In this episode of Masters of Moments, I sit down with Adam Guy to explore his unconventional path from Missouri to multi-industry success. Adam’s journey started early—performing illusion shows at just seven years old—which soon evolved into a full-fledged business, booking corporate gigs across the Midwest.His entrepreneurial instincts didn’t stop there. After a stint in basketball and communications studies at the University of Missouri, Adam dropped out to launch a wristband company, capitalizing on the craze sparked by Lance Armstrong’s charity bands. That venture turned into a profitable exit, leading him into the hospitality space, where he transformed a small bakery and café into a $150 million-a-year powerhouse.Now, Adam is redefining luxury travel with Exclusive Vacations, creating a high-end vacation rental experience built on exceptional hospitality and premium amenities. We break down his strategic approach to real estate investment, property management, and business scaling, along with the mindset that has fueled his success across multiple industries.If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, hospitality, and game-changing business strategies, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coachingLearn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8PwoLinks:Adam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamguyceo/Four Seasons: The Story of a Business PhilosophyTopics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:00:46) - Adam’s background and career(00:06:53) - Setting up a factory in China(00:09:38) - Dropping out of College to pursue a career in the food industry(00:25:38) - Evolving the business from restaurants into food services(00:33:53) - Learning how to acquire a food-services business(00:50:09) - Life working for fraternities and sororities(00:58:58) - The impact of delivery apps on in-house food services(01:00:46) - The operations side of the business(01:11:23) - Adam’s hospitality side-hustle

Dive into the world of hospitality investment with tales of raising millions for deals and navigating unexpected hotel challenges. Discover why smaller investments can lead to bigger returns and how experiential hotels are reshaping the industry. Learn how technology is revolutionizing boutique hotel operations and uncover revenue strategies designed for maximum profitability. Plus, explore the rise of fractional ownership in luxury real estate—perfect for those eyeing shared luxury without breaking the bank.

Antonia Botero, Principal at MADDPROJECT and an expert in architecture and historic renovations, shares her insights into the evolution of architectural taste. She discusses the importance of intentional design, especially in transforming hotel interiors through thoughtful exteriors. Antonia recounts her experience with the TWA Hotel, navigating complex challenges while blending history with modernity. She also emphasizes empathy in team management and reveals her favorite hotels that exemplify design excellence, making for a captivating conversation on creating purposeful spaces.

In this episode of Masters of Moments, I take a step back to reflect on how far the show has come and express my gratitude to every listener who’s been part of this journey. If you’ve been enjoying the conversations, I’d love for you to leave a review and send in your dream guest suggestions—your input helps shape the show's future!This time, I’m diving deep into the art of bringing a boutique hotel to life—from the first spark of an idea to the moment guests step through the doors. I break down the essential steps: crafting a compelling brand identity, assembling the perfect team (think top-tier designers, architects, lighting experts, and kitchen consultants), and setting a crystal-clear vision with a detailed mood board to shape every detail of the guest experience.I also explore the power of model rooms—why they’re game-changers—and the importance of seamless coordination to ensure every element comes together flawlessly. Plus, I share insider tips on leveraging social media and building an online presence that makes your hotel stand out. Whether you dream of developing a boutique hotel or love the behind-the-scenes of hospitality design, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coachingLearn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8PwoCheck out Sleeper Magazine - https://www.sleepermagazine.com/Topics:(00:00:00) - Intro  (00:00:34) - Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Masters of Moments  (00:02:08) - How to Conceptualize and Design a Hotel  (00:04:12) - Creating a Vision Board for Your Hotel  (00:09:43) - Hiring the Right Team: Designers and Architects  (00:14:32) - The Phases of Hotel Design  (00:17:51) - Additional Consultants and Model Rooms  (00:23:12) - Final Steps: Technology, Marketing, and Launch  (00:26:54) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Discover the secrets to maximizing hotel investments with insights on unbiased teamwork and the value of a strong network. Learn the intricacies of underwriting deals, including revenue assumptions and expense analysis. Jake highlights the importance of design partnerships and community feedback. A case study reveals the lessons learned from a missed deal opportunity and the strategies for flexible financial modeling. Dive into the nuances of lease structures and innovative acquisition methods to enhance profitability in the hospitality sector.

Matthew Baron, Founder and President of Baron Property Group, dives into the dynamic real estate markets of NYC and Miami. With over 30 years of experience, he shares his journey from his first deal to pivoting into hotel development amid crises. The discussion covers risk mitigation strategies, the evolution of Long Island City, and the importance of location in attracting residents. He also highlights the challenges of navigating union labor in NYC while transitioning to the Miami market, emphasizing the value of local partnerships and long-term ownership.

Dive into the world of hotel investing as common pitfalls are unveiled. Experience is highlighted as a vital asset in hospitality decisions. Location reigns supreme, but so does understanding customer needs. Delve into the dangers of broken business plans and cost overruns. Discover the challenges of renovations and ground-up developments that can lead to financial setbacks. Finally, learn how to maximize ROI by prioritizing practical improvements over mere aesthetics.

Avi Greenbaum, CEO of Triple Double RE, shares his entrepreneurial journey from trading baseball cards to tackling real estate. He discusses his first successful condo conversion, revealing the intricacies of financing and market trends. Avi highlights his innovative deal-making tactics, including transforming urban spaces in Delray Beach. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in fluctuating markets and shares insights on negotiating effectively, including the art of silence. His stories are packed with lessons on resilience, opportunity, and bold strategy.

Isaac French, Founder of Experiential Hospitality, has revolutionized the micro-resort scene with his acclaimed Live Oak Lake, which he sold for an impressive $1M per key. He shares his journey of launching the project, detailing the struggles and creative marketing strategies that led to its success. The conversation dives into the unique design elements that blend Scandinavian minimalism with Texan charm. Isaac also discusses the emotional challenges of selling a hospitality venture and why naivety can be a beneficial trait for entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities and opportunities of converting older mom-and-pop motels into modern, vibrant lifestyle hotels, particularly in resort areas. We discuss the importance of understanding the market, creative financing options, successful case studies, programming and amenities, renovation scopes and plans, and risk management.Additionally, we cover listener questions on negotiating deals, alternative financing methods, and enhancing the online presence of independent hotels.Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jwurzakTake the Hospitality Investing Masterclass: https://learn.jakewurzak.com/Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8PwoTopics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:17) - Converting Motels into Lifestyle Hotels(00:04:02) - Case Studies of Successful Conversions(00:08:53) - Market Considerations for Hotel Conversion(00:16:48) - Programming and Amenities for Modern Motels(00:19:19) - Renovation Scope and Design Tips(00:23:41) - Underwriting and Financial Considerations(00:30:06) - Q&A Session: Institutional Buyers and Revenue Potential(00:37:32) - Understanding Commission Structures in Hotel Bookings(00:37:50) - The Importance of a Compelling Website(00:39:16) - Leveraging Social Media and Influencers(00:41:40) - Outsourcing E-commerce and Revenue Management(00:42:25) - Challenges with Hotel Websites(00:46:47) - Negotiation Strategies for Buying Hotels(00:55:38) - Alternative Financing Methods(00:58:46) - Converting Motels to Multifamily Units(01:01:51) - Boutique Hotel Renovation Costs(01:06:41) - Networking and Financing in Hospitality(01:09:53) - Closing Remarks and Podcast Information