Day of Hotel Manager in a $35M hotel

Summary

Vince Mala takes viewers behind the scenes of managing a 300-million-dollar real estate portfolio, including the day-to-day operations of a hotel in Fort Lauderdale. From dealing with maintenance issues, landscaping challenges, and staffing problems to overseeing renovation projects and managing expenses, Vince highlights the complexities of running a large property. With humor and candid moments, he shares the highs and lows of hotel management while balancing family responsibilities and offering real estate advice. A mix of business insights and personal anecdotes provides a relatable and engaging look at the world of real estate management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vince Mala helps manage his dad's $300 million real estate portfolio, including overseeing a hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
• ✈️ Vince was initially told to take a private plane, but it ended up being a shared flight with others, highlighting the unpredictability of private travel.
• 🔥 Vince experiences extreme heat in the plane, which humorously contrasts with his later luxury hotel experiences.
• 🏨 Vince reflects on the challenges of hotel ownership, mentioning the ups and downs of running a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, especially during the pandemic.
• 💼 Vince regularly manages landscaping, building maintenance, and customer service at the hotel, stressing the importance of making lists to stay organized.
• 👷‍♂️ The landscaping crew’s performance is critiqued, highlighting the frustrations of managing contractors who don't meet expectations.
• 💸 Negotiations with contractors include discussions about tree removal and the cost of repairs, with Vince striving for fairness but acknowledging the high costs of doing business.
• 💡 Vince explains the importance of a solid team, from front desk staff to banquet directors, emphasizing that hotel management requires diverse roles to function smoothly.
• 🏨 Vince highlights the vital role of maintenance and housekeeping teams, noting that they work tirelessly to ensure the hotel runs efficiently, even through late-night shifts.
• 👶 Vince recently had his first baby, leading to humorous reflections on the challenges of balancing home life with a demanding job, and the shift in family dynamics.
• 🔧 Vince oversees various repairs and upgrades to the hotel, from fixing fire alarms to replacing carpets, illustrating the complexity and ongoing maintenance required in the hospitality industry.
• 🏗️ Vince discusses the difficulty of hotel renovations, stressing that new construction is easier than renovations due to the unpredictable nature of working with older buildings.

Q & A

What is Vince Mala's role in the management of the real estate portfolio?

Vince Mala helps his dad manage a $300 million real estate portfolio, including overseeing operations at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, handling various property management issues, and making decisions related to renovations and staffing.

What challenges did the hotel face during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel nearly shut down, and Vince's father made the decision not to close but instead fight through the crisis. In 2020, they had to fire 100 employees, but in 2021, they rehired them.

How does Vince feel about constantly moving to manage new properties?

Vince compares his experience of moving to new locations to being in the army, as he often has to start fresh in different cities like Daytona, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale whenever his father buys a new property.

What is Vince's approach to managing the hotel’s landscaping?

Vince checks in on landscaping projects regularly, ensuring tasks are completed, such as a project to fix irrigation. He also addresses issues when workers don’t meet expectations or deadlines, emphasizing efficiency and accountability.

Why is Vince frustrated with some contractors and maintenance workers?

Vince gets frustrated with contractors like David, who have delays in completing tasks like wallpaper installation. He values efficiency and expects work to be done as agreed upon, and is particularly critical when workers prioritize personal projects over hotel tasks.

What key role does Cheryl play at the hotel?

Cheryl is the hotel’s sales director and banquet director. She plays a crucial role in booking events, which can generate significant revenue, and is one of the highest earners for the property.

What is the importance of energy efficiency in hotel management?

Vince emphasizes the need to save energy to reduce costs, especially since the hotel’s electric bill can reach $30,000 a month. He encourages staff to turn off lights, regulate air conditioning, and be mindful of energy usage.

How does Vince manage hotel staff and their responsibilities?

Vince delegates tasks to different staff members based on their expertise. For instance, the front desk manager handles customer issues, and the maintenance and engineering teams ensure the property’s physical systems are functional, including fixing water pressure issues and HVAC systems.

How does Vince balance work and family life after having his first child?

Vince reflects on the changes in his home life after the birth of his child. He notes that his wife no longer takes care of him in the same way, and he’s become more independent, juggling both work and personal responsibilities.

What are some of the ongoing renovation projects at the hotel?

The hotel is undergoing extensive renovations, including remodeling 258 bathrooms, replacing ceiling tiles, installing new light fixtures, and updating flooring. Vince also discusses issues with faulty equipment purchased on Amazon and the importance of addressing small details like fire alarms.