Extra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast

7 months. Over $20k of our own money. Thousands of hours of work. And we decided to bail on a $5,000,000 resort - what would have been the biggest real estate deal we’ve done so far. And while it was crushing in the moment, that changed quickly. Here’s the whole story - and why I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/realestate

What does pickleball, an Eagles Super Bowl win, upstate NY, and the world's largest furniture markets all have in common?  Those, plus 16 other things, are all things we were unexpectedly thankful for in 2025.   Have a listen - and let us know on instagram @extrapackofpeanuts what you're thankful for in 2025.

Over the last 5 months, since I announced my "retirement", a lot has happened. And I mean...A LOT! Stuff like: losing a $5 million deal pivoting to an oceanfront resort being very close to acquiring a 240 acre farm Retirement life - I've never been busier! Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/realestate

Wilmington, NC is an awesome city.  Heck, that's why I moved here 5 years ago and was able to convince Jonas to move here a few weeks ago. It's also a market I know very, very well - and one that I am very excited about doing a micro resort in. Today, we pull back the curtain and deep dive into a potential deal that we are looking at so that you can see the thought process and framework we walkthrough on each deal we analyze - and how we come up with either "heck yes" or "no". Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/realestate  

Discover the intriguing journey behind the first international micro resort located in a lesser-known tropical paradise. The hosts share their personal inspirations from a wellness retreat and delve into real estate opportunities, emphasizing vital investment insights in Belize. Listen as they discuss the challenges and strategies of transforming Secret Beach into a unique getaway, explore the exciting potential of community-driven crowdfunding, and highlight the importance of sustainability in their project. Get ready for an engaging dive into the world of micro resorts!

Short answer:  VERY! But for some people, the design process can be very overwhelming. Today, Heather shares why design is the one of the most importance parts of any hospitality project (especially a boutique one) and why it's not JUST "oh, that's visually appealing" but that it goes much deeper. Plus, she also gives some of her top design tips that anyone can implement, even if they aren't a designer, and the one thing she will NEVER allow in one of her properties? Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/realestate

Experiential micro-resorts around the world? Yes please! Today, we dive into our the top 15 international destinations that we are dreaming (scheming?) of opening up micro-resorts. 3 people. 5 places each. And some very surprising answers. Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/realestate  

Max Lee is not your typical gym owner.  In fact, he was never even planning on going to the gym, yet alone opening up 20+ gyms across Taiwan. Heck, he didn't even live in Taiwan 4 years ago - and he wasn't planning on staying that long. But Max is always open to opportunities, and that's what has lead him and his family to leading such interesting lives. You'll hear all about it in today's show, including their year of full-time worldschooling, what life is really like in Taipei and how they decided on it, and how Max and his wife found themselves opening 20+ gyms in Taiwan.

Dreaming about where to do our next project is one of the most fun parts of the whole process - and there are no shortage of epic places to pick from. Today, we narrow down the list to our top 15 places in the US where we'd like to open a micro-resort. 3 people.  5 places each. Including a special guest - someone who EPOP listeners will recognize. Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/realestate  

Kevin was a burnt out Wall Street lawyer who left that life behind to "buy a drug motel at the Jersey Shore with no money." Oh...and he had no previous hospitality experience. What he did have was a vision - both for what a new version of hospitality could look like and for what he wanted his life to look like.   It didn't involve going back to Wall Street...and did it did involve a lifestyle of freedom. Over the past 7 years, he turned that first motel into a thriving hospitality brand, The Shore House, transformed an entire area, and also pulled of a multi-million dollar exit. In his new book, The Boutique Hotel Blueprint, he documents the entire journey, and here's the cool part: In the process, he realized that he wasn't a hotel operator, but instead, a brand creator. So if you're into real estate and hospitality, then in this episode you'll get a masterclass from Kevin. And if you aren't into real estate and hospitality, the major lessons Kevin learned are applicable to any facet of life where building a brand is vital (and to be honest, when ISN'T that the case anymore)? If you like this episode with Kevin, then go grab his brand new, hot off the presses book The Boutique Hotel Blueprint on Amazon - it's worth it's weight in gold (and fortunately, only costs $30). Buy The Boutique Hotel Blueprint here   00:00 From Wall Street to Boutique Hotels 12:12 The Journey of Transformation 26:30 Building a Brand in Hospitality 37:16 Scaling Success and Lessons Learned 37:32 Market Timing and Investor Exit Strategies 40:03 Real Numbers and Authenticity in Real Estate 45:00 Transitioning from Owner Operator to Asset Manager 50:42 Leveraging Technology for Revenue Growth 55:19 The Importance of Direct Bookings and Guest Relationships 01:04:48 Lifestyle Choices in Hospitality Entrepreneurship 01:11:29 Democratization of Technology in the Hotel Industry