Join Steve Turk on this captivating episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast as he sits down with Vanessa James, CEO and founder of VJ Media, and the visionary behind Food, Wine and Fete. Vanessa shares her incredible journey from aspiring sports broadcaster to becoming a dynamic force in the media and events industry. Discover how she navigated her career, overcame challenges, and successfully built her own brand, all while staying true to her Caribbean roots. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a media enthusiast, or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and inspiration.

[00:00:00] Introduction:

• Steve Turk introduces Vanessa James, CEO and founder of VJ Media and Food, Wine and Fete.

[00:01:00] Early Beginnings:

• Vanessa’s early aspiration to become a sports broadcaster inspired by Robin Roberts.
• Her move from Trinidad to the US and initial love for football.

[00:03:00] Transition to Radio:

• Vanessa’s start as a receptionist at Clear Channel (now iHeart Radio).
• Her progression to becoming the first female program director in her market.

[00:08:00] Career Growth in Tallahassee:

• Details on Vanessa’s roles and responsibilities in Tallahassee.
• Balancing multiple jobs and gaining corporate radio experience.

[00:10:00] Move to Miami:

• Vanessa’s strategic move to Miami to further her career.
• Working at the Sun Sentinel and transitioning back to radio.

[00:13:00] Entrepreneurial Leap:

• The pivotal layoff that led Vanessa to start Vanessa James Media.
• Building a voiceover business and securing initial clients.

[00:19:00] Building a Brand:

• Strategies Vanessa used to grow VJ Media.
• The importance of networking and maintaining professional relationships.

[00:25:00] Event Production:

• Creation and success of BJ Media Mixology.
• Launching Food Wine and FET, an all-inclusive Caribbean celebration.

[00:30:00] Advice for Aspiring Professionals:

• Key advice for young professionals entering the industry.
• Importance of being reliable, trusting your gut, and valuing collaboration.

[00:40:00] Future Plans:

• Vanessa’s vision for the future of her events and business.
• Excitement for upcoming Food Wine and FET events and other projects.

[00:43:00] Conclusion:

• Steve Turk’s appreciation for Vanessa’s insights and contributions.
• Vanessa’s final thoughts and encouragement for listeners.

[00:45:00] Professional Sign-off:

• Vanessa James provides a professional sign-off for the podcast.

[00:46:00] Sponsor Message:

• Steve Turk mentions Biscayne Coffee, the episode's sponsor, and their mission to preserve Biscayne Bay.

Listeners can tune into The Hospitality Mentor Podcast on all major streaming platforms and YouTube. For more information, visit Vanessa James Media's website and follow her on social media platforms.

Today we're doing a crossover episode and sharing my other podcast. I do with my co-host Victor Feria called Tangy Talks. I hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to Episode 16 of Tangy Talks! In this episode, Steve Turk and Victor Feria share their summer strategies and insights into managing the hospitality business during South Florida's slower season. They discuss team appreciation, the rise of midterm rentals, revenue management tips, and industry challenges. Plus, exciting news about sponsoring a local fighter and the upcoming Hospitality Mentor networking event. Don't miss out!

Chapters:

• [00:00] Introduction
• Steve and Victor kick off the episode with a light-hearted chat about their journey to becoming a top podcast and their plans for a team outing at Top Golf.
• [01:00] Team Appreciation and Leadership
• Discussion on the importance of showing appreciation to the team, especially after a busy first half of the year. Strategies for team engagement and celebrating hard work.
• [02:00] Navigating Slow Season in South Florida
• Insights into managing the slower summer season in South Florida, including the impact of current events, politics, and inflation on travel and hospitality.
• [04:00] Revenue Management Tips
• Victor shares revenue management strategies, emphasizing the importance of early planning and adjusting amenities to maintain profitability during slower periods.
• [06:00] Industry News: Vacasa Layoffs
• Analysis of Vacasa's recent layoffs and what it means for the vacation rental industry. Lessons learned and advice for property owners and managers.
• [09:00] Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals
• Discussion on the rising trend of long-term rentals and the flexibility of the hybrid model to adapt to market changes. Pros and cons of different rental strategies.
• [11:00] Owner Relations and Communication
• The importance of maintaining good relationships with property owners and ensuring transparency and communication. How Tangy Management prioritizes owner experience.
• [13:00] Midterm Rentals: The New Trend
• Exploration of the growing demand for midterm rentals, especially in light of upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup. Benefits of offering flexible rental options.
• [15:00] Personal Experiences with Midterm Rentals
• Steve and Victor discuss their personal thoughts on living in different locations for extended periods and the logistical considerations for midterm stays.
• [18:00] Tangy Management's Approach to Slow Season
• Strategies Tangy Management employs to navigate the slow season, including competitive pricing, team planning, and maintaining core team members.
• [21:00] Market Analysis and Competitor Insights
• How Tangy Management analyzes market trends and competitor pricing to stay competitive during the slower months.
• [23:00] Preparing Owners for Slow Season
• Advice for property owners on preparing for the slow season, including setting realistic expectations and being flexible with rental rates.
• [26:00] Creative Revenue Solutions
• Exploring additional revenue streams for vacation rentals, such as offering extra services and events to guests.
• [28:00] Upcoming Events and Sponsorships
• Announcement of the July 10th Hospitality Mentor networking event and the sponsorship of local fighter Christian Esquilin.
• [30:00] Wrap-Up and Sign-Off
• Steve and Victor close the episode with a reminder about the upcoming event and a friendly challenge for their Top Golf outing.

In this episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort. Mauro shares his incredible journey from waiting tables to becoming a leader in luxury hospitality. Discover the key moments and relationships that shaped his career, the challenges and rewards of working at world-renowned properties, and his insights on the future of hospitality marketing. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, Mauro's story will inspire and motivate you to pursue your passion in hospitality.

00:00 - Introduction

• Steve Turk welcomes listeners to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast.
• Introduction of Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort.

02:00 - Early Beginnings

• Mauro discusses his first job in hospitality, waiting tables, and how it shaped his perspective on the industry.
• His transition to a sales manager role at the Fasano Hotel in Sao Paulo.

08:00 - Career Growth

• Mauro’s experiences and growth at the Fasano Hotel.
• The importance of curiosity and going beyond job descriptions.

12:00 - Transition to St. Regis

• The cultural shock and differences between working at Fasano and St. Regis.
• The importance of structure and processes in large hospitality chains.

17:00 - Knowing Yourself

• Mauro’s advice on understanding your professional needs and finding the right fit in the hospitality industry.

19:00 - Joining Aqualina Resort

• Mauro’s decision to join Aqualina Resort after an inspiring conversation with Deborah Yeager.
• The importance of creativity and innovation in his role.

24:00 - Building Relationships

• The significance of networking and maintaining professional relationships in the hospitality industry.

27:00 - Embracing Technology

• Mauro’s views on using AI and technology to enhance the customer journey and improve efficiency.

30:00 - Conferences and Influencers

• The role of conferences and social media influencers in hospitality marketing.
• How Aqualina integrates these strategies to build its brand.

33:00 - Exciting Projects at Aqualina

• Upcoming renovations and projects at Aqualina Resort.
• Mauro’s excitement for the future and ongoing growth of the resort.

38:00 - Advice to Young Professionals

• Mauro’s advice to young hospitality professionals: focus on people and relationships.

41:00 - Closing Remarks

• Steve Turk wraps up the episode and thanks Mauro for sharing his story.
• Information on how to connect with Mauro Pinho.

42:00 - Sponsor Message

• Biscayne Coffee: Enjoy delicious coffee roasted in Miami while helping save Biscayne Bay. Use promo code MENTOR for 10% off your first order at BiscayneCoffee.com.

• Subscribe to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast for more inspiring stories from top hospitality professionals.