#112: Procurement & Supply Chain Management for Hotels | with Walt Sheffler

The Modern Hotelier - Interviews with Hoteliers and Experts in Travel, Hospitality, Events & Food & Beverage

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili on the trade show floor for an insightful conversation with Walt Sheffler, CEO of Avendra, a leading professional procurement services company in the hospitality industry.

In this episode, Walt shares his journey from Penn State accounting major to hospitality industry leader, revealing how a shortage of accounting jobs led him to a career-defining role as a Marriott management trainee. With decades of experience under his belt, Walt discusses what makes the hospitality industry uniquely rewarding and explains why working with people in an upbeat environment continues to drive his passion.

Key Discussion Points:

• The distinction between traditional procurement and hospitality procurement
• How Avendra serves different hotel segments, from economy to ultra-luxury
• The company's unique "at property and above property" service model
• Creative solutions to the industry's pressing labor shortage challenges
• Sustainability initiatives and ESG measurement in hospitality procurement
• Avendra's international expansion plans and future growth strategies

Learn how Avendra's team of hospitality veterans brings insider knowledge to procurement services, understanding the day-to-day needs of everyone from executive chefs to front desk staff. Walt also shares valuable insights into how the company is tackling modern challenges, from implementing AI-driven sustainability tracking to helping hotels optimize their labor distribution through strategic supply chain management.

Sponsor spot:

This episode is sponsored by Avendra: https://www.avendra.com/

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-sheffler-aa14a1/

Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/112

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Connect with Steve and David:
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David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...