Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast

Exploring Gratitude in Hospitality: A Conversation with Brian Proctor

Welcome to Season 2 of Bed & Butter: The Hospitality Podcast, dedicated to inspiring and educating budding students and future leaders in the hospitality industry. In this episode, we are joined by the seasoned hotelier and podcast host, Brian Proctor, who shares his unique journey through the world of hospitality.
Brian discusses the power of gratitude in driving personal and professional success, revealing lessons learned from his vast experience in the industry, including key roles at Four Seasons, Sheraton, and Starwood. He also shares his passion project, the 'Tuesday's Thank You' podcast, which stems from his commitment to expressing gratitude while people are still present to appreciate it.
Listen in to discover how gratitude and taking opportunities can shape your career path, and find out what exciting projects Brian Proctor is working on next.

Carrie Nielsen - Senior Project Designer, JCJ Architecture Studio

In this inspiring episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Carrie Nielsen, Senior Project Designer at Group One, JCJ Architecture Studio. Carrie shares her remarkable journey from sketching floor plans at summer camp to leading the design of stunning hotel interiors. Discover how her unique upbringing, personal influences, and creative vision have shaped her approach to hospitality design. She delves into the art of balancing functionality with aesthetics, navigating brand standards, and creating spaces that leave lasting impressions. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, hospitality professional, or curious creative, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of hotel design.
Tune in to hear Carrie’s expert advice, leadership lessons, and personal stories, which fuel her passion for creating memorable spaces.
Learn more about Carrie’s work at jcj.com.

Jeanette Clark, Apple Hospitality REIT Chief Capital Investments Officer and SVP

Welcome to another episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast, created in partnership with Southern Maine Community College and designed for students and aspiring industry leaders.
In this episode, we welcome Jeanette Clark, the dynamic Chief Capital Investment Officer at Apple Hospitality REIT, one of the most respected publicly traded real estate investment trusts in the U.S. Jeanette provides a fresh perspective on the hotel business, diving into the complexities of capital expenditures (CapEx), the art of asset management, and how data can be transformed into compelling narratives.
Join us as Jeanette shares her inspiring career journey—from her finance roots to leading CapEx for a portfolio of 224 hotels across 37 states. She also discusses balancing her professional and personal life, offering valuable insights into maintaining a thriving career as a dedicated volunteer and mom.
Tune in to learn about Apple Hospitality REIT's core values of Hospitality, Resolve, Integrity, Excellence, and Teamwork and how they contribute to the company's success. Whether you're sharpening your skills or stepping into the world of hospitality for the first time, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Don't miss out—subscribe to Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast today and get ready to spread the knowledge, one episode at a time.
Have a butterful day!

Unlocking Opportunities in Hospitality: Insights from Industry Students

Welcome to Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality podcast designed for aspiring industry leaders and students. Hosted by Sean Riley and produced in collaboration with Southern Maine Community College, this series dives deep into the world of hospitality with expert insights, hands-on advice, and inspiring stories.
In this episode, we hear from three dedicated hospitality students, each with unique experiences spanning culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning. Their journeys highlight the value of education, the importance of hands-on learning, and the dynamic opportunities available in this ever-evolving field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your career, their stories offer valuable lessons and motivation.
Tune in and let’s spread the knowledge, one episode at a time!

Dondra Ritzenthaler - Azamara Cruises CEO

Welcome to Season 2 of Bed & Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast crafted for aspiring students and industry innovators. In this episode, we dive into hospitality with Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. With a remarkable 40-year career in travel, Dondra shares her journey from American Airlines to leading a renowned cruise line.
Join us as Dondra offers invaluable insights on building a successful career, emphasizing the importance of humility, perseverance, and continuous learning. Whether you're a student or a professional in the hospitality sector, this episode provides actionable advice and inspiration.
Discover the nuances of balancing professional and personal life, overcoming challenges, and leading with heart and vision. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a trailblazer who is redefining the future of travel.

Alex Chong - Grand Cru Hospitality Owner

In this episode of Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast, host Sean Riley sits down with Alex Chong, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef turned successful entrepreneur and owner of Grand Cru Hospitality in Portland, Oregon. From his humble beginnings in Maine to running multiple food and beverage businesses across the country, Alex shares his journey and valuable insights into the hospitality industry. Along the way, he opens up about his path, including a wedding cake mishap that nearly ended his career—until it became a valuable lesson in handling adversity and staying calm under pressure.
Learn about his path to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned through adversity, and how his experience in both culinary and business education shaped his career. Alex's story will surely inspire whether you're an aspiring chef or looking to dive into hospitality management.
Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's brightest entrepreneurs. Tune in now!

Jonathan Bogatay - Maine Course Hospitality Group President

Welcome to Season 2 of Bed & Butter: The Hospitality Podcast, crafted for budding students and aspiring industry leaders in partnership with Southern Maine Community College. In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Bogatay, a visionary in the hospitality industry with over 40 years of experience.
Join us as we explore Jonathan's remarkable career path, from his early days as a bellhop to becoming the Maine Course Hospitality Group President. Learn about the invaluable lessons he's gathered, the challenges he's overcome, and the wisdom he's gained along the way. Jonathan shares insights into the business of hotels, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of dreaming big in this global industry.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just entering the hospitality world, Jonathan's story is sure to inspire and educate. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that delves into the heart of hospitality, uncovering trends, strategies, and the essence of leadership in the industry.

Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast - Season 2 Teaser

Welcome back to "Bed and Butter," the hospitality podcast, as we kick off an exciting second season with your host, Sean Reilly. This season, we're diving into inspiring stories from industry leaders shaping the hospitality world.
Join us as we hear from Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruise Lines, a trailblazer breaking new ground in the cruise line business. Discover her insights on balancing a high-powered career with family life.
Explore the journey of Alex Chong, an entrepreneur who transformed his passion for food and beverage into a thriving business across multiple locations, including Portland, Oregon.
Delve into the art of hotel design with Carrie Nielsen, a leading expert at Group One, a JCJ Architectural studio, who shares her expertise in creating memorable hospitality experiences.
Finally, get personal with Brian Proctor, the voice behind the hit podcast "Tuesday's Thanks," as he shares his unique perspective on gratitude in the industry.
Don't miss out on these captivating stories. Subscribe to "Bed and Butter" for a season filled with insights and inspiration. Thank you for tuning in, and have a butterful day!

Peter Twachtman - Chief Executive Officer of Lark Hotels

Welcome to the latest episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast. Our host, Sean Riley, brings on Peter Twachtman, the charismatic CEO of Lark Hotels. Listen as Peter recounts his growth from being a busboy to heading one of America's rapidly expanding companies in the boutique hotel sector. Get a glimpse of Peter's people-centric leadership style and focus on core values.
Peter talks about how Lark Hotels sets itself apart from other hotel management firms by ingeniously blending design, marketing, and finance to redefine the hospitality industry. Explore Peter's innovative hotel brands, including Blind Tiger, Bluebird, and AWOL, all operating under the Lark Hotels umbrella. These brands are reshaping the customer experience in the hospitality sector. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the thriving boutique hotels sector, leadership insights in hospitality, and the significance of adhering to core values on the path to success.
In the second part of our episode, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the value of maintaining a balanced professional and personal life. Gain insights into the unique advantage of being a small asset generalist and how this can fuel professional growth. Our guest stresses the importance of continuous learning and avoiding professional stagnation, regardless of the level of success one has achieved.
With a wealth of knowledge to offer, this episode isn't just for young professionals seeking to drive their careers but is also beneficial for anyone seeking balance and growth in their professional journey.

Whitney Knight - Director of Brand Management for Homewood Suites by Hilton

Welcome to the latest episode of Bed and Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast. This week, we talk with brand enthusiast Whitney Knight, Director of Brand Management for Homewood Suites by Hilton, about the core branding elements in the hospitality industry. Learn how she deftly navigates guest experience, service culture, and underlying business models in one of the world's top hotel chains. From high-level partnership decisions to managing the pandemic's impacts, this episode paints a compelling picture of corporate resilience and alignment with brand vision.
Tune in as we dive into specific strategies for maintaining brand relevance, including the revolutionary changes upcoming for Homewood Suites. Whitney offers valuable insights into striking a careful balance between owner interests and guest needs, ensuring constant brand consistency and excellence. Through the Homewood Suites experience lens, discover the depth of authenticity required to create outstanding hotel experiences that stand the test of time.
This episode is a goldmine of advice for career advancement. Moreover, it explores the unique opportunities offered in the industry, emphasizing the importance of persistence, networking, and a proactive approach. Plus, get a glimpse of fascinating travel experiences and the cultural diversity in the industry.
This conversation is not just a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their understanding of hospitality branding and career progression, but also a testament to the crucial role hospitality plays in our global landscape. Tune in to deepen your knowledge and find inspiration for your journey in the world of hospitality, and feel proud to be a part of an industry that impacts lives worldwide.