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#073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs

#073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs

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.com/mwinns-conference-trade-show.

#072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to a Successful Urban Property with Julie McAferty, Greenlake Guest House

#072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to a Successful Urban Property with Julie McAferty, Greenlake Guest House

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.

#071: Simplify, Connect, Grow: One B&B Owner’s Secret to Success with Jan Smith, Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast

#071: Simplify, Connect, Grow: One B&B Owner’s Secret to Success with Jan Smith, Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast

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.

#069: Top Strategies to Boost Your Property’s Value with Marilyn Bushnell and Chuck Anderson, Marilyn Bushnell & Associates

#069: Top Strategies to Boost Your Property’s Value with Marilyn Bushnell and Chuck Anderson, Marilyn Bushnell & Associates

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.

#068: Richard Aday, CEO of ThinkReservations, Discusses Acorn Acquisition, ThinkWeb Launch and Leadership

#068: Richard Aday, CEO of ThinkReservations, Discusses Acorn Acquisition, ThinkWeb Launch and Leadership

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.

You can learn more about ThinkReservations at thinkreservations.com.

#067: State/Regional Spotlight: Midwest Association of Independent Inns, with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs

#067: State/Regional Spotlight: Midwest Association of Independent Inns, with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs

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 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.

#066: From Anthropology to High-Quality American Made Bedding and Linens with Janet Wischnia of American Blossom Linens

#066: From Anthropology to High-Quality American Made Bedding and Linens with Janet Wischnia of American Blossom Linens

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.

#065: Designing Your Property to Maximize the Guest Experience with James Kuester of Küster Design

#065: Designing Your Property to Maximize the Guest Experience with James Kuester of Küster Design

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.

#064: Elevate the Coffee Experience for Your Guests with Small Batch Roasting with Ann Brownell and Jeff Raybourn, Owners of the Cozy Cup Coffee Company

#064: Elevate the Coffee Experience for Your Guests with Small Batch Roasting with Ann Brownell and Jeff Raybourn, Owners of the Cozy Cup Coffee Company

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 owner to provide the highest quality coffee to guests.

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.

Frictionless TIP #12: Create Unique On-Property Guest Experiences

Frictionless TIP #12: Create Unique On-Property Guest Experiences

Attracting new guests and keeping them coming back has always been an ongoing challenge for the independent lodging industry. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it remains true today.

Property owners and managers have to get creative to survive and thrive. One way to do this is by developing unique experiences for their guests that standout from other lodging properties and B&Bs in their area.

For example, Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the co-owners of the Devonfield Inn, have successfully put this kind of practice into place at their charming inn nestled in the beautiful hills of the Berkshires. By partnering with local businesses, here’s what they offered:

  • Created a guided horseback trail ride package that provides stunning views of the Berkshire Mountains.
  • Brought in local musicians to perform lawn concerts.
  • Offered private yoga sessions from instructors from the Kripalu Center For Yoga & Health.
  • Hosted kayaking tour down the Housatonic River.
  • Created a fun ziplining package that has become quite popular.

Here are some other creative ideas for creating unique on-property experiences from innkeepers we’ve interviewed:

  • Christine Boeke, former owner of the Westcott House Bed & Breakfast, would invite people who work at local attractions to have breakfast with her guests, so they could have an intimate conversation about the area.
  • Share your passions with guests, and create an offering around it. For example, beer is the central attraction at WildManDan’s Beercentric B&B.

Much of this hard work does pay off. For example, The Devonfield Inn has been a repeated top-rated bed and breakfast by TripAdvisor and Expedia.

To learn more from Doug and Jim on how to create unique guest experiences that will attract and keep your guests coming back, listen to their podcast here.