The Hotel Investor Playbook
Michael Russell
Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investor and hospitality operator Michael Russell. Michael is the co-founder of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, and has built a personal real estate portfolio exceeding $20 million.With an operator-first mindset, Michael brings a practical perspective to hotel investing. On the show, he breaks down what it actually takes to scale from short-term rentals into boutique hotels, covering deal sourcing, operations, capital strategy, and risk.Each week, Michael shares real lessons from the field as he builds toward a $400 million real estate business, giving listeners an honest look at the decisions, challenges, and strategies behind the growth. Subscribe and follow along as he documents the journey in real time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 15, 2025 • 39min
How Sky McLean Built a $500M Hotel Brand from Scratch | Sky McLean E26
Sky McLean, founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, turned a job loss into a thriving hospitality brand with over 14 resorts and half a billion in real estate. She shares her journey from bootstrapping a hotel with a BMW loan to raising $40 million via Instagram. Sky discusses innovative financing strategies, her choice to avoid big-name hotel brands, and how she balances 500+ employees with being a full-time mom and outdoor enthusiast. This conversation is an inspiring blend of grit, creativity, and practical insights for aspiring hotel investors.
7 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
Glamping for Profit: Low Cost, High Cash Flow, Massive Upside | Zac Willms E25
Zac Willms, co-owner of a successful glamping resort in Tobermory, Ontario, shares his journey of transforming a neglected trailer park into a lucrative outdoor destination. He discusses the lucrative potential of glamping, outlining strategies for low startup costs and high cash flow. Zac dives into clever marketing tactics, including influencer partnerships, to achieve a 70% direct booking rate. He also provides insights on investing in campgrounds, navigating zoning regulations, and planning for growth in outdoor hospitality.
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
Olympic Discipline, Million-Dollar Loss, and Building a Hospitality Portfolio | Adam G Dailey E24
Adam Dailey, a former elite athlete and CEO of Bronco Surf Capital, opens up about his journey from sports to hospitality. He dives into how Olympic-level discipline fuels high-performing hotel operations. Adam shares his experience of losing a multimillion-dollar business and bouncing back by spotting hidden value in struggling properties. He discusses the vital shift from solo ownership to a team-driven approach. Insights on raising capital, the balance of self-check-in technology versus personal service, and the importance of backup plans are explored.
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
From Motel Renovation to 300K Followers: The Innvestors Story | Brett McManus E23
Brett McManus, half of the viral Instagram account Innvestors, shares the inspiring journey of transforming a rundown motel into a booming business, alongside his wife, Casey. They discuss how to harness social media for growth while providing real insights into hotel operations. Brett reveals their unconventional path, focusing on authenticity over polished content, and the importance of leveraging SBA loans for financing. They dive into the valuable lessons learned from failures, making this a must-listen for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs.
Mar 18, 2025 • 53min
Ground-Up Boutique Hotel Development in San Francisco - High Risk, Higher Reward? | Mike Demson E22
Mike Demson, an experienced hotel investor, shares his journey into developing boutique hotels in San Francisco. He delves into finding undervalued properties and maximizing financial returns by increasing density and lowering construction costs. The conversation highlights the balance between innovative design and operational efficiency, focusing on creating memorable guest experiences. Mike also discusses his second project in Sonoma, including plans for expansion and a partnership with IHG's Vignette Collection, providing valuable insights for potential hotel developers.
Mar 11, 2025 • 49min
What It Takes to Build a Revolutionary Hospitality Business | Brian Meyer E21
Brian Meyer, founder and CEO of Flow Home, a luxury floating home rental business, dives into the future of waterfront living. He discusses how he transformed a niche idea into a scalable brand, emphasizing innovative marketing and investment strategies. Brian also shares his insights on overcoming regulatory challenges and the critical role of partnerships in fostering growth. Learn about the unique design of flow homes and their market potential, as well as the vision for expanding into floating communities and resorts.
Mar 4, 2025 • 39min
Cost Segregation Made Simple: Unlock Massive Tax Savings in Real Estate | Brian Bigham E20
In this engaging talk, Brian Bigham, the Cost Seg Cowboy and Vice President at Madison Specs, shares his expertise on tax savings through cost segregation. He simplifies complex strategies, using the fun 'Pizza Method' to explain how real estate investors can accelerate depreciation and drastically reduce their tax bills. Brian also reveals advanced loopholes to take advantage of when selling properties and emphasizes the importance of professional guidance to navigate these financial intricacies. Perfect for those looking to keep more of their hard-earned money!
Feb 25, 2025 • 50min
From First Responder to Ground-Up Developer: An Inspiring Journey | Andrew Owlett E19
Andrew Owlett, a former first responder turned visionary developer, shares his inspiring journey to create a boutique wellness resort in Virginia. He discusses the freedom and challenges of ground-up development, emphasizing the importance of forming the right team and navigating zoning complexities. Andrew also reveals innovative strategies for funding his projects through small business acquisitions. His personal experiences with PTSD drive his commitment to community well-being, making this a compelling listen for aspiring developers and wellness enthusiasts alike.
Feb 20, 2025 • 57min
How AI is Disrupting Hotels—And Why Small Operators Have the Advantage | Ari Smith E18
Ari Smith, an AI scientist and futuristic micro-community developer, reveals how AI is reshaping hospitality, giving small hotel operators a significant edge over larger chains. He discusses how AI enhances the profitability of boutique hotels while stressing the importance of human touch in luxury stays. Ari also shares insights on building a 550-acre micro-community in Vermont, highlighting its unique blend of nature and tech. Tune in to discover innovative investment strategies and the evolving role of personalization in hospitality!
Feb 11, 2025 • 53min
Buying, Financing & Operating a Seasonal Boutique Hotel | Ryan Edwards E17
In this discussion, Ryan Edwards, owner of a 17-unit boutique hotel in Maine, shares insights on turning seasonal challenges into lucrative opportunities. He reveals his $3.6M financing strategy with 75% bank support and how a $100K revenue boost increased his property's value by $1.4M. Ryan emphasizes the power of a fully direct booking strategy, sidestepping OTAs entirely. He also tackles staffing hurdles using visa programs and discusses innovative marketing techniques that ensure consistent bookings months ahead. Perfect for aspiring boutique hotel investors!
