Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast Southern Maine Community College

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.

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.

Welcome to the latest episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast! Join your host, Sean Riley, as he delves into an insightful conversation with accomplished Maine Course Hospitality Group (MCHG) Hampton Inn General Manager Virginia Blair. In this episode, gain insight into Virginia's remarkable journey from part-time night auditor to general manager—an invaluable lesson for both students and professionals in the hospitality industry. The discussion offers lessons on professional growth, balancing work and personal life, and cultivating success as a process.
Explore Virginia's unique philosophy of success and her insights on fostering a close-knit work environment through personal connections. As a member of Hampton's National Advisory Committee, Virginia also offers a glimpse into the latest trends in the hospitality industry. Whether you're just starting or an industry veteran, let Virginia's approach to success and the sector inspire you.
In addition to these career insights, this episode takes a deep dive into the challenges of working in the fast-paced, high-pressure hospitality industry. Listen as the host and guests share their personal experiences, highlighting the psychological impact of such stressful environments and how the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges.
Our podcast guests openly discuss their struggles, offering helpful advice on managing and mitigating workplace stress. Learn about various coping mechanisms while understanding the significance of team wellness and methods to create a workplace environment conducive to work-life balance.
Tune in to this compelling episode, which serves as a timely reminder of the importance of self-care for leaders, students, and professionals.

In the latest episode of Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast, host Sean Riley invites Jamie Mulley, the Corporate Director of Operations for Maine Course Hospitality Group, to share her rich journey in the hospitality industry, paving a path from a server to a coveted leadership position.
Mulley's insights form an invaluable guide for aspiring hospitality professionals. She discusses the industry's vitality of passion, perseverance, and people-focused principles. Sharing personal anecdotes, wise lessons, and best practices, she emphasizes the pivotal role of kindness, patience, and a willingness to learn from failures.
While emphasizing individual growth, Mulley reflects on the joy of witnessing her children grow into independent individuals. She talks about the importance of continuous resetting and reinvention for personal growth and helping others. She provides actionable advice on setting clear goals, optimizing productivity, and fostering a respectful work environment.
The conversation further steers towards the future of the hospitality industry, which envisages an increasing adoption of technology, an augmented focus on guest experiences, and the potential inclusion of AI. Mulley enlightens listeners on how to navigate these changes and opportunities in the industry.
Signing off, she reinstates the concept of servant leadership and its significance in positively impacting lives, furnishing an inspiring message for all interested in pursuing the hospitality life. 

Welcome to another episode of Bed & Butter, your go-to podcast for all things hospitality. We have a riveting conversation with industry leader Matt McClelland. Matt spent over 26 years with the renowned Concord Hospitality Group and recently became Chief Operating Officer of OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, an award-winning hotel development and hospitality management company. He tells his inspiring tale—from a front desk clerk in Des Moines to helming one of the most prestigious hospitality groups in America.
In this episode, Matt highlights the importance of relationships and quality service in the food and beverage sector. He unveils his personal philosophy of success, interwoven with heartfelt anecdotes of his journey - exploring themes of passion, kindness, respect, and enjoyment of work.
Delving into various aspects of leadership, the discussion sheds light on the power of empathy, consistency, and personal touch. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of effective organization, detailed planning, and a forward-thinking approach in maintaining a vibrant work environment.
Through a candid dialogue on industry trends, Matt cautions about the risks of over-reliance on artificial intelligence. Fierce moments from his personal life, including battles with health issues and tragic loss, serve as a powerful testament to his resilience and gratitude.
This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to excel in the hospitality sector and cultivate an empathetic leadership style. It is infused with invaluable insights and lessons from a highly successful, seasoned industry veteran. Tune in to learn, be inspired, and reshape your outlook for success.

Join us for another episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast, where host Sean Riley sits down with Bo Byrne, a renowned chef and professor at Southern Maine Community College. Spotlighting the breadth of opportunities in the hospitality industry, Bo shares his fascinating journey from dishwasher to respected authority in the culinary world and the inspiration behind being an educator in his field.
Byrne gives a glimpse into his progression in the kitchen, highlighting the importance of being multi-skilled and adaptable in the industry. He reflects on his early culinary influences and how these experiences prepared him for a successful career path that encompasses executive chef roles at esteemed restaurants and hotels, up to operating a popular Maine hot dog cart, TOP.
We delve into Byrne's teaching approach at SMCC, focusing on how he motivates his students to foster a deep appreciation for food and cooking. His unique insights into the myriad possibilities in the hospitality industry are not only enlightening but also incredibly motivating for those thinking of stepping into the industry. Byrne further shares vital insights on the diverse elements involved in the restaurant business, encouraging his learners to investigate beyond cooking and into the entrepreneurship facet of this robust industry.
Don't miss this captivating chat about the enriching journey of a culinary figure who continues to bestow his extensive knowledge and skills on the up-and-coming generation of culinary devotees. Tune in now to taste Bo's flavorful story!