Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
Welcome to Virtual GM, the ultimate podcast for anyone looking to elevate their game in the modern hospitality industry! Whether you're a boutique hotel owner, VRBO manager, Airbnb administrator, front desk staff, or just someone trying to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality world, this podcast is for you! Each episode is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life stories from industry leaders and innovators. We'll cover everything from how to effectively market your property and increase bookings, to how to provide top-notch customer service and stand out in a crowded market. But it's not all business - we'll also be having a lot of fun along the way. Expect witty banter, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs as we take a fresh and entertaining approach to discussing the hospitality industry. Produced and distributed by Vibrant Management - a company dedicated to helping hoteliers and vacation rental managers thrive in the modern world - Virtual GM is your go-to source for all things hospitality. So, join us, and let's elevate your game! and visit us on our website: www.thevibrantteam.com
Episodes
In this episode, Cody & Meagan dive into the exciting grand opening of Hotel Pontotoc and its signature bar, The Dame, launching April 21st in Downtown Memphis!
🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🏨 The Story Behind Hotel Pontotoc – A boutique hotel with a rich and storied past, blending historic charm with modern luxury.
🍸 Inside The Dame – The property’s elegant yet rebellious bar, promising a one-of-a-kind cockt...
In this episode, Cody & Meagan break down everything you need to do to ensure your property is ready for guests visiting during Easter and Spring Break. These seasons bring an influx of travelers looking for memorable stays, and it's crucial to be prepared!
🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Creating a Festive Atmosphere – Small touches like Easter decorations, themed welcome gifts, or a Spring Break-ready vibe.
In this episode, Cody sits down with Dina Belon-Sayre, the President of Staypineapple Hotels and fellow Board Member of the Independent Hotel Show Miami, to dive into the future of hospitality, leadership, and industry advocacy.
🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Dina’s journey in boutique hospitality and how she has shaped Staypineapple’s unique guest experience.
✅ The importance of AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging...
In this episode, Cody sits down with Logan Nicholson, the founder of Talsey AI, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the hospitality industry. Logan launched Talsey AI from the thriving tech hub of Salt Lake City, UT, with a mission to bring the spirit of hospitality into hotel technology. With a background in tech and marketing, he has built a cutting-edge platform designed to enhance both the guest experience an...
In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive into a brand-new topic for the podcast—maintenance! As the busy season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your property is in top shape. That’s why they’re breaking down the five most important maintenance tasks to focus on during March Maintenance Madness so your hotel or short-term rental is fully prepped for peak season.
🛠 The 5 Most Important Maintenance Items:
1️⃣ Sinking Fund – Have a...
In this episode, Cody and Meagan are thrilled to announce the launch of Vibrant’s newest property, Edgewater Resort! They take you behind the scenes of what it takes to successfully open a hospitality business and the four most important things you need to get right when launching a property.
🚀 The 4 Keys to a Successful Property Launch:
1️⃣ An Incredible Website – Your online presence is your first impression. A fast, user-fri...
In this episode, Cody sits down with Anke Graichen, the General Manager of Hyde Beach House in Florida. Anke shares her inspiring journey of building a career in hospitality, working her way through multiple roles to reach the GM position. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow in the hospitality industry, Anke’s story is packed with valuable insights and motivation.
Cody and Anke also talk about their shared experience servi...
In this episode, Cody is flying solo and diving deep into everything you need to do to prepare for your 2025 season. Success in hospitality doesn’t happen by accident—it’s all about planning, strategy, and execution. Cody shares his top tools, tricks, and insights to ensure your business is set up for a profitable and efficient year ahead.
Topics covered include:
✅ Budgeting for 2025 – How to forecast revenue and expenses effect...
In this episode, Cody sits down with Richard Kessler, the visionary Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. With over 50 years of experience in hospitality, Kessler has built a legacy of innovation, luxury, and excellence in hotel development and management.
Kessler’s impact on the industry is undeniable. He previously served as President and Chairman of Days Inns of America and has played a pivotal role in the boutique hotel mo...
In this episode, Cody sits down with Joe Ruzicka, Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, Inc. Cody and Joe first connected at BITAC, one of the hospitality industry’s premier networking events. Known for his commitment to the industry, Joe shares his top three hospitality events for 2025 that every professional should attend:
Happy New Year from Cody and Meagan! In this first episode of 2025, Cody and Meagan kick off the year by reflecting on what lies ahead and wishing all their listeners a successful and joyful New Year. They give a sneak peek at some of the exciting guests lined up for the month—episodes 33, 34, and 35 will feature inspiring industry professionals who will share their insights and success stories in hospitality and beyond.
This episod...
In this special post-Christmas episode, Cody and Meagan kick back to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Recognizing that work is probably the last thing on listeners' minds on December 26, they keep things light and festive by diving into their favorite holiday films. Cody and Meagan each share their top Christmas movie picks, with classics like Christmas Vacation, Jingle All the Way, Elf, The Night Before, ...
In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive into actionable marketing strategies to finish the year on a high note. With the episode launching on December 19, 2024, they focus on last-minute tactics that can drive engagement and revenue during the holiday season and set the stage for a strong start to 2025.
They cover topics like setting up holiday promotions and flash sales to attract last-minute bookings, leveraging email marketing to r...
In this episode, Cody and Meagan share their essential toolkit for effectively managing a hospitality business. They discuss the 12 top tools that help streamline operations, enhance guest communication, and boost revenue. From property management systems like WebRezPro and Think Reservations to communication platforms like Mango Voice and Akia, each tool plays a unique role in building a seamless experience for guests and staff al...
In this episode, Cody and Meagan guide you through the essential steps to set your hospitality business up for success in 2025. They cover how to start building your annual budget, forecasting both revenues and expenses to ensure your financial roadmap is in place. The episode also dives into creating a powerful annual marketing plan, focusing on promotions, key marketing dates, and the best ways to align with seasonal trends.
They ...
In this Thanksgiving episode, Cody and Meagan share a lighthearted conversation as they dive into what would be on their ultimate Thanksgiving plate, from favorite classic dishes to unique must-haves. They express gratitude for their audience and the hospitality community, adding a touch of warmth and celebration to the holiday spirit.
They also share a quick, practical tip for property owners: if you're in need of a last-minut...
In this episode, Cody is joined by Nick Bonniksen, Director of Kiln St. George, to talk about the transformative power of sports, resilience, and the dynamic hospitality industry. Originally on the path to a professional baseball career, Nick’s journey took a sharp turn after sports injuries forced him to rethink his future. With no Plan B, Nick started at the front desk of a Marriott and quickly rose through the ranks, proving tha...
In this insightful episode, Cody sits down with John Bianchi, the Founder of STR Search, a data-driven mastermind behind over $70M in Airbnb investments across the country. John has successfully helped clients acquire more than 150 cash-flowing Airbnbs, all with a 100% success rate. When he's not analyzing data, John enjoys spending time with his newborn daughter.
This episode dives into the world of Airbnb investing, focusing ...
In this exciting episode, Cody is joined by a special guest, Will Rogers, founder of Dormi.io—a cutting-edge software designed to simplify vacation rental operations. Will shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, from purchasing a small cleaning company to expanding it nationwide, focusing on commercial and hospitality cleaning.
As Will's business grew, he realized a major gap in the hospitality industry: the need for a s...
In this light and festive Halloween episode, Cody and Meagan are here to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and share some fun, creative ways to make the upcoming holiday season exciting for property owners and guests alike! As we transition into the full holiday season, it's time to start planning how to bring the holiday spirit to your property.
From decorating tips to creating themed experiences for your guests, Cody and Meagan...
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