Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast

As the newly rebranded Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) continues to expand in the region and provide marketing value for its members, the organization is about to kick off its annual conference.

Taking place December 3rd to 5th in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns Conference & Trade Show will gather industry experts, vendor partners, and other innkeepers to explore issues, challenges, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience.

We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights about the conference with us. 

You can learn more about the MWInns at mwinns.com. You can also register to attend the conference at mwinns-conference-trade-show.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

In 2004, when Julie McAferty and her husband Blayne purchased a 1920s-era home in Seattle, WA they did not anticipate the obstacles that they would encounter. From facing cease-and-desist orders to navigating changes in local laws, their perseverance and advocacy for the lodging industry were key to their triumphs.

Overcoming these obstacles early on, helped them master a strategic approach to running their business. As urban lodging owners, it soon became apparent that providing guests with personalized recommendations to local attractions was essential for creating memorable guest experiences.

Their story serves as an inspiring example of how perseverance, local expertise, and advocacy can drive success in the ever-changing world of hospitality.

You can learn more about the Greenlake Guest House at greenlakeguesthouse.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

The challenges of independent lodging professionals can be overwhelming. Sometimes innkeepers need to be reminded to simplify their approach and connect more effectively with guests in order to grow.

Jan Smith, owner of Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House, shares how she has transformed her business by improving the experience of her guests, streamlining operations, and building stronger relationships with local businesses.

We are very thankful to Jan for sharing her insights with us.

You can learn more about the Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House at maplecovebandb.com.

In today’s uncertain world, the need for lodging insurance has become more critical for property owners. 

Though, lodging insurance is not always black and white. There are many often-unknown liabilities to consider. Thankfully, Mitch Pies of the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency, which is part of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality, can provide the right insurance policy to protect your property and business. 

We are very thankful to Mitch for sharing his insights with us. 

You can learn more about the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency at lodgeandinninsurance.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

Whether you just bought a property or are looking to sell one, innkeepers should always focus on enhancing the value of their properties.

Enhancing value is a critical component of any business strategy for independent lodging owners – and it is a continual process, as highlighted by Marilyn Bushnell and Chuck Anderson of Marilyn Bushnell & Associates.

We are very thankful to Marilyn and Chuck for sharing their insights with us.

You can learn more about Marilyn Bushnell & Associates at marilynbushnell.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

ThinkReservations, led by CEO Richard Aday, acquired Acorn Marketing in April 2024, and proceeded to launch its latest major offering, ThinkWeb, soon thereafter.

Making a major acquisition and launching a new product around the same time required strong leadership to help ensure its success.

Richard discusses the Acorn acquisition, ThinkWeb launch, and the challenges of leading the combined teams toward his vision of the future.

We are very thankful to Richard for sharing his insights with us.

You can learn more about ThinkReservations at thinkreservations.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

For state independent lodging associations to thrive, there’s a need to be nimble and continually provide value to their members.

The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association recently rebranded itself as the Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) to expand its market to 13 Midwest states. MWInns also focuses more on marketing the region and offering property listings for travelers to book their stays.

We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights with us. 

You can learn more about the Midwest Association of Independent Inns at mwinns.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

Providing high-quality bedding and linens is a critical part of elevating the guest experience to ensure a dream-worthy stay.

With a storied history in U.S.-based manufacturing since 1889, American Blossom Linens, a brand of bedding made by Thomaston Mills, is a pioneer in providing American-made bedding and linens for independent lodging.

We are very thankful to Janet for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about American Blossom Linens at americanblossomlinens.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

Often overlooked, having a professionally designed interior can make your property truly stand out, reflect your brand and maximize the guest experience.

Starting out as a designer of home furnishings, James Kuester of Küster Design, transitioned his business to focus on interior design for the independent lodging sector. His firm’s focus is on interior branding in a way that enhances how guests interact with all aspects of a property. 

We are very thankful to James Kuester for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about Küster Design at kusterdesign.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

When it comes to elevating the guest experience, serving high-quality coffee can really make a difference.

When Ann Brownell and Jeff Raybourn purchased the Cozy Cup Coffee Company in 2023, they had a vision of expanding their small batch roasted coffee beyond the walls of their coffee shop and into the innkeeping arena. They now have a customized innkeepers package that allows any property to provide the highest quality coffee.

We are very thankful to Ann and Jeff for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about the Cozy Cup Coffee Company at cozycupcoffee.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.