Hands-On vs Hands-Off Hospitality - Ben Wolff and Irene Wood Debate

Send us Fan MailWe catch up with Lark Elliott one year after opening Tuxedo Falls to learn what it takes to turn a rare waterfall property near Asheville into a high-demand glamping retreat. We dig into design choices like open air soak tubs, heated toilet seats, brutal infrastructure realities, and the operating and marketing decisions that drive reviews, pricing power, and direct bookings. • How exceptional land and location can do your selling • Choosing Bushtec safari tents and building true treehouses around living trees • Guest experience details that lift reviews and return visits • The hidden horizontal infrastructure budget: stormwater, roads, rock, wells and septic • Zoning, utility availability and fire access as early deal killers • Financing a proof of concept while building infrastructure for future units • The whiplash shift from builder to operator and what to fix first • Handing off social media marketing and using paid social to find the right guest • Dynamic pricing and revenue management trade-offs at different unit counts • Leveraging tourism board PR and avoiding costly OTA surprises • Mentoring, books and practical habits that make operations saner • Using travel insurance messaging to reduce cancellation pain Check out tuxedofalls.com or reach out to lark at [email protected] work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Justin Kamm, founder of North Star Farm, about transforming a blueberry farm in New York's Western Catskills into a wellness-focused glamping destination. Justin shares how a personal health journey inspired the concept—and how thoughtful design, authentic storytelling, and intentional guest experiences have become powerful drivers of direct bookings, repeat visits, and long-term brand loyalty.In this episode, we discuss: transforming a working farm into a hospitality business that isn't dependent on commodity-crop economics  identifying three core guest segments and why destination positioning is critical  using professional photography and organic social media to increase direct bookings  turning a personal health crisis into a hospitality philosophy centered on healthy living  designing geodesic domes with superior ventilation, low- and zero-VOC materials, and healthier building products  overcoming the construction challenges of raw, sloped land, including foundations, utilities, septic systems, and winter conditions  streamlining operations with self-check-in, automated messaging, and a comprehensive digital guidebook  intentionally designing guest moments that create emotional connections, memorable experiences, and word-of-mouth marketing  prioritizing exceptional sleep quality and comfort—even when it comes at the expense of higher margins  balancing occupancy, ADR, and thoughtful expansion without losing the property's unique character  using sheep, humor, and storytelling to create a distinctive and memorable brand We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailA mile of waterfront, a hillside that photographs cannot explain, and a resort name that dares you to relax. We’re joined by Justin McWilliams, developer and owner of Camp QYB (Camp Quitcherbichin) on Lake Bridgeport near Runaway Bay, Texas, fresh off winning Glamping Resort of the Year from TACO. Justin has spent roughly four decades in construction and land development, and he brings that hard-earned perspective to what it takes to build a real outdoor hospitality destination from scratch. We talk about why variety matters in glamping and RV resort design: cabins, wagons, Airstreams, capsule-style units, and a growing number of RV sites, all built around the idea that many guests want nature plus community. From there, we dig into the amenity engine that makes the place work, including an old western town hub, multiple food and beverage concepts, events, activities on the lake, and the small details that create a “whimsical” feeling at night. Justin also shares the thinking behind the brand ethos: leave the complaining at home and be present. Then we get practical about the business of campground development: unexpected rock conditions and how they reused boulders, fighting for water and sewer, how interest rates and timing can squeeze a project, and why conservative underwriting matters. Justin breaks down occupancy reality (including the logic behind modelling closer to 35%), the importance of weekday demand, and how ancillary revenue can change the revenue strategy for high-amenity resorts. We also cover events that sell, partnering with charities, and Justin’s next moves, from modular housing ideas to sourcing commercial-grade solar lighting and supplies directly. If you care about glamping resort development, RV park operations, feasibility, occupancy strategy, and building a place guests talk about long after checkout, hit subscribe, share this with a builder or operator you know, and leave us a review. What would you prioritise first: more units, or better amenities?We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailNick Purslow returns with an update on Posh Outdoors and their latest partnership with Lagom Retreat.  Connor & Nick compare what is working right now to launch and market boutique outdoor resorts. We swap real numbers, real trade-offs, and the details behind filling high-ADR cabins through video, paid ads, reviews, and distribution. • Posh Outdoors revenue share partnerships with landowners and modular unit deployment • Skyridge performance as proof of concept and why operator quality drives reviews • Lagom Retreat marketing takeover and what “brand” looks like on the ground • Clear Summit Investments and what asset management looks like in outdoor hospitality • Ponderosa Pines Resort launch strategy including product story and honest positioning • LaunchBoom style VIP deposits to pre-sell bookings and validate demand • Video-first social strategy for Instagram Reels and TikTok plus repurposing into paid ads • Influencer collaborations including local fit, admin burden, and how to de-risk outcomes • Email capture and welcome flows that convert interest into bookings • SEO, AI search, Google paid search, and why reviews matter more than ever • Review generation systems using QR codes, post-stay texts, and service recovery • OTAs versus direct booking, plus tools to capture guest data and sell upsells If you're an accredited investor looking to put $50,000 plus to work in Posh Outdoors you can reach out to Nick at [email protected]. We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailYou can learn a lot about outdoor hospitality from spreadsheets and site plans, but you learn the truth from the people who have carried the radio, calmed the queue, and still found a way to make the day feel fun. I’m joined by Lisa Courtney, VP of Operations and Sales at Camp Jellystone, and her career story starts in the most Jellystone way possible: stepping into a character suit and running recreation programming before working her way up to general manager and, later, brand leadership.We get real about what campground management and RV resort operations demand, especially in year-round parks where staffing is tight and standards are high. Lisa shares what burnout looked like for her, how she thinks about boundaries now, and why “it’s okay to make mistakes” only works if you actually fix what you learn. We also unpack the simplest lever leaders control every day: culture. When a team feels supported and aligned, guests feel it immediately, and the guest experience becomes consistent rather than accidental.From there, we zoom out to Camp Jellystone’s franchise model and how the industry has shifted since Covid: consolidation, more multi-park operators, third-party management, and the challenge of serving owners with very different systems. We talk seasonal versus transient mix, ancillary revenue, changing booking windows, and the rising cost of glamping cabins and other lodging. Lisa’s north star is clear: reduce friction points, elevate the experience, and create memory-driving stays that bring families back year after year.If you care about campground leadership, guest experience, glamping strategy, or franchise growth in outdoor hospitality, press play. Subscribe, share the episode with a fellow operator, and leave us a review with the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the ground.We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailThere are 10+ marketing and advertising channels which should you invest in? We break down a practical, trackable way to drive more direct bookings for outdoor hospitality using better creative, Meta ads, landing pages and email nurture. We also share what we have learned the hard way about OTAs, influencer marketing, pixels, and where AI can genuinely help operators and marketing teams. • prioritising high-quality video content over higher ad spend • treating Meta creative as the main driver of performance • allocating launch budget towards content creation and Meta ads • weighing influencer “exposure” against trackable paid social ROI • deciding when Google Ads and SEO are worth it for a property • building a direct booking funnel with landing pages and email capture • using Meta Pixel and conversion events to optimise for bookings • creating clearer customer avatars and committing to one niche • understanding creative volume and stage-based ads after Andromeda • benchmarking cost per booking against OTA commissions • using StayFi to capture guest details and enable upsells • applying AI for property knowledge bases, concierge replies and pricing ideas Learn more or book a call at hiddengem.media Follow @dustindeanbaker and @hiddengem.staysWe work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we mix things up a bit and sit down with two leading voices in outdoor hospitality (Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality and Wendy Heineke of Hospitality Across America) to bust some of the most common myths in the industry.From “Pretty Is Enough” to “Set It and Forget It” pricing, this episode breaks down what actually drives repeat stays, maximized revenue, and stronger profitability across the RV resort and glamping industry.Here’s a breakdown of the myths discussed in the episode:1. A Beautiful Property is Enough 2. If You Build It, They Will Come 3. Glamping is Just a Trend 4. Outdoor Hospitality is Recession-Proof 5. Glamping Guests are all Millennials chasing Instagram Shots 6. I'll Just Find Ways to Reduce Construction Costs to Make it Feasible 7. Pricing Should Stay Consistent Year-Round 8. It Runs Itself once it's Built 9. Online Booking Platforms Handle all your Marketing 10. Five-Star Reviews Mean You're Doing Everything Right 11. It's Easier to Run a Small Resort than a Large OneWe work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailHear from Jasper Ribbers the founder of the industry leading 'Get Paid for your Pad' Podcast and the founder of Freewyld Foundry revenue management firmDeep Dive: hear the quickest gains via smart revenue management hacks. Jasper Rivers shares a practical framework for dynamic pricing, pacing, and AI so operators can stop guessing and start making deliberate decisions. • how do you know if your pricing your rooms too high? or too low?• revenue management as pricing plus bookability levers like cancellations, minimum stays, and calendar settings • why “set and forget” pricing tools can fail without the right parameters and regular review • ADR times occupancy as the core revenue equation, and why high occupancy can be a warning sign • booking window thinking, last-minute discount behaviour, and how to get ahead of the market • pacing against market occupancy to spot underpricing or overpricing earlier • balancing higher ADR with strong reviews through expectations and on-the-ground service • where AI helps most right now in revenue management workflows, forecasting and internal tools • what makes properties win in 2026?• amenity ROI with maintenance realities, including low-cost wellness ideas Guest Links:Jasper Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/Jasper Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jasper.ribbers/Jaspers Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Get-Paid-Your-Pad-Maximize-ebook/dp/B00MXSLEIO?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1Freewyld Foundry Website:  freewildfoundry.com Freewyld Idyllwild Website:  https://freewyld.com/We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Sarah Dusek to explore how a six-suite, five-star safari lodge can fund rewilding, restore soils, and open access to wilderness without compromising design, comfort, or values. We trace the path from Under Canvas to Few and Far, and dig into pricing, inclusion, funding, and carbon goals.• glamping origins and the leap from under canvas to few and far• operational headwinds, capital stacks, and industry maturity• designing hybrid cliff suites with locally milled eucalyptus• biodiversity of the soutpansberg and rewilding vision• low-volume guiding and authentic wildlife experiences• pricing model and nature has no price tag access• sustainability as the floor, regeneration as the aim• soil health, carbon sequestration, and fence removal• the three ps framework for long-term balance• scaling plans across 100,000 hectares by 2030• curated global trips and independent hotel partners• teams, grit, and staying power in tough markets• ai for speed and personalization without losing human touchSarah's websites: fewandfarluvhondo.comfandftravel.comNewbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Send us Fan MailHilton Grand Vacations COO Gordon Gurnik shares about modern timeshares, perks, and partnerships to unlock cabins, yurts, and city condos while leaning hard into outdoor experiences. We explore unit economics, brand tiers, and why localisation and distribution decide the winners.• Outdoor investment partnerships like Big Cedar with Bass Pro Shop• HGV’s evolution from deeded weeks to flexible points • Member-only experiences from concerts to LPGA events • Outdoor expansion with cabins, yurts, RV pads, tiny homes • Build vs buy strategy and local design standards • Inventory mix, rental channels, and Hilton distribution • Operational maths of towers vs spread-out assets • Amenities that matter: pools, hot tubs, pickleball, wellness • Japan growth story and Asia gateway dynamics • Advice for independents: differentiate or partner for scaleIf somebody's got a unique thing and they're looking for a little power, distribution and a broader network, we're always happy to talk. Reach out to [email protected] - newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Storable Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Storable Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Storable Newbook Signature subscriptions only.Newbook - www.newbook.cloudInterested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.