In my conversations with AAHOA Members across the country, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: the margin for error in hotel operations is thinner than ever. As I look at the industry from the perspective of an advocate and partner to owners, it is obvious that procurement has moved far beyond a back-office task. It has become a critical strategic lever for profitability and long-term resilience.
For owners navigating persistent cost pressures, the focus has shifted. It is not just about what you are buying, but about the strategic framework you use to acquire it.
Scaling the Power of the Independent Owner
From where I sit at AAHOA, my priority is ensuring that our members—whether they own a single midscale property or a large portfolio—have the same competitive advantages as the major brands. The most effective way to protect an owner’s bottom line is through collective strength.
This is exactly why we launched the AAHOA Marketplace last year—and recently, we announced that Folio is the official technology platform of AAHOA Marketplace. Later this year, Folio will launch an updated AAHOA Marketplace to enhance the purchasing and bill-paying experience for AAHOA Members. My goal in championing this partnership was to give our members the purchasing power usually reserved for the industry's largest players. By leveraging the scale of the entire AAHOA Membership, we are enabling owners to streamline their supply chains and access pricing that directly offsets rising labor and utility costs.
Empowering Operations Through Technology
A strategic approach to procurement also requires the right infrastructure. We know that for an owner to make informed decisions, they need real-time visibility into their entire operation.
This need for clarity and modern efficiency is what led us to recently name Mews as our official Property Management System (PMS) partner. While I may not be running the front desk myself, I see how the right technology empowers those who do. By integrating innovative, cloud-native solutions like Mews, we are helping our members modernize their tech stack so that their data—and their purchasing—works harder for them.
From Transactions to Strategy
The shift I am seeing across the hospitality landscape is more than just digital; it is a mindset shift. We are moving away from a "transactional" view of buying toward a "strategic" procurement discipline.
This requires looking at every dollar spent as an investment in the property’s valuation. It is about ensuring that procurement, finance and operations are aligned. At AAHOA, our role is to provide the education and the resources to help members master this discipline, turning everyday vendor decisions into long-term business advantages.
The Advocate’s Perspective
My vantage point allows me to see the "big picture" of the industry, and that picture shows that in a landscape defined by complexity, simplicity is a superpower.
Our mission at AAHOA remains steadfast: to provide the tools, the partnerships, and the marketplace that allow you to focus on what you do best—hosting guests. Procurement, when approached with a professional, strategic lens, is no longer just a necessity; it is a clear path to a more profitable future.
This article was originally published in the June/July edition of Hotel Management magazine. Subscribe here.