Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast

Steve Short
  • 4.0 (2)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Interesting interviews with innkeepers and lodging experts, aimed to improve the challenging life of the independent innkeeper and lodging professional.

  1. FEB 9

    089: How AI Is Rewriting Travel Discovery

    As AI transforms how travelers discover their next stay, innkeepers need new strategies to stay visible and competitive. In this episode, Kenny Ridgell, Founder of Ridge Media, discusses his upcoming ALP Unlocked 2026 presentation, titled The Zero Click Era: How AI Is Rewriting Travel Discovery (and What to Do About It). Kenny shares actionable tips for how innkeepers can best attract guests searching for their properties in today's AI-driven world. We are very thankful to Kenny for sharing his insights. You can learn more at ridgemediallc.com. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    42 min

  2. JAN 12

    088: Cleveland Rocks with ALP Unlocked 2026 — A Preview with Sarah Gazi, CEO of ALP

    The ALP annual conference has a new name and a new format focused on hands-on learning for ALP members, non-members and aspiring innkeepers. Welcome all to ALP Unlocked. Sarah Gazi, CEO of ALP, discusses ALP Unlocked 2026, taking place March 2 to 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, the rock and roll capital of the world. This year's conference will provide tactical and practical insights to help innkeepers grow and sustain their businesses. She also discusses the ALP Academy, a year-round education platform that extends learning beyond the event itself. We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the ALP Unlocked 2026 at ALP Lodging. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    30 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    087: Making Property Management Simple

    For many innkeepers, managing day-to-day operations can be overwhelming, but the right technology can make all the difference. Gideon Stanley, CEO and Founder of GraceSoft, discusses how his company's cloud-based tools help streamline property management for hotels, B&Bs, motels, resorts, and more. He also highlights GraceSoft's new CRM solution, which brings powerful tools like two-way messaging, loyalty tracking, email marketing, and guest profiles into one system connected to the PMS. We are very thankful to Gideon for sharing his insights. You can learn more at gracesoft.com. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    36 min

  4. 11/03/2025

    086: Simple Ways to Delight Guests

    Even the smallest touches can make a big impact when it comes to guest satisfaction. Based on their 2025 ALP Conference presentation, Peter MacLaren — owner and operator of West Hill House B&B in Warren, Vermont — and Rachel Paley — general manager at Saratoga Arms Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York — share simple, high-impact ways innkeepers can go above and beyond for their guests. We are very thankful to Peter and Rachel for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about West Hill House B&B at westhillbb.com and Saratoga Arms Hotel at saratogaarms.com. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    38 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    085: Mastering Online Reviews

    Online reviews can make or break a guest's decision to book, and how you manage them matters more than ever. Marco DiDomizio, Broker and Consultant with Inn Advisors, and Dan Clark, owner of the Inn of the Turquoise Bear, share how innkeepers can turn reviews into a powerful marketing tool to build their brands and increase bookings. Drawing from their 2025 ALP Conference presentation, they offer smart tips on earning better reviews, managing negative feedback, and focusing on the platforms that matter most. We are very thankful to Marco and Dan for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about Inn Advisors at innadvisors.com and the Inn of the Turquoise Bear at turquoisebear.com. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    50 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    084: Top Tech Trends for Innkeepers

    What technologies should innkeepers be paying attention to in the years ahead? From automation to personalization, the right tools can make a major difference in day-to-day operations and guest satisfaction. Jim Leitch, owner of Hospitality Proz, discusses the top technologies shaping the future of independent lodging. Based on his presentation at the ALP 2025 conference, Jim shares insights into the tools and trends that can help innkeepers improve efficiency and deliver better guest experiences. We are very thankful to Jim for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Hospitality Proz at the company's LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/company/hospitality-proz. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    39 min

  7. 08/04/2025

    083: Better Together: The MWInns and MBBA Merger with Kerri Thiel, Randy Bangs and Mikki Suchomel

    The Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) and the Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association (MBBA) have officially merged. Kerri Thiel (Retiring Executive Director), Mikki Suchomel (Incoming Executive Director), and Randy Bangs (Board VP and Marketing Chair) discuss how this strategic move expands resources, strengthens advocacy, and creates new opportunities for regional growth. We also highlight their first joint event, InnSight 2025, taking place October 26 to 28 in Holland, MI. We are very thankful to Kerri, Randy, and Mikki for sharing their insights 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. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    39 min

  8. 07/07/2025

    082: Mastering Revenue Management: The Art and Science of Pricing

    Pricing is one of the most powerful tools innkeepers have, but getting it right is both an art and a science. Scot Fuller-Beatty, Founder of The Bold Collaboration, discusses how to master revenue management through smart pricing strategies and well-timed promotions. Scot also offers practical advice for crafting promotions that increase occupancy and drive profitability.  We are very thankful to Scot  for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about The Bold Collaboration at theboldcollaboration.com. Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Interesting interviews with innkeepers and lodging experts, aimed to improve the challenging life of the independent innkeeper and lodging professional.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Short
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2013-2023 Frictionless LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast