Cory Schisler isn’t just building beautiful hotels and restaurants — he’s rethinking what hospitality actually feels like.

He’s worked with brands like Proper and Viceroy, co-founded The Madrona in Healdsburg, and has a sharp eye for the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways hospitality has evolved (and where it still needs to catch up).

In this episode, we unpack:

Cory also shares how he approaches concept development, the difference between good and great creative partners, and what it really takes to build a team culture where guests feel seen — and staff feel proud.

This one’s packed with insight for anyone thinking about the next generation of hospitality brands.

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 journey.com/alliance.