Masters of Moments

Jake Wurzak
Masters of Moments

Masters of Moments involves conversations with top entrepreneurs and business leaders about hospitality, Real Estate investing, and company building. We explore the ideas, strategies, and approaches that brought them to where they are today. This podcast is for you if you are a seasoned investor, an upstart entrepreneur, or someone looking to break into the real estate and hospitality investing world. Jake Wurzak is the CEO of DoveHill Capital Management and Wurzak Hotel Group, a leading vertically integrated hospitality investment platform. Since 2011, he’s led the investment of $1.5 billion in hotel assets throughout the country. Follow Jake on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWurzak Take the Hospitality Real Estate Investing Masterclass: https://learn.jakewurzak.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzvzdJASDiEXhV9VhkaEoWA Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://dovehillcos.junipersquare.com/portal/view_lead_capture_form/MzhmOGE4MTUwMjZhNDZkNmU1MGE0NmYwOTdhZjk2MzAxYzE0MjIzMGdBV1ZEUUFBQUFBQUFBQW9UVzhJVFdzTlRrNkpkSlF1 DoveHill: www.dovehillcos.com

  1. Monetizing Underutilized Spaces and Disrupting a $40 Billion Industry - Katharine Lau - CEO of Stuf

    10H AGO

    Monetizing Underutilized Spaces and Disrupting a $40 Billion Industry - Katharine Lau - CEO of Stuf

    Katharine is CEO and Co-Founder of Stuf, one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2022. She was named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 100 list in the same year. Katharine is passionate about reinventing consumer experiences in the physical world and leads the company’s strategic vision and overall strategy in transforming the self-storage industry.     From 2015-2020, Katharine led supply growth at Industrious, the nation’s largest premium shared workplace provider. She built and managed a 20+ person team and oversaw the company’s rapid expansion while developing go-to-market strategies for new digital products and tenant experience services. As VP of Real Estate, Katharine pioneered an "industry first”  asset and liability-light growth strategy leading to CBRE’s partial acquisition of Industrious in early 2021.     Prior to Industrious, Katharine worked at Equinox as Manager of Development, supporting the company’s national expansion of luxury fitness clubs. She previously worked at L&L Holding Company and PGIM Real Estate (Prudential).   Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Links: Katharine on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinelau/ Stuf - https://www.stufstorage.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:06) - Katherine’s career in RE/Hospitality (00:07:36) - Advice to young people in RE + AI (00:11:06) - Insights learned from development at Equinox (00:13:51) - Niche vs. expansive real estate (00:15:27) - Inside building a successful coworking space (00:29:40) - remote work philosophies (00:33:36) - Starting and building ‘Stuf’ (01:12:00) - What would you like to be doing more or less in 3 years? (01:13:14) - How do you compete with your larger competitors? (01:15:19) - What was the most surprising thing you’ve gotten wrong in building Stuff? (01:23:08) - What’s your favorite hotel?

    1h 26m
  2. Leveraging Food Services Success into a Hospitality Real Estate Portfolio - Adam Guy - CEO of Upper Crust Food Services

    FEB 26

    Leveraging Food Services Success into a Hospitality Real Estate Portfolio - Adam Guy - CEO of Upper Crust Food Services

    In this episode of Masters of Moments, I sit down with Adam Guy to explore his unconventional path from Missouri to multi-industry success. Adam’s journey started early—performing illusion shows at just seven years old—which soon evolved into a full-fledged business, booking corporate gigs across the Midwest. His entrepreneurial instincts didn’t stop there. After a stint in basketball and communications studies at the University of Missouri, Adam dropped out to launch a wristband company, capitalizing on the craze sparked by Lance Armstrong’s charity bands. That venture turned into a profitable exit, leading him into the hospitality space, where he transformed a small bakery and café into a $150 million-a-year powerhouse. Now, Adam is redefining luxury travel with Exclusive Vacations, creating a high-end vacation rental experience built on exceptional hospitality and premium amenities. We break down his strategic approach to real estate investment, property management, and business scaling, along with the mindset that has fueled his success across multiple industries. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, hospitality, and game-changing business strategies, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Links: Adam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamguyceo/ Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:46) - Adam’s background and career (00:06:53) - Setting up a factory in China (00:09:38) - Dropping out of College to pursue a career in the food industry (00:25:38) - Evolving the business from restaurants into food services (00:33:53) - Learning how to acquire a food-services business (00:50:09) - Life working for fraternities and sororities (00:58:58) - The impact of delivery apps on in-house food services (01:00:46) - The operations side of the business (01:11:23) - Adam’s hospitality side-hustle

    1h 54m
  3. Hospitality Strategic Growth: Leveraging Small Deals for Bigger Wins - Coaching Call w/ Jake Wurzak

    FEB 19

    Hospitality Strategic Growth: Leveraging Small Deals for Bigger Wins - Coaching Call w/ Jake Wurzak

    In this episode of Masters of Moments, I share my experiences in hospitality and real estate investment, from raising $6 million for a preferred equity deal to handling unexpected challenges in hotel management. I also discuss the shift toward experiential and lifestyle hotels and why smaller investment opportunities can offer strong returns.   I also discuss how technology improves hotel operations, makes it easier to manage boutique properties, and the potential benefits of incorporating residences into hotel projects. I also break down key strategies for building strong investor relationships and navigating market trends.   Other topics include:   - Finding value in overlooked investment opportunities - Revenue strategies for hotel profitability - Lessons learned from setbacks in hotel operations Whether you're new to hospitality or a seasoned investor, this episode offers practical insights on building and managing successful hotel projects. Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:51) - Exploring Estelle Manor: A New Hospitality Trend (00:02:46) - Insights from the Lodging Investment Conference (00:04:13) - Opportunities in Small Deals and Private Equity (00:06:54) - The Shift in Hospitality Preferences (00:08:06) - Challenges for Traditional Hotels (00:09:08) - The Rise of Experiential and Lifestyle Hotels (00:09:50) - Case Study: The Breakers Hotel (00:11:01) - The Middle Market's New Options (00:20:16) - Automating Small Hotels: A Success Story (00:28:24) - Scaling Challenges in the Hotel Business (00:28:56) - Dealing with Hotel Incidents (00:31:41) - Balancing Occupancy and Revenue (00:33:30) - Strategies for Managing Hotel Rates (00:37:55) - The Rise of Experiential Travel (00:43:47) - Incorporating Residences in Hotels (00:46:50) - Fractional Ownership and Real Estate Strategies (00:53:16) - Creating a Unique Hotel Brand (00:55:26) - Effective Communication for Raising Capital (00:58:41) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links: Estelle Manor - https://www.estellemanor.com The Lodging Conference - https://www.lodgingconference.com Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/hyatt-regency-ohare-chicago/ohare Chicago Athletic Association Hotel - https://www.chicagoathletichotel.com Muse - https://www.muse.com SALTO Systems - https://www.saltosystems.com DIAMO - https://www.diamo.com Cost.com - https://www.cost.com AutoCamp - https://www.autocamp.com Belmond - https://www.belmond.com LVMH - https://www.lvmh.com All-In Podcast - https://www.allinpodcast.co CloudKitchens - https://www.cloudkitchens.com

    59 min
  4. Creating Spaces with Purpose: Balancing Aesthetics, Functionality, and Investment – Antonia Botero - Principal @ MADDPROJECT

    FEB 12

    Creating Spaces with Purpose: Balancing Aesthetics, Functionality, and Investment – Antonia Botero - Principal @ MADDPROJECT

    Antonia Botero takes us on a deep dive into the evolution of taste in architecture, shaped by her experiences with historic buildings in New York City. We explore the power of intentional design—how the seamless blend of interior and exterior aesthetics can transform a space—and the unique challenges of adaptive reuse projects. Antonia also shares her journey from architecture to development, highlighting the adaptability and teamwork required to succeed in both fields. We unpack the complexities of working on legendary projects like the TWA Hotel, where every design choice plays a crucial role in crafting a cohesive and compelling space. To wrap up, we discuss the highs and lows of launching MADDPROJECT, the lessons learned along the way, and Antonia’s favorite hotels around the world—places that embody design excellence and unforgettable experiences. If you’re passionate about architecture, development, or the art of creating remarkable spaces, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Links: Antonia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-botero-ra-ncarb-6473282b/ MADDPROJECT - https://www.maddproject.com/ Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:08) - How to develop taste & design insights (00:07:50) - Antonia’s career (00:17:44) - How to pay architects and designers (00:19:53) - Office to residential conversions (00:30:38) - How do you run Maddproject today? (00:37:18) - GC experiences (00:44:33) - What would your clients say about your development management business? (00:46:57) - How did you get into hotels? (00:56:39) - Creating a vibe (00:57:59) - Common mistakes made  (01:06:19) - Structuring a Development-Management company (01:23:25) - What is your favorite hotel?

    1h 28m
  5. Concepting Your Dream Hotel - Jake Wurzak

    FEB 5

    Concepting Your Dream Hotel - Jake Wurzak

    In this episode of Masters of Moments, I take a step back to reflect on how far the show has come and express my gratitude to every listener who’s been part of this journey. If you’ve been enjoying the conversations, I’d love for you to leave a review and send in your dream guest suggestions—your input helps shape the show's future! This time, I’m diving deep into the art of bringing a boutique hotel to life—from the first spark of an idea to the moment guests step through the doors. I break down the essential steps: crafting a compelling brand identity, assembling the perfect team (think top-tier designers, architects, lighting experts, and kitchen consultants), and setting a crystal-clear vision with a detailed mood board to shape every detail of the guest experience. I also explore the power of model rooms—why they’re game-changers—and the importance of seamless coordination to ensure every element comes together flawlessly. Plus, I share insider tips on leveraging social media and building an online presence that makes your hotel stand out. Whether you dream of developing a boutique hotel or love the behind-the-scenes of hospitality design, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Check out Sleeper Magazine - https://www.sleepermagazine.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro   (00:00:34) - Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Masters of Moments   (00:02:08) - How to Conceptualize and Design a Hotel   (00:04:12) - Creating a Vision Board for Your Hotel   (00:09:43) - Hiring the Right Team: Designers and Architects   (00:14:32) - The Phases of Hotel Design   (00:17:51) - Additional Consultants and Model Rooms   (00:23:12) - Final Steps: Technology, Marketing, and Launch   (00:26:54) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min
  6. Coaching Call: Maximizing Your Hotel Investment - Lessons, Strategies, and Insights

    JAN 29

    Coaching Call: Maximizing Your Hotel Investment - Lessons, Strategies, and Insights

    In this episode, Jake emphasizes the importance of having a team for unbiased insights, building cushion into deals, and learning from both your mistakes and others.  He shares an in-depth look at his process for underwriting hotel deals, including revenue assumptions, expense analysis, financing structures, and the role of pro forma models.  Jake also touches on the significance of community and networking in the hospitality industry, leveraging past partners and peers for feedback and collaboration. From discussing a potential but ultimately avoided deal in New England to highlighting the benefits of working with branding agencies and interior designers, this episode is a masterclass! Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:56) - The Value of a Hospitality Network (00:02:40) - Savannah Hotel Deal and Due Diligence (00:03:55) - Navigating Investment Strategies and Honest Feedback (00:06:23) - Underwriting Deals: A Case Study (00:08:53) - Seasonal Hotel Operations and Business Plan (00:15:03) - Evaluating Hotel Deals and Financial Metrics (00:25:28) - Short-Term Rental Opportunities (00:26:06) - Financing and Bridge Loans (00:27:52) - Pro Forma Metrics and Cash Flow (00:30:30) - Internal Memos and Investment Committee (00:32:34) - Lease to Buy Options and Master Leases (00:37:38) - Pro Forma Creation and Sensitivity Analysis (00:40:13) - Investor Returns and Deal Structures (00:45:38) - Design and Renovation Budgeting (00:50:26) - Final Thoughts and Q&A

    51 min
  7. Navigating NYC & Miami's Toughest Markets: Development Insights with Matthew Baron - President and Founder of Baron Property Group

    JAN 22

    Navigating NYC & Miami's Toughest Markets: Development Insights with Matthew Baron - President and Founder of Baron Property Group

    Matthew Baron is the Founder and President of BPG, Formed in 2021, BPG has an active development pipeline totaling nearly 4 million square feet and over 3,600 new residential units, valued at over $2 billion. Under Matthew Baron’s leadership, the company’s current portfolio includes large-scale mixed-use and rental residential development projects in Long Island City, Queens, and Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, as well as the Miami metro area cities of Hialeah and Coral Gables. Baron Property Group is a vertically integrated real estate development and investment firm. Leveraging over 30 years of real estate experience, they develop residential and commercial properties nationwide, emphasizing New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Links: Baron Property Group Matthew on LinkedIn Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:10) - Life in NY RE (00:3:00) - Matthew’s early career (00:18:27) - Matt’s first deal (00:23:52) - Pivoting into hotels (00:28:08) - Starting a company during the GFC (00:31:23) - Focusing on MF development (00:34:36) - Mitigating risk (00:36:30) - Location nuances (00:42:03) - Design and construction (00:46:24) - What’s stopping you from developing more projects? (00:51:23) - Dealing with Unions (00:53:01) - Getting into the Miami market (00:54:10) - Identifying partners (00:59:52) - Building out a team (01:02:20) - What are you most worried about in the business? (01:05:42) - What’s the biggest opportunity in Miami? (01:09:07) - Hold strategies (01:11:08) - What is your favorite hotel?

    1h 14m
4.9
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Masters of Moments involves conversations with top entrepreneurs and business leaders about hospitality, Real Estate investing, and company building. We explore the ideas, strategies, and approaches that brought them to where they are today. This podcast is for you if you are a seasoned investor, an upstart entrepreneur, or someone looking to break into the real estate and hospitality investing world. Jake Wurzak is the CEO of DoveHill Capital Management and Wurzak Hotel Group, a leading vertically integrated hospitality investment platform. Since 2011, he’s led the investment of $1.5 billion in hotel assets throughout the country. Follow Jake on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWurzak Take the Hospitality Real Estate Investing Masterclass: https://learn.jakewurzak.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzvzdJASDiEXhV9VhkaEoWA Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://dovehillcos.junipersquare.com/portal/view_lead_capture_form/MzhmOGE4MTUwMjZhNDZkNmU1MGE0NmYwOTdhZjk2MzAxYzE0MjIzMGdBV1ZEUUFBQUFBQUFBQW9UVzhJVFdzTlRrNkpkSlF1 DoveHill: www.dovehillcos.com

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