447. Redesigning Hospitality Through Local Partnerships in Holmes County, with Jason Nies & LaVern Hershberger

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jason Nies, proprietor of the renowned Inn at Honey Run, and LaVern Hershberger, Vice President of Homestead Furniture. This week's show takes us to the heart of Ohio's Amish country, where we dive into a truly unique partnership: The Inn at Honey Run's iconic Club Level Honeycombs—rooms built into the hillside—are set for a major redesign with Homestead Furniture leading the transformation. Jason and LaVern share the story of how their professional paths crossed through local tourism efforts, their shared mission to honor the area's heritage while staying relevant, and how their businesses are making an impact far beyond their own walls by referring guests to one another.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why both companies are focused on staying relevant to new generations of customers while remaining true to their roots and values
• What makes Homestead Furniture stand out in the Amish furniture industry
• How the redesign of the Inn at Honey Run's Club Level Honeycomb rooms will offer guests twelve distinct themed experiences to appeal to diverse visitor preferences
• Why community collaboration and participating in local tourism committees have been a catalyst for business innovation and personal connection in Holmes County
• How tourism and destination marketing directly impact both the resort and furniture business, creating a full-circle relationship where each refers customers to the other and enhances the local economy
• LaVern and Jason's advice on making partnerships work, including the importance of aligned values and trust in each other's expertise

Staying Relevant in a Changing Landscape

Both the Inn at Honey Run and Homestead Furniture have deep roots in their community—Jason as the inn's third owner and LaVern as part of Homestead's third generation. But remaining core to your brand while evolving to meet modern tastes is a challenge. By integrating contemporary designs and offering full customization, Homestead ensures their craftsmanship appeals to both long-standing customers and a new, design-savvy generation.

Jason describes The Inn at Honey Run as "not an Amish country experience" in the traditional sense, but rather "an affordable luxury getaway" located in natural beauty, complete with unique hillside Honeycomb rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and an open-air art museum. By continuously refining the inn's offerings, Jason is setting a new standard for rural luxury and authenticity.

A Vision for Diverse, Immersive Stays

At the heart of this collaboration is the Honeycomb Homecoming project, a complete reimagining of The Inn at Honey Run's signature Honeycombs—earth-sheltered suites built into a hillside and renowned for privacy and natural immersion.

What makes this project groundbreaking is its approach to guest experience. Each of the 12 Honeycomb rooms will be uniquely themed, offering distinctive moods, decor, and even scents to transform the atmosphere. Thanks to the partnership with Homestead, guests will soon be able to choose their ideal ambiance, whether rustic, coastal, mid-century, or traditional, along with the highest level of Amish craftsmanship.

Creating a Destination, Not Just a Stay

The connection between The Inn at Honey Run and Homestead Furniture extends beyond their immediate partnership. Both Jason and LaVern are actively involved in local tourism development, serving on the chamber's tourism committee to promote Holmes County while preserving authentic Amish culture. Their partnership reinforces Holmes County's status as a top tourist destination in Ohio, attracting visitors eager to escape city life and immerse themselves in natural beauty.

The collaboration is full circle; visitors drawn by Homestead's reputation for quality design are guided to stay at the inn, while hotel guests experience Homestead's work firsthand, perhaps inspiring a furniture investment of their own.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.homesteadfurnitureonline.com/
• Website: https://www.innathoneyrun.com/

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