Special Release | From Dream to Dirt - How We Built Retreat Ranch From Scratch

What does it actually take to build a retreat center from scratch? The land, the structures, the permits, the parking, the storage, the vision - and the marriage that has to survive all of it?

In this episode, Shannon sits down with her husband Nathan Jamail - world-renowned leadership and sales keynote speaker, and co-owner of Retreat Ranch - to pull back the curtain on the real journey of building one of Texas Hill Country's most unique retreat destinations. This is not a highlight reel. This is the honest, practical, sometimes hard-won story of what it takes to go from a dream to a fully operating retreat center. 

And this episode is especially meaningful because it’s releasing on the five-year anniversary of opening Retreat Ranch’s doors for the very first retreat - hosted by Kim DeMoss with Project Mindful Movement. Five years later, what started as a vision has grown into a thriving retreat destination that has welcomed countless guests, retreat leaders, and transformational experiences.

Retreat Ranch is a 46-acre, nature-forward glamping retreat and event space in the Texas Hill Country, sleeping up to 32 guests, featuring horses, goats, hens, a sauna, dipping pools, aerial yoga, and a heart-centered team that lives and breathes hospitality. But it didn't start that way - and this episode is all about the road to get here.

In this episode:

• Why you must start with the long-term vision before you break ground on anything
• The "not sexy" things that will make or break your retreat center - storage, parking, infrastructure
• Why building too small for your vision is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make
• How to take a big vision and execute it in strategic, bite-sized phases
• What it's really like to build a business with your spouse - the wins, the hard conversations, and the non-negotiables
• The business decisions behind Retreat Ranch that every aspiring retreat center owner needs to hear
• What Nathan - a global leadership expert - learned about building a team and a culture at the ranch

If you've ever dreamed of owning a retreat center, or if you're already in the process of building one, this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

 

Learn about Retreat Ranch: https://theretreatranch.com/

Learn about Nathan: https://nathanjamail.com/

Learn about Project Mindful Movement: https://projectmindfulmovement.com

 

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Get your legal docs for retreats
• Join our LinkedIn Group
• Apply to be a guest on our show
• Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course

 

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

 

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TIMESTAMPS

Building a Retreat Venue (00:01:54) Shannon and Nathan introduce the episode's topic: the journey, successes, and mistakes of building their retreat venue, Retreat Ranch.

Choosing Texas Over California (00:03:12) They discuss the initial plan to build in California and the logistical and business reasons that led them to Texas instead.

Finding and Developing Raw Land (00:04:37) The story of finding the 46-acre property, which was undeveloped with no roads, water, or power, and their intentional clearing process.

The Importance of Infrastructure (00:10:02) Discussion on the necessity of planning for infrastructure like plumbing and electricity, and the "Shannon pipe" for future expansion.

Mistake: Not Planning Big Enough (00:11:25) They share their biggest mistake: not planning for their maximum capacity from the start, leading to spaces like the dining hall being too small.

Elevating the Guest Experience (00:13:45) The importance of details, like high-quality robes and linens, to create an elevated, "bougie" experience for guests.

Knowing Your Niche (00:17:08) They emphasize building the venue for a specific audience (retreats) rather than trying to cater to everyone, which ensures high standards.

Starting Small and Evolving (00:19:07) How the ranch started with minimal accommodations and has grown over five years, adding more features and bathrooms along the way.

Marketing to a Specific Audience (00:23:04) The strategy of marketing exclusively to retreats, which has led to being booked a year or more in advance.

Planning for Future Growth (00:27:16) Discussing their annual business planning, including adding an office, podcast studio, and expanding the horse barn to keep the venue fresh.

The Vision for a Multi-Use Space (00:30:01) Plans for a future indoor/outdoor multi-use space to serve as a backup for bad weather and for corporate meetings.

Vision vs. Execution (00:31:43) Shannon's role as the visionary and Nathan's role in execution, using the evolution of the pool area as an example.

Key Advice for Venue Builders (00:35:15) Advice for aspiring venue owners: plan for non-sexy things like storage and parking, and understand what a retreat group needs.

What Makes Retreat Ranch Unique (00:38:39) They discuss their key differentiators, including free-ranging horses, exceptional attention to detail, and a high-serving team.

The Power of a Great Team (00:42:56) A special shout-out to their on-site manager, Josh, and the entire team for creating a loving and supportive environment.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement (00:45:01) Reflecting on their seven-year journey and encouraging others interested in the booming retreat industry to pursue their vision.