Best Bryan Wolff Podcasts (2024)

1
The Future of Unique Hospitality - Round Table with Ben Wolff, Isaac French and Zach Busekrus 1:20:04

22h ago1:20:04

1:20:04

Today's episode is a special co-production with the "Behind the Stays" Podcast. Zach Busekrus and I were joined by two of the biggest names in the unique hospitality space, Ben Wolff and Isaac French. You'll learn why their philosophy is "build less, spend more"; why Ben is betting big on wellness; and how their approaches to scale differ. Subscrib…

1
The Glampground with a 94% Occupancy Rate, Celebrity Clientele and a Netflix Show 1:20:46

8d ago1:20:46

1:20:46

With daily rates of $800+ per night and near-100% occupancy, Bolt Farm Treehouse is arguably the most successful independent glamping business in North America. Tori Bolt, one half of the husband-wife founding team at Bolt Farm, joins us to pull the curtain back on how they reached these heady heights. Topics covered include the secret to rave gues…

1
From Getaway to Nude Campsites - The Story of Topos Ventures 1:17:40

15d ago1:17:40

1:17:40

There's a growing class of glamping consultants that cut their teeth at the venture-backed brands like Getaway (now Postcard Cabins) and AutoCamp. The experiences they gained from scaling high-end hospitality quickly equipped them with a wide range of skills that they take into client projects today. Samuel Morton and Nico Turek from Topos Ventures…

1
What's the Most Popular Glamping Unit? - Data Deep Dive With Shari Heilala 1:09:44

29d ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Connor's boss joins us on the pod this week! Shari Heilala is the Founder of Sage Outdoor Advisory, the leading provider of feasibility studies in the glamping space. Sage have been collecting data on the American glamping industry for years now, and they presented their 2024 findings at the Glamping Show in Denver earlier this month. Shari joins u…

1
How the glamping industry is evolving; how to choose the right form of capital; and how to prepare for a recession - Bryan Auchterlonie (Destination Capital) 1:13:09

1M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

Bryan Auchterlonie is one of the most knowledgeable people in the outdoor hospitality space when it comes to capital. Through his firm, Destination Capital, he's worked with some of the biggest players in glamping, including Under Canvas, AutoCamp and KSL. He joins us on the pod to discuss everything from picking the right form of capital to his fa…

1
Why Nature Is Everything; How to Listen to Your Guests; and Bootstrapping a Glamping Startup - Blake Smith and Bygnal Dutson 1:43:11

2M ago1:43:11

1:43:11

In what's rapidly becoming our favorite episode format, two of the best operators in the business join Nick and Connor in a wide-ranging, round-table glamping discussion. Blake Smith of Walden Retreats and Bygnal Dutson of Open Sky never disappoint when they're on the pod, and today is no exception. Links: Posh Outdoors Schedule a call re Posh Outd…

1
Gay Glamping! How Campit Resort Became an LGBTQ+ Haven 49:16

2M ago49:16

49:16

We love niche concepts at The Unique Hospitality Podcast, and this week we were delighted to talk LGBTQ+ hospitality with Randy Henry, Ops Manager at Campit Resort in Saugatuck. Campit is a campground that caters specifically (but not exclusively) to the LGBTQ+ community. As well as discussing why this is important, we covered separate issues such …

1
Meet the Guy Who Builds Hotels for Rockstars 56:25

2M ago56:25

56:25

Mike Baxter loves three things: hotels, rock 'n' roll, and partying. That's what led to the creation of House of Gods, a completely immersive rockstar hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. In a wide-ranging conversation applicable to all hospitality operators, we discuss how to create a completely immersive experience for your guests; some cool ideas fo…

1
Common Traits of Projects That Get Funded (3 Case Studies) 1:31:08

2M ago1:31:08

1:31:08

Nick Parker (Live Oak Bank) returns to the pod! He and Connor have worked on many hospitality projects together, and they have the inside track on the operators that get funding for the unique hospitality developments. You won't be surprised to learn that there are plenty of common traits among the most successful. We break down three projects that…

1
Glamping Design Secrets From Autocamp's Former Senior Design Director 1:30:29

2M ago1:30:29

1:30:29

AutoCamp is one of the world's biggest glamping brands. After starting small with their first Santa Barbara location in 2013, their growth rate exploded following a $115 million investment from Whitman Peterson, a private equity firm, in 2019. Will Spurzem joined the company as Senior Design Director that same year, and he was the design genius beh…

1
How Unreasonable Hospitality Can Transform Your Glamping Business (Book Club Episode 1) 1:14:28

3M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Unreasonable Hospitality is a bestselling book by world-leading restauranteur, Will Guidara. Guidara found fame and fortune through Eleven Madison Park, his high-end New York restaurant that would go on to win 3 Michelin Stars and multiple James Beard awards. In the book, Guidara distils the principles of Unreasonable Hospitality, which is his uniq…

1
Hands-On vs Hands-Off Hospitality - Ben Wolff and Irene Wood Debate 55:31

3M ago55:31

55:31

Ben Wolff and Irene Wood are two of the most successful entrepreneurs in the boutique glamping / unique stay space. Despite their similar results, their models of hospitality couldn't be more different. At Onera (Ben's landscape hotel), guests won't see any on-site staff for the duration of their stay. It's all about that privacy and seclusion. At …

1
Why We're Bullish About Glamping; The Hottest Short-Term Rental Markets; and How to Get Your Next Great Hospitality Idea - Zach Busekrus 54:17

3M ago54:17

54:17

Unique stay aficionado, Zach Busekrus, is back on the Unique Hospitality Podcast! This week, we discuss the coolest unique stays Zach has come across; why nature gives glamping the edge over hotels; which parts of the US are experiencing a short-term rental boom, and much, much more. Links Invest in Posh Outdoors Glampitect North America Auberge Re…

1
From Champagne Buttons to Gatorade at Dinner - The Coolest Shit We've Seen In the Industry 1:09:03

3M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

A "bring me my champagne" button; zorb balling through Chinatown, and serving Gatorade at dinner. Get your creative hat on, as our aim this week is to give you your next great idea for your unique hospitality business. Nick and Connor are joined by friend of the podcast, Jacob Halverson, to discuss some of the "cool shit" we've seen or done in the …

1
What Sets Apart the Top 5% of Operators? (P.S. We've Revamped the Podcast) 1:10:00

4M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Welcome to the first episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, formerly known as The Start A Glamping Business Podcast! We've revamped the format, with fewer interviews and more deep discussion on the important issues, ideas and challenges in glamping and unique hospitality. You'll hear more from previous guests that have provided the most value, …

1
Special Episode Part 2 - The Most Important Lessons from 75 Episodes of the Podcast 32:05

4M ago32:05

32:05

Welcome to Part 2 of the most important episode we've ever recorded. To celebrate recording 75 episodes of The Start A Glamping Business Podcast, Nick was grilled by regular co-host, Connor Schwab, on the most important lessons he's learned from interviewing dozens of successful glamping operators. It's a must-listen for any prospective glamping op…

1
Special Episode Part 1 - The Most Important Lessons from 75 Episodes of the Podcast 47:01

4M ago47:01

47:01

Welcome to Part 1 of the most important episode we've ever recorded. To celebrate recording 75 episodes of The Start A Glamping Business Podcast, Nick was grilled by regular co-host, Connor Schwab, on the most important lessons he's learned from interviewing dozens of successful glamping operators. It's a must-listen for any prospective glamping op…

1
From Building a Playhouse for Steph Curry's Kids to Owning a Magical Glamping Resort 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

Tyson Leavitt made his name in a Netflix show where he built a playhouse for Steph Curry's kids, but his best creative work has come at Charmed Resorts, a magical glamping escape in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Charmed Resorts is truly a one-of-a-kind site that has to be seen to believed. Tune in to hear the story of how it happened. Wanted to invest i…

1
The Secrets Behind a Netflix-Featured Glampground 42:52

5M ago42:52

42:52

Bolt Farm Treehouse is one of the best-loved and most successful glamping businesses in North America. This Tennessee glampground offers a spectacular guest experience and is reaping the rewards in high daily rates and occupancy. You may also know them from their appearance on Netflix's "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals". This week, we're …

1
How to Build a Glamping Brand From Scratch 50:57

5M ago50:57

50:57

Kampgrounds of America is the biggest name in camping, and one of the best-known companies in North America. After decades of experience in traditional outdoor hospitality, they decided to enter the world of glamping with the launch of Terramor in Acadia, Maine. We spoke to Whitney Scott, the mastermind behind that development, to dive into how the…

1
Corrected Audio - 5 Steps to Glamping Marketing Success with Conrad O'Connell 42:27

5M ago42:27

42:27

Huge apologies - we uploaded the wrong audio file when we published this episode last week! Today's episode is a marketing masterclass from Conrad O'Connell of BuildUp Bookings. He takes us through the 5 key facets for successfully marketing a glamping business. Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outd…

1
From Luxury Hotels to a Californian Glamping Resort - How to Create a Magical Hospitality Experience 1:17:49

6M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

Today's guest is Jacob Halverson, current Experiences Manager at Bishop's Lodge (an Auberge Resort) and former General Manager of Mendocino Grove, a large glamping resort in California. Jacob is a true hospitality expert with an incredible amount of hotel and glamping operational experience, and he joins us to discuss everything from how to create …

1
Glamping Business Insurance 101 - Why You MUST Have it 28:45

6M ago28:45

28:45

Today's guest is Chris Hipple from Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance. Chris is a true expert in the field of outdoor hospitality insurance, and he explains what insurance glamping operators need, why it's important, and the consequences of overlooking this vital ingredient. Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup?…

1
How We Ran the Numbers for Our Luxury Glampground 49:17

6M ago49:17

49:17

This week, Nick and Connor are joined by Lee Pritchard, the CFO of Posh Outdoors. We discuss why Lee decided to enter the glamping revenue share game; how he ran the numbers for Posh's first project; the importance of a sensitivity analysis, and more. Though the focus of this episode is on Posh Outdoors' first project, the content will be useful fo…

1
Mirror Cabins, Mystery Boxes and Nordic Spas - Creekside RNR 30:12

7M ago30:12

30:12

Today's guest is Angele Miller from Creekside RNR in New Brunswick. She's built a beautiful glamping site on the east coast of Canada, complete with Nordic spas, yoga rooms and mystery boxes! Check out our brand new glamping startup here. Take our online glamping assessment Visit Glampitect North America's website Email Glampitect North America: co…

1
Building the Rocky Mountains' First Luxury Glamping Site 35:53

7M ago35:53

35:53

Invest in Posh Outdoors: https://wefunder.com/poshoutdoorsBy Glampitect North America

1
Building the UK's Biggest Glamping Site 38:56

7M ago38:56

38:56

This week's guest is Glampitect's original founder, Calum MacLeod. He joins us to talk about his journey from his first site on family land in 2018, to founding Glampitect, to the 59-unit megaproject he's building at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. Check out our brand new glamping startup here. Take our online glamping assess…

1
The Glamping Site Booked 18 Months In Advance 41:31

7M ago41:31

41:31

Today's guest is Derry Green from The Secret Garden Glamping in the UK. His site is booked out 18 months in advance, and he recently appeared on Dragons' Den (the UK version of Shark tank), achieving his target of raising 100,000 GBP. He gives us a marketing masterclass, predictions on the future of the industry and much more. Glampitect North Amer…

1
Introducing a FREE Glamping Course - Easy Entry to a Glamping Business with Chris Jeub 11:22

8M ago11:22

11:22

Sign up to the course (coupon code "GLAMPITECT") hereBy Glampitect North America

1
A Masterclass on Providing 5-Star Glamping Hospitality - The Fields 50:00

8M ago50:00

50:00

Today's guest is Irene Wood, owner of The Fields in South Haven, Michigan. Irene has created a beautiful glamping site that offers unrivalled guest service. Unlike many of our guests, her hospitality policy is for her and her staff to meet their guests several times throughout their stay. She talks us through the process of implementing this model,…

1
How to Create a 5-Star Glamping Experience With Bell Tents 59:16

8M ago59:16

59:16

This week's guest are Carolyn and Rob Sourek from Columbia Gorge Getaways. They talk us through how they developed their 400+ acre property, how they create a 5-star experience without charging 5-star prices, and the things they'd do differently if they could do it all over again. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of…

1
An Update On Our Glamping Development 7:00

8M ago7:00

7:00

If you're interested in investing in our glamping project, just click here to express your interest.By Glampitect North America

1
How to Run a Glamping Business in the Winter 34:39

9M ago34:39

34:39

This week's episode is a winter glamping special! Our guests are Josh Turner and Jane Rushbridge, owners of Blackstrap Glamping Resort in Saskatoon, Canada. Temperatures reach minus 50 celsius (minus 58 farenheit) in that part of the world, so we dig deep into what it takes to operate a successful glamping business in the extreme winter. Other topi…

1
The Ultimate Guide to Glampground Financing - Expert Reveals All 28:58

9M ago28:58

28:58

Today's guest is Paul Bosley from Business Finance Depot. Paul is an expert in all things glampground financing, and he walks us through the process of SBA loans, USDA loans and equipment financing. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only take…

1
The Glampground that Partnered with Matthew McConaughey 53:35

9M ago53:35

53:35

Today's guest is Blake Smith, Founder of Walden Retreats in Texas. We speak to him about how he raised the capital for his glamping project, the details of Walden Retreats' backend operations, and the partnership with Matthew McConaughey's bourbon brand that had a huge impact on his business. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glampin…

1
How to Avoid Lawsuits for Your Glampground By Following the ADA 38:47

9M ago38:47

38:47

This week's guest is Irene Jones from Marshall Sterling Insurance. Irene specializes in ADA policies and procedures for glamping, and she walks us through what the ADA is, what happens if your business doesn't follow the ADA, and what you can do to avoid fines and lawsuits. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our ow…

1
The Owner of 17 Glamping Sites Tells All - AfriCamps 36:38

10M ago36:38

36:38

Today's guest is Jeroen van Rootselar from AfriCamps. AfriCamps partner with South African landowners and provide them with tents and marketing support in return for a share of the glamping revenue. We talk to Jeroen about the Africamps experience, the pros and cons of the revenue share model and the mistakes he'd avoid making if he were to start a…

1
Guest Experience Tips from Veteran Glampers - HoneyTrek 42:18

10M ago42:18

42:18

Today's guests are Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek fame. They've been on the "World's Longest Honeymoon" since January 2012 - that's over 4,000 days! As part of their trip, they've stayed at more than 80 glamping sites across North America, and in 2019 they published "Comfortably Wild", an award-winning guidebook of the best glamping sites on the…

1
The Most Difficult Glamping Startup Journey We've Ever Seen! - Open Sky 47:02

10M ago47:02

47:02

This week's guest is Bygnal Duston, Founder of Open Sky in Zion. Open Sky is now a beautiful, successful glamping resort, but it wasn't always that way. Bygnal came across an incredible amount of obstacles on his journey, and he joins us to talk about how he navigated them. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our ow…

1
How to Construct a Glampground 47:06

10M ago47:06

47:06

This week, we interview Travis Berube of SomaBuild. He takes us through SomaBuild's five-step process to starting a glamping business, with a particular focus on choosing contractors and managing construction. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - i…

1
Wisdom From the Founder of the American Glamping Association 1:04:08

11M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

This week's guest on The Start A Glamping Business Podcast is one of the pioneers of the glamping industry. Meet Ruben Martinez, founder of Glamping Hub and the American Glamping Association, as well as media partner of the Glamping Show Americas. Ruben shares his wisdom from all three ventures, as well as common trends among successful glamping en…

1
How to Combine Glamping, Camping and RV Parks 35:39

11M ago35:39

35:39

Today's guest is Tyler Watts from Broad River Campground. Tyler has created a super-cool campground and RV park that includes geodesic domes, and it's gone spectacularly well since launch. Listen for advice on combining all three of those elements, installing septic systems, hosting holiday events and more. Glampitect North America is preparing to …

1
How to Start a Glamping Business in California 28:57

12M ago28:57

28:57

Today we're joined by Brandon and Ryen Leyva from NOMA Resort,just outside of North Fork, California. We discuss the experience they're creating; how a difficult permitting process can be beneficial for your business; and much more. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're interested in investing, just…

1
How to Build a 144-Unit Glamping Resort 28:55

12M ago28:55

28:55

This week, we're joined by Andrew Murphy and Dionis Rodriguez of Sojourner Glamping. They've recently been approved for a 144-unit glamping resort in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and they went through hell to get there! Tune in to hear tales of neighbor outrage, Facebook groups and a lawsuit on their route to getting this business off the gro…

1
How to Use Bank Loans to Fund Your Glamping Business 42:42

1y ago42:42

42:42

This week, we're joined by Nick Parker, a Loan Officer on the RV Park and Campground Lending Team at Live Oak Bank. We discuss the various ways of securing loans to fund your glamping development; green and red flags he looks out for in a loan application; and much, much more! Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our…

1
From Schoolteacher to 6-Figure Glamping Entrepreneur 44:14

1y ago44:14

44:14

This week, we spoke to Chris Jeub from Monument Glamping. Chris tells us how he went from schoolteacher to successful glamping operator, all while raising 16 (yes, that's 16) children! Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds. …

1
When Glamping Meets Silicon Valley - Lucky Arrow Retreat 36:47

1y ago36:47

36:47

This week, we interviewed Mike Paclik and Austen Trimble from Lucky Arrow Retreat in Texas. Among other things, we discussed what it takes to run a glamping resort alongside an events business, and how Austen applied his knowledge of tech to the resort. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're interest…

1
Introducing the World's First Interactive Treehouse Resort 35:28

1y ago35:28

35:28

This week we're joined by Amanda Jensen from Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. We discuss how she and her husband have built the world's first interactive treehouse resort, and how they plan to become the world's biggest treehouse resort. Glampitect North America is preparing to develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're int…

1
Interviewing the Pioneer of Glamping - Under Canvas Special Part 2 53:18

1y ago53:18

53:18

We're back with a new co-host and one of our biggest ever guests! This week, we're joined by Sarah Dusek, founder of Under Canvas and pioneer of the glamping industry in North America. Her story is an incredible one and we can't wait for you to hear it. We're also joined by friend of the podcast, Connor Schwab, who will be joining us as co-host onc…