by Diann Turner | Aug 14, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Technology continues to reshape hospitality, but the personal connections that make guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for remain just as important.
In this episode, Lucy Lewand, a hospitality consultant with Happy Hospitality Solutions, draws on more than 40 years in hospitality to explore the human side of the guest experience. She shares ways to create meaningful interactions throughout the guest lifecycle for maintaining the human connection.
We are very thankful to Lucy for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Happy Hospitality Solutions at happyhospitalitysolutions.com.
by Steve Short | Jul 9, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Finding the right financing can make the difference between growing your business and missing new opportunities.
In this episode, Michael Oppel, Vice President and Loan Officer at Stone Bank, discusses government-guaranteed loan programs for independent lodging businesses, including SBA and USDA financing.
He explains which options are best suited for acquisitions, renovations, expansions, and new revenue-generating projects, while sharing common borrowing mistakes, the importance of a strong business plan, and practical tips for securing financing.
We are very thankful to Michael for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Stone Bank at stonebank.com.
by Steve Short | Jun 11, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Building a successful lodging business requires more than great operations. It also requires a clear vision, authentic branding, and a long-term strategy.
In this episode, Monique Greenwood, owner of the Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns, shares lessons from more than 30 years in the lodging industry, including branding, authenticity, digital marketing, and building a lasting business.
We are very thankful to Monique for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns at akwaaba.com.
by Steve Short | May 7, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
As travelers shift from traditional search to AI powered discovery, innkeepers need new ways to stay visible.
In this episode, Mike Lannen, Founder and AI Whisperer of Eternity, discusses how guest search behavior is changing and why GEO is becoming more important alongside SEO.
He shares practical ways properties can optimize their websites for AI search, answer guest questions more clearly, update third party profiles, and track how often they appear in AI driven results.
We are very thankful to Mike for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Eternity at eternitymarketing.com.
by Steve Short | Apr 9, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
For innkeepers juggling endless tasks, AI can be a practical tool for bringing more clarity, organization, and efficiency to the day.
Liz Hamilton, founder of Maia Internet Consulting, discusses how independent lodging operators can use AI to streamline operations, sharpen their thinking, and save time. She shares practical ideas for writing better prompts, using AI as a thinking partner, organizing tasks and meetings, and finding quick wins that make everything easier.
We are very thankful to Liz for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Maia Internet Consulting at maiainternetconsulting.com.
