At the heart of hospitality lies a simple truth: to care for our guests, we must first care for our teams, who support us and ourselves. "Take Care" explores this interconnected circle of service that defines our industry.
Each episode delves into the psychology of hospitality—how authentic care creates meaningful connections that elevate service beyond transactions to transformative experiences. We examine the delicate balance between professional growth and personal well-being, helping industry professionals avoid burnout and detachment.
Join us as we interview hospitality leaders and experts who share their insights on fostering environments where team members can bring their authentic selves to work. Together, we'll uncover how genuine care creates the foundation for exceptional hospitality.
"Take Care" is for anyone passionate about building a more meaningful approach to service—one that strengthens both those who give and receive it.
Balancing Vision and Execution: Insights from Sonny Kerstiens
In this episode of Take Care, we delve into the heart of the hospitality industry with a focus on how authentic care and critical thinking transform service. Our guest Sonny Kerstiens shares insights from over two decades in the industry, discussing the importance of questioning established norms, fostering open-mindedness, and ensuring personal and team growth. He emphasizes the need for scalable solutions in a rapidly growing company, the principles of continuous improvement, and the ...
22 Jul 2025
Crafting Connections: The Role of Empathy in Hospitality: Kate Reed and Josh Ramsey
In this episode of 'Take Care,' we delve into the essence of hospitality through the lens of empathy and authentic care. Joined industry leader Kate Reed, we explore how self-care translates to better team dynamics and exceptional guest experiences. The conversation touches on personal stories of vulnerability and resilience, the cultivation of empathy through life's unanticipated events, and practical approaches to maintaining empathy while setting personal boundaries. Highlighting too...
8 Jul 2025
Unwritten Playbook: Elevating Hospitality Through Critical Thinking: Ivo Wunderlich and Josh Ramsey
Ivo Wunderlich discusses career advancement in hospitality, emphasizing critical thinking, cultural understanding, and teamwork, in an interview with Josh Ramsey.
24 Jun 2025
Leading with Care: Hospitality's Interconnected Journey
Industry leaders explore how genuine care drives meaningful connections and exceptional service in hospitality, emphasizing self-care for effective team management and guest satisfaction in this interview episode.
10 Jun 2025
Reimagining Hospitality: Focus on Comfort & Care
Josh explores the hospitality industry's evolution, highlighting hotels' adaptation to traveler needs and the importance of guest comfort and care.
27 May 2025
Host, Guest, Traveler: The Ties That Bind
Host Josh explores how genuine care builds meaningful connections to revolutionize service, examining empathy and authentic interactions in hospitality through industry insights and historical context in this interview episode.
13 May 2025
The Heart of Hospitality
In the inaugural episode of Take Care, Josh Ramsey explores the foundational principles of authentic hospitality. Josh shares his unconventional journey into hospitality, inspired by his upbringing rooted in service and a surprising connection to Conrad Hilton's vision. He recounts his early experiences at Hilton and the pivotal moment he realized the importance of fostering a caring and connected work environment. Josh also discusses how his personal values of care and "otherness" shap...
9 Oct 2024
Always Be Closing...Relationships: The Art of Hotel Sales with Mike Hoelscher
Ever wonder what it really takes to sell hotel rooms? Go beyond the booking with Mike Hoelscher, Area Director of Sales with Commonwealth Hotels, as he shares the secrets to success in this ever-evolving industry. From dialing for dollars to building lasting relationships, Mike reveals the human side of hotel sales and why empathy and curiosity are key to winning over clients. Tune in for insights on navigating the changing landscape of hospitality and discover how the best salespeople are mo...
24 Sept 2024
Storytelling and Community: The Key Ingredients for Successful Hotel Design with Joseph Cicora
In this episode of Unpacking the Hotel Business, Josh talks with Joe Cicora, National Business Development Leader at DLR Group, to explore the fascinating world of hospitality design.Joe shares insights into DLR Group's unique approach to crafting memorable hotel experiences, from their "muse-driven" design philosophy to their emphasis on storytelling and community connection. Josh and Joe also discuss the evolving needs of hotel guests and how DLR Group is adapting to create spaces that reso...
19 Aug 2024
The Historian's Lens: Uncovering Hospitality's Rich Past with Mark Young
In this episode, Josh unpacks the hotel business from a historical perspective with Mark Young, Archivist Historian at the Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston. Discover the origins of iconic brands, the impact of technological advancements, and the enduring spirit of hospitality that has spanned centuries.
29 Jul 2024
Beyond Transactions: Building Relationships for Long-Term Hotel Success with Jen Kahl
Join Josh as he chats with Jen Kahl (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kahl/), Area Director of Sales with White Lodging (https://www.whitelodging.com/). Jen is the dynamic sales leader behind the Whiskey Row Hotel Collection in Louisville and shares her non-traditional approach to sales, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, building genuine relationships, and empowering her team to create unforgettable guest experiences.
15 Jul 2024
Unpacking Hotel Ownership, Branding & Value Creation with Jemel Jones
In this episode of Unpacking the Hotel Business, Josh interviews Jemel Jones (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemel-jones/), Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix American Hospitality (https://phoenixamericanhospitality.com/). Jemel shares his journey in the hospitality industry, starting as a valet and working up to COO. He discusses the different types of hotel ownership models and the benefits of the owner-operator model. Jemel also shares his insights on creating value for hotel investors, including focusing on the product, pricing, profitability, and market opportunities.
26 Jun 2024
Not Just Bricks and Mortar: The Fascinating World of Hotel Development with Gurtej Medi
Join Josh for a fascinating conversation with Gurtej Medi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurtejm/), a seasoned hotel developer and investor. In this episode, Gurtej shares his journey from his early days in revenue management at Hilton to co-founding Witness Investment Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/witnessinvestment/). Discover how a passion for architecture and a willingness to learn led Gurtej to a successful career in hotel development.
Gurtej delves into the intricate world of hotel development, shedding light on the step-by-step process, from site selection and zoning to financing and construction. He also opens up about the challenges of navigating a volatile market and how Witness Investment Group has adapted its strategy to continue thriving.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a real estate enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of the hospitality industry, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiring stories.
10 Jun 2024
A Family Legacy in Hospitality with Nick Massad
Join Josh as he sits down with Nick Massad III (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmassad/), a second-generation hotelier and Senior Vice President at American Liberty Hospitality (https://amliberty.com/). Nick shares his family's remarkable journey in the hotel business, from his parents meeting at a Sheraton in the 70s to their eventual acquisition of the American Liberty management company. Discover the challenges and triumphs of growing a family business, the importance of balance and adaptability, and the unique dynamics of working with family.
28 May 2024
From Pre-med to Principal of Capital Strategy with Sagar Patel
Sagar Patel, Principal of Capital Strategy with The Witness Investment Group (https://www.witnessinv.com/) discusses his journey from pre-med to the hotel industry, how The Witness Group identifies high-potential properties, and generating attractive returns in the hospitality industry.
3 May 2024
How to Own Your Very First Hotel with Grant Guinn
Hospitality veteran Grant Guinn shares his journey from working at Red Lion, to joining a large hotel brand and now, owning and operating his own hotel, the Tru by Hilton in Spokane Valley (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gegsvru-tru-spokane-valley/). Grant emphasizes the importance of being true to the brand's culture and investing in his team for a unique and successful hotel experience.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
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Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
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Quality
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YouTube
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Engagement
32
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