Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investors and hospitality experts Michael Russell and Nathan St Cyr. As the founders of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, Michael and Nathan have a wealth of experience in owning and operating boutique hotels, hostels, and other experiential lodging properties. With over $30 million in real estate investments, including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, commercial retail, and hospitality properties, they bring a unique persp ...
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Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. W ...
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The rise of glamping and short-term rentals has created a golden opportunity, but there are a ton of hurdles to navigate. We grill elite operators in the space to arm you with all the knowledge you need ----- “I've been a loyal listener to your podcast, and it’s been a game-changer. The insights have been incredibly valuable" - Remo Kommnick, Owner of Doah House
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The Short Term Show is your home for all things short term rental (Airbnb) investing and management. Host Avery Carl interviews successful real estate investors and CEOs of Airbnb related startups to bring inspirational and actionable content to listeners. Whether you are an experienced Airbnb investor or co-host, or you’re just getting started, The Short Term Show is your home for all things short term rental content. About the host: Avery Carl bought her first Airbnb in 2015, and has since ...
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How Nathan St. Cyr Turned an $821K Hostel into a $5.2M Hospitality Powerhouse
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41:05On this week’s episode, Avery is joined by Nathan St. Cyr, a hospitality innovator who’s redefining budget travel through upscale hostels. Nathan shares how he stumbled into the hostel space in Maui and turned a $821K property into a $5.2M valuation in just 18 months—all while achieving over $824K in annual NOI. He breaks down the operational and f…
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What Does A Glamping GM Do? Wes McCloskey from Open Sky Reveals All
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47:16Familiar favourite Bygnal Dutson from Open Sky in Zion returns to the pod today, but this time he's joined by his General Manager, Wes McCloskey. Today's episode is all about the nitty gritty of running a glamping business as the GM. What roles and responsibilities does a GM carry out? What's the hardest part of the job? What's Wes' advice to prosp…
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Charting New Courses - Carmen Vlasceanu - Defining Hospitality - Episode #203
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44:05How do you truly make people feel cared for? Dan welcomes Dr. Carmen Vlasceanu, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, aviation, catering, and cruise industries. They discuss the essence of hospitality, Dr. Carmen's career journey from Romania to Carnival Cruises, and her current roles, including Founder and CEO of Globa…
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Why Every Short-Term Rental Investor Needs a Tax Strategy with Yonah Weiss
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35:25On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Yonah Weiss, an expert on cost segregation and a favorite among real estate investors. They break down what a cost segregation study is, how it allows short-term rental owners to accelerate depreciation and save on taxes, and who qualifies to benefit from this strategy. Yonah explains how to navigate bonus…
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Why Hostels Are an Untapped Investment Opportunity in the U.S. | Mike & Nate E34
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36:54We're proving why hostels are one of the most powerful investment models in real estate. In this episode, Mike and Nate break down exactly why they’re going all-in on hostels and how they turn underperforming assets into award-winning hospitality destinations. You’ll learn: Why the U.S. hostel market is ripe for disruption The revenue model that tu…
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Creating Impact: Sustainability in Hospitality - Andrea Foster - Defining Hospitality - Episode #202
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1:10:11What is the balance between hospitality’s business efforts and sustainability efforts? That’s what Andrea Foster, EVP of Hospitality Development at MindClick, is here to talk about on the podcast. The conversation covers how sustainability initiatives can improve guest experiences and align with corporate values. Andrea discusses the importance of …
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From Abandoned Campground to $7.8M Glamping Empire with Heather Meuer
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33:05On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Heather Meuer, a Missouri-based real estate investor who transitioned from running an auto parts business to building and managing RV parks and glamping resorts. Heather shares how she and her husband turned an abandoned campground into a thriving $7.8M resort in Branson, complete with glamping tents, RV p…
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The Strategic Power of Third-Party Hotel Management | Bryan Fish E33
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45:22You don’t need to be an expert in everything to scale in hospitality, just need to align with the right consultants, operators, and partners who’ve done it before. In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality, to unpack how third-party operators help investors go from scrappy operators to institutional-level players. Br…
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Glamping ON WATER at Sol Stay with Joe Lisa and Bill Nolan
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1:26:57Hear the story behind Sol Stay, one of America's only glamping resorts ON THE WATER. Find out how Joe Lisa and Bill Nolan built this unique property on the waters of Lake Erie in Ohio. In this episode you will learn how they: Found and reimagined this run down marina Raised the money to renovate into a floating glamping resort Built a floating saun…
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Revolutionizing Hospitality Education - Nicolas Graf - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 201
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1:09:44How is hospitality education evolving? Nicolas Graf, chaired professor and Associate Dean at New York University’s Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality, joins Dan today to discuss the realm of hospitality education. Their discussion spans Nicolas's unique career path that started from being a high school dropout and chef apprentice in Switzerland…
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How Melissa & Chris Jones Turned a “Turnkey” Nightmare into a Thriving STR Portfolio
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31:20On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Melissa and Chris Jones, a dynamic investor duo who share how a simple desire for a second home evolved into a thriving short-term rental business and boutique co-hosting company. They walk through their journey from renovating a “turnkey” townhome in Galveston to scaling up with high-performing properties…
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He Managed $320M for a Family Office - Then Walked Away to Build His Own Empire | Reilly Brennan E32
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47:12After helping scale a family office real estate portfolio from $3 million to over $320 million, Reilly Brennan walked away from the comfort of a W-2 job to carve his own path in boutique hospitality. In this episode, we sit down with Reilly to unpack how he sourced and acquired two independent hotels in Duluth, Minnesota, one through creative selle…
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Building The Dream: Dubai’s Hospitality Scene - Jensen Moonien - Defining Hospitality - Episode #200
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43:46There’s a lot that goes on pre-opening in hospitality, whether it be a hotel, a club, or a restaurant. That’s where Jensen Moonien comes in. He is the Founder and Managing Director of La Rencontre, a consulting firm specializing in the F&B space of hospitality. Jensen discusses the importance of hospitality, sharing enduring memories without expect…
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Building a $6M Micro Resort with Only 3% Down Using a USDA Loan | Ian Joseph E31
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47:42In this episode, we dive into an uncommon but powerful financing strategy that could change how boutique hospitality projects get funded. Ian Joseph, founder of Branch, shares how he’s leveraging a USDA Rural Business Development loan to finance a $6M micro resort buildout in West Virginia - with just 3% down. We break down the entire capital stack…
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How to Execute a Successful Grand Opening with Quentin Incao of Q Hospitality
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1:48:57Learn the critical items you need to think about before your grand opening. Hear about pre-marketing, selecting a property management system, opening your booking calendar, OTA integrations, OS&E purchasing and more. Quentin Incao is the founder of Q Hospitality and has consulted on a dozen prominent glamping sites, landscape hotels, independent bo…
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Investing in Hospitality - Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson - Defining Hospitality - Episode #199
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1:15:00Today’s episode pivots into restaurant investing. Joining Dan is two experts of hospitality financing and investments, Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson, the CEO and Chairman of Enzo Group Inc. The discussion goes into the motivations behind investing in hospitality, the critical role of strong management teams, and the unique challenges and opportuni…
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How Isaac French Built a Viral Cabin Camp—and Sold It for Millions
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1:16:13On this week’s episode, Avery is joined by Isaac French, a creative powerhouse who went from bookkeeper to hospitality developer and Instagram sensation. Isaac shares the remarkable journey behind Live Oak Lake, a Nordic-inspired micro resort he designed and built from scratch in Texas—achieving 95% occupancy in year one and ultimately selling to a…
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The Ultimate Guide To Financing Your Next Hotel Deal | Suraj Desai E30
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53:30In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Suraj Desai, a hospitality finance expert who has helped close hundreds of hotel deals, to unpack everything you need to know about financing your next acquisition, renovation, or ground-up development. Suraj breaks down the full capital stack, from SBA 7a and 504 loans to bridge, CMB…
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Behind the Smoke: Media in Hospitality - Shawn Walchef - Defining Hospitality - Episode #198
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1:02:46What role does media play in hospitality? This episode welcomes media expert and Owner of Cali BBQ, Shawn Walchef. Shawn discusses his journey from creating award-winning barbecue restaurants in San Diego to building a successful media platform. He shares insights on the importance of hospitality, storytelling, and the role of time in perfecting on…
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Why Your Evenings and Weekends are the Secret to Real Estate Success with Matt Krueger
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43:06On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Matt Krueger. Matt shares his journey from working dead-end jobs to becoming a full-time real estate investor with a portfolio of 11 properties across Iowa. He dives into his strategies for blending long-term and short-term rentals, financing deals creatively with home equity lines of credit, and how local…
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Buying Hotels Is Just the Start: How to Build a Lasting Hospitality Brand | Keir Weimer E29
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48:10In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Keir Weimer, founder of Weekender Hotels, to unpack how he’s building a boutique hospitality brand designed for the long haul. Keir shares how he aligned his business with his personal lifestyle, his on-the-road strategy for sourcing deals, and the frameworks he’s using to scale Weeke…
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Nick Purslow's Story - From Small English Town to the Canadian Rockies
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1:26:20Some of you have been listening to him for more than 4 years, but you don't know his story. Nick got to where he is today through hard work, tenacity, and a whole lotta dreaming. As he prepares to open his first mirror cabins at Skyridge Glamping, we go all the way back to his childhood and explore his journey to the present day. It's a doozy. Posh…
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A Lifetime in Hospitality - Xavier Lividini - Defining Hospitality - Episode #197
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48:57Sometimes you find yourself born into a business. That’s exactly what landed Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International, in the hospitality industry as he comes from a family of hoteliers! Xavier shares insights from his extensive career in operations, marketing strategy, and hospitality management and development. The e…
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From Million-Dollar Deals to Federal Prison: The Portia Louder Story
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39:46On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Portia Louder, a former real estate investor who served five years in federal prison for mortgage fraud. Portia shares the gripping story of how she transitioned from a hardworking photographer and mom to being deeply involved in high-risk real estate deals that spiraled into illegal territory. She offers …
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Hotel Investing Insights from the CEO of One of America’s Top Hotel Brokerage Firms | Suraj Bhakta E28
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52:09What does it really take to scale from your first hotel acquisition to managing a hospitality portfolio worth tens or even hundreds of millions? In this episode, Michael and Nate sit down with Suraj Bhakta, CEO of NewGen Advisory, a leading hospitality brokerage with offices across 12 states and transactions in 44. Suraj brings over two decades of …
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Saturday Special: Behind the Curtain at Malama Capital | Mike & Nate E27
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25:33In this special Saturday edition, we’re flipping the script. No guest today — just Mike and Nate giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on inside Malama Capital. After a listener reached out asking to hear more about our journey, we decided to hit record and share where we’re at, what we’re focused on, and how we’re thinking about the …
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How to Create a Sense of Community at Your Resort - With Nathan St Cyr of Howzit Hostels
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1:09:17We explored beyond the world of glamping this week and interviewed Nathan St Cyr of Howzit Hostels. He broke down the hostel business model; how Howzit obsesses over the guest experience; and how to create a sense of community at your resort. Nathan's Links: Howzit Hostels The Hotel Investor Playbook Posh Outdoors Links: WeFunder page Schedule a ca…
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Beyond the Green: Hospitality & High-Performance - Scott Young - Defining Hospitality - Episode #196
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54:51“ Our hospitality starts with education, but it's also having a welcoming point of view.” Scott Young, Founder of SSWING, an innovative indoor golf training facility in New York City, and an expert golfer joins the podcast today to hash out the meaning of hospitality and dive into his business. They discuss the broader meaning of hospitality in var…
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Real Estate Hacks That Could Land You in Prison with Real Estate Attorney Carrie Risatti
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46:53On this week's episode, Avery is joined by commercial real estate attorney Carrie Risatti to dissect some of the most common real estate “hacks” that could land investors in serious legal trouble. Carrie breaks down what qualifies as mortgage fraud, how easily it can happen, and the federal consequences that follow. The two dive into gray and red a…
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How Sky McLean Built a $500M Hotel Brand from Scratch | Sky McLean E26
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38:30What do you do when you get fired from your job and get escorted out with a cardboard box? If you’re Sky McLean, you build one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in Canada. In this episode, we sit down with Sky McLean, founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, owner of 14+ resorts, and operator of over half a billion in real estate. From bootstra…
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Cultivating Joy and Awe - Nathan St. Cyr- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 195
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59:54What does it take to be the number one small hostile in North America? Today we welcome Nathan St. Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howzit Hostels, to tell us just that. Dan and Nathan dive into Nathan's journey within the hospitality industry, including his foundational experiences in sales, his profound motivation rooted in personal…
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Glamping for Profit: Low Cost, High Cash Flow, Massive Upside | Zac Willms E25
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51:44What if you could double your money in one season with glamping tents? Zac Willms is pulling it off — and building a profitable outdoor brand in the process. In this episode, Mike and Nate talk with Zac Willms, co-owner of a thriving glamping resort in Tobermory, Ontario. Zac shares how he turned a neglected trailer park into a profitable outdoor h…
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How Hal Feinberg Became America's Biggest Glamping Dome Operator
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1:09:33Hal Feinberg is the founder of Clear Sky Resorts. Clear Sky is the largest dome operation in the US, with resorts in Utah and Arizona. Hal joins us to discuss his journey to this point, his special interior designs, how he scaled to a second location, and much more. Posh Outdoors Links WeFunder page Schedule a call Nick's email: nick@posh-outdoors.…
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Weaving the Future of Design - Mark Page - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 194
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1:03:06Mentorship is important in encouraging students to enter artistic and creative career paths. Mark Page, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries, touches on the importance of fostering connections with colleges and universities to inspire the youth of today to continue their creative paths. Mark also shares insights on the challenges and innov…
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More Than Money: How Joy Transformed Paul Graham’s Short Term Rental Journey
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42:24On this week's episode, Avery is joined by Paul Graham, an experienced investor with a background in commercial real estate who has transitioned into short-term rentals. Paul shares insights on the importance of bringing joy into real estate investments, discussing how his properties not only generate cash flow but also create memorable experiences…
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Olympic Discipline, Million-Dollar Loss, and Building a Hospitality Portfolio | Adam G Dailey E24
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1:07:10From Olympic Trials to Losing Millions—And Bouncing Back With a Boutique Hotel Empire In this episode of Hotel Investor Playbook, Mike and Nate are joined by Adam Dailey, a former 5x All-American athlete turned hospitality investor. Adam shares his wild journey—from building a multimillion-dollar business, losing it all in a matter of weeks, to bou…
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Building Together - Ian Mills and Becca Roderick- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 193
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59:53Today we discuss the intersection of architecture and interior design, finding a common ground for both aspects to complement each other. Ian Mills and Becca Roderick, Executive Directors of Architecture and Interiors, respectively, at Morris Adjmi Architects. They delve into the concept of hospitality, the collaborative process within their firm, …
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How Art Can Elevate Your Rental with Dave Blanch
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34:38On this week's episode, Avery is joined by muralist Dave Blanche, the founder of BlestDesign, to discuss the impact of murals on short term rental properties. Dave shares his journey from graffiti and canvas work to large-scale murals, detailing how he broke into the Airbnb market. He explains how murals enhance guest experiences, improve booking r…
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From Motel Renovation to 300K Followers: The Innvestors Story | Brett McManus E23
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1:00:36What happens when two young investors decide to buy a rundown motel, renovate it themselves, and document the entire journey online? For Brett and Casey McManus—creators of the viral Instagram account Innvestors—it led to a booming boutique hotel business and a wildly loyal following. In this episode, Brett joins us to share how they went from indu…
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