E47: Scaling Soul: Preserving Boutique DNA While Growing a Platform w/ Rob Vogel
Today, we’re joined by Rob Vogel, VP of Operations at Arbus Hospitality, whose journey spans every level of the hotel world—from housekeeping and front desk to revenue management, general manager, and now platform leadership. With experience at brands like Ace Hotels and Bunkhouse, Rob shares what it really takes to scale boutique hospitality without losing its soul. We explore kiosks and high-touch service, building playbooks without becoming robotic, hiring for curiosity and empathy, and how Arbus is creating a family of distinct, hyper-authentic properties connected by culture—not conformity.
https://www.arbushospitality.group/
https://longitudedesign.com/
26 February 2026, 2:24 pm
39 minutes 12 seconds
E46: When Buildings Breathe: Designing with Heart & Heritage w/ Adamo Gumowski
Today, we’re joined by Adamo Gumowski, Founder and Design Director of Stuttio, known for crafting soulful, community-focused hospitality spaces. He shares his journey from engineering to design, the influence of Tuscany, and how thoughtful placemaking can balance guest experience with operational success—all while pursuing a boundless life through integrated, purpose-driven environments.
https://www.stuttio.com/
https://longitudedesign.com/
22 August 2025, 2:09 pm
35 minutes 31 seconds
E45: The Sound of Hospitality: Crafting Sonic Identity w/ Clay Bassford
In this episode of the Future Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Clay Bassford, founder of Bespoke Sound, a sonic identity studio helping hotels and resorts design how they’re heard—not just seen. We explore the growing importance of sonic branding in hospitality, how music and sound shape guest experiences, and Clay’s journey from musician to entrepreneur. Whether you're a hotelier, designer, or creative thinker, this conversation will expand the way you think about brand experience—one song at a time.
https://bespokesound.co/
https://longitudedesign.com/
9 June 2025, 5:52 pm
46 minutes 1 second
E44: Revolutionizing Hospitality for the Next Generation w/ Alicia Zur-Szpiro and Saar Shai
In this episode, we’re joined by Alicia Zur-Szpiro and Saar Shai, co-founders of Wanderland London and seasoned creatives with backgrounds in game design, toy invention, and kids’ publishing. As the first Kids & Teens Hospitality Consultancy, they’re redefining family travel with insights from their Global Kids Hospitality Report and innovative ideas for engaging younger guests.
https://www.kidshospitality.org/
https://www.wanderland.london/
https://longitudedesign.com/
20 January 2025, 12:00 am
40 minutes 40 seconds
E43: The Wonders & Wilds of Building a Stand-Out Hospitality Brand w/ Eric Moeller
Today we're joined by Eric Moeller, founder of Freewyld, to talk about his journey from a career in construction to navigating the wild west of short-term rentals and building a standout hospitality brand. During our discussion, Eric shares how Freewyld was born, why branding is so important, and what's next for his company.
https://freewyld.com/
https://longitudedesign.com/
In this episode we talk with Julie Purpura, Owner of Avenir a full-service hospitality design studio based in Chicago. Julie and her team have designed projects such as Cyrus Hotel, Trilogy Hotel, and other exciting hotel brands throughout the US. During our chat we learn about the early days of Julie’s design career, discuss the ideal blend of design and brand, and how Julie has filled her studio with exceptional talent.
https://www.avenircreative.com/
https://longitudedesign.com/
29 October 2024, 12:00 am
1 hour 7 minutes
E41: The Story of How Two Designers Became Hoteliers w/ Jeremy Wells & Dustin Myers
Hoteliers and brand agency owners, Dustin Myers and Jeremy Wells, recount their two-year journey from branding experts to hotel owners of The Ozarker Lodge in Branson, MO, and The Parker Hotel in Parker, CO. In this "behind-the-scenes" podcast, they share their story from start to finish—the highs and lows, the obstacles and challenges they overcame, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Discover how their newfound experience in the hospitality world helps them better serve their clients at Longitude, their branding agency. Plus, they offer insights into what excites them about the future of the hospitality industry.
https://longitudedesign.com
https://www.flyoverdevelopments.com
https://www.theozarkerlodge.com
https://theparkerhotel.com
23 September 2024, 4:12 pm
33 minutes 38 seconds
E40: Forging the Future of Alternative Lodging w/ Lauren & Lee Gonzalez
In today’s episode, we sit down with Lauren and Lee Gonzalez of L and L Hospitality; the team behind several outstanding boutique hostels such as The Local, in New York City and Lolo Pass, which opened in May 2021 in Portland Oregon.
During our discussion, we learn about the unique opportunities and challenges that come with owning a hostel, and how they navigate that together as business partners and sisters. We also learn more out how they create unconventional comfort and a strong sense of place at each property.
https://www.landlhospitality.com/
https://www.lolopass.com/
https://thelocalny.com/
Produced by https://longitudedesign.com/
24 January 2023, 2:32 pm
42 minutes 31 seconds
E39: Context & Friction: Developing Relevant Lifestyle Brands w/ Jeremy Selman
In today’s episode, we connect with Jeremy Selman — Former President and Co-Founder of Sydell Group, and a veteran advisor and entrepreneur, who’s led the development of several iconic lifestyle hotels and real estate brands.
During our interview, Jeremy reflects on the last 20 years of his career, shares the importance of team-building, and talks about the importance of friction in the creative process — and how it can ultimately lead to better outcomes.
22 November 2022, 5:41 pm
40 minutes 16 seconds
E38: Building Stronger, Connected Community w/ Sana Keefer
In this episode, we meet up with Sana Keefer – Creative Director & Founder of ASI ASI, owner and operator of the Eastside Supper Club in Boyle Heights LA, and a hospitality consultant for brands such as LINE Hotel, NoMad Hotels, Soho House, and The Standard.
During our chat, we find out more about Sana’s early career, how she made the transition from residential to commercial, why she believes there are no shortcuts to creating exceptional experiences, and find out more about her latest endeavor to build stronger, connected communities.
https://www.asiasiprojects.com/
https://longitudedesign.com/
https://www.thelinehotel.com/los-angeles/
https://www.hotelperla.com/
11 November 2022, 1:03 am
30 minutes 9 seconds
E37: Creating Exceptional Outdoor Experiences w/ Will Spurzem
In today’s episode, we sit down with Will Spurzem, Founder + Head of Design at Boundary Works, a design + development group creating new experiences in the blurry spaces between home/office/hotel/nature.
During our chat, you’ll hear about Will’s background as Senior Design Director at Autocamp, hear about his recent leap into starting his own firm, and learn about what he believes are essential components of creating great outdoor hospitality experiences.
https://www.boundaryworks.design/
https://longitudedesign.com/
https://autocamp.com/