From Chaos to Cohesion: Scaling in the Hospitality Amenities Industry with Andy De Silva

Blended Workforces at Work

IN THIS EPISODE...

This episode unveils a narrative shaped by entrepreneurial spirit and global ambition!

Meet Andy De Silva, a Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Hotel Emporium, Inc. With a background spanning Hospitality, International Trade, and Tech Industries, Andy began his journey in Colombo before moving to the United States to pursue his career. Under his leadership, Hotel Emporium now services 14,000+ hotels and resorts globally, managing worldwide sales, operations, and strategic supplier relationships with over 1,000 vendors and factories.

Today, Andy shares his odyssey from Sri Lanka to pioneering sustainable amenities across 55 countries. Let's discover how he navigates a lean, global workforce—all while shaping the future of guest experiences worldwide!

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ABOUT ANDY DE SILVA:

Andy De Silva is a Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur who has founded companies in Hospitality, International Trade, and the Tech Industries. Growing up in Colombo, Andy had a passion for business enterprise and migrated to the States at a young age to pursue his career in hospitality. Shortly after, he co-founded Hotel Emporium, Inc., which services 14,000+ hotels & resorts worldwide today. Andy is responsible for the company's worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end global supply management. His Executive-level experience has amassed strategic supplier relationships of over 1,000+ vendors & factories.

Andy has extensive leadership experience, having opened 20+ international offices, building and structuring operating teams, and expanding the business' reach to over 50 countries. De Silva has 20+ years of manufacturing relations and supply chain management, amassing a network of over 1,000+ manufacturers & suppliers. He holds proprietary global patents for sustainable packaging within the food and cosmetic industry, along with other cosmetic packaging-related intellectual property. Also, he is currently Co-Founder and CEO of a global hotel supply company with annual sales revenue of $30MM and Co-Owner of a cutting-edge technology company servicing autonomous checkout micro-markets to consumers.

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WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

1. What are the essential characteristics for fostering successful vendor relationships within the network?

2. How does the unique business model facilitate global reach through strategic distribution?

3. What are the primary challenges and practical solutions in managing payroll and staffing across global operations?

4. What insights and challenges are associated with integrating blended workforces globally?

5. How does embracing a global workforce transition from necessity to strategic advantage?

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FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:

[02:01] A Glimpse into Andy's Life

[03:39] The Story of Hotel Emporium

[08:01] Inside Hotel Emporium's Operations

[10:50] Building Strong Vendor Relationships

[14:27] Global Reach Through Strategic Distribution

[16:13] Challenges and Solutions in Payroll and Staffing in Global Operations

[18:40] Advantages and Challenges of a Blended Workforce

[22:51] Innovating the Future of Guest Amenities

[26:44] Signature Segment: Andy's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with strategic decision

[28:40] Signature Segment: Andy's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Finding Balance at the Top

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LINKS FOR ANDY:

• Website: hotelemporium.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andy-de-silva

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU:

Overview: The Lead at the Top of Your Game Leadership Development Experience