Isaac French of Live Oak Lake: 'Less, But Better' in Hospitality and Living Life

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What if a small, story-rich resort could command a seven-figure brand premium—and what would it take to build one? We sit down with creator-operator Isaac French to trace the arc of Live Oak Lake. From building Waco's first micro resort, an early Airbnb suspension that forced an unexpected direct booking strategy, and a sale shaped by the power of narrative. Isaac opens up about the choices behind fewer, better units, and why biophilic design moves both hearts and numbers.

• Live Oak Lake origin, design-led build, and early traction
• The Airbnb suspension forcing a direct booking strategy
• Unreasonable hospitality as a design and operations ethos
• Brand value, opco-propco structures, and earnest money
• Where social media is headed for hospitality
• Biophilic design, indoor–outdoor living, and wellness
• A 200-tree orchard as living artwork and venue
• Farm hospitality as the next major opportunity
• Values-based community, family, and craft-forward living

Subscribe to Isaac’s newsletter at IsaacJFrench.com for short lessons and stories on design, hospitality, and building a better life and business
Find Isaac on socials at @IsaacFrench_

This episode is brought to you by Clockwork Design- outdoor hospitality's top architecture & design firm. To learn more email [e-mail]

This episode is power by Sage Outdoor Advisory the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.

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