Behind the Stays

Imagine growing up in a world where hospitality wasn't just a business — it was family. Where your childhood was spent in boardrooms with industry pioneers, and your teenage years were marked by co-founding an association that would go on to redefine boutique hotels worldwide. Today’s guest, Ariela Kiradjian, has dedicated her life to answering the question: What does it mean to truly preserve the soul and individuality of independent hotels? As the co-founder of BLLA (Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association), Ariela is on a mission to protect the spirit of boutique hospitality from being diluted by big chains and mass marketing. Ariela’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Raised by a mother who was already a force in the travel world, Ariela was exposed to the inner workings of boutique hotels from a young age. By 14, she was launching BLLA alongside her mom, setting out to amplify the voices of hoteliers who value individuality and craft. In this episode, Ariela takes us on a journey through: The evolution of boutique hospitality: How big chains hijacked the word “boutique” and why it’s time to reclaim it. The real essence of boutique hotels: It’s not just design — it’s about intimacy, independence, and soul. The funding dilemma: Why finding capital for true boutique projects remains a challenge — and how BLLA is fighting to change that. The boutique advantage: Why hotels that invest in experience and individuality are poised to thrive. Ariela’s passion for preserving the heart of boutique hotels is infectious, and her insights are a masterclass in what it means to blend business with soul. Connect with Ariela on LinkedIn Learn more about BLLA   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Imagine being nine years old, on your first-ever family trip to Disneyland, only to have your hotel room broken into and your precious park tickets stolen. Then, just as hope seems lost, a stranger knocks on the door and hands your family their leftover Disney passes, saving the day. That moment didn’t just shape Stephen Petaskey’s childhood — it laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey and his passion for creating remarkable travel experiences. Today, Stephen is the visionary behind Luxus Vacation Properties, a company known for redefining luxury travel by blending consistency, comfort, and a human touch. In this episode, Stephen shares how that early lesson in resilience and generosity set him on a path to building one of the most respected names in luxury vacation rentals. From managing private vacation clubs to developing global branded stays, Stephen has spent nearly two decades perfecting what it means to create certainty in travel. We dive into: The Birth of Luxus: How a personal need for family-friendly travel inspired a multimillion-dollar portfolio. The Four Pillars of Luxury: The unshakable standards that make every Luxus stay unforgettable. Playing the Long Game: Why Stephen believes in building a brand one remarkable experience at a time. The Future of Luxury Travel: How branded vacation homes can stand toe-to-toe with luxury hotels. Finding Balance in Growth: Merging the flexibility of OTAs with the consistency of a branded portfolio. Stephen’s story is proof that the best brands aren’t built overnight — they’re crafted through persistence, innovation, and a genuine desire to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re curious about the evolution of luxury vacation rentals or looking for inspiration from a hospitality industry pioneer, this conversation is not to be missed. Learn more about Luxus Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

What happens when two lifelong friends and engineers decide to stop dreaming about their mountain getaway — and start building it from scratch? Meet Dave Mayo and Matt Kamp, the co-founders of New River Ridge—a design-forward micro resort perched on 14 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. These guys aren’t developers. They’re not influencers. And they’re definitely not hotel veterans. But what they are is obsessed with building a better kind of retreat. One where couples can truly disconnect, recharge, and rediscover each other in nature—without sacrificing thoughtful design or high-end comfort. In this episode, we unpack: – How a shared dream turned into a full-blown SBA-funded hospitality business – Why they traded prefab shortcuts for custom stick-built cabins—and what most people misunderstand about that decision – The zoning workarounds, financing hurdles, and site planning pivots that nearly derailed the project – How they’re navigating build-in-public storytelling while still holding full-time jobs – Why they believe in building lifestyle assets, not just investment properties—and how that mindset shapes every decision Whether you’re a builder, dreamer, or first-time founder with land on the brain, this episode is your permission slip to start small—and think big. Follow New River Ridge on Instagram Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

What does it take to transform real estate development into something more than just bricks and mortar—into places with soul, story, and unforgettable experiences? Today’s guest, Zach Rapaport, is on a mission to answer that question. As the founder of Meerkat Development, he’s redefining what it means to build hospitality and lifestyle-driven spaces from the ground up. His journey started in construction — literally digging foundations — and evolved into leading development projects for some of the most compelling hospitality brands today, including Joe & The Juice, Selina, and Lifehouse. From scaling global F&B concepts to crafting boutique hotels that blend place and purpose, Zach has been at the forefront of experience-first hospitality development. In this episode, Zach pulls back the curtain on: Why most developments feel soulless — and how he’s changing that. What it takes to design hospitality concepts that aren’t just trendy, but timeless The 75/25 rule of brand consistency — how much a space should adapt to its location vs. maintain its DNA The untapped opportunity in storytelling-driven development (and why it’s a competitive advantage) Lessons from scaling Joe & The Juice across the U.S., building lifestyle hotels at Selina, and leading development for Lifehouse If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build experiences, not just properties — or how the future of hospitality is being shaped by people who think like creatives but execute like developers — this one’s for you.

What does it take to walk away from one of the coolest marketing jobs on the planet—at a company so many would kill to work for—to go sleep in the dirt and build an outdoor hospitality brand from scratch? Today’s guest, Sam Degenhard, did exactly that. After a decade at Red Bull, where he helped shape the world of action sports marketing, Sam traded corporate prestige for the unpredictable wilds of entrepreneurship. He founded Campfire Ranch, a next-gen hospitality brand designed for adventure-seekers who crave nature but don’t want to deal with the headaches of traditional camping. In this episode, Sam takes us inside his journey from Red Bull to the backcountry, revealing: What Red Bull gets right about branding and experiential marketing—and how he’s applying those lessons to hospitality Why most campgrounds and outdoor stays are fundamentally broken—and how Campfire Ranch is fixing them How building a brand as an op-co, while letting others own the real estate, allows for faster, more sustainable growth Why today's outdoor traveler demands more than just a campsite, and how Campfire Ranch is redefining the experience If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a business, building a hospitality brand with soul, or simply want to know what’s next in outdoor travel, this one’s for you.   Sam@campfireranch.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdegenhard/ www.CampfireRanch.co https://www.instagram.com/campfire_ranch   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Loyalty programs should feel rewarding, but most hotel programs feel like a frustrating game of hoops to jump through. In this solo episode, Zach breaks down why traditional hotel loyalty is failing and what needs to change. Here’s the problem: Most hotel loyalty programs are built for the brand, not the traveler. Only 18% of consumers feel they get real value from these programs, and 75% of points go unused because of complicated redemption rules and blackout dates. Instead of fostering genuine loyalty, these programs often leave guests feeling unrecognized and unmotivated to return. So, what should loyalty actually look like? It should be experiential, personalized, and rewarding beyond just free nights. The best programs create a real emotional connection — think about why people engage with Starbucks Rewards daily but forget about their hotel points for years. Guests want perks that matter to them, whether it’s a personalized welcome gift, a guaranteed late checkout, or a local experience they’d never find on their own. This is where Journey comes in. We’re reimagining hotel loyalty to be about meaningful rewards, engagement-based perks, and a seamless way for independent properties to offer the same level of recognition as big brands — without the corporate bureaucracy. Imagine redeeming points for a private beach dinner, an exclusive spa treatment, or a behind-the-scenes hotel tour — experiences that make travel unforgettable. Loyalty shouldn’t be a gimmick. It should be a thank you. And we’re building a program that does just that. How do YOU think we should reimagine loyalty here at Journey?  Send me an email at zach@journey.com and let us know! Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Steve Turk returns to the podcast, this time with a brand-new title—author. In this episode, live from the IMN STR Forum in Miami, Steve shares the journey behind Hospitality Unlocked, a book packed with insights from 75 of the industry's top leaders. We dive into his inspiration (hint: Tim Ferriss was a big influence), the art of guest experience, and the surprising lessons he uncovered while compiling wisdom from hospitality’s best. But that’s not all—Steve also reflects on his own career, from pool boy to hotel executive, and reveals what it really takes to climb the ranks in luxury hospitality. Plus, we unpack some of the biggest trends shaping the industry, including the rise of solo travel, the future of family-friendly experiences, and why wellness travelers are spending more than ever. If you're thinking about building your own hospitality brand — or just want an inside look at the minds shaping the future of hotels—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear: Why Steve believes patience, self-advocacy, and adaptability are the keys to success The biggest takeaways from interviewing 75 hospitality icons Why family travel and solo wellness retreats are the next big opportunities How Hospitality Unlocked is giving the next generation a roadmap to success Buy Hospitality Unlocked Connect with Steve Turk on LinkedIn Listen to Steve's Podcast Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a hotel, this episode is for you. Edwin Kramer, a global luxury hospitality expert with three decades of experience at brands like EDITION, Nobu, and Four Seasons, joins us to discuss the evolving definition of luxury, the art of hospitality, and why more people should own hotels. Known for his mantra “Life is short—own a hotel,” Edwin now helps entrepreneurs and investors develop, launch, and scale boutique hospitality ventures through his consultancy, Kramer Hospitality. In this episode, we explore: - Why hospitality is attracting more entrepreneurs than ever - The future of luxury: experience-driven, personalized, and community-focused -  Lessons from working with Ian Schrager, Marriott, and Nobu - The biggest mistakes first-time hotel owners make - Where the market is ripe for disruption—from boutique concepts to membership-driven hospitality - Why the best hotels feel like a return, not just a stay Edwin also shares insider strategies for securing investment, spotting the next great hotel opportunity, and avoiding costly pitfalls when developing a hospitality brand. Whether you’re building a micro-resort, reimagining a historic inn, or simply passionate about the art of world-class hospitality, this episode is packed with game-changing insights from a true industry master. Connect with Edwin on LinkedIn Learn more about Kramer Hospitality 

What happens when you pour your heart and soul into reviving a historic inn, transform it into the #1 Bed & Breakfast in America, and then decide to walk away? In this episode, Marco DiDomizio, co-owner of the Candleberry Inn, shares his incredible journey — from leaving a succesful corporate careers in New York City to restoring a hidden gem on Cape Cod into a TripAdvisor and Travel + Leisure award-winning destination. Marco takes us behind the scenes of how he and his partner, Angelo, spotted potential in an underperforming property, strategically elevated every guest touchpoint, and mastered the art of personalized hospitality—leading to record-breaking rates, loyal repeat guests, and international recognition. We also dive deep into: - How to spot an asset with untapped potential in hospitality - The key upgrades that drive real revenue growth - Why small details — like knowing the bartender’s name — matter more than ever - The psychological shift from innkeeper to seller and why timing the exit is crucial - Marco’s next chapter: Helping future innkeepers find, buy, and scale their dream properties If you're thinking about investing in boutique hotels, reimagining historic properties, or simply love the magic of high-touch hospitality, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and real-world lessons from someone who built—and exited—a legendary inn at the peak of its success. Connect with Marco on LinkedIn Learn more about Inn Advisors Discover Candleberry Inn   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

What does it take to scale a thriving hospitality business from scratch—and do it at lightning speed? Today, we sit down with Patryk Swietek, founder of The Co-Host Company, a rising star in the short-term rental space who’s proving that the smartest way to grow isn’t always from the ground up—it’s by acquiring, optimizing, and redefining what great hospitality looks like. Patryk’s journey is anything but ordinary. From shoveling snow in Chicago as a kid to building a gaming server business at 14, he was wired for entrepreneurship. But after working under industry titans at AvantStay, navigating layoffs during COVID, and hitting rock bottom, he made a decision: No more playing by someone else’s rules. Now, he’s leading The Co-Host Company, managing over 100 high-end properties, and proving that with the right strategy, short-term rentals aren’t just a side hustle — they’re a serious, scalable business. We’ll dive into how he leveraged acquisitions to scale quickly, his philosophy on storytelling through hospitality, and why the best listings aren’t just booked—they’re designed to sell an experience. Plus, we’ll talk about the future of STRs, why most Airbnb ‘gurus’ have disappeared, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.