Hospitality Daily Podcast Highs and Lows of Hospitality in 2025: What First-Time Innkeeper Brett McManus Learned About Guest Experience, Operations, and Tech [1-Year Check-In]
Sep 5, 2025
Brett McManus, a first-time innkeeper and co-owner of Après Inn, shares his journey of transforming a rundown Vermont motel into a thriving hospitality business. He discusses the highs and lows of running a seasonal operation and emphasizes the importance of personal guest interactions in driving reviews and revenue. Brett also highlights technological tools that enhance efficiency without sacrificing the personal touch, along with insights from expanding to a second property and identifying opportunities in overlooked motels.
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From Viral Renovation To Real Guest Relationships
- Brett describes going from renovation mode and social media buzz to hosting thousands of real guests in person.
- He says meeting guests face-to-face validated their work and deepened the business beyond a social media story.
Operations Drive Value Beyond Real Estate
- Financial upside from renovating a rundown motel only materialized because they delivered consistent hospitality and guest conversations.
- Brett notes strong reviews and word-of-mouth came from in-person interactions, not just the real estate or social posts.
Seasonality Doubles The Highs And Lows
- Hospitality is high-variance: intense busy periods and slow, unpredictable downtimes.
- Brett emphasizes saving during peak seasons because seasonality and cancellations can quickly erode revenue.