Today on Hotels 101, Rob Hays discussed the incredible journey of Sonny Sra, an industry icon and a personal friend with a remarkable career in the hospitality industry spanning more than 3 decades.

Sonny shares his journey from India to the U.S., switching from a science background to an MBA in Information Systems, and eventually finding his footing in the hospitality industry as a night auditor in Savannah, Georgia.

Sonny’s eventual decision to join Remington Hospitality was tied to a deal involving the hiring of his mentor. This marked the beginning of a successful career where Sonny has held roles from General Manager to Senior Vice President of the Independent Luxury Division.

The conversation transitions to the evolution of the hospitality industry over the past 50 years. Sonny reflects on the transformation from rudimentary methods to sophisticated data and technology, arguing that despite these advancements, the core business of hospitality should not be neglected. He stresses the importance of leaders spending time engaging with their teams, especially in the post-pandemic landscape where new challenges arise.

Join Rob and Sonny for an insightful discussion filled with personal stories, leadership philosophies, and a holistic conversation into what makes the hospitality industry both challenging and rewarding.

John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured | Hotels 101 Episode 13

In this episode of 'Hotels 101', host Rob Hays interviews John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured.

Starting as a generalist analyst at HFF (now JLL Capital Markets), John was encouraged to dive into the hospitality sector. Despite entering the market during the 2007 financial crisis, John and his partner grew a successful hotel platform over the next decade.

John joined Eastdil Secured in 2022 to focus on expanding its traditionally bi-coastal presence into the Sunbelt. Over the past 5 years, Dallas has grown to become the fourth largest office in the Eastdil system.

John acknowledges several key figures who have shaped his professional approach and attitude. He attributes his success to hard work, humility, and authenticity, stressing the importance of building genuine relationships and trust in the business world.

John also candidly discusses the best and worst aspects of working in hotel brokerage, highlighting the rewarding relationships and the challenges of constant availability and unsuccessful transactions.

Join us for this insightful episode of Hotels 101 for valuable perspectives on the hotel investment landscape with industry veteran John Bourret!

Today on Hotels 101, Rob Hays discusses the fascinating journey of Haley Payne, the Head of Commercial at Pure Wellness. From her early days growing up in the industry as a 'hotel brat' in New Orleans to her current role at Pure Wellness, Haley's story is a testament to her dedication to the hospitality industry.

In this episode, Haley shares her experience working in hotels across 26 states, and eventually transitioning to Pure Wellness. She explains the company's mission to enhance hotel room quality, providing a haven for allergy sufferers and promoting overall wellness.

Haley also reflects on her role in bridging the gap between Pure Wellness and hotels, emphasizing the importance of training hotel staff to effectively communicate the benefits of their program. She shares valuable lessons learned from industry figures and her father, highlighting the significance of guest satisfaction in hospitality.

Join us for this insightful episode and discover the world of hospitality through the eyes of an industry veteran.