposed episode of Scrappy ABM, Mason Cosby shares his guest appearance on the ForgeX Files podcast to break down the five most common reasons ABM programs crash and burn. From leadership indifference to unrealistic targeting, Mason lays out why most pilots never get off …

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Get a Fully Built ABM Strategy in One Day 2:20

2M ago2:20

2:20

For the first time ever, the team at Scrappy ABM is giving away their entire account-based marketing strategy development process — step by step — in a free six-and-a-half-hour workshop on August 7. In this mini-episode, host Mason Cosby shares why this is the clearest, most structured way to walk away with a fully mapped-out ABM strategy that you …

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#189: Hotel Acquisition in Colorado & Starting ILC | with Jeremy Wells & Stephen Chan 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

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…

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How a Solo Marketer Built 80% of Pipeline With ABM and Zero Ads (with Adam O’Brien from Stackpack) | Ep. 187 19:37

2M ago19:37

19:37

What happens when you're a solo marketer in a red ocean—no budget, crowded market, and limited differentiation? If you're Adam O’Brien, you go scrappy and win. On this episode of Scrappy ABM, host Mason Cosby sits down with Adam to unpack how he prioritized accounts, activated a lean channel mix, and built a brand in real time—all while leading mar…

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#188: What Makes ILC Events Special | with Meg Gutowski 3:38

3M ago3:38

3:38

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 m…

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#187: We're Halfway Through 2025: Looking Back & Looking Forward 15:22

3M ago15:22

15:22

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 t…