Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast

Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked -- marketing.

Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this boost your revenue, but it can also significantly enhance your property's overall market value.

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

You can learn more about White Stone Brokers at whitestonebrokers.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.

What do the Kentucky Derby, hand-crafted bourbon, southern charm, a vibrant culture of arts, cuisine, and independent lodging all have in common?

Louisville, Kentucky -- the host city of the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace taking place March 24–27. Sarah Gazi, ALP CEO, provides a preview of what to expect at this year's conference, which will host 50 educational sessions and lots of southern-themed networking and fun.

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

You can learn more about the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace at alplodging.org/conference-marketplace.

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.

Centralized online marketing tools are increasingly essential for independent lodging professionals, allowing innkeepers to focus more on their daily operations.

Data Bing consolidates all marketing efforts and provides robust insights to make better decisions that drive more bookings. Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing, shares how this solution can optimize your online marketing.

We are very thankful to Matt for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Data Bing at databingsolutions.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.

Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing challenges for the independent lodging sector, highlighting the need for property owners to safeguard their data.

The right payment processing solutions can help innkeepers save money, streamline operations, and protect sensitive information. Wynn Salisch, Founder of Casablanca Payments, shares insights on payment processing and cyber hygiene.

We are very thankful to Wynn for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Casablanca Payments at mpiprocessing.com/wynn-salisch-casablanca-payments.

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.

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 inns.forsale.

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.