The Intrinsic Value Podcast - The Investor’s Podcast Network

MI326: Experiential Hospitality with Heart w/ Isaac French

Feb 12, 2024

Isaac French, designer and builder of Live Oak Lake, shares his journey as an entrepreneur, growing up in an intentional community. He discusses the role of faith, inspiration for the retreat, design of the cabins, and automation. He also talks about selling Live Oak Lake and his masterclass in experiential hospitality.

01:05:34

Episode guests

Isaac French

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Isaac French built and sold Live Oak Lake, a nature-immersive retreat that grossed $1 million in its first year.

French's faith in Christianity influences every decision he makes, including his hospitality business.

Live Oak Lake's success was attributed to its thoughtful architecture, immersive experiences, and strategic use of social media.

Deep dives

Building Live Oak Lake: A Nature Immersive Retreat

Live Oak Lake, a seven unit nature immersive retreat located outside Waco, Texas, was built by Isaac French. Initially hesitant to sell, French eventually sold the retreat after grossing one million dollars in its first year. The episode discusses French's journey as an entrepreneur, growing up in an intentional community, and the role of faith in his life. The success of Live Oak Lake led French to teach others how to build and run hospitality businesses.

Introduction

2min

Growing Up in a Christian Community: Values, Skills, and Entrepreneurship

20min

Balancing Values and Growing a Following

2min

Meal Kit Ad, Personal Branding, Gifts and Abilities, Hospitality, and Christian Communities

5min

Finding the Perfect Property

14min

Finding a Unique Niche and Proximity to People

6min

Cabin Layout and Design

17min

Blueprint for Replicating a Successful Project and Plans for the Next Project

3min

In this week’s episode, Patrick Donley (@JPatrickDonley) sits down with Isaac French, designer and builder of Live Oak Lake, a gorgeous 7-unit nature-immersive retreat located just outside Waco, Texas. In this episode, Isaac shares how he did all of this, his early days as an entrepreneur growing up in an intentional community, the role of faith in his life, and how he utilized social media to fuel profitability, and so much more!

In its first year, the property grossed $1 million, with a net profit of $550,000. He has recently sold Live Oak Lake and today, Isaac teaches others how to build and run hospitality businesses at Experiential Hospitality.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN

00:00 - Intro.

02:05 - What it was like for Isaac growing up in a large family in an intentional community.

18:13 - How his faith impacts how he operates his life and business.

30:09 - How he got the inspiration for Live Oak Lake.

35:54 - What went into the creation and development of the property.

38:55 - How he came up with the design of the cabins.

49:20 - Why he was able to finish the project so quickly.

53:10 - What he has been able to automate.

54:14 - What it was like building a spec home and breaking his pelvis during the project.

58:24 - What he would have done differently on the project.

60:47 - How selling Live Oak Lake went.

69:19 - Why he’s offering a masterclass in experiential hospitality.

*Disclaimer: Slight timestamp discrepancies may occur due to podcast platform differences.

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

Join the exclusive TIP Mastermind Community to engage in meaningful stock investing discussions with Kyle and the other community members.
Check out episode MI315: The Power of Mentorship w/ Chris Powers | YouTube video.
Check out episode MI288: Experiencing Unique Stays w/ Ben Wolff | YouTube video.
Check out the books mentioned in the podcast here.

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