Think great marketing is only for big hotels with big budgets? Think again.

In this episode, we talk with Steph Weber, a marketing and branding expert who helps boutique hotel and STR owners drive direct bookings. She breaks down how she finds her audience, tells a compelling brand story, and uses limited resources to drive big results.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify your property’s unique selling points
• Simple marketing strategies that work for small hotels and inns
• Why guest experience is your most powerful marketing tool

The mindset shift from “just filling rooms” to building a brand
If you want your property to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation will show you how to do it without wasting money.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Steph

Steph Weber is a branding strategist, marketing expert, and founder of The Weber Co., where she helps short-term rental owners, boutique hotels, and micro-resorts build memorable brands that drive direct bookings. With over a decade of experience and a track record of helping 100+ businesses scale to six and seven figures, Steph blends creative storytelling with data-driven strategies to increase guest loyalty and revenue. She also owns Cabins on the Cumberland, a 12-cabin, 9-acre riverfront micro-resort in Kentucky, giving her a unique, real-world perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive hospitality market. Through her agency, podcast, and own hosting experience, Steph empowers property owners to position their brands for higher rates, repeat guests, and long-term success.

Connect with Steph

Instagram: @stephnweber, @cabinsonthecumberland & @theweberco

Websites: www.theweberco.com and www.cabinsonthecumberland.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephweberbrandcoach

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Think you need a perfect plan to start investing in hospitality? Think again.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Mueller, an everyday investor who went from zero experience and a failed multifamily deal to buying a $250K roadside motel and building a growing hospitality portfolio. He didn’t have a background in hotels, didn’t have much of a strategy, and still made it work through pure action, problem-solving, and a willingness to pivot.

You’ll learn:

• Why taking action beats waiting for the “perfect” plan
• How Jonathan raised $300K in 72 hours to close his RV park deal
• The pros and cons of buying motels vs RV parks as a beginner
• What to look for in seller financing and SBA loan terms
• Why chasing “shiny objects” can actually help you find your path

Whether you’re just getting started or stuck overthinking your first deal, this episode shows how to take imperfect action and learn as you go.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Jonathan:

Jonathan Mueller is a real estate investor and hospitality entrepreneur transforming neglected motels and campgrounds into vibrant community destinations. Alongside his family, he owns and operates two renovated motels and a 70-acre RV park, Camp Forest Haven, blending hands-on renovation with a guest-first approach. His journey from spotting opportunities on a casual drive to scaling multiple hospitality assets offers actionable lessons in sweat equity, creative repositioning, and building community-focused spaces that truly stand out.

Connect with Jonathan:

Website: https://campforesthaven.com/

Instagram: @mister_mox and @camp.forest.haven

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Is your marketing helping your hotel or just draining your budget?

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Chiaravallo, founder of Vallo Media, who has managed over $100M in ad spend for brands like Nike, Resorts World, and boutique hotels across the country. Whether you're trying to fill beds or scale a brand, Anthony breaks down how to think about hotel marketing in a way that actually drives bookings.

You’ll learn:

• How to build a full-funnel strategy that drives real bookings
• What makes a great marketing agency vs a waste of money
• How to know if your hotel is ready for paid ads
• The minimum spend and timeline you need to see real results
• The path to 3x Return On Ad Spend

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by digital marketing, this episode simplifies what matters.

Review and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Anthony:

Anthony Chiaravallo is the founder and CEO of Vallo Media, a performance marketing agency that has overseen more than $100 million in paid media spend for clients ranging from Fortune 500 brands to hospitality startups. With over 16 years of experience in integrated media, Anthony specializes in data-driven strategies across paid social, search, programmatic, and influencer marketing. He’s a member of the Forbes Agency Council and a recognized thought leader featured in outlets like Forbes, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. His work focuses on helping brands scale revenue through measurable, omnichannel marketing.

Connect with Anthony:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonychiaravallo/

Website: https://www.vallomedia.com/

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Ever wondered how people raise millions to buy real estate without using their own money?

In this episode, Desiree Doubrox breaks down the world of syndication and how she built an eight-figure fund while empowering hundreds of others to do the same. Whether you're new to investing or ready to raise capital for your first deal, this conversation simplifies the path to building generational wealth.

You’ll learn:

• What syndication really is and how it applies beyond real estate
• How to gain credibility even if you’re brand new
• Why experienced operators want to partner with beginners
• The right mindset for raising capital
• How to structure your first deal (and avoid legal pitfalls)

If you want to master the skill of using other people’s money to build lasting wealth, this is the episode to start with.

Follow and share The Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Desiree

Desiree Doubrox is a seasoned real estate investor, broker, and syndicator with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is the founder and CEO of HomWork, a co-living and co-working platform designed for professional women and remote workers. Through her $10 million fund partnership with Outsite, she’s scaling lifestyle-driven properties that combine community, productivity, and passive income. Desiree is also an educator, hosting workshops like “Syndications Simplified” to empower others, especially women, to build wealth through collaborative real estate investing.

Connect with Desiree

Email: desiree@homwork.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireedoubrox/

Website: https://www.homwork.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homworklive/

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Instead of chasing bookings, the founders behind Bolt Farm Treehouse create an obsession amongst their guests, and they do it with love at the center of everything. Their hospitality business heals relationships, attracts top-tier employees, and doesn't require the use of OTAs

In this episode, Seth and Tori Bolt break their iconic hospitality business where luxury stays meet emotional transformation.

You’ll hear:

• How to design experiences that emotionally move your guests
• Why 100% of their bookings are direct, and how to do the same
• How they built a performance-based team culture rooted in love
• How they use AI to automate grunt work and scale high-touch moments
• Why their recruiting funnel brings in 12,000+ applicants a year

This episode is your blueprint for turning a stay into a movement.

About Seth & Tori

Bolt Farm Treehouse is a luxury adults-only mountaintop retreat founded by Seth and Tori Bolt, born from their honeymoon treehouse and built into an eight-figure hospitality brand. Nestled in Tennessee, the retreat offers high-end domes, mirror cabins, and treehouses designed for romance, reconnection, and escape into nature. Known for their viral marketing, soulful storytelling, and sustainable mission, Seth and Tori have created more than just a destination—they’ve crafted an experience that’s redefining luxury in the wild. Each stay supports tree-planting efforts and is packed with intentional design, curated moments, and heartfelt hospitality.

Connect with Seth & Tori

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bolt-73061790/

Website: https://www.boltfarmtreehouse.com/

IG: @toribolt & @boltfarmtreehouse

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Thinking about buying or operating a hotel, but not sure where to start?

Sujay Mehta built a $187M hospitality portfolio by betting on himself, starting lean, and learning through execution. In this episode, he breaks down what most people get wrong about hotel investing and how you can start smarter.

You’ll learn:

• How to determine which hotel brand fits a deal best
• How the “Mamba Mentality” shaped his risk tolerance and execution
• What he learned by making his first deal a ground-up development
• Whether a boutique hotel can compete with Hilton in your market
• How to add real value to a flagged hotel without a massive reno
• Why throwing away bacon could cost you $1M+ at exit
• The case for self-management vs hiring a third-party operator

Whether you're analyzing your first hotel deal or looking to scale your portfolio, this one’s packed with tactical insights and real-world lessons.

About Sujay

Sujay Mehta is a hotel entrepreneur and real estate investor who built a $187M+ hospitality portfolio before turning 30. A former cancer researcher turned founder, Sujay leads Bloom Ventures—a Columbus-based investment firm focused on boutique and branded hotel development, ground-up builds, and value-add repositioning. He’s known for his creative capital strategies, operational insight, and commitment to hospitality with purpose. Through content, syndications, and strategic partnerships, Sujay helps others scale in the hotel space while staying grounded in family and mission.

Connect with Sujay

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujay-mehta-b80411142/

Website: https://bloom.ventures/ & https://www.kafafinancial.com/

Instagram: @sujmehta , @kafafinancial & @hotelinvestoracademy

Have a deal? Send it to us here:

https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/28iLM67xiWWNkekg8ONt

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

What does it take to build a successful hospitality business in a small rural town, with no outside investors? Dave Cook, founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire, walks us through his journey from hostel volunteer to hostel owner.

We dive into:

• How he used sweat equity and personal savings to convert an old chicken coop into a thriving hostel
• His research process on demand, shared economy trends, and local recreation patterns
• The hidden cost of rural hospitality: zoning, septic, ADA, fire codes, and more
• How he fills beds year-round in a seasonal market
• The emotional toll and personal sacrifices that come with being a first-time hospitality operator
• His long-term outlook on scaling, balance, and defining success on your terms

Whether you're dreaming of opening a hostel or just curious about rural hospitality investing, this one’s packed with hard-earned lessons.

About Dave

Dave is the founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire—a community-driven basecamp for climbers and adventurers, built from the ground up (literally, from a chicken coop). With over a decade of experience in hospitality, climbing gyms, and youth programming, he brings heart and intention to every guest experience. He's also a passionate advocate for access and stewardship, serving as a board member for the Rumney Climbers Association and a Ski Kind ambassador. Follow along as we dig into the journey behind Barn Door and the spirit of adventure it inspires.

Connect with Dave

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefrombarndoorhostel/

Website: https://www.barndoorhostel.com/

Instagram: @barndoorhostel

Have a deal? Send it to us here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/28iLM67xiWWNkekg8ONt

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Today’s guest bought a roadside motel in a town of 900 people and turned it into a thriving hospitality brand.

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Mike and Nate sit down with Austin Phippen, a 26‑year‑old owner of Chama Trails Motel, a portfolio of 12 short-term rentals and a scenic wedding venue in Chama, New Mexico.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• The “Motel Hack” mindset: How Austin got in with seller financing and turned the motel into both home and business
• Scaling without overbuilding: Why he ran it “as-is” in year one and focused on reviews before renovations
• Bundling to build a team: How combining the motel, STRs, and a venue created enough revenue for full staffing
• Remote operations, done right: What you must know before investing in a rural town you don’t live in
• Marketing that works: Why Google reviews and great operations now drive over 85% of bookings directly

If you’re serious about hospitality investing, especially in rural or seasonal markets, this episode is a must-listen masterclass in bootstrapping, brand-building, and sustainable growth.

About Austin

Austin and Karlee Phippen are the powerhouse couple behind Turquoise Antler Hospitality, a growing portfolio of boutique rentals, a 16-room motel, and a stunning wedding venue in Chama, New Mexico. Since launching in 2019, they've transformed a small-town motel into a thriving hospitality brand with a team of 20 and over a dozen co-hosted properties. With Austin’s background in construction and Karlee’s roots in hospitality, they’ve created unique stays that blend rustic charm with modern comfort. In this episode, they share how they scaled their business, built community partnerships, and navigated the wild world of rural hospitality.

Connect with Austin

Email: austin@turquoiseantler.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-phippen-730569124/

Instagram: @chamavacationrentals and @phippenout

Website: https://chamavacationrentals.com/

Have a deal? Send it to us here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/28iLM67xiWWNkekg8ONt

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com