From Belkin to Building a New Kind of Hospitality Business - Chet Pipkin, Desolation Hotel

Chet Pipkin, founder of Belkin and now Desolation Hotel, shares how he’s applying decades of experience in innovation and leadership to reimagine what a hospitality business can be. After growing Belkin into a global technology brand, Chet turned his attention to creating meaningful, sustainable experiences in Lake Tahoe—guided by a one-page business plan rooted in simplicity, clarity, and purpose.

In this conversation, he explains the five principles behind Desolation Hotel, how focusing first on people leads to exceptional guest experiences, and why profitability and positive impact don’t have to be at odds. Listeners will gain insight into how clarity of intent can transform both business performance and community contribution in hospitality today.

Also see:

• Why I’m Building Hotels as "Immersive Portals" - Chet Pipkin, Desolation Hotel
• Reconnecting With What Feeds the Soul - Chet Pipkin, Desolation Hotel

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands