The Hotel Investor Playbook Turning Passion into Profit in Rural Hospitality | Dave Cook E38
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Jul 1, 2025 Dave Cook, the founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire, shares his remarkable journey from a volunteer to a successful hostel owner. He reveals how he transformed an old chicken coop into a bustling basecamp for climbers and adventurers using sweat equity. The conversation dives into strategies for attracting guests to a seasonal market and navigating the complex regulations of rural hospitality. Dave candidly discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the balance between personal values and business growth, and his vision for the future.
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From Coop to Hostel
- Dave Cook converted an old chicken coop and former auto repair shop into Barndoor Hostel.
- He was drawn by a magical feeling despite having little renovation experience.
Research Validates Viability
- Dave researched rock climbing popularity, White Mountain National Forest visits, and shared economy trends extensively.
- Validated hostel viability by matching guest demographics with local tourism demand.
Ride Share Insight
- Ride sharing growth showed a market shift towards shared economy acceptance.
- This trend gave Dave confidence that shared hostel accommodation would succeed.