by Steve Short | Oct 9, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Finding ways to differentiate your property can help turn an inn from simply a place to stay into a destination.
In this episode, Bruce and Emily Haupt, owners of The Landgrove Inn, Restaurant & Studio, share how they are bringing fresh ideas to a historic Vermont inn. They discuss modernizing operations, expanding its successful art program, and using unique experiences and partnerships to drive demand and differentiate the property.
We are very thankful to Bruce and Emily for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about The Landgrove Inn, Restaurant & Studio at thelandgrove.com.
by Steve Short | Sep 11, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Great hospitality is about more than getting everything right. It is also about how innkeepers and their teams respond when things do not go according to plan.
In this episode, hospitality consultant Samantha Irwin, author of The Warm Cookie Effect: The Secret to Standout Hospitality, shares lessons from her experience revitalizing a historic hotel. She discusses building the right team, strengthening guest loyalty and turning mistakes into opportunities to create better guest experiences.
We are very thankful to Samantha for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Samantha at kaizen.zone.
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.
