Bryan Fish took his first hotel job to save money for college. He was studying performing arts management and imagined a future in entertainment. Instead, a front desk position at Holiday Inn became the beginning of a career in hotel operations, corporate leadership, and eventually running Reliance Hospitality.
In this episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, Steve Turk sits down with Bryan, CEO and Managing Partner of Reliance Hospitality and host of Check-In with Bryan. They talk about the decisions that shaped his career, from working toward his goal of becoming a general manager by 30 to taking over the company with his business partner in 2023.
Bryan shares the personal weight of leading teams through COVID and what happened when he and his partner began questioning the company’s direction. That process led them to reconsider management contracts and explore consulting, travel services, and media.
The conversation also gets into the business of storytelling. Bryan explains how podcasting brought him back to his creative roots, introduced him to people outside his usual circle, and became one of the parts of his work he enjoys most. He shares practical advice for getting started and explains why he invested in recording his latest season in person.
What You’ll Learn
How Bryan moved from the front desk into hotel and corporate leadership
Why setting career goals helped him recognize new opportunities
What leading teams through COVID taught him about responsibility
How he and his partner reconsidered Reliance’s services and direction
Why hotel brand standards need consistent follow-through
How podcasting can build relationships and introduce your business to new audiences
Bryan’s three tips for starting a podcast and reaching beyond your usual industry circle
About Bryan Fish
Bryan Fish is the CEO and Managing Partner of Reliance Hospitality Global, a Phoenix-based organization whose work includes hospitality consulting, Destinations by Reliance, and RH Media Productions. His background spans front office operations, hotel management, and corporate leadership.
He also hosts Check-In with Bryan, where he speaks with people across hospitality, travel, business, and media.
Explore Reliance Hospitality, watch or listen to Check-In with Bryan, and connect with Bryan on LinkedIn.
Presented by Lodgify
Thank you to Lodgify for supporting The Hospitality Mentor. Lodgify helps vacation rental hosts and managers bring reservations, guest communication, and direct bookings together in one place.
Visit our dedicated listener page and use MENTOR65 for 65% off yearly and bi-yearly Ultimate and Professional plans, November 12–December 12, 2026.
For monthly plans, use 20THM for 20% off through December 31, 2026. See Lodgify for current terms and eligible plans.
