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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

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.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into the difference between marketing and advertising—and why true marketing is about building lasting value, not just buying attention. Using Covered Bridge Campsite as a case study, we explore how giveaways, social media, and activities/programming create deeper guest connections and drive long-term success. Whether you manage a campground, RV park, or glamping resort, learn practical strategies to market smarter and elevate your guest experience.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Alex and Matt break down a case study from Covered Bridge Campsite in Livingston Manor, NY, where a Zook Cabins A-Frame cabin is reshaping the park’s performance.

We dive into booking data, ADR, and occupancy to see how the A-Frame compares with traditional sites, and what those numbers reveal about the growing demand for unique lodging. Alongside the data, we discuss the broader transformation of Covered Bridge — from upgrading infrastructure to repositioning the park as a destination.

This episode offers practical insights for operators considering specialty lodging, exploring the financial impact, guest response, and long-term value of investing in units like the Zook A-Frame. If you’re looking to expand beyond standard RV or tent sites, this case study provides a clear picture of what’s possible.

To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com