Sean Breuner and Reuben Doetsch saw an opportunity to transform the short-term rental space long before the industry exploded. In 2017, they set out to build AvantStay, a brand that blends the best of boutique hospitality with the freedom of private homes.

Their approach is anything but casual. Every property is meticulously designed, every experience carefully curated. While others rushed into the space during the pandemic, Sean and Reuben were already scaling with precision, setting a new standard for high-end vacation rentals.

In this episode, we explore:

Sean and Reuben are building more than just a portfolio of stunning homes—they’re redefining what hospitality looks like in the short-term rental space. If you’re interested in the future of luxury travel, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about AvantStay

Connect with Sean and Reuben on LinkedIn.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Dan Flannery, a hospitality leader with an extraordinary career, has spent decades redefining luxury travel. From his early days at Marriott to helping launch the Edition brand with Ian Schrager, and now leading operations at Loews Hotels, Dan’s journey is a masterclass in blending vision with execution.

Guided by a belief that true luxury lies in refinement and authenticity, Dan’s approach to hospitality is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. His story is one of passion, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In this episode, Zach sits down with Dan to explore his remarkable career and gain a deeper understanding of the trends shaping luxury hospitality today.

Tune in to hear how...

Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that great hospitality starts with visionaries who aren’t afraid to push boundaries. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a single boutique property or building a brand that scales globally, this conversation offers invaluable lessons from one of the industry’s brightest minds.

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Frances Kiradjian, founder and CEO of the Boutique Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) and a leading voice and force in the independent boutique hotel space. 

Fran’s journey began in the corporate travel world, managing massive accounts like Disney and Toyota. But it was her bold decision to champion the boutique hotel sector—long before it was trendy—that cemented her legacy. Since founding BLLA in 2009, Fran has built a thriving community for independent hoteliers and other hospitality entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we uncover:

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Fran. 

Connect with Fran

Learn more about BLLLA

Rachel Alday, co-founder of Abode Luxury Rentals, has been quietly redefining what it means to deliver high-end hospitality in the heart of the mountains. With a background in marketing and her husband Rob’s roots in real estate, the duo created a company that marries meticulous service with a deep love for ski-town culture.

Abode’s journey began humbly in Park City, but today it spans over 200 elite properties in three coveted destinations: Park City, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley. Guided by the belief that true luxury is about connection and authenticity, Rachel has built a brand that thrives on personal touches and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.

In this episode, Rachel takes us behind the scenes of her luxury rental empire and shares how Abode has earned its reputation as a trusted name in vacation rentals.

Learn more about Abode Luxury Rentals

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by IMN! The countdown is on for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! Join me on January 15-16 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort where I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off the final tickets. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Steve Lassman, Vice President of Villas of Distinction—a luxury villa company that’s been curating remarkable vacation homes since the 1980s.

Steve’s story runs three generations deep in the travel industry, and he’s worn just about every hat you can imagine—from airline sales to hotel operations—before finding his calling in the world of private villa experiences.

In this episode, Steve reveals why Villas of Distinction is all about quality over quantity, and how they’ve nurtured enduring partnerships with top travel advisors around the world.

Their approach to vetting every villa (from hot water pressure checks to wine glass counts) is anything but casual, ensuring that each stay meets their lofty “five-star” criteria. And when things get tough—like after a major hurricane—they’ve proven they’ll put the guest experience above everything else.

Tune in to hear:

From private island getaways to truffle hunts in Tuscany, Steve’s passion for personalized service is palpable. If you’ve ever dreamed of a tailor-made stay that blends home comforts with high-end indulgence, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Steve

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Ari Smith, co-founder of Balanced Farm, a visionary micro-resort in Vermont that blends sustainable luxury with the power of AI.

Ari’s journey began in tech entrepreneurship, where he sold a company to a Microsoft subsidiary and learned hard lessons about innovation, scale, and adaptability. But it was meeting his wife, Hillary (co-founder of Folly Collection), that inspired him to fuse his tech-savvy background with hospitality. Today, on 540 acres of pristine land, Ari and Hillary are reimagining what it means to offer a truly bespoke travel experience.

From personalized amenities crafted through intelligent data to off-the-grid energy solutions, Balanced Farm is more than a boutique stay—it’s a living lab pushing the boundaries of comfort, connectivity, and creativity. In this conversation, we explore:

If you’re curious about the next frontier of hospitality—where authenticity meets ingenuity—this episode is for you.

Connect with Ari 

Discover Balance Farm

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Valerie Gangas, a hospitality visionary who’s redefining the guest experience by blending soulful intention, authentic service, and meticulous design.

Raised in a family of restaurateurs, Valerie learned the art of hospitality from childhood—serving customers as a four-year-old “pickle girl” in her father’s Chicago eateries. But her journey would be anything but conventional.

Driven by both a love for warm, communal spaces and a deep fascination with spiritual connection, Valerie spent years exploring the nexus of comfort, belonging, and transcendence—managing her family’s restaurants, studying comparative religion, and working intimately with organizations like the David Lynch Foundation and Oprah Winfrey’s team.

Today, Valerie channels these experiences into Juniper Home, a boutique property management company that curates beautifully designed, minimalist vacation rentals. Every room reflects her core philosophy: that true hospitality is far more than a business—it’s an opportunity to spark meaningful encounters.

From ensuring the perfect lighting to orchestrating heartfelt surprises for guests celebrating milestones, Valerie and her team pay attention to every detail, forging environments where visitors find rest, connection, and even a hint of the divine.

In this conversation, we explore:

Discover Juniper Home

Connect with Valerie

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Blake Smith, the visionary founder of Walden Retreats, a boutique property that masterfully blends the serenity of nature with sophisticated design.

Walden Retreats, named after Henry David Thoreau's iconic work, offers guests a profound connection to the outdoors—crafted through thoughtful design, simplicity, and intentional experiences.

Tune in to hear:

Learn more about Walden Retreats

Follow Walden Retreats on Instagram 

Connect with Blake Smith on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re celebrating the standout conversations that defined our year. Today’s episode revisits your top 10 favorites:

#10 The New Era of Exploration: How Today's Travelers Think About Loyalty, Independent Hotels, and Experiential Stays

#9 He Buys RV Parks: Predictions on the Future of Camping and Outdoor Hospitality

#8 How They Transformed a 100-Year-Old Beach House into a Chic Airbnb (And Booked it Fully in Just 11 Days)

#7 How They're Building the Hottest New Tiny Home: The Story of ÖÖD Mirror House

#6 How to Merge Luxury, Sustainability, and MICHELIN-Star Experiences — The Story of the Kabn Company

#5 Meet the 19-Year-Old Who Builds (and Buys) Unique Stays

#4 He Dreamed of Being a Farmer, But Wound Up An Entrepreneur: The Story of Back Forty Glamping

#3 Hans Lorei on Building an Instagram Audience from 0 to 100k in 100 Days

#2 How They're Building the Airbnb for Houseboats: The Story of FLOHOM

#1 The Dark Side of Airbnb: How One Host Lost Everything in a Day

Each of these top episodes underscores a common thread: intention. The hosts, designers, and entrepreneurs you’ll hear from don’t just provide a place to sleep.

They craft experiences that evoke emotion, foster connection, and invite guests to see travel differently. Whether it’s a lakeside houseboat, a mountaintop treehouse, or a contemporary villa, the essence remains the same—thoughtful, meaningful hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Tori Bolt — Co-Founder of Bolt Farm, a celebrated nature retreat in Whitwell Tennessee, offering 23 meticulously designed villas.

 In 2016, Tori and Seth Bolt embarked on a bold adventure, building their first luxury treehouse—an intimate project that began as a handcrafted wedding gift. What they didn’t know then was that this creative labor of love would spark a new era in experiential hospitality.

Long before the surge in unique stays and experiential accommodations, the Bolts were leading the way, crafting spaces that balanced the serenity of nature with the sophistication of high-end design. It wasn’t long before their work caught the attention of Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, a feature that helped position Bolt Farm as a pioneer in the luxury glamping space.

Seth Bolt, a longtime member of the Grammy-nominated band Needtobreathe, brought a unique perspective to the design process. Years of touring and experiencing hospitality across the spectrum informed the couple’s meticulous approach to guest experience. The result? A collection of stays where every detail, from heated marble floors to handcrafted interiors, is intentional, offering guests a haven for rest, connection, and inspiration.

In this episode, we explore:

Tori and Seth’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and innovation. From their first treehouse to their plans for nationwide expansion, this episode is a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and create with intention.

Connect with Seth and Tori

Follow Bolt Farm on Instagram 

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.