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Explore every episode of the podcast The Unique Hospitality Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The Unique Hospitality Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
What's the Most Popular Glamping Unit? - Data Deep Dive With Shari Heilala16 Oct 202401:09:44

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 us to share the key findings, and we discuss what they might mean for your glamping project and the wider industry.

Links mentioned:

Other Links:

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)09 Oct 202401:13:09

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 favourite hospitality destinations.

Links:

From Champagne Buttons to Gatorade at Dinner - The Coolest Shit We've Seen In the Industry07 Aug 202401:09:03

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 industry, and how it might translate to your project.

We can't promise all of the ideas are sane, but it may just spark something brilliant.

Links

What Sets Apart the Top 5% of Operators? (P.S. We've Revamped the Podcast)31 Jul 202401:10:00

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, and we think this will help us uncover more gold nuggets than ever before.

For the first episode of the new format, we welcome back Bygnal Dutson of Open Sky in Zion. We discuss what's changed at Open Sky since his last appearance; what we think separates the top 5% of glamping operators from the rest; and we end up grilling Bygnal for all his guest experience secrets.

If you've not listened to an episode for a while, we suggest you give this one a chance. 

Links

Special Episode Part 2 - The Most Important Lessons from 75 Episodes of the Podcast24 Jul 202400:32:05

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 operator, and we'd love for you to share it with anyone that would find it useful.

Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

Episode references (links to Apple Podcasts, but also available on Spotify and Youtube):

Rule 7 - Accommodation Isn’t the Limit of Your Revenue

Rule 8 - The Little Touches Can Mean the Most

Rule 9 - Marketing, Marketing, Marketing

Rule 10 - It Can Be Incredibly Rewarding

Special Episode Part 1 - The Most Important Lessons from 75 Episodes of the Podcast17 Jul 202400:47:01

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 operator, and we'd love for you to share it with anyone that would find it useful.

Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

Episode references (links to Apple Podcasts, but also available on Spotify and Youtube):

Rule 1 - It’s Going to Be Hard

Rule 2 - The Results Can Be Incredible

Rule 3 - There’s No One Correct Model

Rule 4 - Don’t Neglect the Boring Stuff

Rule 5 - Housing for Seasonal Workers

Rule 6 - Community Outreach Is Vital

From Building a Playhouse for Steph Curry's Kids to Owning a Magical Glamping Resort10 Jul 202400:32:10

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 in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

The Secrets Behind a Netflix-Featured Glampground03 Jul 202400:42:52

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 joined by Nathan Woods, former Marketing Manager at Bolt Farm. He talks us through the marketing secrets behind their success, some of the coolest guest experience ideas they implemented at Bolt Farm, and what hospitality means to him.

Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

How to Build a Glamping Brand From Scratch26 Jun 202400:50:57

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 they did it and what they learnt from the process.

Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

Corrected Audio - 5 Steps to Glamping Marketing Success with Conrad O'Connell20 Jun 202400:42:27

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-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

From Luxury Hotels to a Californian Glamping Resort - How to Create a Magical Hospitality Experience31 May 202401:17:49

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 a magical hospitality experience to why you should avoid using bunk beds.

Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors, our brand new glamping startup? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

Glamping Business Insurance 101 - Why You MUST Have it22 May 202400:28:45

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? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

Why Nature Is Everything; How to Listen to Your Guests; and Bootstrapping a Glamping Startup - Blake Smith and Bygnal Dutson30 Sep 202401:43:11

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:

How We Ran the Numbers for Our Luxury Glampground13 May 202400:49:17

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 for everyone. However, for those with zero interest in Posh, you'll be pleased to know that the next few episodes will be business as usual!

Wanted to invest in Posh Outdoors? Email nick@posh-outdoors.com for more info, or visit our deal page below.

Mirror Cabins, Mystery Boxes and Nordic Spas - Creekside RNR02 May 202400:30:12

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.

Building the Rocky Mountains' First Luxury Glamping Site25 Apr 202400:35:53

Invest in Posh Outdoors: https://wefunder.com/poshoutdoors

Building the UK's Biggest Glamping Site18 Apr 202400:38:56

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.

The Glamping Site Booked 18 Months In Advance05 Apr 202400:41:31

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 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.





Introducing a FREE Glamping Course - Easy Entry to a Glamping Business with Chris Jeub01 Apr 202400:11:22

Sign up to the course (coupon code "GLAMPITECT") here

A Masterclass on Providing 5-Star Glamping Hospitality - The Fields26 Mar 202400:50:00

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, among many other discussion points.

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.

How to Create a 5-Star Glamping Experience With Bell Tents13 Mar 202400:59:16

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 our own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

An Update On Our Glamping Development06 Mar 202400:07:00

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

How to Run a Glamping Business in the Winter28 Feb 202400:34:39

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 topics of conversation include working with government agencies, influencer marketing and what it's like to start a glamping business  with your life partner.

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.

Gay Glamping! How Campit Resort Became an LGBTQ+ Haven25 Sep 202400:49:16

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 as selling branded merch to your guests and marketing to niche communities.

Remember to check your feed on Monday for the early release of next week's episode with Blake Smith and Bygnal Dutson. This is so you can listen on your way to the Glamping Show!

 Links:

The Ultimate Guide to Glampground Financing - Expert Reveals All21 Feb 202400:28:58

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 takes 30 seconds.

The Glampground that Partnered with Matthew McConaughey14 Feb 202400:53:35

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 glamping resorts of our own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

How to Avoid Lawsuits for Your Glampground By Following the ADA07 Feb 202400:38:47

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 own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

The Owner of 17 Glamping Sites Tells All - AfriCamps31 Jan 202400:36:38

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 again today.

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.

Guest Experience Tips from Veteran Glampers - HoneyTrek24 Jan 202400:42:18

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 continent.

We speak to them about the common themes across the best glamping sites; little tips and tricks to improve the guest experience; and what they would do if they were to open their own glamping site.

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.

The Most Difficult Glamping Startup Journey We've Ever Seen! - Open Sky17 Jan 202400:47:02

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 own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

How to Construct a Glampground10 Jan 202400:47:06

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 - it only takes 30 seconds.

Wisdom From the Founder of the American Glamping Association13 Dec 202301:04:08

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 entrepreneurs and the rising stars to look out for in the industry.

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.

How to Combine Glamping, Camping and RV Parks07 Dec 202300:35:39

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 develop glamping resorts of our own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

How to Start a Glamping Business in California29 Nov 202300:28:57

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 fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

Meet the Guy Who Builds Hotels for Rockstars18 Sep 202400:56:25

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 for upsells, and the bravery it takes to push ahead with a bold concept like House of Gods.

Expect a few laughs and some new ideas for your project along the way!

 Links:

How to Build a 144-Unit Glamping Resort22 Nov 202300:28:55

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 ground.

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.

How to Use Bank Loans to Fund Your Glamping Business15 Nov 202300:42:42

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 own. If you're interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

From Schoolteacher to 6-Figure Glamping Entrepreneur08 Nov 202300:44:14

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.

When Glamping Meets Silicon Valley - Lucky Arrow Retreat01 Nov 202300:36:47

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 interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

Introducing the World's First Interactive Treehouse Resort25 Oct 202300:35:28

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 interested in investing, just fill out this form - it only takes 30 seconds.

Interviewing the Pioneer of Glamping - Under Canvas Special Part 218 Oct 202300:53:18

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 once a month.

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.

Invest In Our Glamping Projects!11 Oct 202300:00:55

Click here to express interest in investing in our glamping projects

Why Has Under Canvas Been So Successful? - Under Canvas Glamping Special Part 127 Sep 202300:33:34

This week's guest is Mike Munt, a marketing and branding expert that was working with Under Canvas from day one in 2012. We all know that Under Canvas went on to become one of the biggest glamping brands in the world, and Mike shares the secrets of their success with us, with a particular focus on marketing strategy.

If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.

How to Host Events at Your Glampground20 Sep 202300:31:37

This week's guest is Shannon Jamail from the Retreat Ranch in Marble Falls, Texas. The Retreat Ranch is a property that offers glamping, retreats, weddings and other events, and is a true example of how to incorporate different activities into your glamping offering.

Discussion points include group bookings vs individual bookings; marketing tactics to generate group bookings; and how to stay sane while operating a wedding venue!
 
If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.


The One Ingredient Every Glampground MUST Have13 Sep 202300:39:50

This week, we're joined by Zach Busekrus: professional Airbnb traveler, startup founder and host of the Behind the Stays Podcast. Among other things, we cover the ONE ingredient every hospitality business must have; the learnings Zach picked up from living in Airbnbs for 18 months; and the coolest outdoor hospitality destinations in the US right now.

If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.



Common Traits of Projects That Get Funded (3 Case Studies)11 Sep 202401:31:08

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 Nick Parker and Connor have worked on, and identify the secret sauce for getting your hospitality project financed.

Links:

Glamping Industry FAQs with Woodall's Campground Magazine06 Sep 202300:34:06

This week's episode is a break from the usual format. Last week, I appeared on Woodall Campground Magazine's podcast, discuss everything from the state of the North American glamping industry, differences between the UK and US markets, and what the future holds for American glamping.

If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.



How to Introduce F&B to Your Glampground30 Aug 202300:31:39

This week's guest is John Griffiths from Outbound Kitchen, a company that specializes in implementing food and beverage programs at outdoor resorts. Learn why you should be considering F&B at your glampground, the key things you need to consider and what you should expect when implementing such a program. 

If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.

Which Social Media Channel Is Best for Your Glamping Business?23 Aug 202300:38:59

Today's guest is Nate Vietz, founder of The Content House, a content agency specializing in marketing for short-term rentals and unique stays. Nate is the guy behind some of the coolest social media campaigns in the industry, and he shares his wisdom with us to discuss the best social media channel for glamping businesses, why you need to be analytical in the social media game, and more.

If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.

How to Charge $1,000+ Per Night for Your Glamping Business16 Aug 202300:40:14

This week's guest is one of the most impressive people I've spoken to since entering the industry. Ben Wolff is the owner of Onera, an 11-unit oasis in Fredericksburg, TX, that charges over $1,000 per night in peak season. Find out how Ben created such an incredible business, the lessons he learned along the way and advice he'd give to anyone looking to emulate him.

If you own land for your glamping project AND you have a budget of over $250,000, we want to speak to you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with us.

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