If you want to learn more about the accommodation sector, you can explore Quest Apartment Hotels: https://www.questapartments.com.au

Success in motels isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about urgency, fundamentals, and relationships that stand the test of time.

In this new episode, Trudy sits with Damien and Judy Kennedy to unpack three decades of motel experience, from their first Emerald property to building and managing multiple ventures. Their journey shows why relationships, fundamentals, and urgency matter more than anything else.

◼️ How farming roots shaped their motel success

◼️ Why “relationships, relationships, relationships” is the real business model

◼️ Lessons from building, leasing, and managing across Queensland

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:23 - Introducing Damien and Judy Kennedy

00:04:39 - First Motel Purchase in Emerald

00:06:03 - Trust and Partnership in Business

00:07:04 - Importance of Customer Service

00:08:45 - Building Relationships with Guests

00:10:01 - Fundamentals of Running a Motel

00:13:16 - Financing and Building a New Motel

00:14:40 - Challenges of Managing a Motel Remotely

00:15:51 - Experience Gained Over a Decade

00:19:15 - Helping Others Enter the Motel Industry

00:20:34 - The Importance of Expertise in the Motel Business

00:22:05 - Hiring the Right Staff

00:24:12 - Decision to Buy Longreach Motor Inn

00:27:17 - Building Relationships in Longreach

00:28:29 - Improving Occupancy Rates

00:30:07 - Strategies for Managing Bus Groups

00:33:18 - Managing Housekeeping Challenges

00:35:15 - Long-Term Success at Longreach Motor Inn

00:37:08 - Selling the Longreach Motor Inn

00:38:23 - Importance of a Good Restaurant

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