The Inn Crowd

Jamie Mattingly
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Inn Crowd is where hospitality leaders, hoteliers, and travel innovators share the strategies shaping the future of the industry. From revenue optimization and guest experience trends to marketing tactics that drive direct bookings, we dive deep into the business of hospitality. Whether you’re a hotel owner, operator, or industry professional, this is your inside look at what’s working now—and what’s coming next.

Episodes

  1. 07/22/2025

    From Van Life to Resort Life: Building Montana's Most Authentic Airstream Experience

    In this inspiring episode of The Inn Crowd, host Jamie Mattingly chats with Britton and Josh, owners and operators of Flathead Lake Resort in Montana, about their remarkable journey from full-time RV life to creating a thriving boutique resort. Discover how they transformed vintage Airstreams into unique glamping experiences, their "raw goods" philosophy for building businesses without massive loans, and how they've created authentic community connections in Big Fork, Montana. From paddle-boarding to Monday night margaritas to providing attainable housing for the local workforce, learn how these former event marketers built a seasonal business that honors the property's 1948 heritage while serving modern adventure travelers just 45 minutes from Glacier National Park. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Topics The "Raw Goods" business philosophy: How to build a hospitality business by partnering with others who have complementary assets instead of taking on massive debt Seasonal business strategies: Managing a 3-4 month operating season in Montana while creating year-round revenue through long-term winter rentals and workforce housing solutions Authentic vintage branding: Restoring 1955-1988 Airstreams while maintaining their original character and creating Instagram-worthy nostalgic experiences Community integration over corporate hospitality: Taking guests paddle-boarding to local bars, building relationships with town restaurants, and becoming neighborhood pillars rather than isolated resorts Transparent communication strategy: How to get ahead of potential negatives (road noise, authentic Montana tractors) by spinning them as authentic local experiences The Office Dropouts expansion: Launching a podcast and daily email for "rebels, dreamers, and cubicle dodgers" as an additional revenue stream and brand extension 🌐 Guest Links Britton and Josh, Owners & Operators, Flathead Lake Resort Flathead Lake Resort Website: flatheadlakeresort.com Instagram: @flatheadlakeresort Office Dropouts Podcast & Daily Dropout Email: Available through flatheadlakeresort.com 🎧 Jamie's Links Website: duvalstreetmedia.com Instagram: @duvalstreetmedia Podcast Info & Guest Submissions: duvalstreetmedia.com 📌 Mentioned in the Show Notes Flathead Lake Resort established in 1948 by original owners Marion and Martin Located 45 minutes from Glacier National Park in Big Fork, Montana Vintage Airstreams from 1955-1988 available for glamping experiences Stargazing, sunset experiences, and community campfires offered Daily Dropout email and Office Dropouts podcast launching soon Attainable housing solutions for tourist town workforce challenges Monday night margaritas via paddle board/kayak to local bar Riverside recording platform recommended for podcasters "Come as guests, leave as friends" hospitality philosophy Teardrop campers with no electric or running water (body wipes provided) 'Who Gives a Crap toilet paper' and other eco-friendly brand partnerships Blue Land soap dispensers and locally-made Missoula coffee for guests

    43 min

  2. 06/24/2025

    Scaling Boutique Hotels Without Losing Soul: How Origin Hotels Creates Authentic Local Experiences Across 7 Cities

    In this dynamic episode of The Inn Crowd, host Jamie Mattingly sits down with Baylee, Director of Sales at Origin Hotel Austin, to explore how a fast-growing boutique hotel brand maintains authentic local character while scaling rapidly. From Willie Nelson-signed cowboy hats in Austin lobbies to tiger stripes in Baton Rouge, discover how Origin Hotels creates Instagram-worthy moments that truly reflect each city's culture. Baylee shares insider strategies on influencer partnerships, user-generated content, and the challenges of forecasting revenue in an era of two-week booking windows. Perfect for hospitality professionals, hotel marketers, and anyone interested in building scalable brands with soul. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Topics The brand pillar strategy: How Origin uses three core pillars (venture, balance, connect) to maintain consistency while allowing each property to reflect its local city's unique culture The last-minute booking crisis: Why hotels are seeing booking windows shrink to just two weeks (even for corporate travel) and the forecasting nightmares this creates Authentic staff empowerment over corporate scripts: Moving beyond requiring "Mr. and Mrs." a certain number of times or the "open palm" technique Cost-effective influencer marketing: Strategic partnerships with local personalities like SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker Instagram-worthy design philosophy: Creating "Instagrammable moments" from funky art installations (hook'em hands with bat wings) to locally-themed photo opportunities Strategic partnership building: How partnerships with Austin Film Studios and Mueller business mixers establish hotels as neighborhood pillars The art of saying no: Why Origin turns down markets that don't align with their authentic local culture mission 🌐 Guest Links Baylee Colson, Director of Sales, Origin Hotel Austin Origin Hotels Website: originhotel.com Origin Austin Instagram: @origin_austin Origin Hotel Locations: Austin, Baton Rouge, Lexington, Red Rocks, Kansas City 🎧 Jamie's Links Website: http://duvalstreetmedia.com Instagram: @duvalstreetmedia Podcast Info & Guest Submissions: duvalstreetmedia.com 📌 Mentioned in the Show Notes Austin Film Studios – Origin's preferred hotel partner located a mile down the road Mueller Business District – Austin location and community mixer venue Madison Booker – UT Women's Basketball SEC Player of the Year partnership Willie Nelson signed cowboy hat display in Austin lobby Company-wide conference with 50 attendees fostering brand consistency Monthly directors of sales meetings across all properties South by Southwest (SXSW) – Austin's famous festival "Come as guests, leave as friends" hospitality philosophy Origin's rapid expansion: 3 new properties opened in the last year

    29 min

  3. 06/11/2025

    Adventure with Purpose: How Uncharted Earth Redefines Travel Through Immersion and Impact

    In this episode of The Inn Crowd, host Jamie Mattingly dives into the wild world of experiential travel with Leo Cuesta, founder of Uncharted Earth. From his early days in corporate real estate to crafting deeply immersive journeys through the Philippines, Colombia, and the American West, Leo shares how his passion for nature, culture, and authentic human connection fuels his adventure travel company. Tune in for a rich conversation on storytelling, sustainability, scaling with soul, and what it really takes to lead people through transformative travel experiences. 📌 Key Takeaways 🌏 Immersion over Sightseeing: Uncharted Earth prioritizes experiential travel—think trekking through rice terraces and staying in remote villages, not just checking off landmarks. 🧭 Building a Business with Heart: Leo shares how he grew the company organically, focusing on quality over rapid expansion. 💬 Authenticity in Marketing: The value of customer reviews far outweighs influencer hype in adventure travel. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Guide Recruitment with Intention: Future trip leaders shadow actual tours to ensure alignment with company values and guest expectations. 🔄 Sustainable & Transformational Travel: Small group sizes, local transport, and community respect are core to Uncharted Earth’s mission. 🚵‍♂️ What’s Next?: Leo hints at dream trips involving more extreme sports—but only if they can be done responsibly. 🔗 Guest Links 🌐 Uncharted Earth Website (Note: There’s a dash between “uncharted” and “earth”) 📷 Uncharted Earth on Instagram (accessible via their main website) 📘 Uncharted Earth on Facebook (accessible via their main website) 💼 Connect with Jamie 📧 Email: jamie@duvalstmedia.com 🌐 Website: www.duvalstreetmedia.com 📝 Mentioned in the Show Notes 📍 Website for trip bookings: www.uncharted-earth.com 📝 Leo mentioned “we’ll put it in the show notes” in reference to their booking/contact information. That’s included above. 📚 Adventure Travel Definition Source: Physical activity + nature + culture — a framework that still guides Uncharted Earth’s approach. 🎒 Local trip examples: trekking the Banaue Rice Terraces, kayaking remote islands, snorkeling marine sanctuaries.

    34 min

  4. 06/05/2025

    Eagle Dancer: A Sanctuary of Spirit, Healing & Quiet Luxury in Sedona

    ✨ Episode Summary In this deeply inspiring episode of The Inn Crowd, host Jamie Mattingly sits down with Huib and Iona, the visionary couple behind Eagle Dancer Resort in Sedona, Arizona. What began as a personal spiritual journey turned into a transformative hospitality experience for guests seeking healing, connection, and beauty. From curated wellness offerings to energetically aligned architecture, Eagle Dancer is more than a destination—it’s an experience of the soul. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Topics The unexpected spiritual journey that led Huib and Iona to Sedona and the Eagle Dancer property How they infused European hospitality, spiritual intention, and design principles into every inch of their resort The power of healing modalities offered on-site: sound baths, Reiki, intuitive readings, prenatal services, and more Their take on redefining modern luxury through presence, peace, and personalization What makes Eagle Dancer a true “destination within a destination” How hospitality becomes a tool for transformation and emotional healing for guests 🌐 Guest Links Eagle Dancer Resort Website: eagledancersedona.com Instagram: @eagledancersedona 🎧 Jamie’s Links Website: duvalstreetmedia.com Instagram: @duvalstreetmedia Podcast Info & Guest Submissions: duvalstreetmedia.com 📌 Mentioned in the Show Notes Power vs. Force by David Hawkins – Huib and Iona's introduction to Sedona “Come as guests, leave as friends” – their core hospitality ethos Quiet luxury defined by intention, energy, and genuine service “Chariots” – local luxury car startup partnering with Eagle Dancer A special guest gift: a handmade chakra piece created with stones from Eagle Dancer’s land

    44 min

  5. 05/14/2025

    The Why Behind the Journey: Transformational Travel & Leadership with Angie Rice

    In this episode of The Inn Crowd, host Jamie Mattingly sits down with Angie Rice, Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, to unpack what it really means to design transformational luxury travel experiences. From her background in forensic accounting to building a mission-led agency, Angie shares how her team creates one-of-a-kind itineraries that inspire, connect, and give back. We explore: BTA’s unique business model that blends independent and employed advisors How travel advisors can scale through mentorship and specialization The growing demand for purpose-driven and culturally immersive travel Real stories of philanthropic travel that leave a lasting impact How Angie is mentoring the next generation and advocating for tech upgrades in the travel industry Whether you’re a hotelier, travel advisor, or luxury experience creator, this episode is packed with insights on how to grow with intention — and how to make every trip matter. 🎧 What Listeners Will Learn: Why luxury travel is becoming more about transformation than amenities The importance of defining the “why” behind every itinerary How to build a travel agency that fosters collaboration, not isolation Ways to incorporate philanthropy authentically into travel planning Strategies BTA used to grow organically before ever investing in ads How mentoring diverse learning styles builds stronger, more loyal teams The real pain points behind travel tech — and how the industry can evolve Why multi-gen travel and villa/yacht experiences are trending How giving back on a trip can reshape both the traveler and the destination 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 👤 Guest – Angie Rice | Boutique Travel Advisors Website: https://www.travelbta.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelbta Blog: https://www.duvalstreetmedia.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duvalstreetmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemattingly

    1h 7m

  6. 04/28/2025

    Indigenous Travel, Innovation, and Storytelling: The Dakota Dunes Resort Experience

    In this episode of The Inn Crowd, we’re heading to the Saskatchewan prairies to explore the story behind one of Canada's most unique destination resorts — Dakota Dunes Resort. Joining me is Joy Caron, Director of Sales and Marketing, to share how the resort intertwines Indigenous culture, community, and modern luxury into a truly unforgettable guest experience. From architecture inspired by the Whitecap Dakota Nation to new innovations like a cosmic geodesic dome and a world-class thermal spa, this conversation will inspire anyone passionate about the future of meaningful travel. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How Dakota Dunes Resort uses Indigenous storytelling to create authentic guest experiences ✅ The role of Whitecap Dakota Nation heritage in the resort’s design and programming ✅ Creative ways they’re expanding into experiential travel, wellness tourism, and adventure ✅ How they're building loyalty through culture-driven programming like powwow presentations and stargazing ✅ Innovative projects on the horizon — including Canada’s first Cosmic Dome experience and a luxury thermal spa ✅ Trends in Indigenous-led tourism and destination marketing 🔗 Helpful Links 🌐 Dakota Dunes Resort dakotadunesresort.com 👩‍💼 Connect with Joy Caron on LinkedIn Joy Caron LinkedIn 🏨 Learn more about the Whitecap Dakota Nation whitecapdakota.com 🎙️ Connect with Jamie Mattingly & Duval Street Media 🌐 duvalstreetmedia.com 💬 Jamie on LinkedIn

    28 min

  7. 04/17/2025

    The Owner’s Rep Advantage: Smarter, Smoother Hotel Projects with Danielle Foley

    Hotel owners, listen up—if you’re planning a renovation or development project, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. This week, I’m joined by Danielle Foley, Founder and CEO of PDB Collaborative, a firm that serves as the owner's right hand in hotel projects across the country. Danielle shares what an Owner’s Rep really does (and why so many developers wish they’d hired one sooner). From preventing seven-figure mistakes to translating a vague “vibe” into a budget-aligned design plan, Danielle breaks it all down with clarity, calm, and real-world examples. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn: What an Owner’s Rep actually does—and why you need one before you break ground The most common (and costly) mistakes hotel owners make during renovations How to save money without sacrificing guest experience The power of local storytelling and thoughtful design in driving direct bookings Why tech, landscaping, and even smell are shaping the future of hotel design Danielle’s favorite real-world projects and what made them work so well 🎙 Guest: Danielle Foley Founder, PDB Collaborative 🌐 www.pdbcollaborative.com 🔗 Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn 💼 Host: Jamie Mattingly Founder, Duval Street Media 🌐 www.duvalstreetmedia.com 🔗 Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn 💡 Know someone who’d be a great guest on The Inn Crowd? Submit them here: www.duvalstreetmedia.com/theinncrowd

    29 min

  8. 04/08/2025

    Surprise, Delight, and Fur Babies: The Bold Hospitality of Staypineapple with Dina Belon

    How bold branding, empowered teams, and a love for dogs helped Staypineapple redefine boutique hospitality. In this episode of The Inn Crowd, Jamie Mattingly sits down with Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple—a boutique hotel brand known for its cheeky personality, unforgettable design, and pet-obsessed culture. From their “Naked Experience” to handwritten guest notes, Staypineapple has carved out a loyal following through humor, heart, and hyper-personalization. Dina shares how they empower team members to go off-script, why surprise and delight isn't just a marketing slogan—it’s a mindset—and how being unapologetically bold has helped the brand attract the right guests (and happily repel the wrong ones). Whether you’re a hotelier, marketer, or just love a great guest experience, this episode is packed with ideas and insights. 🎧 What You’ll Take Away from This Episode: Why being dog-obsessed isn’t just cute—it’s a growth strategy How Staypineapple empowers team members to create legendary surprise-and-delight moments Why personality-driven branding increases guest loyalty The power of saying, “We’re not for everyone”—and meaning it How Dina thinks about guest personalization beyond preferences Why a teabag and a box of Kleenex might be more meaningful than a comped cocktail What happens when your social media strategy is built by your guests Dina’s vision of Staypineapple as a mix of Steve Martin and Audrey Hepburn Ideas you can steal to make your hotel—or any brand—more memorable and magnetic Come for the dogs, stay for the pineapple robes, and leave with a masterclass in modern hospitality. Dina Belon Linkedin  www.Staypineapple.com

    48 min

  9. 03/27/2025

    Creating Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Experiences with Margie Jordan of Jordan Executive Travel

    In this episode of The Inn Crowd, I sit down with the brilliant Margie Jordan, Founder of Jordan Executive Travel, to talk about what it truly means to create transformational, luxury travel experiences—and how hoteliers can tap into that mindset to better connect with today’s high-end guests. Margie is a veteran of the travel industry with a gift for combining luxury, authenticity, and cultural immersion into every itinerary. From private Michelin-star cooking classes to sharing tea with nomadic families in Morocco, she’s redefining what luxury travel can look and feel like. Whether you’re a hotelier, marketer, or destination brand, this episode will give you actionable insights into what modern travelers are really looking for—and how to meet (or exceed) those expectations. 🎧 Listen in to learn: How Margie curates unforgettable experiences that reflect each traveler’s lifestyle The role of storytelling and long-form content in luxury travel marketing Smart SEO and blogging strategies that attract intentional, high-quality traffic The power of local partnerships in creating deeper guest connections Creative ways to personalize guest experiences (even at scale) Why aligning your property with a feeling—not just a place—can drive loyalty 📍 Guest: Margie Jordan Founder + Travel Advisor, Jordan Executive Travel 🌐 jordanexecutivetravel.com 🔗 Margie on LinkedIn 🎙 Host: Jamie Mattingly Founder of Duval Street Media – Marketing for Hotels & Tourism Brands 🌐 duvalstreetmedia.com 🔗 Jamie on LinkedIn

    32 min

  10. 03/20/2025

    From Rental Arbitrage to a Multi-Million Dollar Empire with Josh Hatter

    🏡What does it take to turn a small vacation rental business into a multi-million dollar powerhouse? Josh Hatter, CEO of Curated Vacation Properties (CVP) and a 2023 & 2024 Inc. 5000 honoree, joins The Inn Crowd Podcast to share the strategies, challenges, and lessons he learned while scaling his company. In this episode, we dive into: The journey from rental arbitrage to property ownership – and why he made the switch. The key to scaling a vacation rental business without burning out. Direct booking strategies – how to drive more revenue without relying on OTAs. The power of guest experience & personalization – what truly sets great hospitality brands apart. The biggest mistakes short-term rental owners make (and how to avoid them). What it takes to land on the Inc. 5000 list – twice! Whether you're a vacation rental owner, hotelier, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow your business. 🔗 Connect with Josh Hatter: 👉 LinkedIn: Josh Hatter on LinkedIn 👉 Website: Curated Vacation Properties (CVP) 🎧 Listen now & learn from one of the best in the business! Want to Be a Guest on The Inn Crowd Podcast? We’re always looking for hoteliers, hospitality experts, and travel industry leaders to share their insights. If you’d like to be a guest, submit your request here: 👉 The Inn Crowd Podcast 📩 Let’s Connect! 👉 LinkedIn: Jamie Mattingly 👉 Website: Duval Street Media

    52 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The Inn Crowd is where hospitality leaders, hoteliers, and travel innovators share the strategies shaping the future of the industry. From revenue optimization and guest experience trends to marketing tactics that drive direct bookings, we dive deep into the business of hospitality. Whether you’re a hotel owner, operator, or industry professional, this is your inside look at what’s working now—and what’s coming next.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Mattingly
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Inn Crowd