Dollars and Drivers

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with seasoned hotel real estate expert Michelle Russo, Founder and CEO of hotelAVE, a leading advisory and asset management firm in hospitality. With more than 35 years of experience working on thousands of hotel, resort, and real estate assets, Michelle shares how strategic thinking, market insight, and deep industry relationships drive value in today’s complex landscape. She reflects on her journey from capital markets to building a trusted consultancy, the importance of negotiating with purpose, and the lessons that have shaped her approach to leadership and long-term success.

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with marketing strategist and author Leora Lanz, whose book Developing Your Marketing Mindset challenges leaders to rethink how marketing fuels long-term success. Lanz shares how shifting mindset - not just tactics - empowers organizations to connect more authentically with customers, align teams, and drive sustainable growth. Drawing on her experience advising leaders across industries, she offers practical insights on clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen speaks with leadership strategist Josh Keller, whose career spans top-tier management consulting and senior leadership roles in hospitality. Drawing on his experience at Boston Consulting Group and his tenure as COO of Woodside Hotels, Keller now runs his own consultancy helping executives drive strategic initiatives, strengthen alignment, and bring clarity to organizational goals. He shares insights on translating vision into action, building high-performing teams, and navigating complexity with intention - offering practical guidance for leaders seeking meaningful, sustainable impact.

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with veteran hotelier and leadership coach Edward Mady, author of Honing the Human Edge: How Leaders Can Unlock Success through Caring, Coaching, and Accountability. Drawing on decades of experience leading iconic luxury hotels, Mady explores how culture, compassion, and clear expectations can transform teams and elevate performance. He shares memorable stories from his career and offers actionable insights for leaders looking to inspire trust, strengthen alignment, and bring out the best in their people.

On this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with hospitality real estate executive Paul Sacco, Chief Growth & Development Officer at PM Hotel Group, to discuss driving expansive growth through strategic vision, operational insight, and a purpose-driven leadership mindset. With over 30 years of experience across brands such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Mint House, Sacco shares his perspective on what it takes to scale hospitality assets while maintaining brand integrity and delivering meaningful value to his team, investors, owners, and communities alike.

From the Dollars and Drivers archives, Keith Kefgen shares a timeless conversation with hotel investor and industry leader Paul Whetsell. With decades of experience shaping some of hospitality’s most recognized brands, Whetsell discusses the principles of long-term value creation, strategic growth, and lasting leadership. His reflections on investment, adaptability, and vision offer insights that remain as relevant today as when the conversation was first recorded.

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen speaks with entrepreneur and hospitality innovator David Gutstadt, Founder and CEO of Ballers, Good City Studio, and Fitler Club. With a career defined by creating next-generation lifestyle concepts that blend business, wellness, and community, Gutstadt shares how experience-driven design and purpose-led leadership are reshaping modern hospitality. From concept to creation, he reflects on building spaces that inspire connection, the evolution of private membership culture, and the redefinition of what it means to work, play, and thrive in today’s world.

In this episode, Keith sits down with Michael Evans, President of Marcus Hotels and Resorts, for an insightful conversation about navigating the dynamic worlds of hospitality and gaming. With extensive experience spanning the gaming, hotel, and restaurant industries (as well as Law), Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Join Keith and Michael as they explore the strategies and mindset behind building a successful and meaningful career in hospitality.

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with USA Today best-selling author and strategic execution expert Dave Garrison to discuss how collective alignment can transform organizations from the inside out. Garrison shares insights from The Buy-In™ Advantage, exploring how clarity, collaboration, and shared purpose drive measurable results. With his experience as a top-rated speaker and workshop leader, he offers actionable strategies for executives looking to elevate team performance and create lasting organizational impact.

In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen speaks with Marco Roca and Marco Roca Jr. about building a legacy through abundance, innovation, and vision in hospitality real estate. The father-son duo reflects on lessons learned across generations, the power of collaboration, and how they’re redefining the future of hotel development and investment with purpose and passion.