Frictionless Innkeeper podcast

34:29

For many innkeepers, work-life balance can feel out of reach. Long hours, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of wearing all the hats takes a toll on both business performance and personal wellbeing. That’s why simplifying operations isn’t just good business – it’s essential to building a more fulfilling life. In this episode, Rebecca Gallagher, Founder of hozperity, discusses how she helps independent lodging owners streamline operations, improve profitability, and reclaim their time. We are very thankful to Rebecca for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about hozperity at hozperity.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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079: Local Love: Travelers are Shifting Toward Unique, Family-Owned Stays 37:01

5 weeks ago37:01

37:01

The quiet luxury trend that took off in 2024, where travelers sought more meaningful and authentic experiences, is shifting in 2025. This year, guests are choosing family-owned lodging for the warmth, connection, and comfort it offers. Family-owned, independent properties are in a perfect position to meet this demand by creating stays that feel like home. In this episode, Mandy Murry, founder of Hospitality Concierge, discusses how small stays can deliver these high-touch experiences. She also shares her “Undercover Boss”-style approach to consulting and the other trends she’s seeing across the industry. We’re grateful to Mandy for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Hospitality Concierge at thehospitalityconcierge.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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078: Increase Margins Through Direct Bookings 42:39

9 weeks ago42:39

42:39

For independent lodging operators, direct bookings are the ultimate goal. Yet, many struggle with optimizing their online presence to achieve this. Tarun Goyal, Founder & CEO of Simplotel, discusses how their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are helping over 3,000 hotels worldwide improve their booking processes and maximize direct reservations. Now expanding into North America, Simplotel offers independent properties a better way to increase margins, reduce OTA reliance, and enhance the guest booking experience. We are very thankful to Tarun for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Simplotel at simplotel.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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077: What to Do (and Not Do) Marketing-Wise When Selling a Property 41:19

13 weeks ago41:19

41:19

Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked -- marketing. Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this boost your revenue, but it can also significantly enhance your property's overall market value. We are very thankful to Chris for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about White Stone Brokers at whitestonebrokers.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the 2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO 28:23

15 weeks ago28:23

28:23

What do the Kentucky Derby, hand-crafted bourbon, southern charm, a vibrant culture of arts, cuisine, and independent lodging all have in common? Louisville, Kentucky -- the host city of the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace taking place March 24–27. Sarah Gazi, ALP CEO, provides a preview of what to expect at this year’s conference, which will host 50 educational sessions and lots of southern-themed networking and fun. We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace at alplodging.org/conference-marketplace. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions 42:49

17 weeks ago42:49

42:49

Centralized online marketing tools are increasingly essential for independent lodging professionals, allowing innkeepers to focus more on their daily operations. Data Bing consolidates all marketing efforts and provides robust insights to make better decisions that drive more bookings. Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing, shares how this solution can optimize your online marketing. We are very thankful to Matt for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Data Bing at databingsolutions.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing 43:56

23 weeks ago43:56

43:56

Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing challenges for the independent lodging sector, highlighting the need for property owners to safeguard their data. The right payment processing solutions can help innkeepers save money, streamline operations, and protect sensitive information. Wynn Salisch, Founder of Casablanca Payments, shares insights on payment processing and cyber hygiene. We are very thankful to Wynn for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Casablanca Payments at mpiprocessing.com/wynn-salisch-casablanca-payments. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs 34:59

27 weeks ago34:59

34:59

As the newly rebranded Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) continues to expand in the region and provide marketing value for its members, the organization is about to kick off its annual conference. Taking place December 3rd to 5th in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns Conference & Trade Show will gather industry experts, vendor partners, and other innkeepers to explore issues, challenges, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience. We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights about the conference with us. You can learn more about the MWInns at mwinns.com . You can also register to attend the conference at mwinns-conference-trade-show . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to Successful Urban Property 32:35

30 weeks ago32:35

32:35

In 2004, when Julie McAferty and her husband Blayne purchased a 1920s-era home in Seattle, WA they did not anticipate the obstacles that they would encounter. From facing cease-and-desist orders to navigating changes in local laws, their perseverance and advocacy for the lodging industry were key to their triumphs. Overcoming these obstacles early on, helped them master a strategic approach to running their business. As urban lodging owners, it soon became apparent that providing guests with personalized recommendations to local attractions was essential for creating memorable guest experiences. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how perseverance, local expertise, and advocacy can drive success in the ever-changing world of hospitality. You can learn more about the Greenlake Guest House at greenlakeguesthouse.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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071: Simplify, Connect, Grow: One B&B Owner’s Secret to Success 38:09

32 weeks ago38:09

38:09

The challenges of independent lodging professionals can be overwhelming. Sometimes innkeepers need to be reminded to simplify their approach and connect more effectively with guests in order to grow. Jan Smith, owner of Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House, shares how she has transformed her business by improving the experience of her guests, streamlining operations, and building stronger relationships with local businesses. We are very thankful to Jan for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House at maplecovebandb.com .…

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070: Protect Your Lodging Business - Insurance Essentials 44:59

36 weeks ago44:59

44:59

In today’s uncertain world, the need for lodging insurance has become more critical for property owners. Though, lodging insurance is not always black and white. There are many often-unknown liabilities to consider. Thankfully, Mitch Pies of the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency, which is part of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality, can provide the right insurance policy to protect your property and business. We are very thankful to Mitch for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency at lodgeandinninsurance.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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069: Top Strategies to Boost Your Property's Value 49:34

40 weeks ago49:34

49:34

Whether you just bought a property or are looking to sell one, innkeepers should always focus on enhancing the value of their properties. Enhancing value is a critical component of any business strategy for independent lodging owners – and it is a continual process, as highlighted by Marilyn Bushnell and Chuck Anderson of Marilyn Bushnell & Associates. We are very thankful to Marilyn and Chuck for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about Marilyn Bushnell & Associates at marilynbushnell.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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068: Richard Aday, CEO of ThinkReservations 46:20

46 weeks ago46:20

46:20

ThinkReservations, led by CEO Richard Aday, acquired Acorn Marketing in April 2024, and proceeded to launch its latest major offering, ThinkWeb, soon thereafter. Making a major acquisition and launching a new product around the same time required strong leadership to help ensure its success. Richard discusses the Acorn acquisition, ThinkWeb launch, and the challenges of leading the combined teams toward his vision of the future. We are very thankful to Richard for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about ThinkReservations at thinkreservations.com. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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067: State/Regional Spotlight: Midwest Association of Independent Inns 44:28

48 weeks ago44:28

44:28

For state independent lodging associations to thrive, there’s a need to be nimble and continually provide value to their members. The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association recently rebranded itself as the Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) to expand its market to 13 Midwest states. MWInns also focuses more on marketing the region and offering property listings for travelers to book their stays. We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about the Midwest Association of Independent Inns at mwinns.com . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com .…

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066: From Anthropology to High-Quality American Made Bedding and Linens 33:28

52 weeks ago33:28