The Hospitality Mentor

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Bill and Holly Bembenek, founders of the Temecula Wine Trolley and Wine Tours. They discuss their unique business venture, detailing its inception, the challenges faced, and the exciting growth they have experienced. The Bembeneks share insights into their personal journeys within the hospitality industry, including Holly's passion for guest experiences and Bill's extensive background in gaming and resort management. Their story emphasizes the importance of perseverance, the power of authentic customer service, and the value of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion on building a successful hospitality business.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:37 Meet Bill and Holly Bembenik01:15 The Birth of Temecula Wine Trolley03:45 Holly's Journey in Hospitality05:37 Bill's Unexpected Path to Hospitality07:42 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship10:48 Creating a Unique Wine Tour Experience15:40 Launching the Business and Overcoming Challenges26:54 Trolley Troubles: A Rocky Start27:55 Handling the Unexpected29:11 The Cost of a Trolley30:21 Achieving Perfect Reviews31:03 The Secret to Success37:51 Expanding the Business47:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs51:21 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Bryan Tubaugh, the founder of Aligned Hospitality Management. Brian shares his unique journey starting from his early days growing up in a hospitality family to founding his own management company. He discusses the valuable lessons learned from his first job as a houseman at DoubleTree, and how pivotal moments and mentors shaped his path. Brian also talks about the challenges and rewards of starting Aligned Hospitality Management during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of vision and mentorship in the industry, and his plans for the future growth of his company.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:35 Meet Bryan Tubaugh of Aligned Hospitality Management01:15 Brian's Early Days in Hospitality02:55 College and Early Career Moves04:34 Breaking Away and Finding Independence06:31 First Leadership Role and Learning Experiences11:25 Transition to Luxury Hospitality14:40 Pivotal Moments and Entrepreneurial Aspirations18:11 Leading a Team at Hilton Elcon KiOR21:45 The Importance of People Over Profit22:19 A Fortunate Opportunity23:35 The Start of a New Venture24:45 Navigating Challenges and Growth25:58 Launching the Business During COVID27:09 Building the Business from Scratch32:54 First Clients and Early Success33:33 The Value of Hospitality Management37:20 Future Plans and Mentorship41:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Join host Steve Turk on the Hospitality Mentor Podcast as he interviews Executive Chef Rebecca Tillman of the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. Rebecca shares her journey from her humble beginnings scooping ice cream at Swenson's to her prestigious role in one of the world's top luxury hotels. Learn about her experiences, the challenges she overcame, and the wisdom she gained from her mentors. This episode is packed with insights into what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of hospitality.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:35 Meet Executive Chef Rebecca Tillman00:50 Rebecca's First Job in Hospitality02:12 High School Years and Early Leadership03:44 College and Culinary School Journey08:53 First Job at Arizona Biltmore15:25 Moving to North Carolina and the Biltmore Estate23:50 Generations of Memories24:02 Special Events and Honored Guests24:28 Legacy and Challenges25:35 Career Moves and New Opportunities27:29 Leadership and Growth32:20 Returning to Arizona33:11 Joining Hilton and Corporate Travels35:03 The Phoenician Experience40:33 Transition to Ritz Carlton47:51 Advice to Young Rebecca49:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk talks with Michael Friedman, the CEO of Simple Life Hospitality. They discuss Michael's career journey, which began with odd jobs in college and evolved into high-level roles in various hospitality and consulting firms. Michael shares insights on scaling businesses, emphasizing the importance of guest experience, and leveraging educational resources for professional growth. They also touch on Michael’s recent implementation of the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) at Simple Life and his vision for future expansion.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:37 Meet Michael Friedman: CEO of Simple Life Hospitality01:28 Michael's First Job in Hospitality03:33 From Real Estate to Hospitality Consulting05:20 The Evolution of Short-Term Rentals09:03 Transition to Luxury Simplified10:10 The Birth of Vacation Rental University18:12 Experience with One Fine Stay23:45 Refocusing Targeting for Success24:06 Lessons from New York's Hospitality Scene24:19 Creating Exceptional Guest Experiences25:27 Selective Homeowner Partnerships26:28 Transition to Simple Life Hospitality28:38 Implementing EOS for Growth32:42 Strategic Market Expansion36:34 Advice for Aspiring Property Managers43:27 The Importance of Hospitality Hooks44:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information