What if the evolving landscape of hospitality isn’t just about changing consumer behavior — but a signal for advisors and brokers to rethink how they guide client success? Are you equipping your clients with data-driven strategies, or relying on assumptions shaped by a different era?

In this episode, Jason Brandt, President and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, along with Joseph Holcraft, hospitality M&A advisor at IBA, explore why past experience alone is no longer enough to stay ahead.

Together, they unpack labor market realities, leadership challenges, and the risks of static thinking. From the quiet power of engaged teams to the growing role of innovation — including AI, tax strategy, and evolving guest expectations — the conversation highlights how authentic listening and strategic partnerships create long-term resilience.

If you’re ready to move beyond hoping for better conditions — and start intentionally shaping the future of your deals and advisory practice — subscribe for more grounded conversations designed to help you grow your deal flow and strengthen your role as a trusted advisor.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmbrandt/
Company: https://www.oregonrla.org/
Email: jbrandt@oregonrla.org

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - Next Venture: What It Takes to Build a Business
• (00:01:55) - Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO
• (00:05:04) - Restaurant Hotel Owners: The New Normal
• (00:07:54) - What Needs to Change in the Hospitality Industry?
• (00:11:48) - Restaurant Review: The New Model
• (00:23:24) - Oregon and California: Tip Credits vs. Minimum Wage
• (00:26:26) - Oregon's minimum wage law
• (00:30:06) - Oregon Tourism Jobs: Save Tourism Jobs
• (00:36:47) - Do Small Businesses Need SBA Financing?
• (00:40:55) - ORLA: What Business Owners Should Know About ORLA
• (00:53:13) - Restaurants and Hotels: Voices of the Industry
• (00:59:15) - The importance of skilled tax preparers in the hospitality industry
• (01:08:30) - Oregon's commitment to the hospitality industry
• (01:18:26) - Culinary and Business Management Teams Compete at Nationals
• (01:21:20) - Portland's food and culture scene
• (01:30:05) - Portland Business Talk: Hybrid Work
• (01:33:44) - What are some of the top resources in the kind of hospitality industry
• (01:40:53) - Setting the Table: Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential
• (01:46:30) - Restaurant and Lodging Industry Outlook for 2026
• (01:52:49) - Next Venture Alliance: Exploring the Future