Behind the Stays

Meet Steve Lassman, Vice President of Villas of Distinction—a luxury villa company that’s been curating remarkable vacation homes since the 1980s. Steve’s story runs three generations deep in the travel industry, and he’s worn just about every hat you can imagine—from airline sales to hotel operations—before finding his calling in the world of private villa experiences. In this episode, Steve reveals why Villas of Distinction is all about quality over quantity, and how they’ve nurtured enduring partnerships with top travel advisors around the world. Their approach to vetting every villa (from hot water pressure checks to wine glass counts) is anything but casual, ensuring that each stay meets their lofty “five-star” criteria. And when things get tough—like after a major hurricane—they’ve proven they’ll put the guest experience above everything else. Tune in to hear: How a legacy family business and decades of travel shaped Steve’s hospitality mindset Why a curated portfolio of villas (not 30,000 listings) guarantees the best guest experience Real-life stories of turning “fixer-upper” villas back into five-star stunners The magic of working with a travel advisor—and why it won’t cost you extra Predictions on the next big trends in luxury villa travel (hint: it’s all about experiences) From private island getaways to truffle hunts in Tuscany, Steve’s passion for personalized service is palpable. If you’ve ever dreamed of a tailor-made stay that blends home comforts with high-end indulgence, this conversation is for you. Connect with Steve Explore Villas of Distinction  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 joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Ari Smith, co-founder of Balanced Farm, a visionary micro-resort in Vermont that blends sustainable luxury with the power of AI. Ari’s journey began in tech entrepreneurship, where he sold a company to a Microsoft subsidiary and learned hard lessons about innovation, scale, and adaptability. But it was meeting his wife, Hillary (co-founder of Folly Collection), that inspired him to fuse his tech-savvy background with hospitality. Today, on 540 acres of pristine land, Ari and Hillary are reimagining what it means to offer a truly bespoke travel experience. From personalized amenities crafted through intelligent data to off-the-grid energy solutions, Balanced Farm is more than a boutique stay—it’s a living lab pushing the boundaries of comfort, connectivity, and creativity. In this conversation, we explore: Ari’s early tech ventures and what selling to Microsoft taught him about growth The role of AI in delivering hyper-personalized guest experiences Why blending nature, design, and cutting-edge innovation is key to future-forward hospitality How hands-on experimentation, from hydroponics to hidden IoT sensors, shapes their vision What happens when entrepreneurial grit meets the timeless desire for meaningful escapes If you’re curious about the next frontier of hospitality—where authenticity meets ingenuity—this episode is for you. Connect with Ari  Discover Balance Farm 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 joinjourney.com/alliance.  

Meet Valerie Gangas, a hospitality visionary who’s redefining the guest experience by blending soulful intention, authentic service, and meticulous design. Raised in a family of restaurateurs, Valerie learned the art of hospitality from childhood—serving customers as a four-year-old “pickle girl” in her father’s Chicago eateries. But her journey would be anything but conventional. Driven by both a love for warm, communal spaces and a deep fascination with spiritual connection, Valerie spent years exploring the nexus of comfort, belonging, and transcendence—managing her family’s restaurants, studying comparative religion, and working intimately with organizations like the David Lynch Foundation and Oprah Winfrey’s team. Today, Valerie channels these experiences into Juniper Home, a boutique property management company that curates beautifully designed, minimalist vacation rentals. Every room reflects her core philosophy: that true hospitality is far more than a business—it’s an opportunity to spark meaningful encounters. From ensuring the perfect lighting to orchestrating heartfelt surprises for guests celebrating milestones, Valerie and her team pay attention to every detail, forging environments where visitors find rest, connection, and even a hint of the divine. In this conversation, we explore: How Valerie’s early years behind the line in family restaurants shaped her “guests-first” mindset. Why her deep dive into spirituality—and working with everyone from medical students to media moguls—translates seamlessly into elevated hospitality. The intentional design principles behind Juniper Home’s success, focusing on how simplicity, serenity, and authenticity create transformative travel experiences. The importance of hiring and inspiring a team who embody genuine care, ensuring that guests always feel seen, heard, and understood. How merging the disciplines of real estate, design, and soulful service sets the stage for a new era of boutique travel—one where guests do more than just “get away.” They reconnect, recharge, and remember what truly matters. Discover Juniper Home Connect with Valerie 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 joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Blake Smith, the visionary founder of Walden Retreats, a boutique property that masterfully blends the serenity of nature with sophisticated design. Inspired by his years living and working in East Africa, Blake brought lessons from safari camps and Ugandan hospitality back to Texas, reimagining what it means to escape into nature. Walden Retreats, named after Henry David Thoreau's iconic work, offers guests a profound connection to the outdoors—crafted through thoughtful design, simplicity, and intentional experiences. From hand-curated spaces that encourage guests to slow down and reconnect, to the inspiration behind their signature safari tents, Blake's journey from building a social enterprise in Uganda to creating an immersive nature retreat in the Texas Hill Country is nothing short of extraordinary. Tune in to hear: How Blake’s time in East Africa shaped his unique hospitality vision. The story behind Walden’s name and its connection to Thoreau’s philosophy. Why Walden Retreats eschews traditional luxury for thoughtful simplicity. Insights on balancing guest comfort with an authentic connection to nature. The future of Walden as it grows from a 15-unit retreat to an expansive portfolio. Learn more about Walden Retreats Follow Walden Retreats on Instagram  Connect with Blake Smith on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN! Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. You can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami! 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 joinjourney.com/alliance.  

As the year wraps up, the hosts celebrate the most memorable discussions, from a young entrepreneur who crafts unique stays to a revealing tale about the darker side of Airbnb. Discover how a century-old beach house transformed into a chic Airbnb in just 11 days. Explore the story behind an innovative tiny home and learn about a company merging luxury with sustainability for unforgettable experiences. Dive into predictions for camping's future and how today’s travelers value emotional connections in their accommodations.

Meet Tori Bolt — Co-Founder of Bolt Farm, a celebrated nature retreat in Whitwell Tennessee, offering 23 meticulously designed villas.  In 2016, Tori and Seth Bolt embarked on a bold adventure, building their first luxury treehouse—an intimate project that began as a handcrafted wedding gift. What they didn’t know then was that this creative labor of love would spark a new era in experiential hospitality. Long before the surge in unique stays and experiential accommodations, the Bolts were leading the way, crafting spaces that balanced the serenity of nature with the sophistication of high-end design. It wasn’t long before their work caught the attention of Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, a feature that helped position Bolt Farm as a pioneer in the luxury glamping space. Seth Bolt, a longtime member of the Grammy-nominated band Needtobreathe, brought a unique perspective to the design process. Years of touring and experiencing hospitality across the spectrum informed the couple’s meticulous approach to guest experience. The result? A collection of stays where every detail, from heated marble floors to handcrafted interiors, is intentional, offering guests a haven for rest, connection, and inspiration. In this episode, we explore: How their first luxury treehouse laid the foundation for Bolt Farm’s success. What it meant to be featured on Netflix and how the exposure transformed their brand. The journey from a small collection of unique stays to a full-fledged wellness resort with a seven-day-a-week spa and curated dining options. The couple’s vision for expansion, including discussions around franchising and strategic partnerships that maintain their signature level of quality and charm. Lessons from balancing bold creativity with operational excellence as they scale. Tori and Seth’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and innovation. From their first treehouse to their plans for nationwide expansion, this episode is a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and create with intention. Connect with Seth and Tori Follow Bolt Farm on Instagram  This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN! Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. You can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami! 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 joinjourney.com/alliance.

Samantha Hardcastle, founder of The Storied Experience, elevates hospitality by weaving storytelling into guest journeys. She shares her innovative approach to experience design, including immersive concepts like a full moon dinner inspired by Aztec lore. Samantha highlights three opportunity zones for memorable experiences: multi-day retreats, interactive touchpoints, and local collaborations. She argues that intentional design fosters engagement and connection, showcasing cost-effective ideas to spark creativity. Authenticity and bold storytelling, she believes, are the future of hospitality.

In just a moment you'll meet Peter Triolo, the General Manager of Archer Hotel Tysons, a standout boutique hotel that's redefining hospitality in Virginia. With over eight years at Archer, Peter has been a driving force behind the brand's growth—from his beginnings at the Archer Hotel Napa to the expansion of unique properties across the country. His journey is all about creating genuine, memorable experiences that resonate with every guest. Archer Hotels are more than just places to stay; they're immersive environments that reflect the soul of their local communities. Each hotel is thoughtfully designed with local inspiration—from the peach murals honoring Tysons' history as a former peach field to daily treats and cocktails that celebrate regional flavors. Tune in to hear: How Archer Hotels craft unique yet consistently welcoming experiences across different locations The brand's philosophy of being playful, careful, and thoughtful in every guest interaction Stories of personalized touches, like handwritten notes and special surprises that make stays unforgettable Peter's insights on maintaining a boutique feel while the brand grows The importance of community connections and supporting local artisans And so much more Discover The Archer Hotel Connect with Peter on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN! Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami! 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 joinjourney.com/alliance.  

Meet returning guests Monique DeLorenzo and Kerri Gibson, two visionary short-term rental operators who recently piloted an exciting marketing partnership. A couple of months ago Kerri came on the show to share a vision that she and Monique had to bring together four distinct properties, a pair of talented creators, and a shared goal of curating the ultimate New England road trip experience. In this episode, Kerri and Monique discuss what the results of this first-of-its-kind collaboration were… Tune in to hear: The birth of a boutique road trip: How Monique and Kerri turned a bold idea into a full-fledged marketing campaign in partnership with the folks at Lumen Camps and The Maine Cabins.  Lessons learned from the journey: From wrangling tourism boards to selecting the perfect collaborators, they share what worked—and what they’d refine. How boutique stays align with shifting traveler preferences: Why personalized, design-forward accommodations are capturing consumer spending. The long-term vision: How Monique and Kerri plan to turn this road trip campaign into a blueprint for regional hospitality experiences across seasons. Why engagement is everything: The surprising metrics—from Instagram followers to DMs—that show their strategy resonated with audiences. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Kerri and Monique.  Connect with Kerri Connect with Monique This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN! Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami! 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 joinjourney.com/alliance.

Explore the enchanting Dawn Ranch boutique retreat in Sonoma, where creative awakenings thrive. Discover the 34% surge in experiential travel spending and the rise of unique stays outpacing conventional hotels. Delve into innovative hospitality ideas like niche retreats and gamified experiences that deepen guest engagement. Learn how storytelling and exclusive luxury create lasting connections. This discussion unfolds a roadmap for hospitality innovators eager to transform guest experiences in delightful and meaningful ways.