083: Better Together: The MWInns and MBBA Merger with Kerri Thiel, Randy Bangs and Mikki Suchomel
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Release Date: 08/04/2025
092: A Practical Framework for Winning AI Search
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
As travelers shift from traditional search to AI powered discovery, innkeepers need new ways to stay visible. In this episode, Mike Lannen, Founder and AI Whisperer of Eternity, discusses how guest search behavior is changing and why GEO is becoming more important alongside SEO. He shares practical ways properties can optimize their websites for AI search, answer guest questions more clearly, update third party profiles, and track how often they appear in AI driven results. We are very thankful to Mike for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Eternity at . Our podcast is...
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091: Using AI to Save Time and Simplify Operations
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
For innkeepers juggling endless tasks, AI can be a practical tool for bringing more clarity, organization, and efficiency to the day. Liz Hamilton, founder of Maia Internet Consulting, discusses how independent lodging operators can use AI to streamline operations, sharpen their thinking, and save time. She shares , using AI as a thinking partner, organizing tasks and meetings, and finding quick wins that make everything easier. We are very thankful to Liz for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Maia Internet Consulting at . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest...
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090: Using Video to Bring the Guest Experience to Life
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
In a crowded market, strong visuals can make all the difference when it comes to capturing attention and turning interest into bookings. Cody Harmon, owner and founder of Scratch Media discusses the value of high-quality photography and video for independent lodging properties. Visual storytelling showcases not only properties, but also the surrounding experiences that make a stay memorable. It can also serve as a concierge, giving potential guests a visual preview of their stay. We are very thankful to Cody for sharing his insights. You can learn more at . Our podcast is presented by the...
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089: How AI Is Rewriting Travel Discovery
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
As AI transforms how travelers discover their next stay, innkeepers need new strategies to stay visible and competitive. In this episode, Kenny Ridgell, Founder of Ridge Media, discusses his upcoming ALP Unlocked 2026 presentation, titled The Zero Click Era: How AI Is Rewriting Travel Discovery (and What to Do About It). Kenny shares actionable tips for how innkeepers can best attract guests searching for their properties in today’s AI-driven world. We are very thankful to Kenny for sharing his insights. You can learn more at . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the...
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088: Cleveland Rocks with ALP Unlocked 2026 — A Preview with Sarah Gazi, CEO of ALP
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
The ALP annual conference has a new name and a new format focused on hands-on learning for ALP members, non-members and aspiring innkeepers. Welcome all to ALP Unlocked. Sarah Gazi, CEO of ALP, discusses ALP Unlocked 2026, taking place March 2 to 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, the rock and roll capital of the world. This year’s conference will provide tactical and practical insights to help innkeepers grow and sustain their businesses. She also discusses the ALP Academy, a year-round education platform that extends learning beyond the event itself. We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her...
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087: Making Property Management Simple
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
For many innkeepers, managing day-to-day operations can be overwhelming, but the right technology can make all the difference. Gideon Stanley, CEO and Founder of GraceSoft, discusses how his company’s cloud-based tools help streamline property management for hotels, B&Bs, motels, resorts, and more. He also highlights GraceSoft’s new CRM solution, which brings powerful tools like two-way messaging, loyalty tracking, email marketing, and guest profiles into one system connected to the PMS. We are very thankful to Gideon for sharing his insights. You can learn more at . Our podcast is...
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086: Simple Ways to Delight Guests
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Even the smallest touches can make a big impact when it comes to guest satisfaction. Based on their 2025 ALP Conference presentation, Peter MacLaren — owner and operator of West Hill House B&B in Warren, Vermont — and Rachel Paley — general manager at Saratoga Arms Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York — share simple, high-impact ways innkeepers can go above and beyond for their guests. We are very thankful to Peter and Rachel for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about West Hill House B&B at and Saratoga Arms Hotel at . Our podcast is presented by the...
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085: Mastering Online Reviews
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Online reviews can make or break a guest’s decision to book, and how you manage them matters more than ever. Marco DiDomizio, Broker and Consultant with Inn Advisors, and Dan Clark, owner of the Inn of the Turquoise Bear, share how innkeepers can turn reviews into a powerful marketing tool to build their brands and increase bookings. Drawing from their 2025 ALP Conference presentation, they offer smart tips on earning better reviews, managing negative feedback, and focusing on the platforms that matter most. We are very thankful to Marco and Dan for sharing their insights with us. You can...
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084: Top Tech Trends for Innkeepers
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
What technologies should innkeepers be paying attention to in the years ahead? From automation to personalization, the right tools can make a major difference in day-to-day operations and guest satisfaction. Jim Leitch, owner of Hospitality Proz, discusses the top technologies shaping the future of independent lodging. Based on his presentation at the ALP 2025 conference, Jim shares insights into the tools and trends that can help innkeepers improve efficiency and deliver better guest experiences. We are very thankful to Jim for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about...
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083: Better Together: The MWInns and MBBA Merger with Kerri Thiel, Randy Bangs and Mikki Suchomel
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
The Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) and the Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association (MBBA) have officially merged. Kerri Thiel (Retiring Executive Director), Mikki Suchomel (Incoming Executive Director), and Randy Bangs (Board VP and Marketing Chair) discuss how this strategic move expands resources, strengthens advocacy, and creates new opportunities for regional growth. We also highlight their first joint event, InnSight 2025, taking place October 26 to 28 in Holland, MI. We are very thankful to Kerri, Randy, and Mikki for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more...
info_outlineThe Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) and the Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association (MBBA) have officially merged.
Kerri Thiel (Retiring Executive Director), Mikki Suchomel (Incoming Executive Director), and Randy Bangs (Board VP and Marketing Chair) discuss how this strategic move expands resources, strengthens advocacy, and creates new opportunities for regional growth.
We also highlight their first joint event, InnSight 2025, taking place October 26 to 28 in Holland, MI.
We are very thankful to Kerri, Randy, and Mikki for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about the MWInns at mwinns.com. You can also register to attend the conference at mwinns.com/mwinns-conference-trade-show.
Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.