What happens when you buy a piece of land on a hunch and decide to build something that could last a thousand years?

This week’s guest, Brandon Gore, has one of the most unique paths into boutique hospitality we’ve ever heard. After a career in corporate hotels, he built a name as a concrete craftsman, only to return to his roots in Arkansas with a vision: The Outlier Hotel, a 10-cabin luxury retreat designed with world-class architecture and adventure hospitality in mind.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to spot once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and act on them
• Why intuition plus data beats spreadsheets alone
• The financial model behind The Outlier (including ADR, occupancy, and NOI)
• Why a joint venture may be smarter than traditional capital stacks
• How to build a legacy property that lasts 100+ years

Brandon’s story is equal parts business case study and life lesson on legacy.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Brandon:

Brandon Gore is a designer, builder, and entrepreneur known for blending craftsmanship with innovation. He is the founder of Gore Design Co., Hard Goods, the Concrete Design School, and EarthForm Rammed Earth, where he has pioneered sustainable building with concrete and rammed-earth construction. Today, he is developing The Outlier Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas—a boutique property that reflects his vision for timeless design and lasting architecture. Brandon has also shared his expertise as a TEDx speaker, podcast host, and judge on the design competition show Framework.

Connect with Brandon:

Instagram:@outlierhotel & @hardgoodsco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goredesignco/

Website: Gore Design Co. & Brandon Gore

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Think great marketing is only for big hotels with big budgets? Think again.

In this episode, we talk with Steph Weber, a marketing and branding expert who helps boutique hotel and STR owners drive direct bookings. She breaks down how she finds her audience, tells a compelling brand story, and uses limited resources to drive big results.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify your property’s unique selling points
• Simple marketing strategies that work for small hotels and inns
• Why guest experience is your most powerful marketing tool

The mindset shift from “just filling rooms” to building a brand
If you want your property to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation will show you how to do it without wasting money.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Steph

Steph Weber is a branding strategist, marketing expert, and founder of The Weber Co., where she helps short-term rental owners, boutique hotels, and micro-resorts build memorable brands that drive direct bookings. With over a decade of experience and a track record of helping 100+ businesses scale to six and seven figures, Steph blends creative storytelling with data-driven strategies to increase guest loyalty and revenue. She also owns Cabins on the Cumberland, a 12-cabin, 9-acre riverfront micro-resort in Kentucky, giving her a unique, real-world perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive hospitality market. Through her agency, podcast, and own hosting experience, Steph empowers property owners to position their brands for higher rates, repeat guests, and long-term success.

Connect with Steph

Instagram: @stephnweber, @cabinsonthecumberland & @theweberco

Websites: www.theweberco.com and www.cabinsonthecumberland.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephweberbrandcoach

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Think you need a perfect plan to start investing in hospitality? Think again.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Mueller, an everyday investor who went from zero experience and a failed multifamily deal to buying a $250K roadside motel and building a growing hospitality portfolio. He didn’t have a background in hotels, didn’t have much of a strategy, and still made it work through pure action, problem-solving, and a willingness to pivot.

You’ll learn:

• Why taking action beats waiting for the “perfect” plan
• How Jonathan raised $300K in 72 hours to close his RV park deal
• The pros and cons of buying motels vs RV parks as a beginner
• What to look for in seller financing and SBA loan terms
• Why chasing “shiny objects” can actually help you find your path

Whether you’re just getting started or stuck overthinking your first deal, this episode shows how to take imperfect action and learn as you go.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Jonathan:

Jonathan Mueller is a real estate investor and hospitality entrepreneur transforming neglected motels and campgrounds into vibrant community destinations. Alongside his family, he owns and operates two renovated motels and a 70-acre RV park, Camp Forest Haven, blending hands-on renovation with a guest-first approach. His journey from spotting opportunities on a casual drive to scaling multiple hospitality assets offers actionable lessons in sweat equity, creative repositioning, and building community-focused spaces that truly stand out.

Connect with Jonathan:

Website: https://campforesthaven.com/

Instagram: @mister_mox and @camp.forest.haven

Connect with Mike and Nate:

Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com