The Inn Crowd

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

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
 

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.

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

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.travelbta.com/blog
Email: info@travelbta.com
🎙️ Host – Jamie Mattingly | Duval Street Media
Podcast Website: https://www.duvalstreetmedia.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duvalstreetmedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemattingly

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 Resortdakotadunesresort.com
👩‍💼 Connect with Joy Caron on LinkedInJoy Caron LinkedIn
🏨 Learn more about the Whitecap Dakota Nationwhitecapdakota.com
🎙️ Connect with Jamie Mattingly & Duval Street Media🌐 duvalstreetmedia.com💬 Jamie on LinkedIn

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 FoleyFounder, PDB Collaborative🌐 www.pdbcollaborative.com🔗 Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn
💼 Host: Jamie MattinglyFounder, 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

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

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 JordanFounder + Travel Advisor, Jordan Executive Travel🌐 jordanexecutivetravel.com🔗 Margie on LinkedIn
🎙 Host:Jamie MattinglyFounder of Duval Street Media – Marketing for Hotels & Tourism Brands🌐 duvalstreetmedia.com🔗 Jamie on LinkedIn

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