Want to know what it’s like to go from short-term rentals to owning boutique hotels while still maintaining a healthy relationship?

This week on the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell sits down with Mitch Ehly and Katie Wanzer, the husband-and-wife duo behind Fresh Coast Motel and Spruce & Shore Motel in Door County, Wisconsin.

They share how they scaled from Airbnbs to a full-fledged hospitality brand, revived two historic motels, and used automation to stay profitable without losing the guest touch.

You’ll learn how they:

Transitioned from STRs to hotels (and what changed operationally)
Revived historic properties into modern boutique experiences
Turned self-check-in into a high-touch guest experience using video personalization
Balanced business, marriage, and mindset while scaling fast

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your short-term rental business into something bigger, this is the episode to study.

About Mitch & Katie

Mitch and Katie are the husband-and-wife team behind Fresh Coast Motel and Spruce & Shore Motel, two boutique properties redefining the modern Door County getaway. Drawing on Mitch’s background in hospitality technology and leadership, and Katie’s creative eye for design and guest experience, the pair have transformed classic roadside motels into stylish, high-end retreats that blend historic charm with modern comfort. Their approach embraces self-check-in technology, thoughtful renovations, and authentic local storytelling to create spaces that feel both elevated and effortless. Together, they’re shaping a new wave of boutique hospitality in Wisconsin’s most beloved coastal towns.

Connect with Mitch & Katie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchehly/

Websites

https://freshcoastmotel.com

https://therefreshcollection.com/

https://spruceandshoremotel.com/

Instagram

https://instagram.com/mitchehly

https://www.instagram.com/spruceandshoremotel

https://www.instagram.com/freshcoastmotel

Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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