On August 11, 2025, in Episode 20 of the Uncorked Podcast with Bill Green and Jerrold Colton, Larry Korman shares his journey from family roots in Philadelphia real estate to shaping AKA into a global brand. In a conversation over wine, Larry reflects on legacy, innovation, growth, and the values that continue to guide the company today.
In the wide-ranging discussion Larry hints at what lies ahead for AKA. The brand is now entering a new phase of growth, with a clear ambition to take its model of luxury serviced residences to the global stage. Already established in gateway cities like New York, Philadelphia, London, and Los Angeles, AKA is actively pursuing opportunities to expand into additional world capitals and cultural hubs.
What makes this growth story compelling for investors and partners is the integrated strength of Korman Communities: ownership, property management, and brand creation working seamlessly together. This synergy ensures not only consistent quality and brand integrity across properties, but also resilience in shifting markets—a proven advantage highlighted during the pandemic when AKA properties thrived as self-sufficient sanctuaries while many traditional hotels struggled.
Larry emphasizes that future expansion will be built on alignment—seeking partners who share AKA’s commitment to design excellence, operational integrity, and long-term value creation. For those who believe in hospitality as both a business and a calling, AKA represents an opportunity to be part of something enduring: a brand rooted in family legacy yet positioned for global scale.
While exploring many diverse topics, Larry traces the Korman legacy back over a century, when his great-grandfather began building homes in Philadelphia. From those beginnings, the family business grew into a pioneering force in multifamily housing and, later, furnished apartments with short-term leases. It was Larry’s father, Steve Korman, who recognized the untapped market between hotels and annual leases—essentially laying the groundwork for what would become furnished suites and, eventually, the vision behind AKA Hotel Residences when Larry and his brother, Brad, took over the management of the family business, Korman Communities, over 25 years ago.
During the podcast, Larry reflects on his own path into leadership. He began as a teenager cleaning apartments and working alongside maintenance teams, instilling the value of respect for every role within an organization. That philosophy of treating every team member with respect remains central to how AKA operates today.
The conversation moves fluidly between personal stories and professional milestones: the creation of KormanSuites, the bold marketing campaigns that included early collaborations with Howard Stern, and the eventual founding of AKA as a new model of luxury extended stay accommodations. Larry also shares insights into building brand identity, from thoughtful design and landscaping to curating world-class wine programs as part of AKA’s food and beverage offerings such as a.Kitchen + a.Bar in Philadelphia, managed by James Beard award-winning restauranter, Ellen Yin.
Philanthropy and the arts are another major theme. Larry discusses his commitment to film as a medium for building empathy and community, his involvement in cultural initiatives from the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC to the Philadelphia Film Society, and his deep passion for supporting institutions like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
What stood out most was Larry’s philosophy of “working backwards”—a lesson inherited from his father. Instead of only following passion, he emphasizes defining a clear goal, then mapping every step required to achieve that goal. It’s a method that has helped AKA evolve into an internationally recognized brand while staying true to the values of family, service, and design integrity.
For investors, partners, and anyone interested in hospitality’s future, this conversation offers both inspiration and a clear picture of what sets AKA apart: a deep respect for people, an eye for detail, and a vision for creating sanctuaries in the world’s great cities.
Listen to the full episode of Uncorked to hear Larry’s reflections on legacy, leadership, and the enduring spirit of hospitality.
