Economic Empowerment Podcast
Economic Empowerment isn’t just about business; it’s about creating access to knowledge few have the chance to see. From alternative investments to events shaping the economy, Ramel Lee dives deep, sharing insights and conversations with industry power players who will give you the tools you need to make your money work for you
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Episode 008 | Acquiring Hotels w. Omari Head
04/08/2025
Episode 008 | Acquiring Hotels w. Omari Head
Acquiring Hotels w/ The #1 Hotel Broker in the WORLD In this episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee sits down with Omari Head, a leading hotel broker and advisor at Paramount Lodging Advisors, to break down the crucial role brokers play in hotel acquisitions. Whether you're an experienced investor or just beginning your journey into hotel ownership, understanding how deals get sourced, structured, and closed is essential. Omari shares expert insights on: ✅ What hotel brokers actually do behind the scenes ✅ How they add value to buyers and sellers ✅ How to evaluate and prepare for hotel acquisitions ✅ Key trends shaping the hospitality transaction market ✅ Why building a broker relationship is vital for new investors If you're serious about investing in hotels, this conversation is packed with knowledge that will help you navigate the acquisition process and make smarter, more strategic investment decisions. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to move from interest to ownership with the right deal team by your side. Guest Contact Info: Omari Head (he/him) Director P A R A M O U N T L O D G I N G A D V I S O R S IG: @HipHopHotelBroker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omari-head-0b197750/
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Episode 007 | Focus Up
03/25/2025
Episode 007 | Focus Up
The Top 5 Things You Should Focus on When Analyzing a Hotel Deal In this episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee breaks down the top five things every investor should focus on when analyzing a hotel deal. Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to diversify your portfolio into hospitality, this episode offers practical insights to help you evaluate opportunities with confidence. Hotels are not just real estate—they’re operating businesses. And success depends on understanding more than just location and aesthetics. Ramel shares his real-world experience and outlines the five core areas to focus on from understanding the market to financial performance combined with operational efficiency and property conditions then understanding your exit strategy. If you’re serious about hotel investing, this episode gives you a clear checklist to follow before making your next move. 🎧 Tune in now to empower your next investment with knowledge that drives results. #EconomicEmpowerment #HotelInvesting #AlternativeInvestments #RealEstateWealth #PassiveIncome #HotelDeals #FinancialFreedom #RDLHotelFundI
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Episode 006 | Lessons Learned
02/25/2025
Episode 006 | Lessons Learned
From Monopoly to Hotel Ownership: My Journey into Hospitality Investing In this special solo episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee takes you inside his personal journey into hotel investing—from his early inspiration to becoming a hotel owner and launching RDL Hotel Fund I. Owning a hotel might seem like an exclusive opportunity reserved for the wealthy, but Ramel’s story proves otherwise. He breaks down: 🏨 How a childhood game of Monopoly planted the seed for real estate investing. 🎙️ The turning point—hearing Davonne Reaves discuss Black hotel ownership and realizing it was possible. 💰 The steps he took to invest in his first two hotels in Indiana. 📈 The lessons learned from financing, deal structuring, and managing hotel assets. 🚀 Why he launched RDL Hotel Fund I to make hotel ownership accessible to more investors. If you’ve ever thought about hotel investing but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you. You don’t need millions—just the right mindset, education, and opportunities. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how you can start your journey toward hotel ownership! #EconomicEmpowerment #HotelInvesting #RealEstateWealth #AlternativeInvestments #HotelOwnership #RDLHotelFundI #GenerationalWealth #BlackInvestors
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Episode 005 | Property Management w. Daymain Smith
02/18/2025
Episode 005 | Property Management w. Daymain Smith
The Key to Success in Hotel Investing: The Role of Hotel Management Companies with Daymain Smith of Synergy Hospitality In this episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee sits down with Daymain Smith, CEO of Synergy Hospitality Group, to explore one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of hotel investing—property management. A successful hotel investment isn’t just about acquiring the right property; it’s about running it efficiently, maximizing revenue, and ensuring long-term profitability. That’s where property management companies come in. Daymain shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in the hospitality industry to leading one of the few African-American-owned hotel management firms in the U.S. He provides invaluable insights on: ✅ The true role of a property management company and why it’s essential for hotel investors ✅ How professional management improves operations, guest experience, and profitability ✅ Key responsibilities of a hotel property manager, from staffing to revenue optimization ✅ How investors should evaluate and select the right management company for their hotel ✅ The impact of technology and innovation in modern hotel management ✅ Real-life success stories of how effective management has turned struggling hotels into high-performing assets 🎧 If you're looking to invest in hotels, this episode is a must-listen! Learn how the right property management strategy can make or break your investment. #EconomicEmpowerment #HotelInvesting #PropertyManagement #HospitalityIndustry #WealthBuilding #HotelOwnership #AlternativeInvestments #SynergyHospitality #HotelManagement #Leadership #GenerationalWealth
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Episode 004 | Hotel Franchising w. Marcus Thomas
02/11/2025
Episode 004 | Hotel Franchising w. Marcus Thomas
In this episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee sits down with Marcus Thomas, Emerging Markets Director at Choice Hotels, to break down the ins and outs of hotel franchising. Whether you're an aspiring hotel owner or an investor curious about the hospitality industry, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the world of franchising. Marcus shares his expertise on: What hotel franchising is and how it differs from independent hotel ownership The step-by-step process of becoming a hotel franchisee with Choice Hotels Key financial requirements and how to secure funding for your hotel investment The benefits of franchising, including brand recognition, operational support, and marketing power Real-life success stories of franchisees who turned their first hotel into thriving businesses How Choice Hotels is working to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in hotel ownership Marcus also dives into the current trends shaping the hospitality industry and offers practical advice for anyone looking to start their journey in hotel ownership. 🎧 Tune in to learn how hotel franchising can be your gateway to financial freedom and generational wealth. #EconomicEmpowerment #HotelFranchising #ChoiceHotels #WealthBuilding #HotelOwnership #AlternativeInvestments #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseOpportunities
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Episode 003 | Self Directed IRAs w. Paul Herbes
02/05/2025
Episode 003 | Self Directed IRAs w. Paul Herbes
In this episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee sits down with Paul Herbes of B Equity Trust to demystify the world of self-directed IRAs and explore creative ways to fund your investments. If you’ve ever wondered how to put your retirement funds to work beyond traditional stocks and bonds, this episode is a must-listen. Paul breaks down the fundamentals of self-directed IRAs, explaining how they offer flexibility to invest in alternative assets like real estate, private equity, and even hotel investments. He shares insights on: • The key differences between traditional IRAs and self-directed IRAs • How to leverage retirement funds to invest in opportunities like RDL Hotel Fund I • The tax advantages, risks, and compliance considerations every investor should know • Common mistakes to avoid when managing self-directed IRAs • Other creative funding strategies to diversify your investment portfolio Whether you’re new to investing or looking to expand your wealth-building strategies, Paul’s expertise will help you think differently about your retirement savings and how to make them work harder for you. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to unlock the hidden potential of your IRA and take control of your financial future. #EconomicEmpowerment #SelfDirectedIRA #AlternativeInvestments #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #RDLHotelFundI #BEquityTrust #RetirementWealth
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Episode 002 | Asset Management w. Tommy Beyer
01/28/2025
Episode 002 | Asset Management w. Tommy Beyer
In this episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee sits down with Tom Beyer of B Hospitality Advisors to dive deep into the world of hotel asset management. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring your first steps into hotel ownership, this conversation is packed with invaluable insights on how to maximize the value of your hospitality investments. Tom shares his expertise on: • The fundamentals of hotel asset management and its critical role in driving profitability. • Key performance metrics (KPIs) that investors should monitor to ensure their properties thrive. • How to optimize revenue, control costs, and maintain efficiency without sacrificing guest experience. • Strategies for navigating economic downturns and mitigating risks in the hotel industry. • The importance of renovations and upgrades in boosting long-term value. With decades of experience, Tom provides practical tips and real-world examples of how strategic asset management can transform a hotel from good to great. Key takeaway: Successful hotel investment isn’t just about owning a property—it’s about managing it effectively to unlock its full potential. Tune in to learn how asset management can be the game-changer for your hospitality investments. 🎙️ Don’t miss this informative and inspiring episode! Subscribe to the Economic Empowerment Podcast for more insights on building wealth through alternative investments.
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Episode 001 | Crowdfunding w. Davonne Reaves
12/03/2024
Episode 001 | Crowdfunding w. Davonne Reaves
Unlocking Hotel Ownership Through Crowdfunding with Davonne Reaves In the debut episode of the Economic Empowerment Podcast, host Ramel Lee sits down with the inspiring Davonne Reaves, CEO and Founder of Vesterr, to explore the transformative power of crowdfunding in the hotel investment industry. As a trailblazer in Black hotel ownership, Davonne shares her journey from aspiring entrepreneur to creating a platform that opens the doors of hotel ownership to everyday investors. Together, Ramel and Davonne delve into how crowdfunding has revolutionized the hospitality sector, breaking down barriers for retail investors who may not have large amounts of capital. Davonne explains how Vesterr vets hotel opportunities, making it easier for investors to find quality deals, and shares tips for first-time investors looking to get started in the world of hotel crowdfunding. This episode also tackles common misconceptions, the risks involved, and how to mitigate them, while highlighting success stories of investors who’ve used Vesterr to achieve their financial goals. As Davonne discusses the role of technology and the trends shaping the future of hotel investing, she inspires listeners with a vision for democratizing wealth-building opportunities in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to diversify your portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you take the first step. Learn how Vesterr is redefining hotel ownership and discover why now is the perfect time to invest in this thriving asset class.
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Episode 000 | The Prequel
11/26/2024
Episode 000 | The Prequel
Economic Empowerment isn’t just about business; it’s about creating access to knowledge few have the chance to see. From alternative investments to events shaping the economy, Ramel Lee dives deep, sharing insights and conversations with industry power players who will give you the tools you need to make your money work for you
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