The Modern Hotelier – Episode #130: How to Stand Out in the Hospitality Industry | with Bart Berkey
How can authenticity, kindness, and a focus on guest satisfaction drive success in the hospitality industry?
In this inspiring episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David and Steve sit down with Bart Berkey—founder and CEO of “Most People Don’t,” international keynote speaker, podcast host, and bestselling author. Bart shares his unique journey from growing up in Pittsburgh to becoming a global executive for Ritz Carlton, and now, an entrepreneur empowering individual to do what most people don’t to achieve professional and personal success.
Discover how Bart’s passion for guest satisfaction and authentic connections shaped his career, hear his key lessons from the luxury hospitality industry, and learn practical insights on creating unforgettable guest experiences, overcoming industry challenges, and becoming an exceptional leader.
Packed with actionable advice, heartwarming stories, and Bart’s contagious positivity, this episode is a must-listen for hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact.
Key Highlights:
* The power of focusing on service excellence and customer-centricity.
* How Bart’s book Most People Don’t and Why You Should inspires better living.
* Leadership lessons from the Ritz Carlton that apply to any industry.
* Tips for staying ahead of hospitality trends in 2025.
************* TIMESTAMPS *************
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Meet Bart Berkey
01:44 Lightning Round with Bart
05:52 Growing Up in Pittsburgh
07:25 College Days and Volleyball Memories
13:29 Early Career in Hospitality
17:12 Lessons from the Ritz Carlton
20:54 Writing ‘Most People Don’t’
27:11 Applying Kindness and Gratitude in Family and Work
28:17 The Power of Gratitude Stones
31:08 Heartfelt Stories of Gratitude
33:02 Current Trends in the Hospitality Industry
35:22 Leadership Lessons from Ritz Carlton
37:56 Challenges and Advice for 2025
40:23 Advice for Aspiring Hoteliers and Entrepreneurs
43:56 The Modern Hotelier’s Vision for 2025
51:24 Focusing on Customer and Service Excellence
54:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
************* LINKS & RESOURCES *************
Join the conversation on today’s episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Links:
Bart’s on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartberkey/
Bart’s Website: https://www.bartaberkey.com/
Bart’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L4NZWMZ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6D7Q6NKDX3NE2YKF2A62/
Bart’s Podcast: https://www.bartaberkey.com/podcast
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media: https://makemore.media/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/130
Join the conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99%EF%B8%8Fsteve-carran-00914510/
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-millili/
