Radical Hospitality Show

Zeke Freeman
  • 5.0 (43)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to the Radical Hospitality Show where we dive into a fascinating blend of business expertise and genuine compansion in hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned hospitality expert or a budding entrepreneur, our show is for you. We dive deep into the world of architecture, development, and hospitality, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when creating exceptional experiences. Join us as we interview fascinating guests who share their insights, stories, and practical advice. Tune in for inspiring conversations, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on the hospitality industry. Podcast: https://radicalhospitalityshow.com/ Instagram: @rootarchitecturedevelopment YouTube: The Radical Hospitality Show TikTok @RadicalHospitalityShowFacebook @RadicalHospitalityShowReady to get started on your hospitality project? Visit us at https://root-ad.com/

  1. 2d ago

    Turning Chalets and a Roadside Motel into a Hygge‑Inspired Boutique Hospitality Brand with Kerri Gibson

    In this Radical Hospitality Podcast episode, host Zeke Freeman talks with Kerri Gibson, co‑founder of Chalet Hygge and Motel Boutique Hygge, a growing boutique hospitality brand in Quebec’s ski country. Kerri explains how she walked away from a top general‑manager role in a multinational tech company, reinvented her life and career, and built a hands‑on portfolio of chalets and a boutique motel grounded in hygge‑inspired design, disciplined numbers, and intentional lifestyle choices. You’ll learn how she and her husband Philippe structure deals, renovate while cash‑flowing, use government loans and grants, and create guest experiences that consistently outperform the local market on ADR, occupancy, and reviews Key topics covered Kerri’s journey from CPA and software executive to full‑time boutique hospitality owner in QuebecHow a winter trip to Norway and discovering “hygge” reshaped her design philosophy and lifestyle prioritiesThe three‑phase model they use for every project: acquisition and underwriting, renovation, and property management/operationsWhy they chose to renovate their 16‑room roadside motel while keeping it open and cash‑flowing—and how that reduced long‑term debt needsCreative financing strategies: personal savings, pulling equity from existing chalets, and leveraging Quebec and Canada government programs for a 20‑year loan and grantsThe operational reality of running short‑term rentals versus a motel: guest planning behavior, communications, staffing and guest expectationsKPIs they track (ADR, RevPAR, occupancy, pacing) and how they lifted ADR from ~139 CAD to ~189 CAD in 18 months, with even higher rates in peak summerBuilding a cohesive brand across multiple properties, staying within a tight “buy box,” and leading with passion and guest experience in every acquisition decisionHow local and regional tourism boards and influencer collaborations drive “warm” demand for their propertiesKerri’s “life 2.0” reflections on leaving corporate, redefining wealth, and designing a business around her strengths and valuesConnect Kerri Gibson Chalets Hygge: https://chaletshygge.com/ Hygge Motel Boutique: https://www.motelboutiquehygge.com/en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-gibson-cpa/ Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  2. Jul 14

    How to Sell Your Short-Term Rental for More Money with Tyler Coon

    In this episode, Zeke sits down with Tyler Coon, founder and CEO of Savvy Realty, a network of over 50 short-term rental specialists across 25+ markets in the United States. Tyler shares how he went from renting out a spare bedroom to afford his first home in 2020 to building a nearly $20 million short-term rental portfolio in just six years.  They dig into what makes a great STR agent, how Tyler's team uses local case studies instead of relying purely on data algorithms, and why experiential amenities like indoor laser tag arenas and outdoor pools are reshaping what investors need to compete. Tyler also breaks down market saturation, how appraisals are starting to catch up to luxury short-term rental values, tips for maximizing your sale price, and his read on where Airbnb and Booking.com are headed next. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Tyler turned a single homestay rental into a $20 million short-term rental portfolioWhat separates a great short-term rental agent from a typical real estate agentWhy Tyler relies on local case studies instead of trusting data algorithms aloneHow to tell if a short-term rental market is getting saturatedWhat outdoor amenities and design features are driving bookings in 2026The right way to price and prepare a short-term rental for a maximum saleWhy appraisals are starting to catch up with luxury short-term rental valueWhat's changing with Airbnb and Booking.com and what it means for hosts Connect with Tyler Coon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-coon/ Website: https://www.savvy.realty/ Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  3. Jul 7

    Designing Spaces That Pay You Back w/ Ishita Lalan

    In this episode of Radical Hospitality, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Ishita Lalan, founder of Ishita Interiors, to talk about how she and her husband Harshad built a short-term rental design and investment business from the ground up.  Ishita shares her journey from working a W2 job in architecture to becoming a full-time designer after a visa delay during COVID opened an unexpected door. She breaks down how their early investing experience, including a BRRRR deal that took a property from $330,000 to a $475,000 valuation in just six months, shaped the way she now designs for return on investment.  The conversation covers her studio's process, pricing structure, favorite design features, and how she has scaled a team of 30 designers while still staying hands on with every project. In this episode, you'll learn: How Ishita and Harshad used the BRRRR strategy to force appreciation on their first short-term rentalWhat happens during their 90-minute client consultation call and why it mattersThe three service tiers they offer (virtual design, full design, and white glove) and how pricing works per square footWhy landscaping and outdoor amenities can double a property's rental incomeThe design trend Ishita says is overused and should be retired (hint: neon signs)How she built and structured a 30-person design team using a pyramid modelWhat makes short-term rental design different from residential or commercial designHer advice for scaling a creative business without losing quality control Connect with Ishita Lalan Website: https://discovery.ishitainteriors.com/ Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  4. Jun 30

    Beyond Airbnb Building a Scalable Glamping Business with Garrett Brown

    In this episode, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Garrett Brown, founder of Cameron Ranch Glamping, short-term rental expert at BiggerPockets, and author of The Glamping Investor.  Garrett shares how he went from a music career and three downtown Houston condos to running a 20-plus unit glamping business across two Texas markets. He opens with one of the wildest short-term rental stories you'll ever hear, then digs into the real lessons behind his growth: why commercial real estate and micro resorts beat one-off cabins, how partnerships opened doors without big money down, and why branding and marketing are the real difference between a forgettable stay and a fully booked one. He also reveals his newest project, Paw House Resort, a dog-first luxury nature hotel built to scale. In this episode, you'll learn: Why micro resorts and commercial real estate build more wealth than single cabins, thanks to economies of scale and net operating income valuationHow to use partnerships and park model financing to get into hospitality without a hedge fund behind youWhere to spend your build budget (hint: don't go cheap on the outdoor landscaping and amenities)Why dominating one market beats spreading yourself thin across manyHow to spot an untapped niche and turn passion into a brand people will pay a premium forThe exact three-step marketing funnel Garrett uses to turn social media views into actual bookings Connect with Garrett Brown: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-brown-03b673169/ Website: https://cameronranchglamping.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cameronranchglamping Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  5. Jun 10

    Mark Batterson on Building Churches That Transform Communities

    In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Podcast, host Zeke sits down with Pastor Mark Batterson of National Community Church in Washington, DC, for a conversation about the spiritual weight of physical spaces. What began with three people meeting in a blizzard in 1996 has grown into a multi-campus church and a portfolio of community-driven places—Ebenezer's Coffee House (built in a former crack house), the Miracle Theater, the Dream Center, and the Capitol Turnaround, a 100,000-square-foot streetcar building stripped down to its 96 columns and rebuilt.  Mark unpacks why he believes a church confined to its four walls "is a club, not a church," how honoring the history of old buildings shapes new vision, and why his team invested a million dollars reinforcing a roof deck they have no plans to build on—because the next generation might. Drawing on themes from his book Gradually, Then Suddenly, he reflects on long-game thinking, the boundaries that protect family and ministry, defining success as being respected most by those who know you best, and why leadership always begins with self-leadership. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Mark Batterson believes physical spaces carry spiritual weight—and how a coffee house can do what a pulpit sometimes can'tThe "rebuilder of broken walls" philosophy: tapping into a building's backstory rather than erasing itHow intentional design (like seating that faces inward rather than spotlighting a stage) creates communal worship instead of personality-driven worshipThe case for activating church real estate 24/7 through event venues, childcare, and partnerships rather than letting buildings sit empty six days a week"Third and fourth generation" thinking: making costly decisions today to set up people you'll never meetWhy he capped his speaking trips—and the wake-up call from his wife that prompted itHis definition of success: "when those who know you best respect you most"A measured take on AI and technology as "theologically neutral" tools requiring discernmentWhat encourages him about the next generation's spiritual hunger—and his concern about binary, "us vs. them" thinkingWhy the best athletes and leaders he's met excel first at self-leadership, rest, and recoveryGrab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  6. May 18

    The Biophilic Design Revolution That Is Transforming Luxury Hospitality Worldwide with Louis Thompson

    Louis Thompson, CEO and co-founder of Nomadic Resorts, joins host Zeke Freeman to share how a hospitality career, a tsunami, and a mushroom-inspired treehouse dining pod led to one of the most distinctive eco-resort design firms in the world. Louis and his creative partner have spent over a decade building bamboo floating resorts, manta ray treehouses, caterpillar-cocoon tent camps, and other biomimicry-driven structures for major luxury brands like Six Senses, Shangri-La, and Banyan Tree — all while bootstrapping the company on a $10,000 loan from Louis's mom.  The conversation covers everything from the engineering reality of hanging a nest from living trees in a Thai rainforest to why unconventional construction doesn't have to cost more than a conventional build, and why the future of hospitality belongs to hyper-niche, experience-first destinations. Things You'll Learn in This Episode What biophilic design and biomimicry actually mean, and how they shape every Nomadic Resorts projectWhy a mushroom-inspired treehouse dining pod that rises on a winch became a massive PR win for a luxury hotel brandHow Louis and Olaf bootstrapped Nomadic Resorts and convinced a client to invest $13M from a hand sketchWhy unconventional, nature-inspired construction can cost the same as a conventional buildHow Nomadic Resorts approaches new locations by studying vernacular architecture and local building materialsWhy Louis believes AI will drive a surge in hyper-niche, activity-specific resort concepts Connect with Louis Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-thompson-9825308/ Nomadic Resorts: https://nomadicresorts.com/ Nomadic Escapes: https://www.nomadic-escapes.com/ Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  7. May 6

    Building Passive Income Through RVs and Franchising with Garr Russell

    In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Garr Russell, founder of Fireside RV Rentals, to unpack how a simple family RV purchase turned into one of the largest RV rental management franchises in the country. Garr shares his entrepreneurial journey from early lawn care businesses to building scalable systems in hospitality, why RV rental management is fundamentally different from short-term rentals, and how faith, discipline, and long-term thinking have shaped his approach to business. The conversation covers franchising, asset-light models, delegation, generational wealth, and why documenting systems is the real work behind scale. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How RV rental management works and why it differs from Airbnb-style real estate rentalsWhy turning lifestyle assets like RVs into income streams can offset ownership costs without chasing appreciation The economics behind Fireside’s 50/50 management model and why it makes sense in the RV industryWhat it takes to build and operate an RV rental management franchise with low overhead How franchising can be a faster and more scalable path than owning large fleets of depreciating assets The importance of documentation, systems, and delegation when scaling a hospitality business How faith influences Garr’s decision-making, leadership style, and approach to entrepreneurship Why thinking in terms of assets and recurring revenue changes how entrepreneurs build long-term wealthHow community and support systems play a critical role in sustainable franchise growth Connect with Garr Russell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrrussell Website: https://firesidervrental.com/ https://firesidervrentalfranchise.com/ https://garrrussell.com/ Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

  8. Apr 22

    From One Treehouse to 33 Units: Building Bolt Farm the #1 Bucket-List Romantic Getaway - Tori Bolt

    Download to get you $1M Presale Framework based on this episode → root-ad.com/presale In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Tori Bolt, co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, to unpack how one of the most recognizable names in experiential outdoor hospitality was built from a single handcrafted treehouse into a thriving, design-forward micro-resort.  Tori shares the real story behind Bolt Farm, including early missteps with zoning and entitlements, the painful decision to walk away from a failed development, and the lessons that shaped their successful relaunch in Tennessee.  The conversation dives deep into building with intention, scaling through offsite construction, designing amenities that actually drive revenue, and creating a hospitality brand centered on connection, relationships, and unforgettable guest experiences.  This episode is a masterclass for anyone building in hospitality who wants to grow with clarity, discipline, and heart. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How Bolt Farm Treehouse evolved from a single wedding treehouse into a 33-unit experiential destinationWhy zoning, entitlements, and location selection can make or break a hospitality projectThe financial and operational lessons learned from a failed development and full restartHow offsite construction and prefab manufacturing accelerated Bolt Farm’s growthWhy focusing on a clear guest avatar leads to stronger branding and higher nightly ratesHow spa and wellness amenities can significantly impact revenue and marginsThe role of Instagram, influencers, and direct bookings in building demand before openingHow to structure a hospitality team as you scale without bloating payrollWhat it takes to deliver “unreasonable hospitality” at scalePractical advice for couples building and running a business together Connect with Tori Bolt LinkedIn: Tori Bolt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-bolt/ Website: https://www.boltfarmtreehouse.com/ Instagram: @boltfarmtreehouse - https://www.instagram.com/boltfarmtreehouse/ Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter Connect with Zeke Freeman: Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture YouTube: @rootarchitecture Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot Ready to get started with your hospitality project? https://root-ad.com/ Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences. Follow, Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

See All (62)

5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Radical Hospitality Show where we dive into a fascinating blend of business expertise and genuine compansion in hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned hospitality expert or a budding entrepreneur, our show is for you. We dive deep into the world of architecture, development, and hospitality, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when creating exceptional experiences. Join us as we interview fascinating guests who share their insights, stories, and practical advice. Tune in for inspiring conversations, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on the hospitality industry. Podcast: https://radicalhospitalityshow.com/ Instagram: @rootarchitecturedevelopment YouTube: The Radical Hospitality Show TikTok @RadicalHospitalityShowFacebook @RadicalHospitalityShowReady to get started on your hospitality project? Visit us at https://root-ad.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Zeke Freeman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root Architecture and Design
  • Show Website
    Radical Hospitality Show

You Might Also Like