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. 5D AGO

    The Real Economics Behind Glamping, Micro Resorts, and Outdoor Hospitality in 2026 with Connor Schwab

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke Freeman sits down with outdoor hospitality expert Connor Schwab to explore what actually makes a glamping, micro resort, or outdoor lodging project work.  Connor shares insights from hundreds of feasibility studies, explains the real economics of canvas tents versus hard-wall units, breaks down where operators lose money, and reveals how scale, utilities, unit mix, and direct booking strategy can make or break a project.  They discuss the shift toward professionalization in the industry, why unique architecture creates a long-term moat, and how operators can build profitable, durable outdoor properties in 2026 and beyond. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How outdoor hospitality has evolved and where it's headingWhy canvas tents often fail to pencil and the hidden costs behind themThe operational challenges of glamping and seasonal setupsWhy utilities usually make or break your budgetHow unit mix determines ADR, occupancy, and long-term brand valueWhy scale matters and why most properties struggle below $1M in revenueHow OTAs can fast-track occupancy but hurt profitabilityWhy unique, hand-built units outperform off-the-shelf structuresWhat makes a micro resort work in cold or seasonal marketsConnor’s strategy for building a $100M hospitality portfolio today Contact Connor Schwab • Website: https://www.clearsummitinvestments.com/ • Email: connor@clearsummittinvestments.com • LinkedIn: Connor Schwab • Podcast: Outdoor Hospitality Podcast 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.

    44 min

  2. MAR 30

    How Vision Driven Leadership Builds Organizations That Last with Doug Dameron of Orchard Church

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke Freeman sits down with Doug Dameron, founding and lead pastor of Orchard Church in Brighton, Colorado. Doug shares the journey of growing Orchard from a small apartment gathering into a thriving multi-site church reaching thousands each week. The conversation explores leadership, vision, accountability, and the often overlooked business side of running a healthy organization. Doug and Zeke unpack how churches and businesses alike can avoid becoming inward-focused, why hospitality is a powerful growth strategy, and how mission-driven leaders can embrace change, technology, and systems without losing their soul. From radical hospitality to kingdom-minded business principles, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, builders, and leaders who want to create lasting impact. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How Orchard Church grew from an apartment living room to a thriving multi-site organizationWhy vision should focus on people, not just buildings or scaleThe dangers of becoming inward-focused in business and leadershipHow accountability and clarity strengthen culture, not weaken itWhy hospitality is one of the most powerful and overlooked growth strategiesWhat churches and businesses can learn from each other about leadership and systemsHow to balance mission with changing methods in a fast-moving worldPractical ways AI can support creativity and efficiency without replacing humanityThe trellis and the vine framework for sustainable growthWhat it means to run a kingdom-minded business in everyday work Orcharch Church: https://www.orchard.church/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchardchurchco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrchardChurchCo 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.

    46 min

  3. MAR 23

    The Mindset Shift That Builds Trustworthy Teams in Hospitality with Tiffani Packer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke sits down with restaurateur and community builder Tiffani Packer, the energetic force behind several beloved concepts across Evergreen, Morrison, and Tampa. Tiffani shares the deeply personal story of how she and her husband Rand built a hospitality group while raising four kids, staying grounded in their core value of “family first.” She opens up about how they built teams that operate with autonomy, why each restaurant carries its own soul, and how they create experiences that feel intentional, warm, and elevated. From the challenges of entrepreneurship to the joy of watching their children grow into leadership roles, Tiffani offers a rare look at what it truly takes to build a hospitality business that thrives without burning out the people behind it. In this episode, you'll learn: How Tiffani and Rand built a hospitality group across multiple cities without losing balance at homeWhy their core value of “family first” shapes every business decisionThe story behind their children becoming entrepreneurs and leaders in the businessHow they create strong, autonomous teams that run restaurants with excellenceWhy they choose unique restaurant concepts instead of duplicating a single modelThe small design details and operational decisions that shape unforgettable guest experiencesWhat it takes to stay resilient in tough seasons of business and parentingHow couples can successfully navigate entrepreneurship togetherWhy leaders must model enthusiasm and authenticity for their teamsWhat “radical hospitality” means to Tiffani and how she brings it to life daily Connect with Tiffani Packer La Rocca Rossa Website: https://laroccarossa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffani-packer-a6913a2bb/ 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.

    52 min

  4. MAR 10

    Hospitality as a Mindset in Design and Development with Devon Tilly

    Send us Fan Mail In this special crossover episode, Zeke joins Devon Tilly on The Art of Construction to explore how hospitality, design, development, and entrepreneurship intertwine to shape memorable places. Zeke shares his journey from growing up on job sites in East Texas to building Root Architecture and Development, and why hospitality is a mindset that influences every project and relationship. They discuss boutique hotels, entitlement challenges, feasibility studies, avoiding costly build mistakes, and the power of real human connection in a digital world. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about Zeke’s mountain treehouse stay, the upcoming boutique hotel in downtown Morrison near Red Rocks, and why long-term thinking and genuine relationships always win. Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why hospitality is a mindset, not a project typeHow childhood jobsite experiences shaped Zeke’s pathWhat “radical hospitality” looks like in design and developmentBehind the scenes of the treehouse stay built during COVIDThe multi‑year journey of entitling a boutique hotel near Red RocksHow to avoid common and costly building mistakesWhy real relationships outperform digital networkingThe value of feasibility studies and early design clarityHow entrepreneurs can collaborate to create better guest experiencesHow architects can use AI responsibly as a tool, not a replacement The Art of Construction hosted by Devon Tilly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-construction/id932645265 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.

    49 min

  5. MAR 3

    From Raw Land to Micro Resorts with Janice Stitzer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Show, Zeke Freeman walks the property with developer and builder Janice Stitzer, co-founder of Uncommon Developer, as she breaks down the real story behind building a seven-unit micro resort in Salida, Colorado. From zoning surprises and water rights to SIP panel construction and infrastructure costs, Janice pulls back the curtain on what most people never see when they dream about building cabins in the mountains. This is not just a conversation about design. It is about risk, resilience, operations, and long-term vision. Janice shares the lessons she learned navigating commercial codes, septic systems, excavation overruns, remote management, and guest experience strategy. She also gives us a look at her next project, a 40-acre regenerative ranch and event-driven hospitality concept built inside an Opportunity Zone. If you have ever dreamed about building your own A-frame, micro resort, or guest ranch, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes. In this episode: What it actually costs to build a micro resort from the ground upHow zoning and commercial codes can reshape your entire designWhy infrastructure is often the biggest hidden expenseThe pros and cons of SIP panel construction in mountain townsHow to think through water rights, augmentation, and septic planning in ColoradoWhy Jan chose P-TAC units over mini splitsThe importance of speed to dry-in during winter buildsHow to structure ADR targets during ramp-up seasonThe realities of self-managing multiple short-term rentalsSystems Jan uses for automation, access control, and remote operationsLessons learned from guest experience mistakes and tech stack gapsHow to think about wellness amenities like private saunas and cold plungesThe strategic value of Opportunity Zones for long-term developmentWhy regenerative ranching is part of Janice’s long-term hospitality visionGrab 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.

    1h 12m

  6. FEB 25

    Design, Development, and Discipline: Zeke Freeman on Building to Scale

    Send us Fan Mail This repost episode features Zeke Freeman as a guest on the Build to Scale Podcast by Quinn V. Schilz, where he shares the pivotal moment that reshaped his career—being laid off in 2008 with a pregnant wife at home—and how that setback became the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. From mastering architecture and learning sales to launching his own firm and stepping into real estate development, Zeke breaks down the real path to ownership, explaining why skill sets matter more than hype, why cash flow is king, and how young entrepreneurs can strategically move from earning income to building assets.  He unpacks practical real estate fundamentals like house hacking, leverage, appreciation, and liquidity, while also sharing how he built a high-performing remote team using systems, daily accountability huddles, and clear SOPs. Zeke also reveals how launching the Radical Hospitality podcast became a strategic growth engine for attracting clients, building trust, and positioning for future boutique hotel developments, making this episode a practical roadmap for anyone serious about building long-term wealth through intentional growth and ownership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Zeke says failure in 2008 was the best thing that happened to his careerThe difference between working for money and making money work for youA step-by-step path for young entrepreneurs to buy their first propertyWhy learning a skill adjacent to real estate is a strategic advantageHow house hacking and ADUs can reduce risk while building equityThe truth about leverage, cash flow, and overextending in today’s marketThe real benefits of real estate: mortgage paydown, tax advantages, and appreciationHow to structure daily team meetings with three simple questionsWhy SOPs and systems are critical to scaling a businessHow podcasting became a client acquisition and capital-raising strategyPractical ways Zeke uses AI without losing human creativityHis 10-year vision for scaling boutique hotel developments Built to Scale Podcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@builttoscalepod?si=rifm68Rq0Qka3ppV Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-to-scale-podcast/id1823789408 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.

    52 min

  7. FEB 19

    Elevated Treehouse Hospitality with Dustin Feider

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Podcast, Zeke Freeman sits down with Dustin Feider, founder of O2 Treehouse, to explore how elevated design, sustainability, and hospitality intersect—literally—in the trees. From geodesic spheres suspended 40+ feet in the air to modular treehouse villages designed for scalable hospitality, Dustin shares how his childhood inspiration evolved into a globally recognized design-build studio. They unpack the engineering challenges of building on living, moving structures, the economics of unique stays, and how immersive, nature-forward hospitality can outperform traditional square-foot thinking. Whether you’re developing boutique hotels, glamping resorts, or experiential real estate, this conversation will expand how you think about space, experience, and return on investment. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Dustin turned a furniture design background into a global treehouse brandThe engineering challenges of building on living trees and how O2 solves themWhy unique stays can outperform larger homes in ADR and ROIWhat it costs to build elevated hospitality structuresThe difference between suspended tree structures and ground-based glamping unitsHow experiential design drives demand in modern hospitalityWhy smaller, one-of-a-kind builds can outperform traditional real estate metricsThe process behind designing, engineering, and budgeting custom tree projectsWhere immersive, nature-driven hospitality is headed next Connect with Dustin: Website: https://www.o2treehouse.com/ Email: dustinfeider@o2treehouse.com LinkedIn: Dustin Feider https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinfeider/ 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.

    49 min

  8. JAN 30

    Building Neighborhood First Real Estate With Tyler Cauble

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Podcast, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Tyler Cauble, a Nashville-based commercial real estate investor, advisor, and developer known for turning overlooked properties into community anchors through adaptive reuse and neighborhood-first strategy. Tyler shares how he dropped out of college, landed an in-house leasing role at a boutique development firm, and quickly built real-world experience across office, retail, industrial, and development. After completing his first major development project, he launched his own firm and began raising capital for deals rooted in a clear philosophy: be product-type agnostic, but hyper-local about where you invest. For Tyler, that means spending nearly all his time understanding the real fabric, demand, and trajectory of specific neighborhoods like East Nashville and Madison. Takeaways: Tyler Cauble emphasizes the importance of understanding neighborhood dynamics for successful investments.He prefers commercial real estate over residential due to the complexities of tenant relationships.Tyler's approach to underwriting deals focuses on finding the 'X factor' that sets projects apart.He believes in the potential of opportunity zones to spur investment in neglected areas.Tyler discusses the challenges of navigating city regulations and permitting processes.He highlights the significance of choosing the right management team for hospitality projects.Tyler's Peerless Mill project aims to create a self-sustaining community within a mixed-use development.He stresses the need for conservative underwriting in uncertain market conditions.Tyler shares insights on the benefits and challenges of utilizing historic tax credits.He advocates for hiring experienced professionals to navigate complex financing options like TIFs. Connect with Tyler Cauble: Website: crecentral.com Instagram: @commercialinnashville 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.

    51 min
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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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root Architecture and Design
  • Show Website
    Radical Hospitality Show

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