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.

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association).

Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent hoteliers across the country. He opens up about what makes independent hotels so memorable, the shift in guest expectations, and how AHLA is reshaping its approach to support these unique properties.

Highlights include:

• What makes today’s travelers choose experience over standard
• AHLA’s new benefits and programs tailored to independent hotels
• Memorable stays like the Wigwam in Arizona
• How independent hoteliers can connect with AHLA and get involved

Tune in to hear why the future of hospitality is anything but cookie-cutter — and how leaders like Travis are making sure independent hotels have a powerful seat at the table.

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

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:
Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-mckie-68555b209/
AHLA: https://www.ahla.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/191

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 Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago.

Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investment. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sage Hospitality's growing independent hotel platform, including exciting properties like the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and Circa 39 in Miami Beach.

You’ll also get an insider's preview of Dean’s recent talk on deal-making, where he breaks down the complexities of hotel acquisitions, partnerships, and value creation—highlighting the transformative renovation of One Ocean Resort in Florida.

If you’re passionate about hospitality development, deal strategy, or just love hearing about iconic properties, this one’s for you.

Tune in now to hear:

• How Dean found his calling in hospitality
• What’s new with Sage and their growing portfolio
• A real-world case study of turning potential into profit
• The value of independent hotel experiences
• How Sage marries design, operations, and investment to drive results

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/60QBnHZtMtY

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:
Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-stambules-30a11046/
Sage Hospitality Group: https://sagehospitalitygroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/190

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.