Hospitable

Omniboost
Hospitable

Hospitable is a podcast that discusses how to make hospitality MORE human through technology. Hospitable focuses on discussing the leading challenges facing the hospitality industry and to explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices that are shaping the industry. Each episode features interviews with hoteliers, restaurateurs, chefs, industry analysts, and other experts who share their insights and experiences on topics such as customer experience, sustainability, innovation, staffing, and more. Hosted by Rob Napoli

  1. JUN 12

    Putting Sustainability Into Action with Gerald J Leonard, CEO of Turnberry Premiere

    What do jazz bass, project management, and ESG have in common? More than you’d expect. In this episode of Hospitable, host Rob Napoli sits down with Gerald J. Leonard, musician, author, TEDx speaker, and CEO of Turnberry Premiere, to explore how hospitality leaders can embed sustainability into the DNA of their businesses. From “micro-impact” practices to leadership habits that mirror music performance, Gerald reveals how sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet, it’s about better business. 🧩 Topics Covered- The “Three-Legged Stool” of ESG: Environment, Social, and Governance explained- Why practice *is* the performance, on stage and in leadership- How project maturity assessments shine a light on hidden inefficiencies- What sustainable hotels do differently to boost loyalty and efficiency- Data-driven sustainability: turning insight into action- Why sustainability builds emotional ROI with modern guests Whether you're running a boutique hotel or leading operations at a global chain, this episode offers a roadmap for putting purpose into practice, without sacrificing profit. 📢 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment to share how you’re making sustainability work in your business. Learn more: https://www.omniboost.io ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Hospitable with Rob Napoli01:52 – Gerald’s Beatles-on-Bass EP & New Book03:27 – Music Lessons for Business Success04:26 – How Vertigo Changed Gerald’s Path06:28 – Sustainability = Project Management?07:21 – The ESG “Three-Legged Stool” Explained11:27 – Measuring Sustainability: What Really Matters13:13 – Hotels, Guests & Micro-Impact Practices14:30 – Helping Big Companies Act Sustainably15:45 – Maturity Assessments & Turning on the Lights18:46 – Sustainability = Revenue + Efficiency + Loyalty20:40 – Rethinking ROI in Hospitality25:01 – Gen Z, Diversity & Why Social Equity Matters ConnectGerald J. Leonard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard/Gerald J. Leonard: https://geraldjleonard.com/Turnberry Premiere: https://www.turnberrypremiere.com/Omniboost: https://www.omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, http://www.brokenframesstudio.com #Sustainability #HospitalityTech #GeraldLeonard #LeadershipPodcast #HospitablePodcast #ESG #HospitalityInnovation #DataDrivenDecisions #HotelTech #GreenBusiness #CustomerLoyalty #PracticeIsPerformance #TurnberryPremier #HospitalityLeadership #Automation

    30 min
  2. MAY 23

    Founder Talks - Game On 2025, with Kees Zorge

    What happens when a hospitality tech startup from a small Dutch town decides to go global on its own terms? In this special Founder Talks episode, Omniboost CEO Kees Zorge sits down with COO and podcast host Rob Napoli to unpack what it really takes to scale a people-first, partner-driven SaaS company in the hospitality industry. From redefining what it means to “fail fast” to the power of servant leadership and purposeful travel, this is a no-fluff conversation on building global tech with heart, grit, and a whole lot of integrations. 🧩 Topics Covered- The “Second Violin” mindset: Why Omniboost plays behind the scenes to help partners shine- Building trust through consultative SaaS: Listening, adapting, iterating- Growing a global team without losing your culture- What 8,000+ daily integrations teach you about system unification- AI with accountability: Why data hygiene is the real frontier- Why hospitality founders still need to shake hands Whether you're scaling a SaaS startup, leading tech transformation, or unifying hotel systems across continents—this one’s for you. 📢 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment to share how you’re tackling data silos in hospitality. Learn more: https://www.omniboost.ioRead the feature: Omniboost: The Team Behind Every Touchdown → https://omniboost.io/media/omniboost-the-team-behind-every-touchdown Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Hospitable with Rob Napoli01:10 First Company-Wide Town Hall: Emotions & Pride04:48 Servant Leadership at Scale06:32 Interns Speak Up—Keeping Culture Intact08:54 Preserving DNA Across 85 Countries11:25 Partnership as a Behavioral Trait14:05 Consultative SaaS Explained16:35 Active Listening & Solving the Real Ask18:06 8,000+ Daily Integrations: Platform Stats20:00 Fail Fast, Learn Faster—US vs EU Mindset24:57 Founder Travel Philosophy29:40 Letting Employees Grow (and Err)34:00 AI Hype vs Data Purification Reality37:12 Crafting the Narrative: Second Violin & Unification45:00 The Edgers Mindset & Final Thoughts ConnectKees Zorge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeszorge/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com #HospitalityTech #DataUnification #SaaSFounders #StartupCulture #Omniboost #HotelTechnology #ServantLeadership #ConsultativeSaaS #HospitalityInnovation #TechPodcast #FounderTalk #GlobalStartup #APIAutomation #PMSIntegration #TheEdgersMindset

    49 min
  3. APR 24

    Omniboost's Selling Cycle with Romano Ruijtenburg

    We sit down with Romano Ruijtenburg, Sales Lead at Omniboost, to uncover what truly sets Omniboost apart: consultative SaaS selling, deep technical collaboration, and building long-term partnerships in the hospitality industry. From solving the complex Midas Hospitality integration across legacy PMS systems to managing clients across time zones, Romano shares how Omniboost simplifies data unification at scale — with a human touch. 🧩 Topics Covered- What is consultative SaaS selling?- The Midas Hospitality case study: PMS to accounting automation- How Omniboost supports 8500+ integrations in 85+ countries- Legacy tech challenges (Opera, PEP, ONQ) and Omniboost’s semantic layer- Why trust and flexibility are key to client success 🔔 Subscribe for more insights from global hospitality leaders. 📩 Got questions or want to work with us? Drop a comment or connect on LinkedIn. Learn more at: https://www.omniboost.io Timestamps 04:30 – The Two-Sided Omniboost Model: Partner vs Direct05:32 – From Intern to Sales Lead: Romano’s Career Journey11:41 – Selling Without Selling: How Tech Enables Trust15:18 – What Is a Semantic Data Layer?16:39 – Automation at Scale: PMS to Accounting18:00 – Every Hotel Is Unique — and Why That Matters18:39 – Consultative SAS in Action: Asking the Right Questions21:03 – Midas Hospitality: A Case Study in Complexity24:30 – “It’s Not a Workaround — It’s Innovation”25:37 – Support and Overcommunication: The Omniboost Difference28:43 – Global Client Management: How Romano Handles Time Zones34:40 – The Power of Integrations: 7500 and Counting37:38 – Why Omniboost Frees Time to Focus on Guests ConnectRomano Ruijtenburg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanoruijtenburg/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com #HospitalityTech #SaaSSales #DataAutomation #HotelTech #ConsultativeSelling #Omniboost #HospitalityInnovation #GlobalSales #PMSIntegration #AccountingAutomation #TechLeadership #MidasHospitality #SaaSConsulting #HospitalitySoftware #RobNapoli

    40 min
  4. MAR 27

    How to Get Rid of Lazy Hotel Business with Levar Jackson of Yogh Group

    What if hotels weren’t just places to stay, but models for sustainability and innovation? In this episode of Hospitable, Rob Napoli sits down with Levar Jackson, CEO of Yogh Group, to discuss the reality of “lazy business” in hospitality — and what needs to change. From innovative ROI-backed sustainability solutions to challenging industry norms, Levar shares real talk and real solutions to make hospitality smarter, greener, and more impactful. 🧠 Topics Covered- Why sustainability must be additive, not subtractive- How lazy thinking affects the bottom line- Building HVAC systems that generate profit- Partnerships with universities to spark innovation- How inclusivity fuels innovation in hospitality 💡 Whether you're a hotelier, operations leader, or hospitality tech professional — this episode will shift how you think about efficiency, sustainability, and growth. 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more game-changing conversations. Learn more at: https://www.omniboost.io Timestamps00:29 – Rob introduces Levar and the Yogh Group01:45 – How Levar entered hospitality via art02:47 – Hotel waste: Why art and furnishings go to landfills04:17 – “We have all the tools we’re just using the wrong ones”05:38 – Almond trees in SoCal = unsustainable agriculture06:21 – The social cost of skipping travel08:30 – ROI on sustainability: It’s already there11:22 – Minibar logic: Use ROI to drive sustainable upgrades12:19 – Turning HVAC into a power generator18:32 – How conglomerates can engage universities for innovation21:30 – The $22k scholarship story that changed a life28:17 – Friction in leadership = stronger ideas ConnectYogh Group: https://www.yogh.group/Levar Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levarjackson/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com #HospitalityInnovation #SustainableHotels #LevarJackson #YoghGroup #HospitalityTech #HotelSustainability #GreenHospitality #LazyBusiness #HospitalityLeadership #FutureOfHotels #RobNapoli #OmniboostPodcast #HospitablePodcast #SmartSustainability #HospitalityROI

    35 min
  5. FEB 27

    From Tech to POS with Koen Lavrijssen, Founder & CEO of Winston

    We sit down with Koen Lavrijssen, Founder & CEO of Winston POS, to explore how his company is redefining point-of-sale technology for the hospitality industry.   Born from a single frustrating restaurant experience, Winston POS was built to work with hospitality staff—not against them. Koen shares his journey from tech to POS, highlighting the importance of simplicity, usability, and innovation in restaurant and hotel operations.   Key takeaways include:  - Why most POS systems fail hospitality businesses  - The importance of keeping systems simple yet powerful  - How Winston POS’s dealer and partner model accelerates growth  - Expanding into the U.S.: Unique challenges & opportunities   Discover how Winston POS is transforming the industry with a fresh approach to POS technology.   📢 What features do you think make the perfect POS system? Let us know in the comments!   👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights on hospitality technology. Timestamps [00:01:18] – How Winston POS was born from restaurant frustration[00:02:21] – What makes a POS system truly user-friendly[00:05:40] – The balance between simplicity and functionality[00:10:41] – The dealer model: Why it’s essential for restaurant tech[00:15:17] – Why POS should integrate rather than compete with other tech[00:18:28] – “Hospitality is Chaos in Motion” – Adapting to fast-paced environments[00:24:17] – How technology gives staff more time to focus on customers[00:28:02] – Winston POS’s upcoming U.S. launch: What to expect[00:29:26] – The philosophy behind “A system that works with you, not against you”[00:30:24] – Where to find more about Winston POS & how to connect ConnectWinston: https://winstonpos.comKoen Lavrijssen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klavrijssen/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com #HospitablePodcast #HospitalityTech #POSInnovation #WinstonPOS #RestaurantTech #HotelTech #FutureOfHospitality

    32 min
  6. JAN 16

    Trends and Insights with Maximilian Huber from gastronovi

    We explore the future of hospitality technology with Maximilian Huber, integration specialist at gastronovi. Max shares his journey from growing up in a family-owned hotel to becoming a leader in gastronomy tech, offering valuable perspectives on how technology is transforming restaurant and hotel operations. Key topics discussed include:- The evolution of gastronomy technology and its impact on hospitality.- How gastronovi’s modular systems simplify complex processes for restaurants and hotels.- The rise of ghost kitchens and self-ordering systems.- How AI is reshaping restaurant workflows, from QR code menus to automation. Discover how gastronovi is driving innovation to streamline operations while maintaining the human connection at the heart of hospitality. 📢 What trends do you think will shape hospitality in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes exploring the intersection of technology and hospitality. Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Hospitable with Rob Napoli00:03 Meet Maximilian Huber: From Hotels to Tech Innovation00:45 Growing Up in Hospitality: Max’s Unique Perspective01:20 The Complexity of Hospitality Tech and Frontline Solutions03:15 How gastronovi Simplifies Gastronomy Digitization05:30 Modular Systems for Restaurants: Flexibility Meets Function08:20 Ghost Kitchens: A Trend or the Future?11:15 How AI Enhances Restaurant Operations13:40 Improving Guest and Staff Experiences Through Tech16:00 Gastronomy Trends to Watch for in 202519:50 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Hospitality Innovation Connectgastronovi: http://www.gastronovi.comMaximilian Huber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilian-huber-24061995/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com

    34 min
  7. 12/12/2024

    The Restaurant Business with Wink Jones, CEO of Meal Ticket

    An inspiring conversation with Wink Jones, CEO and founding member of Meal Ticket. Since its launch in 2011, Meal Ticket has been transforming the food service industry with cutting-edge technology. Wink takes us on his journey from starting in a small garage to leading a company that processes billions in sales data. He shares the challenges and rewards of building relationships in the food tech space, highlights the value of face-to-face interactions, and explains how Meal Ticket uses data to empower restaurants and distributors. We explore the current state of hospitality technology, the growing influence of AI, and emerging trends to watch as we approach 2025. Wink also offers actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of financial awareness and perseverance in achieving success. Whether you're part of the hospitality industry or curious about how technology is reshaping food service, this episode is filled with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss! Audio Timestamps. [00:01:43] Distributor data mining for marketing. [00:08:11] Relationship first in technology. [00:10:41] Data ownership and management. [00:11:47] Human to human relationships. [00:16:20] Building relationships in business. [00:20:28] Travel's impact on business perspective. [00:25:19] AI's impact on the restaurant industry. [00:26:31] AI in operational efficiency. [00:30:35] Startup challenges and serendipity. [00:33:49] Serendipitous luck in entrepreneurship. [00:36:16] Guest suggestions and topics. Quotes00:01:20 - "I think it's really hard to engage in a partnership or do something really strategic unless you've sat down at dinner together."00:04:22 - "We got like crazy click rates, and then they sold out in like two hours."00:05:40 - "The fun and challenging thing about food tech is that I think we're behind the technology curve as an industry in general."00:08:59 - "What we do want to do is help them stay in business. We want them to be smarter."00:12:24 - "But the way that we treat data, the sanctity that we treat data with, it's one of our core values is that your data is your data."00:12:30 - "Data does tell a story. They could tell us the right story, but we have to put it in a way to make that story accessible, understandable, and usable."00:16:45 - "I think it's really hard to engage in a partnership or do something really strategic unless you've sat down at dinner together."00:18:24 - "Technology is only as good as the people that are using it, right?"00:22:03 - "I didn't expect what I experienced there."00:25:01 - "We have to make sure that what we're providing isn't just a nice to have, but it actually is saving them money and helping them stay in business."00:27:12 - "I don't think anybody wants to sit at a bar and be served by a robot yet."00:28:14 - "I'd like to say in a cheeky way that we've been using AI since AI was cool."00:32:43 - "You can't underestimate the amount of work that goes in and the amount of serendipity that is responsible for success."00:34:24 - "Just be careful about taking on financing and you're married to your investors."00:36:25 - "It's really easy to get lost in the here and now and not the full picture." ConnectMeal Ticket: https://www.mealticket.com/Wink Jones:https://www.linkedin.com/in/wink-jones-ba58b0/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com

    37 min
  8. 11/28/2024

    The Magic of the Restaurant Business with Chris Tripoli

    Hospitality veteran Chris Tripoli shares his journey through the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of passion, connection, and adaptability. Chris offers practical advice on creating memorable guest experiences, managing operations with technology, and balancing vision with flexibility in a competitive market. Chris reflects on the role of tech in enhancing efficiency and guest satisfaction, stressing its support for personal, guest-focused service. With stories of travel and cultural inspiration, he highlights the enduring value of genuine hospitality. Tune in for insights and inspiration from one of the industry's most seasoned professionals! Timestamps[00:04:11] Lifelong passion for restaurants. [00:07:38] People serving people in hospitality. [00:09:04] Passion in the restaurant industry. [00:13:02] Restaurant ownership challenges. [00:18:04] Money management technology in dining. [00:20:42] Guest experience in dining. [00:22:37] Community events impact restaurant planning. [00:26:52] Managing restaurant data effectively. [00:29:58] Annual planning and technology. [00:35:03] Guest experience and technology. [00:36:13] Corner Booth podcast discussion. Quotes00:01:12 - "It's one of the hardest things you'll ever do. And if you don't love it... If you just don't have that personal connection, I don't know, it's going to be too hard down the line."00:07:08 - "It's a people business. You enjoy serving people, but you do this because you must enjoy working with people."00:09:33 - "The principle is you have to like working with people in a way that serves people."00:10:38 - "What I want to hear first is somebody's leading with passion."00:12:47 - "Not everyone needs to own a restaurant. Yeah. And because it isn't for everyone."00:15:17 - "It starts with passion, right? And, and, and looking for passion."00:18:16 - "The absolute minimum, though, is a POS system that's going to be able to help you manage product and labor."00:21:13 - "It doesn't have to be a special occasion restaurant to make somebody's occasion feel special."00:23:11 - "Technology becomes such a really cool piece in why restaurateurs need to understand the value of technology and the value of choosing the right things."00:25:32 - "The best restaurants today are managed week by week."00:28:03 - "It's there for a reason."00:30:07 - "If you're moving, you're managing and the technology's in your hand."00:34:01 - "It's going to be the rediscovery of the guest."00:35:38 - "Our operations are going to be measured by the improved guest experience." ConnectThe Restaurant Clinic: https://www.therestaurantclinic.com/Chris Tripoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctripoli/Chris Tripoli: https://www.christripoli.com/Omniboost: https://omniboost.io/Rob Napoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robnap/Rob Napoli: https://www.robnapoli.com/ Show Produced by: Niranjan Deshpande (Nick), Broken Frames Studio, www.brokenframesstudio.com

    37 min

About

Hospitable is a podcast that discusses how to make hospitality MORE human through technology. Hospitable focuses on discussing the leading challenges facing the hospitality industry and to explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices that are shaping the industry. Each episode features interviews with hoteliers, restaurateurs, chefs, industry analysts, and other experts who share their insights and experiences on topics such as customer experience, sustainability, innovation, staffing, and more. Hosted by Rob Napoli

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada