Slick Talk With Wil

In this episode, Wil Slickers interviews Jon Gardner, the Global President of Development at F1 Arcade. As a huge Formula 1 and Motorsports fan, Wil dives deep into the world of F1 Arcade, a unique concept that combines advanced F1 racing simulators with exceptional hospitality. They discuss the F1 Arcade experience, how it brings the thrill of Formula 1 racing to everyone, and the journey from concept to reality. Jon shares his transition from oil and gas to experiential hospitality, his partnership with Adam Breeden, and the future of F1 Arcade. They also touch on the importance of personalization, team empowerment, and creating 'wow' moments for guests. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode that offers valuable insights into delivering an immersive hospitality experience! Connect with Jonathan Gardner: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ F1 Arcade Website Connect with Wil: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: ⁠⁠⁠Send Squared⁠⁠⁠, the Hubspot for

In this episode, we welcome Susan Barry, host of the Top Floor podcast and founder/CEO of Hive Marketing. Dive into Susan's extensive background in hospitality, from her early days in restaurant catering to her significant role in Starwood, opening New Build hotels. Discover her journey of starting her own business during the financial crisis and evolving it into a B2B marketing powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Susan shares how she launched her podcast, Top Floor, and its growth over the last four years, while discussing the state of the hospitality industry, technology gaps, and trends. Tune in for an engaging conversation that covers the importance of treating teams well, bringing back the essence of hospitality, and the future of hotel and short-term rental integration. Don’t miss Susan's invaluable insights and her passion for the industry's progression! Connect with Susan Barry: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Hive Marketing The Top Floor Podcast SLICK50 - for 50% off LinkedIn Content Made Ea

In this heartfelt episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Tom Goodwin, a hospitality veteran and current co-owner of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom shares the incredible journey of taking over his in-laws' legacy business, the challenges faced, and the personal growth he's experienced over the years. From leading a successful hospitality firm to creating a podcast that tells the rich stories of Gatlinburg, Tom's insights into leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of lingering in life are profound. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the true spirit of hospitality, leadership in turbulent times, and the power of storytelling. Connect with Tom Goodwin: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Mountain Laurel Chalets' ⁠ For The Love of Gatlinburg Podcast Connect with Wil: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: ⁠Hostfully⁠ – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with⁠ Frank here!⁠ ⁠Send Squared⁠, the Hubspot for Hospitality Br

Join us for an exciting episode as we chat with Steve Carran, the co-host of the Modern Hotelier Podcast! In this episode, we geek out about the ins and outs of podcasting, discussing the behind-the-scenes work, the rise of AI in hospitality, and the importance of personalization in enhancing guest experiences. Steve shares his journey from working under a property management company to spinning off the Modern Hotelier as an independent media brand. We also dive into trending topics in the hotel industry, the art of guest experience, and the challenges and rewards of being full-time podcasters. Don’t miss this engaging episode where we explore the dynamic crossover of podcasting and hospitality!  Connect with Steve Carran: LinkedIn Modern Hotelier Podcast Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professional

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers is joined by Jennifer Barnwell from Curator Hotel Collection. They discuss the unique perks of operating an independent hotel versus being part of a major brand like Marriott or Hilton. Jennifer shares her journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, creativity, and community within the independent boutique hotel space. They explore Curator's role in supporting independent hotels through vendor partnerships, cost-saving initiatives, and marketing efforts. Jennifer also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for independent hotels, particularly in secondary markets and resort areas. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with industry insights and practical advice for hoteliers. Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn Curator Hotel & Resort Collection Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 -

Welcome back, Slick Talkers! In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Boris Pavlov, a European entrepreneur and expert in the hospitality industry, to discuss his journey and the innovations he's spearheading with Flataway. Boris shares his experience scaling a property management company from 0 to 700 properties, selling it, and moving forward with new ventures. We explore the current landscape of vacation rentals, the challenges with OTAs, and how the book direct movement is evolving. Boris also reveals his ambitious plans to create a more interconnected and personalized experience for travelers and property managers alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of hospitality, technology integration, and the human touch in guest experience! Connect with Boris: LinkedIn Flataway - Use code: UKPB2R to access the platform as a guest Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that tak

In this episode, Wil sits down with Jeff Low, CEO and founder of Stash Hotel Rewards, to discuss the evolution of loyalty programs within the hotel industry. They dive into Jeff's journey, starting Stash Hotel Rewards in 2010 and its mission to support independent hotels against larger chains and OTAs. Jeff shares fascinating insights on how modern loyalty programs have shifted, the importance of personalized guest experiences, and the challenges posed by the dominance of OTAs like Expedia. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of hotel loyalty, the impact of technology, and ways hoteliers can regain control of their businesses! Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn Stash Hotel Rewards Website Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take grea

Join Wil Slickers as he dives deep into an insightful conversation with Benjamin Gross, Co-Founder of Minty Living. In this episode, Benjamin shares his journey from quantitative trading in New York to dominating the property management industry in Atlanta. The discussion spans a variety of critical topics including the limitations of siloed technology, achieving consistency at scale, and the need for better data integration in vacation rental management. Discover how Minty Living has managed to maintain a stellar 4.9 rating on Google with over 500 reviews and explore the potential avenues for solving some of the industry's most pressing problems. This episode is a must-watch for anyone in the vacation rental or broader hospitality sectors! Connect with Ben: LinkedIn Minty Living Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore,

In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Nathan Woods to dive deep into the art of crafting amazing guest experiences. They discuss the importance of utilizing data, mid-stay engagement, digital touchpoints, and personalized hospitality to create memorable moments for guests. Nathan shares insights from his diverse background in hospitality, e-commerce, and sports, along with practical tips for both remote and onsite operators. Learn how to anticipate guest needs, integrate technology effectively, and bring back the true essence of hospitality in your business. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with actionable advice! Connect with Nathan: LinkedIn Beloved Hospitality Ministry of Welcome Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, t

Join Wil Slickers in an engaging conversation with Josiah Mackenzie, Head/VP of Marketing at Actabl and host of Hospitality Daily. In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of profitability and culture in the hospitality industry. Learn about the importance of real-time data, the role of leadership in driving innovation, and ways to attract the younger generation to hospitality careers. Josiah shares his insights on creating operational efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and building brand power to drive long-term success. Whether you're a hotel manager, vacation rental operator, or hospitality entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable takeaways for elevating your business. Tune in and explore the future of hospitality with us! Connect with Josiah: LinkedIn Actabl Website Hospitality Daily Podcast Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and

In this episode, Wil welcomes Eli Pritykin, the founder of Hudson Creative Studio, to discuss Eli's journey in the world of short-term rentals and hospitality. Eli, who initially majored in computer science but found his passion in visual communications and marketing, shares his experience working for Spears Group and eventually starting Hudson Creative Studio in 2021. The conversation delves into the concept of transitioning from being a co-host under platforms like Airbnb to establishing one's own brand identity. Eli introduces HomeRunner, a standalone booking engine developed by Hudson Creative Studio, and explains its importance in the direct booking movement and how it empowers operators by providing tailored business intelligence. The episode highlights the significance of listening to customer needs, the development of HomeRunner, and the vision for its future, including expanding its use cases and potentially integrating with other software providers. Through detailed narratives and insightful dis

Join us for a conversation with James Lemon from Stripe as we explore the landscape of payments in the hospitality industry.   Discover how modern payment solutions can drive higher conversions, improve operations, and even create new business models.   James will break down the complexities of payment systems and highlight their strategic importance, using real-world case studies and discussing emerging technologies like stablecoins and AI.   Whether you're a hotelier or a vacation rental manager, this episode is filled with valuable insights to help you optimize your payment processes and enhance guest experiences. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into Stripe's innovative offerings that can revolutionize your business operations! Connect with James: LinkedIn Connect with me on whatever platform you use most: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, b

In this cross-promoted episode originally from Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers interviews Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House, about their first acquisition, Locale, as well as the exciting changes and developments happening in the multifamily urban operator sector. They discuss Christian's experiences, the benefits of the acquisition, the importance of scale, and the future plans for integration and growth. Christian shares insights into how Mint House is leveraging technology for guest experience and operational efficiency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest trends and consolidation within the hospitality industry. Christians First Episode on Slick Talk: https://megaphone.link/SLICK9739423525 Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:25 Introduction to Mint House and Locale Acquisition 01:58 Interview with Christian Lee Begins 02:15 Discussing the Acquisition Details 03:34 Importance of Scale in Hospitality 06:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Re

Superhost status has long been seen as a mark of excellence, but is it still relevant, or just the baseline? In this episode, Wil unpacks the realities of maintaining Superhost at scale, the overlooked safety concerns in Airbnb’s system, and whether the status truly reflects hospitality excellence. He also explores how Airbnb could evolve the program into something more meaningful and what hosts should really be striving for. If Superhost disappeared tomorrow, would your business still stand out? Connect with me on whatever platform you use most: LinkedIn Instagram Email: wil@hospitality.fm This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squ

In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Justin Pera, the founder and CEO of Fido, formerly known as Trash Caddies. They discuss the challenges and necessity of standardizing the short-term rental industry, focusing on issues such as trash removal, inspections, and operational efficiency. Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey from Albania to the United States, the evolution of Fido through acquisitions and rebranding, and the importance of building strong partnerships with other industry players. The episode also touches on the significance of setting standards in short-term rentals to enhance guest experience and ensure consistency. Listeners will gain insights into how important 'non-sexy' but critical operational tasks can make or break the success of a short-term rental business! This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bi

The past decade has been a wild ride—growth, success, struggles, and hard lessons. But as I step into the next 10 years, I’ve made one of the biggest decisions of my life: choosing full sobriety. In this episode, I open up about the breaking point that led to this choice, why it’s about more than just quitting alcohol, and how it’s shaping the way I live, love, and lead. But this isn’t just a personal shift—it’s a new era for Slick Talk and Hospitality.FM. I share what’s changing across the network, what you can expect moving forward, and how we’re building something bigger than just business talk. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles, in life or business, this episode is for you. Let’s break free together. Connect with me on whatever platform you feel comfortable with: LinkedIn Instagram Email: wil@hospitality.fm Read more on how I want to live my next decade (and forever): How I want to live the next decade A commitment to clarity and purpose ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk

In this insightful episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers introduces a new format that expands beyond hospitality into business and entrepreneurship. Wil is joined by Shane Bauman, founder of RISE Wealth Strategies and host of 'Building the Biz' podcast. Shane shares his vision of freeing people from debt and the constraints of the financial system to enable them to live beyond money. Together, they dive into creating sticky company cultures, overcoming mindset challenges, fostering empathy in the workplace, and the importance of intentionality. Shane also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, personal struggles with shame, and practical strategies for achieving long-term goals. Tune in for a deep and candid conversation packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating today's challenges. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymor

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers sits down with Victor Feria to discuss the delicate balance of delivering operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences in the hospitality industry. The conversation dives into the innovative approaches Victor's company, Tangy, employs, such as personalized VIP programs and unique guest experiences, including 'Tangy Radio.' They discuss the diversification into boutique hotels and long-term rentals and how these different models can support each other. They also touch upon the broader industry's need for innovation and the role technology and improved operational standards play. Victor shares his insights on maintaining entrepreneurial spirit and motivation, providing valuable advice for property managers and hospitality professionals aiming for success in 2025. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, becaus

Join Wil Slickers in this episode of Slick Talk, where he sits down with Lee Curtis, CEO and founder of Reside Worldwide. With over 30 years of experience in corporate housing and extended stay accommodations, Lee discusses Reside's recent partnership with Wyndham Hotels to launch 'Reside, a Wyndham Residence', an upscale extended stay brand in the U.S. They delve into the ethos of hospitality, the importance of in-person service, and how to navigate through regulatory challenges. Lee also shares insights on the hospitality industry's landscape during the 2021-2022 'gold rush' and the critical role of loyalty programs in shaping the future of global lodging. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on redefining the extended stay market by prioritizing trust, quality, and sustainable demand. You can also listen to the first time Lee appeared on Slick Talk back in 2021! This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: The Best Stays & The Best Days are brought to you by Well & Good Morning Coffee. Ensur

In the first Slick Talk episode of 2025, Wil Slickers welcomes Frank and Fred from Hostfully to discuss their annual industry report. This episode delves into the main concerns of the hospitality industry, highlighting tech challenges and opportunities. Key topics include the shift toward direct bookings, the rise of AI, optimization of guest experiences through digital guidebooks, and emerging trends in property management technology. The discussion also covers the importance of embracing growth mindsets, effective marketing strategies, and the potential of new features in Hostfully's property management system. A must-listen for hospitality operators looking to stay ahead in 2025! This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: The Best Stays & The Best Days are brought to you by Well & Good Morning Coffee. Ensure your guests aren't left unsatisfied with generic or gross coffee, and get Well & Good Morning Coffee in your properties for better guest satisfaction! Hostfully – Use code SLICKTALK for t