Zero to Hero: Transforming Properties into Thriving Hospitality Spaces with Stephanie Thomas

In this engaging conversation, Stephanie Thomas, Associate Director, Launch Ops + Supply Chain, delves into her journey from finance to spearheading launches at Kasa, an innovative hospitality brand. She explores the intricate and inventive process of transforming new properties, emphasizing design, staffing, and addressing operational challenges in the dynamic post-COVID environment. Stephanie highlights the crucial role of a robust, resourceful team culture in delivering Kasa's remarkable guest experiences, offering an insider's view of the brand's expansion and triumphs.

Stephanie Thomas

Associate Director, Launch Ops + Supply Chain

Kasa

Save 60 hours per month consumed by the hiring process.

Ready to start hiring? Just hit book a demo — no more manual work

Late Checkout Episodes

Anita Lane

Regional Director of Operations

Hotel Equities

Accountability and Adaptation: Key Strategies in Hotel Operations

Angela Genaro Ruilova

Vice President, Talent and Development

Compass Group N.A

Fueling Growth Through People: Strategies for Expanding Talent in Large Organizations

David Gobeli

Director of Operations

J & A Foods

Feeding Success: Innovative Approaches to Restaurant Management

Kenny Hom

Vice President of Operations

Slapfish

Unlocking Potential in Hospitality: A Blueprint for Team and Guest Excellence

Angela Rovano

Director of Operations

Healthcare Services Group

Empowering Healthcare Through Food Service Excellence

Kalie Brackin

Regional VP of Operations

American Bread Company (Panera Bread)

Shaping the Future: A Strategy for Expansion and Talent Development in the Fast-Casual Industry

Farrah Scott

CEO

Trapper's Sushi

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Farrah Scott's Leadership Journey in Hospitality

Joe Madera

Regional Director of Hotel Operations

PEG Hospitality

Navigating Hospitality Challenges and Opportunities: Insights from Joe Madera

Gary Gobin

Director of Operations

hiHotels

Empowering Independent Hospitality: The hiHotels Way

Gerard Brown

President

Hotel Management and Consulting

Navigating Success in Hospitality with a Data-Driven Approach

Jonathan Bogatay

President

Main Course Hospitality

Leading with Purpose: Jonathan Bogatay on Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Leonard Hoops

President & CEO

Visit Indy

Innovating Destination Management: Insights from Visit Indy's Leadership

Dana Canalichio

Director Of Operations

FCM Hospitality

Adapting and Thriving in Hospitality: Strategies for Staff Retention and Guest Satisfaction

Jared Doob

VP of Operations

MIXT & Split

Revolutionizing the Fast-Casual Scene: MIXT & Split's Journey to Excellence

Park Dunn-Morrison

Partner/Vice President of Business Development

Fine Dining Restaurant Group

Scaling Passion: Park Dunn-Morrison on Building a Culinary Brand

Kyle Gordon

CEO

Dillas Quesadillas

The Strategic Growth of a Quesadilla Empire: Navigating Expansion and Market Challenges

Chris Pearson

Regional Director of Operations

JRI Hospitality

Career Evolution and Mastering Restaurant Management with Chris Pearson

Peter Allen

Executive Vice President Of Operations

North Texas Bells

Empowering Leadership and Nurturing Talent in the Fast-Food Industry

Jonathan Weathington

CEO

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

Reviving the In-Person Dining Experience: Shuckin' Shack's Strategy

Douglas English

CEO & Founder

Open Door Valet, LLC

Revolutionizing Valet Parking: A Journey of Transformation and Innovation

Rachel Godbout

Chief Operating Officer

Advanced Outdoor Solutions

Transforming Outdoor Hospitality: The Shift from Family-Owned to Investor-Driven Ventures

Mark Alvarez

SVP-People & Culture

Raines Company

Cultivating a People-First Culture in Hospitality: Strategies for Success

James Nusbaum

CEO/Owner

Barry Bagels Franchise Holdings

Spreading the Dough: James Nusbaum's Rise to CEO of Barry Bagels

Johanny Mateo

Director of Talent and People Operations

Tacombi

Scaling Hospitality: Tacombi's Recipe for Success Through People and Culture

Kayla Edidin

Sr. Director of Franchise Development

Ascent Hospitality Management

Cultivating Growth: Transitioning from Operations to Development in Franchising

Mark Braver

Director of Operations, Partner

The Fifty/50 Group

Innovative Horizons: Pioneering New Concepts in Hospitality with Mark Braver

Jim O'Connor

Director of Operations

McNellie's Restaurant Group

Evolving Hospitality: Navigating Growth, Innovation, and Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

Marshell J. Richards

Director of Franchise Field Operations

Zaxby's Franchising LLC

Scaling Success in QSR: Operational Strategies and Growth at Zaxby's

Bonnie Iavaroni

Chief Operating Officer

Turning Point Restaurants

Expanding Horizons: Innovative Strategies for Restaurant Chain Growth

Aimee Fyke

COO

Tharaldson Hospitality Management

Mastering Hospitality: Strategies for Talent, Growth, and Culture in Hotel Management

Jesse Deshield

Sr. Director of Franchise Ops & Innovation

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

Strategies for Scaling Excellence in Franchise Operations: Insights from Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

Jill Waller

HR Director

Max Hospitality

Mastering HR Innovation in Hospitality: Max Hospitality's Approach to Employee Growth and Retention

Nancy Rose

Vice President Human Resources

Tailwind Hospitality

Redefining Recruitment and Retention in Hospitality: A Deep Dive into HR Strategies

Ashley Kappa

Human Resources Director

One Off Hospitality Group

Shaping the Future of Hospitality: Evolving HR Practices in a Post-COVID World

Stephanie Thomas

Associate Director, Launch Ops + Supply Chain

Kasa

Zero to Hero: Transforming Properties into Thriving Hospitality Spaces with Stephanie Thomas

Loren Abraham

Director Of Operations

Grove Bay Hospitality Group

Adapting to Challenges in the Modern Hospitality Industry

Francine Rodriguez

Director Talent Acquisition

PLANTA Restaurants

Talent Acquisition Strategies: New Standards and Challenges in a Post-COVID Era

Jodi Latuszek

VP HR, Legal and ESG

Biggby Coffee

Benefits and Career Development: Retention Strategies for Hiring Gen Z

Nelson Leiser

Regional Director - Talent Acquisition

Bluegreen Vacations

Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Hospitality Recruiting with Nelson Leiser

Brian Herskovets

Director Of Franchise Operations

Angry Crab Shack

Nurturing Talent and Building a Strong Hospitality Culture

Ryan Nowicki

Senior Director of Operations Excellence & Strategic Initiatives

Dave & Buster’s

Maximizing Guest Experience: The Evolution of Entertainment Venues with Ryan Nowicki

Chad Heath

COO - Beer Division

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Scaling Craft Beer Success: Chad Heath's Insights on Overcoming Industry Challenges

Zell Henderson

Regional Director of Operations, West / I&D Advisory Council

Noodles and Company

Mastering Hospitality with a Focus on Building a Strong Employee Culture

Romain Taverne

Hospitality Operations, Development & Strategy

AMAN

Reinventing Hospitality: Romain Taverne on Building a New Model for the Industry's Future

Rob Meister

Director of Operations

Levy Restaurants

Creating a Culture of Growth in Hospitality: Rob Meister's Vision for Staff Development

Robert McCracken

Director of Venue Operations

Caesars Entertainment Corporation

Adapting to Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Entertainment Industry

John Rankin

Senior Director of Operations

Charter Foods

Leading Through Adaptation: Embracing Change and Talent in the Restaurant Industry

Curt Siverling

Senior Vice President Operations

J & A Food Service, Inc

Mastering Hospitality Leadership: People and Training in Restaurant Franchising

Noall Silvester

Regional Vice President Of Operations

Aimbridge Hospiality

Leading Through Change: Effective Hospitality Management and Overcoming Industry Roadblocks

Yogi Mueller

VP Leadership and Talent Development

Bluegreen Vacations

Revitalizing Hospitality: Insights on Post-Covid Challenges and Opportunities

Kent Johnson

General Manager/COO

Baltimore Country Club

Evolving Trends and Challenges in Club Hospitality Management

Matthew Davis

Director of HR

Easton Porter Group

Innovating HR in Hospitality: Strategies and Challenges

Christian Hilty

Vice President of Operations

Deliverthat

Tech-Forward Approachs to Innovation in the Gig Economy

Brooks Ellis

Senior Vice President Operations

Evolution

Mastering Hospitality: Overcoming Industry Challenges in Parking Services

Sue Jeon

General Manager

CSI DMC

Sue Jeon: Reinventing Event Management: Navigating Post-COVID Challenges for Future Success

Ryan Day

General Manager

Stoney Creek Hospitality

Ryan Day: A Veteran’s Insights on Thriving in the Evolving Hospitality Industry

Michael Mancke

General Manager

The Plantation on Crystal River

Mastering Hospitality Management: Innovative Strategies for Hiring Success

Robert Carpenter

General Manager

ZMC Hotels

Robert Carpenter: Navigating Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

Jessica Hubsmith

General Manager

NDM Hospitality

Jessica hubsmith: Transformative Strategies in Hospitality: Reshaping the Industry Post-COVID

Chris Shatto

Franchise Owner/Executive Hospitality Recruiter

GECKO Hospitality

Chris Shatto: Redefining the Future of Hospitality: Embracing New Challenges and Strategies