The Modern Hotelier - Episode #8 === Judy Chen: Whose room are you in right now? David Millili: we're in Anthony's room. Where else? Welcome to the modern hotel you're presented by Stayflexi.. I'm your host, David Millili. Steve Carran: and. I'm Steve, Karen. David Millili: Steve we're here in Las Vegas. Who do we have on the program today? Steve Carran: Today we have on Judy Chen the VP of development at dream hotel group. We're so excited to have her on Judy Chen: Hope you guys still come back to Vegas Steve Carran: Absolutely, absolutely. Before Judy was at dream hotel is she was or sorry the dream hotel group. she was in charge of design and development at the Thompson hotels director of events at 21 entertainment and in charge of design and development at particular. Armatage welcome to the show Judy Chen: Thank you guys so much. Thank you for having me. David Millili: So Judy, we have three sections. I'm going to ask you some just quick questions that you can answer, however. Uh, we're going to get into your career. And then we're going to ask you some of your insights on the current trends and what's going on with technology. All right Simple. So what was your first job ever? Judy Chen: So my first job was, I was an intern for Andre Balazs and that really opened up the door for me in the hospitality industry. My background is in architecture, undergrad, real estate development grad. And you know, David is, you know, you're familiar with NYU back in the day. Hotel development was not a curriculum that hotel managers. Tourism. And then they also had real estate. So I was one of the very few people who went into development and I was very fortunate to land an internship with Andre Balazs and that opened every door for me in the industry. So, yeah. Well, a side note, funny story, how I got the internship. There was a guy that was asking me out for a date. This is not a dating podcast, but this is kind of relevant to the story. And I was like, I don't want to go out to dinner with him at all. And then he kept calling and pushing. And then at that time showing my age here, Baba had just opened in New York and they were impossible to get reservations. So he said, come on, you have to eat. I got us reservations at Bob. Cotton. And I'm like, oh fine. I really want to go to a Batali restaurant. So I went and then we were talking, he said, well, what do you want to do? I was in grad school at the time. And I said, my dream is to intern, no pun intended now, but I'm like, I would love to intern for Andre. And he said, my best friend works there. And that changed the trajectory of Nope David Millili: so, so today, if you weren't in hospitality, what would you. Judy Chen: I, you know I love to perform. I've always been, you know, enjoying the side hustle and entertainment. It's a very difficult industry, but you know, we'd always love to be getting Lucy loose. Uh, you know, leftover rolls if, if the opportunity presented itself. But yeah, I do have a side hustle there in LA. Um, but I like using my brain too. And I love the deal side of hotels. Love running the numbers. Love analyzing. Which is what I do now. So Yeah. If I, if I'm not doing what I'm doing now, I would probably, you know, still be hanging out with you guys though. David Millili: So who did you admire growing up? Judy Chen: you know, you know, I didn't know if I admire him growing up, but in reading his book recently, it came out maybe four or five years ago. David Millili: Okay. Judy Chen: His story is phenomenal. He went through so much rejection, you know, he lived in Peru, which is why a lot of his Japanese cuisine, his influence has the Peruvian influence. And then he kind of sidetracked into hospitality in general. And then he had the supporting support and backers of a lot of celebrities who loved his properties and helped him grow into hotels. I would highly recommend everyone to read that bio. Like it's, it's really, it's really uplifting David Millili: If you could take anyone dead or alive to lunch, who would it be and where would you take them? Judy Chen: Oh, my gosh, I was not planning on this. This is a, this may be one that I need to like cut and think for a little bit. Um, well I'm a big formula one fan. So. I'm very excited that they're coming to Vegas next year. I'm actually going to go to the race in Singapore in October. one of my personal favorites is, um, Ricardo and he is in, uh, he races for McLaren now used to rate for red bull and Reno. So I would love. Just because I have such like a crush on him that I would love to take him out because he had said in an interview a couple months ago, he, they had asked him, what's your dream race? And he goes one in Vegas. And so, yeah. So now you know, it's like, it's like darwin and Cupid are just on my side and they're yeah David Millili: would you take him to lunch? Judy Chen: Lunch taco bell Steve Carran: Going through the drive through this car? Judy Chen: Yeah, exactly. Yeah, exactly. Drive through into McLaren. David Millili: So what's the best piece of advice you've ever received? Judy Chen: best piece of advice. Don't take yourself too seriously. You know, the world is. A complicated place and you want to be a good person and you want to share your experience and your insights. And you know, it's not worth being petty about a lot of things. And if you take yourself too seriously not worth it, that's me David Millili: Did you have a, you have a secret talent that nobody knows you have? Judy Chen: Oh yes, I do. Actually, this one is actually, I'm an amazing parallel So I grew up in the south. So I've been driving tractors and drinking beers since I was very young and people are amazed This was like, again, I'm showing my age. This was before cameras, like, you know, rear rear no back cameras. And I apparently just for an Asian female have that knack in. I, yeah, I don't know. It is pretty good. I've Yeah And one and done. Steve Carran: What's the most difficult thing. You've parallel. Parallel park. Judy Chen: Well, I mean I have a small car so David Millili: so we know it's not parallel, parallel parking, but what, what scares you? Judy Chen: Well oh my God, you, it scares me an empty bank account. Lack of deals. Anyone want to deal with deal with dream? This is what I'm here for. David Millili: So again, you're good at parallel parking. What's something that you wish you were better at. Judy Chen: Oh what am I better at podcasts? David Millili: Oh okay Judy Chen: I've got to learn from you guys. David Millili: And this is the last one. And the, the first part, uh, if you could pick a superpower, what would that superpower be? Judy Chen: x-ray vision. I think that's pretty self-explanatory right? David Millili: Yeah. A lot of people like invisible, but I think the x-ray vision is pretty good. Yeah Judy Chen: Oh, I ain't being a visible. Steve Carran: That's awesome. So now we'll get to know you a little bit Judy Chen: Okay I thought we already Steve Carran: No we're not even there yet. Judy Chen: just warming up Steve Carran: That's right That's right. so you, you grew up in chattanooga tennessee, right? How did that shape you into who you are today? Judy Chen: And it's so funny, you asked that because I definitely. Coming from an environment where I was not around people who look like me, you know, I think it definitely made me a much more outspoken person. And, you know I went to Virginia for college, undergrad, and Virginia then was not very diverse. I mean, it's still not that diverse, but I think to be able to hold your own and not feel uncomfortable, it's tough when you're. 12 13, 14. And you're not like everyone else, but 20, 20 hindsight, I feel like it was so valuable in that it really teaches you to, you know, defend your ideas, not be worried about what other people think and, you know, to, to be able to express and not be worried about the consequences. And I think that helps in the industry as well. Right. I work with predominantly men. So for the ladies listening, it's like, I understand. it's a different environment. And to be able to know your stuff old, your own speak to, you know, walk the walk and talk the talk it's very important. Steve Carran: isn't there a waterfall in Chattanooga, the famous waterfall Ruby falls? How many times have you been to Ruby Judy Chen: zero Steve Carran: been there Okay There we go Judy Chen: exactly David Millili: So you study architecture at UVA and real estate. How have those two things helped you in your current role? Judy Chen: you know it's funny because I think you don't go to school or the know how per se, and I know that's probably blasphemous to say, but you really go for the relationships and the perspectives. So architecture school, I'm not an architect. Now. I would have been a terrible architect if I had been one. So, you know, no one would have given me the license, but you know, it taught you how to. Be creative and see things differently, see things three-dimensionally how do you support your idea? You know, and that's applicable to sales, marketing, and a lot of different things when you can defend your idea. So, you know, the architecture stuff, having an eye for design I think is really important. And just from a practicality standpoint, you know, knowing how much things cost to build or the, the, uh, you know, the practicality side of it, just because something is beautiful, especially in a hotel project. That's going to get, you know, messed up in five days. So, you know, you have to be, have the mindset of, you know, what's sustainable and, and, uh, in, uh, you know, applicable for the product type that you're you're in and on the deal side for real estate, especially now doing deals for, for dream, you know, to be able to understand the numbers and to be able to see both the analytic and the creative, I think has. Instrumentally helpful. a lot of times when you work with people, it's one or the other. And I think it's quite helpful to be able to see both sides and, you know, kind of like from our company, we started out dream, started out as owners, developers, operators. So we understand how much it costs to build and, you know, and operate. a lot of times people see one side or the other and I, it's not enough. And to be able to run something that's continually profitable, you have to know what your basis was going in. And I think sometimes there's a disconnect. So to be able to have the owner mentality, plus the ongoing mentality, I think is really important. Steve Carran: you have kind of a side hustle as well. On the entertainment side, you've been in quite a few films you've been in film, tV The commercials, to name a few, Judy Chen: it's a side hustle I love it Steve Carran: into it, how'd you get into it Judy Chen: So typical asian kid I've wanted to be performing ever since I was a child parents said no way. And so I never went, I wanted to go to drama school at UVA and architecture school was already kind of like the black sheep. Like this is not law or medicine. Like what is wrong with you? But, okay, fine. And so. I, um, was working in New York when I was at Thompson, the original Thompson before it became high And I was working for the Pomerantz family I was working for jason. i, yeah, I did everything for Jason back in the day when we, you know, we were like five people in the office and. I was doing off, off, off Broadway for fun nights and weekends taking classes. And I just fell in love with, I mean, I still love it. And so, you know, it took a little break from the hotel world. I was out in LA pursuing acting for a couple of years, which I still do on the side, but you know, it was a different brain to tap into and, you know, the entertainment world. Challenging, you know, to be perfectly Frank, knowing what I know about the industry. Now, if I had kids and they want to get into it, I said, absolutely not. It's it's it's a tough one Steve Carran: Has there been a project you've done that you're really passionate about or one that sticks out where you're like, I love that. Like that's, that's my favorite thing I've done. Judy Chen: I wish I could say that there was, and a lot of people ask me, like, we know what's, what's your ideal role. And back in the day, I'm like, you know, my dream is to be, I keep saying dream it's and there's no pun intended guys. Um, I would love to be the bad bond that's my ideal role So yeah, the one who let's bond go because they have such a great relationship And then because she lets him go, he ends up killing her. I already know what's going to happen. I already wrote my script. Steve Carran: Um is there a spot in vegas, you're local we're in vegas? Where is the best local spot where w w if we got it, we're here tonight. Where do we have Judy Chen: So my favorite spot, if you guys, I mean, it depends on what you want. And I think that's a beauty of Vegas, you know, it's always evolving. There's always something new, exciting to do, you know, do you want to go to a bar aloud a nightclub a day club, a restaurant, whatever it is. Right. But if I had one place to pick and I know they're not sponsoring us, but they should, there's a mexican restaurant called El Dorado. Eldorado Cantina and there have a couple locations now they've done really well. So they've expanded, but there's one on industrial. It is, or Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. It is next to sapphire strip club They share the back of is the same, same, uh, building. Steve Carran: Okay. David Millili: Don't get any Judy Chen: Don't get any ideas. I'm strictly there for the Mexican. And it's the yummiest food and it's not expensive. It's just off the strip So that's where I would recommend you go And then you didn't hear this from me because it's a, it's a pro tip here, but whenever I go, I bring my friends, male, female, just because they liked the novelty. They're like, you know, what's good food and not too pricey. It's pricey you know? So I take him to Eldorado and then we chat with the GM. I don't know that who the GM is today. It's been a while since I've been back there, but you're like, oh, you know, I want to go check out next door. He'll walk you in. Yeah. So versus a $50 cover charge for a female. All. Yeah No thank you. think it's 75 for. Yeah so now, you know the Steve Carran: now we know the hack Judy Chen: you know, the hack to get into Sapphire and eat amazing mexican food. Steve Carran: perfect. There we go. Here we go Judy Chen: Wait where's dinner tonight guys. David Millili: I think we're changing. Judy Chen: Yeah, Exactly David Millili: We have a reservation but we can we can always move that Steve Carran: Now we're going to jump into your. A little bit more We're changing so your first job in hospitality was with Andre beliefs. Okay. How was that? You mentioned you kind of fell in love with hospitality doing that What was it about it that you were like, this is what I want to do and this is what I want to do forever Judy Chen: I agree. I mean I think what, you know, and then what you actually end up learning are two different things or what you think, you know, um, you know, to me, andre is such a pioneer, you know, he had the standard the raleigh, um, and then like the standard has like the boom boom room. Uh, he has a Chiltern firehouse in London, just very ahead of the curve in terms of kind of knowing what people want and being able to cater to that. And I'm not going to lie. I feel like I got very spoiled being able to work for him as my first job, because, you know, I think there are other hotel companies, you know, everyone is very different and I think there's all things for every different people, different, you know, different brands for different folks. Um, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that, but I feel like with what I love and focus on throughout my career uh, lifestyle hospitality, food and beverage nightlife, private members club. Andre really was a great entrance into that. So, you know, it's, um, it was my idea of, oh, this is what I want to do in hospitality So I was very fortunate, David Millili: so you were at LaSalle hotels. What did you really win? What did you learn there as far as, you know, the, kind of the invest investment consulting type of side of the business? Like how did that really kind of ooze into kind of who you are today and what, you know, Judy Chen: Well it's, it's actually very it's It was such a valid and meaningful time for my career because you know, LaSalle is very corporate. Jello is very corporate and I'm not a corporate person at all but all my colleagues in the hotel industry came from Cornell. Or loosen right. They all have the hotel school background. And I did not. At that time when I was at NYU for grad school, I knew nothing about hotels. I didn't know a star report. I didn't know anything until I worked for Andre. So I knew nothing. And so working at jail. Helped me understand the number side of things. So I have to be honest, it was kind of a learn and earn type for me because I learned how to run numbers, how to do deal analysis, um, market and feasibility studies. Refi is an, I didn't learn that at school at all. And so it was good to be able to learn but do I see myself climbing the ranks? You know, it's not, you know, and Hilda. You know, Hilda was an associate when I was an analyst. And now she's the global CEO for JLL. I mean, she's dynamic. I love her, but I'm like, I could not do what she does. You know, what she does on a daily basis. And it's, you know, it's a different mindset, but you know, learning how to do sales conduct tours. I think you can never know too much. Maybe that's me being nosy, But I think in any industry in any profession, you can never know too much David Millili: Well what's good is when you get, these different samplings, it helps you kind of weed out the BS. When someone's BSing you, you kind of like, okay, I'm not a CFO. I'm not this numbers person, but I understand it. So you're you're trying to pull one on me. I get it. I can see it. So I think for me, that's what I've always tried to do is try. to Immerse myself in areas that I knew that I was weak in and that I needed something to at least educate me and get me a, step up from where I was Judy Chen: and surround yourself with the smartest people David Millili: correct Yeah 100 Judy Chen: percent I'm like that too. I get it. Steve Carran: so now you're the VP of development at dream hotel group. How have your past roles helped you in your. current role? Judy Chen: Oh gosh. What hasn't, and I feel like as we get older, everything we do in life is relevant to the next step. And I'm very fortunate that, you know, I've had great relationships from my previous jobs and vendors and contacts, and now they're all very supportive and I was a big fan of dream before I started working for the company. So I used to go out in New York and all that. Before I worked for, you know, before I was on full time. And so to be able to wrap a brand that you really love and, you know, we are kind of the underdogs and a lot of, you know, and we don't have the Marriott Hilton Hyatt reach, but sometimes there's a lot to be said for being kind of, you know, someone who's not part of that as well. So, you know, I see pros and cons, but I think. There is nothing that we do regardless of profession or even industry knowledge that does not help you with what you do day-to-day because everything you learn along the way really helps you as a person, as a professional, as an adult. Whether it's relationships or skillsets, like even entertainment on that side. I mean, you have to have skin this thick and, and I work with a lot of male developers and, you know, you have to be able to hold your own. So I think there is nothing I would say that has not, helped me with where I am now David Millili: Yeah. And what's unique is I think when you look at a company or a brand like dream, there's so much more areas to Judy Chen: correct David Millili: if you're in kind of that niche of a brand that has to have 20 brands, so they can have six of their brands in one city. Judy Chen: And that that's one of my my pet peeves now with, you know, if you're an industry trend too, there's too many brands, you know what's really differentiating them one from the other. And why am I coming there besides redeeming my points? You know? David Millili: So I Judy Chen: you know, there's a lot to be said there and be like, at what point are you a little too saturated in the industry? David Millili: That's a good segue. So dream has technically five kind of brands currently four. Okay. So Judy Chen: I'm David Millili: are the, so what are maybe just take us quickly through those, those four brands. How they're connected or not connected or how they're different from one another. Judy Chen: Abso dream hotel group. Um, dream is our namesake brand. You know, we're four stars, very fun, luxury lifestyle, a lot of food and beverage. That's pretty much what, you know, we're very, we're known for the groups we partner with as well as our own F and B concepts. Like at dream Nashville, the IP is our. Um, you know, in, in New York, LA we partner with towel group, um, Vegas TBD, but you know, we definitely find the right groups to work with to really make a splash because for us, you know, the money is in the food and beverage and the locals. They want to come hang out, not, you know, I make more money when my girlfriends and I want to come have a drink at dream Vegas. Or, you know, a happy hour, a nightclub, a boozy brunch versus someone like you guys who come to our city. Two or three times a year, even if you come, we'd welcome you with open arms, but that's not the consistent, and that's why we really catered to the locals. And I think that's what we're very successful at. Um, we do have a luxury five star brand, the chaat law named after our founder, Mr. Chatwal, you know, in Chatwal, it's in times square. we are opening up at any minute. Now the chocolate lodge up in the Catskills, you know, all inclusive. lots of outdoor amenities and activities like horseback riding and all these that, um, is, is new for us, but you know, definitely something that, and that's another segue into, as an aside, a trend in the industry is that I think lifestyle is evolving in many different have our little sister brand unscripted, which was meant to be. Dream for smaller markets. So a prototypical dream has four to six food and beverage outlets. If you look at a market like St. Louis, you look at a market like Kansas. I love those markets. I will do deals there all day long because I have no competition, but you're not going to sustain for restaurants. The market doesn't allow for it. So unscripted was our answer to smaller markets who still have the dream DNA, the fun, the vibe, maybe one restaurant, maybe one rooftop bar, but not four plus. So that was our, um, idea for scripted. And then lastly we have by DHG one of our soft brand collections, especially for projects that are, either conversions or something with a great story. We looked at a few places that were like former church's, former temples, you know, to have that story be part of the narrative of the project to put our brand on it, you know, does not make as much sense as saying, you know, this was originally. The customs house, right by dream hotel group. So, you know, there are some times projects that have its own identity that we can still make ours, but by DHG was meant to be a catch all in terms of curating that experience and not let the dream name itself take over while it's still having our fun, our DNA and our programming and partnerships. David Millili: Across those brands. How many hotels do you think you'll have in your portfolio? And probably the next five years. Judy Chen: Wow. I mean we are very active in our deal signings, so, you know, I I would say. An ideal scenario, you know, a hundred, a hundred hotels. I mean, we've been very active in the pipeline. The development team has remained intact since COVID, we've been signing deals. So we are very bullish on the market and the brand. but a lot of times, not just us, but any brand in general, we're at the mercy of a lot of different gods, right on the financing side, on the, you know, market side, you know, no one expected COVID. there are a lot of things that could be out of our control, but think we are getting a lot of momentum. Dream. Doha is opening in, uh, shortly as well. That's what the Royal family, we were going to open before world cup. I think it's been delayed a little bit, but you know, we may still do a soft opening, but the idea is I think as we continue to grow internationally too, you know, we're getting the name out and it's, it's a process, you know, it's not easy because a lot of people. You know, not in the industry or not in New York, LA, Miami, Nashville. They don't know us, you know, even dream Vegas. My developers didn't know us and everyone in New York was like, why haven't you guys been in Vegas already? I'm like, it's not David Millili: easy. to get the tail Judy Chen: in Vegas. It's a big boys club here Steve Carran: Yeah Judy Chen: on the, on the casino, on the gaming side. Steve Carran: kind of speaking about Vegas which is a new development. Do you have one of these new developments that's kind of close to your heart that you, really are enjoying working with Or you're excited to see go live Judy Chen: I mean my baby is breaking ground in July and you know, that will be 525 rooms which is large for us minuscule for Vegas And, you know, we'll have gaming and, many food and beverage outlets. and that will open in, uh, Probably Q3 20, 24, $350 million project south of the strip. It's the first hotel you'll see, by the welcome to Las Vegas sign. So daring draft, they had all these, um, you know, And they had draft They had, uh, interviews at the welcome to Las Vegas sign. And so all the photos there you see in the back, that's where dream will be. So any welcome to Las Vegas, you know interview and photo op will be right there. So I think that's very valuable and I'm personally very bullish on the south end of the. A lot of people in Vegas don't agree with me, but you know, this, the stadium is now open. Everything is pushing southwards in my personal opinion David Millili: Yeah. And I, I mean, I think a couple of things many, many years ago when they were talking about bringing an NFL franchise to Las Vegas, I knew somebody who had lived here most of their life. And they said there will never happen. it happened. The draft, the NFL is obviously they're incredible marketers. They're very smart. The way they've positioned things, but having the draft in Vegas was I, you know, I think it was, it was, it made me jealous, being so close being in Phoenix. And I was like, I should have, I should have went to, I did come to a game. I went to I'm a Philadelphia guy. So I went to the. Raiders game in the fall when we got killed. Judy Chen: I was there. David Millili: Yeah, it was bad, but anyway, but, but uh, yeah I have proof to Judy Chen: exactly. The Raiders Eagles game. David Millili: I have the empty box of tissues He doesn't, he's trying to forget. Yeah, it was, it was bad. Anyway, it was but the city, I will say. You know, there's, there's things I see that are going on in Phoenix. different already have four sports teams. When you look at Las Vegas, it's kind of like, like it's a city that you didn't think could kind of get not get, I don't know if get better is the right word, but it's kind of, it's like a city where you're kind of like, what else are they going to do? And you're like, oh, well, guess what, we're going to add an NFL team and guess what? We're going to have a hockey team and guess what we're going to, and you're just like, wow, this is incredible. So I think to your point, you know, south of the strip, I think. Yeah, it's kind of, people always say that stuff until the two have merged and it's not no longer south. it's just the Judy Chen: just the strips David Millili: happens to be the south side of it. Judy Chen: Yeah, but I mean, bay is even in the past, I've lived here for four and a half years now. I'm even the past few years. I mean, it's leaps and bounds. It's so different from. And I actually moved here the Tuesday after the manly incident. So that's how I remember when I moved here. And, you know, at that time coming in and seeing like, you know, all like the Vegas strong signs, I mean, I think Vegas really underwent a transformation. In the sense that there is a solidarity. And then when you see like the Knights, the Knights were here, you know, two years before the Raiders I mean the home town energy is David Millili: like Judy Chen: else. You know, I've lived in New York, LA I go to all the, you know, the Kings and, you know, the games like David Millili: yeah. Judy Chen: it's Steve Carran: They were nervous about tourism and stuff like that But David Millili: now, Steve Carran: like the Raiders are making big. moves with the David Millili: is the part in the program where we get a beverage Judy Chen: I need my David Millili: refill the beverage refill Ex-husband and we say that? Is your wife Judy Chen: going to David Millili: Yeah Judy Chen: Anthony Steve Carran: Thank you Anthony. David Millili: so, yeah, that's, that's how we do things at the modern hotel year. We make sure that we. Our Judy Chen: previous David Millili: come in previous guest, you know, Judy Chen: they David Millili: to pay their dues come back serve Judy Chen: Whose room are you in right now? David Millili: we're in Anthony's room. Where else? Anyway So that's how this is like, there's a good portion. Anthony's bringing some little Wow reads for us So that's good. So I'm going to take a piece of that. I'm going to tell Judy Chen: all the aspiring David Millili: conciliators you want to be on Judy Chen: this Steve Carran: Oh my goodness. With service like this. David Millili: Yeah the is that we're going to be like where's Anthony Steve Carran: exactly David Millili: the food and Judy Chen: where's the moon and drinks. Steve Carran: Where's the intermission that we're having Right Fantastic David Millili: you work hard You can sit Judy Chen: in the seat too. Steve Carran: That's so good. So good. All right So now we're going to talk about your thoughts. Kind of your thoughts on technology trends Um good Um, David Millili: thank you Steve Carran: first of all, I want to hear if somebody who's just starting out in the industry, what's a piece of advice that you would give them. Judy Chen: It's funny This is kind of an odd answer. I always say, be well-read. Because it really opens your perspective on a lot. And I'm a big nerd. I'm a big reader. And I think that shapes your perspective on a lot of things makes you more open and accepting of different ideas and thoughts, because I think there's nothing worse than being more narrow minded or thinking that you're, you're the be all end all. You're not, you're not. And I think for anyone starting out, it's about being open to learning. And humility be well read and be humble. Curious about Steve Carran: I'm finishing mine Judy Chen: oh, well where's David Millili: Thanks, Anthony. Judy Chen: the Melchiorri room service is, uh, David Millili: The bump he had, Judy Chen: oh, he's back David Millili: he's heading to the poker table soon. Judy Chen: Yeah exactly Or or Eldorado at Sapphire. wonder Steve Carran: with an Awesome room Judy Chen: Awesome room that we're crashing. Steve Carran: Is there anything you would've done differently in your career Love that love it. Judy Chen: I made a lot of mistakes I own it. Steve Carran: I love that Judy Chen: from David Millili: Yeah, it was good. I was watching an interview with. Larry King asked Anthony Hopkins, do you have any regrets? And he took this, um, this kind of real simple pause. And he just said, no, I don't. He goes, I've done good things. I've done bad things, but you know he's like, but I, I am who I am and I try to do my best. And it was very simple. So it was very, very good answer Judy Chen: that's another piece of advice. Be unapologetic. David Millili: Yeah. Look, we're, nobody's perfect. We're going to make mistakes So. It's tough when you have bosses that think everyone's supposed to be perfect. But anyway, um, let's skip to the next question. So what, um, you know, so outside of, you know, everyone's talking about COVID labor shortages, what do you think outside of those two things? What's the next biggest challenge that the industry's facing right now? Judy Chen: well, I mean, I hate to be cliche, but you know, obviously the supply shortage is hurting and impacting us in a myriad of ways. To go back to the staffing issue. I do want to touch upon that because, you know, whenever I travel to any of our hotels, I'd like to speak with the GM's and find out what, cause I'm on the deal site I don't know ops, but I'm learning a lot from them being like, what's what are the, you know, what are the pros and cons or you know, where, where are your pain points? Cause I need to be able to convey that to my developers when we're talking about the operation side. And in the past, I would say two years, the biggest issue with the staff shortage is we've had to do a temp labor, and the temps don't know your brand. They don't care about your brand. They're there for a check and they're out in a certain amount of time and that's very hurtful. It dilutes your brand and you can be our biggest fan. You have a bad interaction with them. That really puts a bad taste in your mouth and that's not through a fault of our own, you know, it was just, the industry is just hard pressed right now in different ways. For dream Hollywood. What we did was this was a unique take on The staffing shortage. We partnered with a robotics company, and we had these little robots they look like little R2-D2's they, run around in the lobby and they tell jokes. They have a little bow tie. They're very dapper speak with a British accent. And they also do a lot of a room runs like Uber eats amenities and for A time when you're such, short-staffed people are like, oh, robots are gonna take over. Our robots have garnered us so much press. And people come to see our robot, and it's just like to be creative with the issues that you're facing without taking away from the brand experience. Is so important. And I feel like these past few years, everyone has had to get creative because there's, just a finite number of resources. You have another great example from dream Hollywood was, um, during COVID no one was going to hotels, right? The occupancies were at 10, 20, 30%. And what our general manager who's amazing bond Davis there, he. worked with, uh, an NFT Art gallery and did digital art in our lobby. So everyone would come to see it, even if you're not staying at the hotel you came and when you were there, you're like, oh, I'm going to stop by for a drink. I'll have a meal. And at a time when no one was coming to hotels that generated press and foot traffic and food and beverage business. So I think it's really important to, be nimble and to be creative because you have to think outside of the box in these times. David Millili: I was going to say we had a, um, max star Goff. Who's a big advocate of technology and hotels, and I just got to Vegas today and it was amazing because I had just a couple of quick things. So I had, uh, I stayed in a hotel where mobile check-in mobile key. Didn't have to go to the front desk. No problems got in the elevator, got in my room first time. Great. Judy Chen: Did you like it? David Millili: I loved it. Second time. Didn't work. mobile Kay Didn't work Wouldn't work I tried everything I had my phone upside down, right side up. I was standing on one leg. I was by my finger in my ear. Yeah. I tried everything but yet, so it was like, it was so close to being great. But then I won't name the other hotel, but I was, I went to see another colleague and this hotel, there was a line of about 10 people checking in, and this was a very, very high end hotel. And you're thinking. How bad is this for that person standing in the line, like there's technology that can solve this. So one, the technology for me worked the first time didn't work the second time, but I think as an industry, we still have to, and as max was saying, we have to embrace it because it's like you book your Uber on your phone, you go to the airport and you're on your mobile boat boarding pass. When you're home, you book, you order on your app door dash, you get to the hotel and the hotel is that, got it for the most part, right in. but the industry has, I think just above. So the robot story is a pretty cool story because it shows that they're, embracing technology. That's improving the guest experience where everyone's afraid that it's going to take Judy Chen: correct I was on a like a panel on a, for a conference in London and we were talking about guest experience lot of people are hesitant to go, you know, completely, texts focused and they're like, oh, well, it takes away from the guest experience. I will not tell you a line at a check-in that I wanted to wait. It. There are certain places where it enhances the experience versus take away from it. And everyone just thinks, you know, the robots are taking over the world. That's not true. But I think the problem with technology though, is like you said, the first and the second time consistency, that's what needs to be ironed out. Because if you have that, then there are so many places where you don't need labor. You're not going to dislike your experience at XYZ hotel and. And it makes it perhaps even better, but consistency and ease of use. Those are the two things Steve Carran: Absolutely And I I almost like Alfred almost increases, that guest Judy Chen: Who does Steve Carran: had a chance to hear Vaughan uh speak. Judy Chen: were you W when did you hear Von speak He's amazing I love on Steve Carran: good I'm forgetting where I saw him but he was so good. I got David Millili: to Steve Carran: meet him afterwards. Awesome And he's Great And he's a great dresser as well. So um Judy Chen: the dapper his dresser Steve Carran: so good So good Judy Chen: Um, Steve Carran: but he was talking about the whole story of Alfred and the naming process and everything that went into it. And I don't know if you can share a little bit about that, but I thought that was really awesome And then he was talking about how people are taking pictures with the robots and they're ordering. room service Just for the robot to have to come to the room And it's like Judy Chen: the Instagram video then coming up video Alfred Yeah Steve Carran: That creates a unique experience. And how technology Judy Chen: correct Yeah Steve Carran: was that process like of adding Alfred to it? And how did that decision come to be? Judy Chen: You know and I have to be honest, like that was not a corporate decision. It was a Von decision. He's a very visionary GM, you know, he's like my brother, I adore him. So I am like, he did the NFT thing and you know, like a lot of times the right partnerships and, you know, activations really make or break what you contribute because. We don't take out ads, right? A press mention is infinitely more valuable than any ad you can take out. Having people hang out there for Superbowl, you know, a lot of the after parties were at towel and beauty and Essex. So, We're very strategic in that respect. Like what gets people talking? What moves the needle, you know, what's not done yet. And that's why, like Bon said about the story with, uh, Alfred, everything that we do comes with a big backstory, a big amount of preparation, a big amount of homework to see. Does this make sense? Are people going to talk about it or are we just going to be. Another, big brand, trying to be hip and put a DJ on the roof and craft cocktails in the basement. Right? It's a lot of work going into what we do to create the narratives of our brands in our hotels. David Millili: I thought about what we've just discussed. Is there anything else? You think is a kind of a trend or some sort of technology that you guys are looking at to kind of improve that guest experience? I mean, I know you're not on the operation side, but is there anything else that you're you're kind of hearing through the, through the organization? Judy Chen: at least as a company, I think dream is very progressive. So we are very open to all aspects of. new tech innovations. We're one of the few companies who are like, you know, people like Vaughn who are very innovative They're like you know we'll give it a, give it a go. I feel like instead of anything that maximizes the guest experience, I am not as familiar with a lot of David Millili: the I know Judy Chen: there's a lot of other applications out there, but a lot of times it's like, does that really benefit the bottom line? You know, and, and I think there's stuff to be considered pros and cons to be weighed in terms of, does this make sense for, for us? Cause I know there's no shortage of apps or hotels now. Right. Everything has an app, but does it make sense David Millili: in your travel, has there been anything that you've seen that you've been like, oh, we need this at dream. Has there been anything where you've like, you've traveled and you'd be like, oh, this, we got to get this. This is real. This is a really good piece of technology. Judy Chen: I don't know about technology I was talking about a party shower, but anyway, so actually we have it at Nashville dream Nashville it's a birthday party shower. Is it Steve Carran: hot is it a David Millili: Gus shower, shower like, like water. I said water for those of the people who know that I'm from outside Philadelphia. And we normally say water And I said water. I made sure I said it correctly Judy Chen: Oh, no it's a fully functioning shower. And I think we're going to do something similar at dream Vegas. Can't give it away. But Steve Carran: So you've got like, Vaughn you said mentioned in the NFT stuff. Um, how do you think the metaverse web 3.0, all of this, how is that gonna affect hospitality Judy Chen: Well, I think it's going to be much more integrated to an extent, because at the end of the day, all of us are in the moneymaking business. And so where there is, revenue to be had, we will be there to collect if we can. So, you know, I think that's still up in the air in terms of, you know, all the, all the Bitcoins and the meadow versus. this is not a plug for the company, but I was watching a Facebook video about a Chipotle in the metaverse and they were doing like, you can be, making burritos and you earn points I mean, David Millili: at some point Judy Chen: every brand is going to jump in on it but does it, is there a return? I don't know, but you know, I feel like everything now is being more and more integrated into that. And does it translate into dollar signs? I don't know Steve Carran: feel like that's kind of like David Millili: we didn't know I was going to say the same thing Steve Carran: business and now David Millili: we like yeah no it smells like that. The whole thing, when you were like, when I talk to people, talk to people about certain things and I'm like, well, if I would have told you, 10 years ago, you were going to be sleeping in some stranger's house, which is Airbnb. You're going to get in the back seat of some stranger's car, which is an Uber and not taking a taxi. I was just kind of has that feel. And I think, you know, uh, you know, again, I've, I've, I've plugged them before, but you know, my friend, Michael Cohen, he, you know, is really big on it. He's holding these kind of metaverse virtual meetings and it's, um, I think you just got to keep your eye on it and see where it goes. And like you said, if there's money there, then people are going to, others will be the Judy Chen: a crystal ball. David Millili: Yeah, absolutely But these kids I Judy Chen: if we did, we'd be billionaires. David Millili: the kids are on these Oculus. I think it's going the headsets they're all there. Uh, you know, our, our, uh, server today, Anthony was telling me he was trying for some meeting, but it was making him nauseous. But I said, I think you have to. Yeah exactly That's going to be the name of the podcast, episode eight. Anthony's old. But anyway so Judy Chen: we covered a lot We've David Millili: covered, uh, your background, everything. Question you, you wish we would've asked you that we didn't Judy Chen: Oh wow No no questions. No question Just David Millili: Anything you want to plug? Tell us what's going on with dream, anything that's up and coming that we should know about So for dream, you know, we have to Judy Chen: chop wall lodge up in the Catskills opening up, uh, probably ended up this month and we have dream Joe Hall opening up end of this year. And, uh my baby dream Vegas we'll break ground in July and hopefully open in, uh, Q3 of 2024. So you guys are invited to the opening party. David Millili: to Judy Chen: lose a lot of brain cells. David Millili: we've already. Judy Chen: There's a lot of brain cells but you're on the short list. So you're all you guys are good, we're very excited for I think, um, Vegas will be happy that you know we'd like to bring something different to the table and I think we are, David Millili: Yeah. I think that'd be cool Your Steve Carran: are coming Judy Chen: yeah, no pun intended. David Millili: well so that's it. That's uh That's the, that's the wrap for the modern hotel you're presented by state flexi here in Las Vegas. Thank you so much for being our guest and we appreciate it I know he did a good job serving though Judy Chen: do a good job of serving us. David Millili: So again thank you so much and Judy Chen: having David Millili: we appreciate it Steve Carran: Thank you so Judy Chen: fun Thank you.