In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Ben Uyeda, founder of HomeMade Modern, to unpack the development story behind RESET Hotel in Twentynine Palms, California.

Ben shares how the concept came together—from early site planning and zoning considerations to shaping a modern desert hospitality concept that balances design, function, and guest experience. We explore how the property responds to its environment, the trade-offs made during development, and the realities of building a boutique hotel from the ground up.

This conversation offers a candid look at the development process, including lessons learned, design decisions, and how intentional planning can simplify operations while elevating the end experience. Whether you’re developing a hotel, glamping project, or outdoor hospitality concept, this episode provides practical insight into turning an idea into a finished destination.

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We’re back! In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, break down the biggest signals shaping the RV park and campground industry right now: from professional third-party management entering the space to accelerating acquisitions and changing guest demographics.

We unpack why a major self-storage operator launching RV park management matters, what recent campground acquisitions reveal about buyer strategy, and how regional density and amenity escalation are becoming competitive necessities. We also dig into new REIT data showing younger, wealthier RV travelers—and why that shift validates higher-end upgrades across the industry.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt talks with Tori Bolt, co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, about building one of the most iconic luxury outdoor destinations in the country.

Tori shares how Bolt Farm grew from a single handcrafted treehouse into a design-driven, experience-first brand with national demand and a loyal following. We dive into land selection, guest experience strategy, the details that drive premium pricing, and how she and Seth scale while protecting the soul of the brand.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt and Alex break down everything they learned at the 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Louisville. From shifting demand patterns to the rise of strategic revenue management, this conversation recaps the real trends shaping operators heading into 2026.

They dig into the growing role of AI tools like Campspot’s new pricing engine, why transient softness is pushing parks toward smarter site mix strategies, and how operators are rethinking long-term vs. short-term segmentation. Matt shares insights from investor and broker conversations including why deal flow is slowing, what distressed opportunities are emerging, and how consolidation is evolving.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Jesse Baker, founder and CEO of JET Hospitality, to unpack how independent operators can outperform the big corporate consolidators moving into outdoor hospitality.

Jesse shares how he scaled JET from a single riverside property to a multi-million-dollar portfolio using his “hedgehog investment model”—buying distressed, underperforming assets and transforming them into boutique destinations full of character, culture, and cash flow.

He breaks down what makes this model work: finding underpriced problems instead of overpriced perfection, building teams that protect authenticity, and creating loyalty systems like JET Passports that connect guests across the brand.

It’s a playbook for anyone who believes the future of outdoor hospitality belongs to operators who can scale without losing soul.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack one of the toughest chapters in Matt’s journey. How a $250,000 glamping investment at Covered Bridge Campsite spiraled into delays, vendor issues, and a lost $5 million development deal.

Matt shares the full story of what it’s really like to bootstrap a campground: living on-site, hiring in a rural market, chasing capital, and learning the hard way how fast optimism can collide with reality.

This episode isn’t about failure. It’s about what happens next. For anyone building, buying, or developing in outdoor hospitality, it’s a candid look at the risks, lessons, and resilience behind every great property.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, to explore how 3D-printed structures made from recycled plastics are changing the way we think about construction and outdoor hospitality. From rebuilding after California’s wildfires to creating sustainable glamping units that use millions of recycled water bottles, Azure is reshaping the future of eco-friendly accommodations.

We discuss Azure’s journey to the TIME 100 Best Inventions list, their expansion into new markets, and why the glamping industry has become one of their strongest partners.

Invest in Azure Printed Homes before the WeFunder campaign closes at midnight on October 27: https://wefunder.com/azure

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how Under Canvas may be shifting its strategy away from National Parks and what that means for glamping’s future. We also tackle one of the industry’s biggest guest experience gaps — park Wi-Fi and broadband challenges — with real-world solutions for operators. Finally, we wrap with branding insights from John Gibson at Secret Creek, on staying authentic while growing your outdoor business.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how federal actions, such as the government shutdown and new import tariffs, are reshaping the outdoor hospitality industry, from guest demand to operating costs. We also dig into the latest RV retail registration data, what it signals for 2026 planning, and how the work camping model is evolving as a staffing strategy.

If you manage or invest in outdoor hospitality, this episode offers practical insights to navigate volatility, plan smarter, and stay ahead of shifting market trends.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack Marriott Bonvoy’s two-layer strategy behind its new Outdoor Collection. First came the guest-facing brands, Postcard Cabins and Trailborn, positioned as the friendly consumer gateway into outdoor hospitality. Then, at the Lodging Conference, Marriott revealed the second layer: a curated network of prefab partners like elmntl, OOD House, Nokken, and others to supply scalable units for Bonvoy distribution.

We break down how this sequencing reveals Marriott’s true play—building not just a brand, but an ecosystem. Plus, what it means for independent operators competing in a space that’s rapidly being corporatized.

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