048: Why the Guest Experience is Always Paramount, with Steve Short, Founder and CEO of the Frictionless Guest App
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Release Date: 07/17/2022
059: Increasing Revenue Through Wedding Offerings
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Independent lodging properties are ideal destinations for weddings and those that offer wedding services, regardless of size and complexity, can attest that they are an excellent source of revenue. There is a range of options for a property to consider when deciding to offer on-site wedding services. Lela Pohlmann is a Wedding Coordinator for Hermann Hill Weddings, which offers a full range of wedding services at Hermann Hill, a luxury boutique hotel in Hermann, Missouri. Hermann Hill hosted more than 130 weddings in 2022, and Lela’s experience provides great insights on how...
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058: State/Regional Association Spotlight: Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association (MBBA)
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
State and regional independent lodging associations play a vital role in promoting properties in their areas, as well as ensuring quality lodging standards and providing educational opportunities for members. As former innkeepers who had successes in owning two properties, Donna and Byron Cain became Co-Executive Directors at the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association (MBBA) about two years ago. They discuss the role of the MBBA, the importance of communicating with members, and the being held in Grand Rapids at the end of this month, from October 30-31. We are very thankful to Donna...
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057: Creating Unique On-Property Experiences
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
During the COVID-19 pandemic, lodging professionals often needed to find creative ways to incent guests to stay at their properties. Some owners and managers did so by developing new on-property experiences for their guests which they had never offered in the past. Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the co-owners of the Devonfield Inn, were among that group of astute lodging professionals who focused their energies on developing a wide-range of on-site guest experiences, by leveraging the strengths of what their property has to offer and partnering with local businesses to bring unique...
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056: How We Doubled Bookings and Our Property’s Value in Five Years
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Marty and Carmel Etzel bought the Flag House Inn in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2017, with no prior experience or even informal knowledge of running a lodging business. In less than five years, they were able to more than double their bookings and sell the property for twice the amount they paid for it. Marty discusses their journey, how they were able to accomplish this feat, and how he now parlays his experiences to help other lodging professionals as a consultant for Acorn Marketing. We are very thankful to Marty for sharing his insights. You can learn more about Acorn Marketing at . ...
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055: Why Professional Lodging Photography Matters
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Nothing quite entices guests to book better than high-end, professional photos of your property. Rather than relying on your mobile device for taking amateur photos, there can be a significant return to your investment if you hire a professional. Tom Krueger is a professional commercial photographer who is focused on the independent lodging niche, and has deep expertise in making any property shine online. We are very thankful to Tom for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Tom's professional photographer services at Our podcast is presented by the...
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054: The Future of ALP with Sarah Gazi, New CEO
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
The Association of Lodging Professionals () has undergone some significant changes recently, including bringing on Sarah Gazi as its new CEO, taking over for the former Interim CEO, E. Scot Fuller-Beatty. Sarah has been in association management for more than 20 years and she envisions shaping a new direction for ALP through listening to its members and partners. The organization has already been expanding its membership, with a stronger focus around community and collaboration. We spoke with Sarah, Scot, and Conference & Events Planner Erik Spence about the future of ALP, as well as the...
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053: The Unforeseen Impact of Google Travel on Bookings
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Unbeknownst to many independent lodging professionals, is playing a significant role in impacting booking by diverting potential guests from the Google Search into its online travel marketplace. Lisa Kolb, Owner and Co-Founder of Acorn Marketing, discusses everything property owners need to be aware of about Google Travel for maximizing their bookings. Acorn Marketing offers a for helping property owners to re-think traditional SEO and create new revenue opportunities with Google Travel. We are very thankful to Lisa for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Acorn Marketing...
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052: Redesigning Your Property and Rejuvenating Your Lodging Career
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Often the most significant business challenges can lead to true transformation. This was the case for Rita Sleys, owner and operator of the Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast, who found her business at a crossroads. In 2019, she sought out help from Randy Bangs, owner of Get Heads in Beds, which led to a renovation of her property, an update to the property’s website -- and a complete re-focus on her approach to business. As a result, the property is thriving and has more than doubled its revenue. We are very thankful to Rita for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about...
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051: How Travel Influencers can Increase Bookings for your Property with Travel Blogger Valerie Stimac
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Working with a travel influencer may seem like something only larger hotel brands can afford. In reality, independent lodging properties can also leverage travel influencers to increase visibility for their area and bookings for their property. Valerie Stimac, a travel blogger and founder of , works with a variety of clients and offers an incredibly insightful perspective on how lodging professionals might best engage with travel influencers to benefit their property. We are very thankful to Valerie for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Valerie & Valise at Our podcast...
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050: Enhancing Direct and Online Bookings with Ben Ollic, Sr. Digital Marketing Specialist, and Kyle Collins, Sales Representative of Q4Launch
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Enhancing direct and online bookings is paramount for any hospitality provider. Success often comes down to taking advantage of modern, digital marketing strategies. For nearly 14 years, has helped property owners leverage multiple channels for driving additional revenue. Service offerings include marketing strategy development, web design, content development, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, paid ads, email marketing, lead generation, and revenue management. We are very thankful to Ben Ollic and Kyle Collins for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more...
info_outlineIn a very unusual twist in the Frictionless Innkeeper podcast series, this special episode flips things around where the spotlight is being shown on Steve Short, Founder and CEO of the Frictionless Guest App.
Samantha Irwin, owner of Kaizen Business Coaching and Consulting, interviews Steve about the Frictionless Guest App origin story, Steve’s love for B&Bs and why the guest experience is always paramount.
We are very thankful to Samantha for hosting this podcast. You can learn more about Kaizen Business Coaching and Consulting at kaizen.zone, and the Frictionless Guest App at frictionlessguest.com.
Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, a mobile app that lodging professionals provide to their guests so they can recommend unique local places to eat, play and shop during their stay, allow guests to order their offerings, and communicate with guests through text messaging. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.