The BNFT Shift: Culture by Design: Building Hospitality Teams That Stay

In this episode of The BNFT Shift, host Josh Reinhard sits down with Daniel Waite, Director of Human Resources for the Eastern Region at Westgate Resorts. They explore how hospitality leaders can shape workplace culture and benefits to support every employee, from entry-level staff to executives.

Dan shares how he puts culture at the center of HR, arguing that every touchpoint—right down to the employee entrance and breakroom—either reinforces or undermines a company's values. He explains why hiring for culture fit and caring for people at every level beats simply offering standard benefits. Dan also discusses why traditional perks like medical and dental coverage are now table stakes, and why creative offerings—like PTO exchange, flexible rewards, or even discounted amusement park tickets—can deliver real value to employees.

Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes the power of listening to employees, designing culture with intention, and aligning internal practices with the brand experience guests see. His advice underscores that a strong, consistent culture is built by design, not by default.

Guest at a Glance:
💡 Name: Daniel Waite
💡 What they do: Director of Human Resources – Eastern Region (TN, VA, MS, SC)
💡 Company: Westgate Resorts
💡 Noteworthy: Known for building people-first cultures in hospitality, Dan connects brand values with employee experience to strengthen retention and engagement at all levels.
💡 Where to find him:   / danielwaite