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 into:

• The evolution of revenue management — from gut instinct to AI-powered strategy
• How to separate signal from noise in a data-saturated world
• The future of profit-focused hospitality and the rise of commercial services
• Why storytelling might be the most underrated skill in revenue strategy
• What it really takes to align sales, marketing, and revenue around a shared goal

Whether you're a hospitality pro or just curious about how data and experience collide in modern hotels, this conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of value.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qN31gPuxpws

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mcgarry-2baa958a/
Stonebridge Companies: https://www.sbcos.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/194

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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 behind Valencia’s unique approach to upscale, one-of-a-kind hotels
• Why following trends isn’t always the answer—and how breaking the rules (strategically) can lead to success
• What’s next for the brand, including exciting new projects in Texas and Arizona
• His take on what really drives guest experience and longevity in today’s hotel landscape

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a world of cookie-cutter brands, this episode is for you.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VsVE3hNp1TU

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-keeling-5b829210/
Valencia Hotel Collection: https://www.valenciahotelcollection.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/193

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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 creation of ONDA—a growing hotel brand designed to bring trusted, high-vibe stays to off-the-beaten-path destinations. From his first property in Costa Rica to his vision of scaling globally through a franchise model.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• How contrarian investing led him into hospitality
• What “the vibe” really means and why it's everything
• Why ONDA is filling a massive gap in emerging travel markets
• What it takes to build trust in remote, lifestyle-driven destinations

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZEiYFVyL5vk

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamgraf/?originalSubdomain=cr
ONDA: https://www.stayonda.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/192

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.