The Hotel Industry Is Getting It Wrong, Geoffrey Toffetti Reveals What Really Drives Profit

What if the secret to hotel success wasn’t found in flashy marketing or expensive renovations,  but in the people at your front desk?



In this powerful conversation, Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG), whose journey from valet to visionary redefines what leadership and resilience look like in hospitality.

Geoffrey shares raw insights on:
✅ Leading through crisis, and turning a 90% revenue loss into a cultural victory.
✅ Empowering frontline staff to double hotel revenue.
✅ Balancing hospitality, humanity, and technology without losing the soul of service.
✅ Building the next generation of humble, authentic leaders.

🎯 Whether you lead a boutique hotel or a global brand, this episode will challenge how you see your team, your technology, and your purpose.

👉 Liste now and discover how to turn your people into your greatest profit engine.

In this episode of The Social Hotelier Podcast, Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with Pablo Torres, founder of Torres Hospitality Consulting and a driving force behind the Global Revenue Forum Madrid, to explore the next frontier of hotel profitability.



Discover how hotels can unlock total revenue by looking beyond room sales — tapping into F&B innovation, upselling culture, AI-powered decision making, and zero-waste sustainability. Pablo shares practical strategies from working with hundreds of hotels in 30+ countries, revealing how leadership mindset, guest-centric culture, and technology can transform your bottom line.

Key takeaways:
✅ Why most hotels still overlook 50% of their revenue potential
✅ How to turn “order takers” into “profit makers” in F&B
✅ How AI can amplify — not replace — human intuition in revenue management
✅ Why sustainability is no longer just ethical but financially smart
✅ The rise of dynamic pricing across every hotel department

If you’re a GM, hotel owner, or revenue leader, this episode will help you move from firefighting to strategic innovation — and future-proof your hospitality business.

The AI Revolution in Hotel Marketing: Why Storytelling Beats Ad Spend
Can independent hotels truly compete with global brands in today’s AI-driven world?
In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with marketing strategist Sarah Stahl (@MarketMoversLLC), the creative mind behind a boutique resort that achieved an extraordinary 93% direct booking rate — without OTAs or massive ad budgets.

Sarah shares the strategies that turned chaos into clarity, transforming a six-unit start-up into a 21-unit success story.

💡 You’ll learn:

• How AI is reshaping hotel discovery and visibility

• Why storytelling beats ad spend • How to build PR credibility that AI (and guests) trust

• The power of inclusivity in hospitality marketing

• How to blend data, emotion, and storytelling for real results

🎙 Hosted by Sam-Erik Ruttmann — global hotelier, conscious leader, and creator of The Social Hotelier Show.

 

He Beat Cancer And Built A Healing Retreat!How Barry Shimelfarb turned a life-changing diagnosis into a playbook for human-centered hospitality.
In this episode, Barry Shimelfarb shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure career in Silicon Valley to creating healing retreats in Carmel by the Sea after facing advanced cancer. He discusses the power of resilience, the importance of community, and how personal experiences shape hospitality. Barry emphasizes the significance of creating moments of perfection for guests and the role of technology in enhancing human connection. He also reflects on the legacy he wishes to leave and the emerging trends in the hospitality industry.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the mics are still warm but the pressure is off, welcome to Off The Mic. 🎙️
It’s the companion show where I sit down with my guests after the main conversation, in a relaxed atmosphere, to explore the lighter side of life. From personal stories to quirky rituals, and those fun, unexpected questions—you’ll meet the person behind the professional.
Join me for the OFF THE MIC CONVERSATION WITH BARRY SHIMELFARB AND MANY MORE.
LINK TO OFF THE  MIC: https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat


LINKS TO BARRY’S PARTNERS IN CARMEL

https://www.saltysoulsanctuary.com/

 

https://www.moja.yoga/

 

https://www.refuge.com/

 

https://www.earthboundfarm.com/farm-stand/

 

https://www.maddogsandenglishmen.com/

 

https://www.montereytouringvehicles.com/

 

https://www.caracciolicellars.com/home/

 

https://www.scheidvineyards.com/Wines

 

https://auberginecarmel.com/

 

https://www.casanovacarmel.com/

 

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

 

 

LINKS TO BARRY’S WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

 

Website

https://www.carmelretreats.com/

Regenerative Hotels: The Future of Hospitality

Forget “sustainable” — the next wave of hospitality is regenerative. Architect Francesco Allaix joins Sam-Erik Ruttmann to discuss how regenerative hotels restore landscapes, empower local communities, and create more meaningful guest experiences.

From rewilding valleys in Cyprus to Nordic timber architecture, you’ll hear how hotels can become engines of healing and resilience — for both people and planet.

🌿 What makes regenerative design different from sustainability?
🌿 How hotels can embrace community and culture
🌿 Why regenerative resorts attract tomorrow’s travelers

Subscribe for more insights from global hospitality leaders shaping the future.
😅


If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the mics are still warm but the pressure is off—welcome to Off The Mic. 🎙️
It’s the companion show where I sit down with my guests after the main conversation, in a relaxed atmosphere, to explore the lighter side of life. From personal stories to quirky rituals, and those fun, unexpected questions—you’ll meet the person behind the professional.
https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat

Step inside the world of Armani Hotels Dubai & Milan, where Giorgio Armani’s vision of fashion and lifestyle hospitality came to life. In this exclusive interview, Marc Dardenne, the hotelier who worked directly with Armani, reveals behind-the-scenes stories about creating the world’s first Armani-branded hotels.
From designing luxury guest experiences without a front desk to Armani’s obsession with detail (yes, even the soap color!), this episode uncovers what it takes to bring a fashion icon’s DNA into the world of hotels.
💬 You’ll learn:

How Giorgio Armani redefined luxury hotel design
The challenges of blending fashion with hospitality operations
Stories from the opening of Armani Hotel Dubai in Burj Khalifa
Why Armani’s philosophy of simplicity, elegance, and humility still inspires hoteliers today

✨ Whether you’re passionate about luxury travel, hotel design, or fashion-led hospitality, this episode offers rare insights from the man who built it with Armani himself.

 


OFF THE MIC

🌟Unscripted: If you enjoyed this conversation, wait until you hear what happens Off The Mic – After the interview ends, the mic stays on. Hear candid, unfiltered conversations with Marc Dardenne, sharing anecdotes and revealing personal stories about Giorgio Armani, only available in the OFF THE MIC SHOW.

Hit that bell icon, because the best insights often happen Off The Mic."

Subscribe for exclusive access to OFF THE MIC, which is the audience-supported companion show

https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat
 

🚀 Dubai’s hospitality market is one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world. In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, I sit down with Paul Williams, Founder & CEO of Spearhead Creativity, to uncover the secrets behind building powerful brands in the GCC.
With over 20 years of experience shaping iconic names like Accor, Cartier, Millennium Hotels & Dubai Tourism, Paul shares:✅ How global brands can adapt to Dubai’s unique culture✅ The role of AI and storytelling in future branding✅ Why the mid-market segment is the biggest opportunity today✅ Lessons on personal branding and legacy in the Middle East


Off the Mic
If you’d like to go even deeper, beyond the projects and into the personalities, don’t miss Off the Mic, our companion show where guests reveal lighter moments and the person behind the professional. The link is in the description. Join us there. https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat

Why Storytelling is essential in both filmmaking and hospitality.
In this episode, I have a conversation with award-winning filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux about the art of storytelling in hospitality. Bordeaux shares his journey from finance to filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences.

He discusses how hoteliers can create authentic guest experiences by anchoring their brand stories in emotional truths and relatable experiences.

The conversation explores the balance between authenticity and commercial polish, the significance of casting the right people in hospitality, and the importance of audience response over industry recognition. Bordeaux concludes with advice for hoteliers to commit to their unique stories, ensuring they connect with their guests on a deeper level.
This how Jaze feels about hotels:

 

…And I feel like with hotels, it's incredible because it's a space where there's so many people coming through, there's so many stories that are being told. Every hotel, even if it's a franchise hotel, has something slightly distinct about it.

 

…And I feel as though if you can literally make that a character, like part of the crew, the, you know, the cast of employees that are there, it's really easy, for example, for people to remember and talk about it. Here we are on this podcast.

Why Hospitality Skills Are Essential Beyond Hotels: Insights from Monika Moser

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative power of hospitality skills beyond the hotel industry with Monika Moser, a seasoned expert in both hospitality and design.

Discover how Monika's unique career journey—from leading global hotel operations to pioneering luxury design, demonstrates the universal value of hospitality skills.
Learn why industries like automotive and education are increasingly seeking the expertise of hospitality professionals to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Tune in to explore how the principles of service, emotional intelligence, and teamwork can revolutionize any field.

🎙️ Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann – named one of the Top 20 Hotel Podcasts globally by FeedSpot!
🌟 In this exclusive conversation, Sam-Erik interviews Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality, on the evolving role of hospitality education, leadership transformation, and why rethinking hotel design, branding, and talent engagement is urgent in today’s changing world.
💡 Marc reflects on his return to Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne as a guest lecturer — 43 years after graduating — and what he learned from engaging directly with the next generation of hospitality leaders.

🔍 What You’ll Discover:

✨ The future of hospitality leadership

✨ Why modern students need mentors more than manuals

✨ 24-hour check-ins, tech-driven guest journeys & facial recognition

✨ Why “Heart of House” design matters as much as the lobby

✨ The truth about SOPs, flexibility & employee expectations

✨ How to build hospitality brands from culture, not just checklists

🧠 About Marc Dardenne:

👔 CEO, Modon Hospitality – Abu Dhabi

🏨 Former COO at Accor Luxe Europe, Group COO Jumeirah, CEO Emaar Hospitality Group and Armani Hotels and Resorts

📚 Guest Lecturer at EHL (Lausanne)

💼 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-dardenne

Future of Food Tourism: 4 Bold Scenarios 
Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann! In this episode, we explore the ¨future of food tourism¨ with renowned futurist Dr. Ian Yeoman. From lab-grown delicacies to regenerative dining experiences and dystopian luxury, we dive into four bold scenarios that redefine how we eat, travel, and experience culture.

👨‍🍳 What does the future hold for chefs and hoteliers?
🌱 Can regenerative cuisine become the new luxury?
🚀 Are you ready to dine in Dr. Spock’s restaurant or sip wine from the last wine bottle on Earth?
🙏🏻Proud to share that The Social Hotelier, hosted by Sam-Erik Ruttmann, has been named one of the Top 20 Hotel Podcasts of 2025 — a recognition of our commitment to insightful conversations in global hospitality.
https://podcast.feedspot.com/hotel_podcasts/

In this eye-opening episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann reconnects with Niels Steeman—once a high-flying tourism executive in Asia, now a wellness coach on a mission to redefine success. Discover how a near-death experience underwater triggered a radical transformation, shedding over 40 kilos, quitting alcohol, and redefining what it means to truly thrive.

💡 Niels shares his powerful journey from burnout to balance, exposing the blind spots in high-performance industries like hospitality and tourism.
 
🙏🏻Discover now why giving back is  life's missiom

He dives deep into the myths of dieting, the illusion of wellness in hotels, and why executives often ignore their health until it’s too late.
👥 Whether you're a hotelier, entrepreneur, or executive seeking clarity, this conversation will shift your mindset on health, leadership, and personal transformation.
👉 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations that challenge the status quo in hospitality and leadership.🎧 Available also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.📘 Get Niels’s book “Thrive” and support children’s wellness education in Ranong.
https://a.co/d/cME3y2D

Niels Steeman; email niels@thriveapproach.asia

 

✅ What Are The BIG Changes Happening In Hotel Industry NOW

In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Rocco Bova, a seasoned hotelier and founder of the Summit Mexicano de la Hospitalidad. Rocco shares his journey in the hospitality industry, his love for Mexico, and the cultural richness he has experienced.
They discuss the importance of hospitality education, the evolving role of technology in the industry, and how guest preferences have changed post-pandemic.
Rocco emphasizes the need for a balance between technology and human interaction in hospitality. Sam-Erik Ruttmann and Rocco Bova delve into the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry,

✅ focusing on the balance between technology and the human touch,

✅ The challenges of recruitment,

✅ The significance of personal branding and

✅ Emerging trends such as the rise of boutique hotels.

✅ They discuss the impact of technology on staffing and guest interactions,

✅ The shortcomings of current recruitment processes, and

✅ The importance of authenticity in personal branding for professionals entering the industry.

This is more than a podcast. It’s a wake-up call. If you're in hospitality, you can’t afford to miss it. Buckle up for a no-nonsense, passionate discussion packed with hard truths, future trends, and personal revelations.

🌱 In this powerful episode of The Social Hotelier, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with Portia Hart, founder of Blue Apple Beach—a regenerative hospitality concept in Cartagena, Colombia.

From crushing glass bottles into usable sand to empowering local communities through sustainable supply chains, Portia proves that luxury can lead with purpose. Get inspired by her journey from Monaco to the Caribbean and learn how she built one of the world’s most impactful eco-hotels.

🎧 Tune in for: ✨ How Blue Apple became B Corp certified
✨ Circular economy practices in hospitality
✨ The mission behind the Green Apple Foundation
✨ Creating zero-waste operations and sustainable supply chains
✨ Shifting traveler mindsets with values-based hospitality
✨ Blending high-end travel with community empowerment
👤 About the Host – Sam-Erik Ruttmann
Sam-Erik is a global hotel advisor, podcast host, and hospitality veteran helping hoteliers grow through innovation, sustainability, and storytelling.

🌐 Website: https://b8bhospitality.com
🌐 Podcast Site: https://the-social-hotelier-show.blubrry.net
📧 Contact: samerik.ruttmann@b8bhospitality.com
☕ Support the channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/samerik

 
📱 Connect with The Social Hotelier
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialhotelier
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialhotelier/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-erik/

 
💡 Who Is This EPISODE For?
📌 Hoteliers & hospitality entrepreneurs
📌 Sustainability-driven investors & eco-conscious travelers
📌 Travel trendsetters, ESG leaders & digital marketers
📌 Boutique hotel owners looking to make an impact

 
💖 Spread the Love
📣 Share this podcast with your friends & hospitality network
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop
🔔 Tap the bell icon so you never miss a future episode!

 
📜 Important Information
⚠️ Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Always conduct your own research and due diligence.
© Copyright Notice: All materials are owned by The Social Hotelier. You may share or embed video links with full credit to the channel.

 

How Blue Apple Beach Redefines Eco-Luxury & Regenerative Hospitality
🧠 Related Hashtags
#RegenerativeHospitality #EcoHotels #SustainableTourism #LuxuryWithPurpose #HotelLeadership #BlueAppleBeach #PortiaHart #BcorpCertified #HospitalityTrends #TheSocialHotelier #TravelPodcast #HospitalityExperts #EthicalTravel #CartagenaHotels #HospitalityForChange

 

© The Social Hotelier

Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience

In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes renowned keynote speaker and author Sylvie Di Giusto.

Together, they explore the psychology of first and lasting impressions in hospitality

and how unconscious biases shape guest experiences.
Sylvie breaks down her signature "ABCD-E" framework—Appearance, Behavior, Communication, Digital Footprint, and Environment—offering practical tools for hospitality leaders to influence perception and build trust from the first moment.
The conversation also dives into the often-overlooked impact of a leader’s digital presence and how virtual interactions can elevate—or damage—credibility. Whether you're a hotel executive, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable insights on how to become more intentional, authentic, and effective in your role . Subscribe, listen, and learn how micro-choices can create macro impact in guest experience.

 

Maximize Your Digital Ads ROI Proven Strategies for Lasting Success

Proven Strategies for Hotels, Restaurants, and Businesses to Succeed in Google Ads, Meta, and Beyond

Many businesses are burning through their digital advertising budgets without a clear strategy. As John Horn, CEO of  @Stubgroup  , reveals, success in digital marketing requires a thoughtful approach, patience, and strategic oversight. In this post, we’ll explore actionable steps to improve your advertising results while ensuring you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives

In this inspiring episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation.

Discover how this dynamic leader transitioned from marketing in her family's business empire to championing global health, cultural diplomacy, and humanitarian recognition. Morgan shares powerful insights on creating sustainable impact through empathy, trust-building, and listening — proving that caring is more than just an emotion; it's an action.

Learn how the foundation's initiatives, from mobile medical vans in Malawi to cultural exchange programs with Russia and Iraq, foster positive change worldwide.

Morgan also reveals how their latest *Bright Star Award* program empowers young changemakers in schools, nurturing future leaders with compassion at the forefront.
Caring is an action, not just an emotion.
If you're seeking inspiration on how to make a meaningful difference — whether through charity, cultural diplomacy, or community involvement — this episode will leave you motivated and ready to take action.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how Morgan’s approach to philanthropy can transform the way you think about impact, compassion, and change.

How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market.
In this episode of the Social Hôtelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Michael Grove, CEO of HotStats, about the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of financial intelligence, the need for hoteliers to look beyond traditional metrics like RevPAR, and the balance between automation and personalized service in hotels.
Michael Grove shares insights from his extensive experience in hotel operations and finance, emphasizing the significance of total revenue management and the challenges faced by hoteliers in today's market.


In this conversation, Michael Grove discusses the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, focusing on the integration of technology, innovative restaurant concepts, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. He highlights the growth of hospitality in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and explores emerging markets like India and Vietnam. The conversation also touches on the current state of the US hospitality market and the potential disruptors that could reshape the industry. Finally, Grove shares valuable career advice for aspiring hoteliers, emphasizing the importance of finding a role that aligns with one's personality.

Takeaways

Michael Grove emphasizes the importance of financial intelligence in hospitality.
The hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges and political uncertainties.
Profitability is a key concern for hoteliers as revenue growth slows.
Total revenue per available room is a crucial metric for revenue management.
Hotels need to focus on total revenue management rather than isolated metrics.
Automation can help streamline operations and improve guest experiences.

AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences

In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Johann Diaz, an expert in service transformation and customer experience.

They discuss the importance of redefining strategies to meet evolving customer needs, the role of AI in enhancing service delivery, and the shift towards servitization in business models.
Johann emphasizes the significance of understanding customer sentiment, the core principles of exceptional service, and the risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption.
The conversation also explores future trends in AI, particularly the rise of agentic AI, and how organizations can prepare to remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration
A Deep Dive into Sustainable Tourism, Policy Challenges, and the Double-edged Sword of Social Media
In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann engages with Chalana Perera, the founder of Retrace Hospitality, to discuss the critical shift from sustainable to regenerative tourism.
   Chalana emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in tourism to address climate change and over-tourism, particularly in Sri Lanka.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by governments and businesses in implementing effective tourism policies, the role of social media in promoting responsible travel, and the need for evolving hospitality education to prepare future leaders.
Chalana shares insights on her current projects aimed at creating regenerative tourism experiences and the influence of colonial practices on the industry. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring professionals in the hospitality sector.