In this episode, Cody sits down with a very special guest—Malissa Baum, a seasoned Virtual GM who has been part of the team at Vibrant Management for over four years.

Malissa currently oversees operations at two incredible properties: Adobe Desert Boutique Motel and Watchman Villas, giving her a unique perspective on what it really takes to run hospitality operations remotely in today’s world.

This episode is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the realities, rewards, and lessons of being a Virtual GM in modern hospitality.

🔹 Segment 1: Why the Virtual GM Role Works
Malissa shares her favorite part of being a Virtual GM and why this model is becoming more powerful in today’s hospitality landscape.

From flexibility to scalability, she explains:
👉 What makes this role so unique—and so impactful

🔹 Segment 2: Advice for Aspiring Virtual GMs
Thinking about running your property virtually? Malissa breaks down:

• The mindset you need
• The systems that make it possible
• The habits that separate good from great

👉 What does it really take to succeed remotely in hospitality?

🔹 Segment 3: The Hardest Part of the Job
It’s not all smooth sailing. Malissa gets real about:

• The challenges of remote leadership
• Communication gaps
• Maintaining consistency without being on-site

👉 Honest insight into what most people underestimate about the role

🔹 Segment 4: Love for Hospitality
At the core of it all—why hospitality?

Malissa shares what she loves most about the industry:

• Creating memorable guest experiences
• The human connection behind every stay
• The ability to impact someone’s trip in a meaningful way

🔹 Segment 5: Rapid Fire — Personal & Professional Insights
Cody dives into a series of rapid-fire questions to get to know Malissa on a deeper level:

• Favorite place to travel ✈️
• Best hotel she’s ever stayed at—and why
• Biggest win in her career
• Biggest loss (and what she learned)
• How she defines success today

🔹 Closing Takeaway
This episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone interested in:

• Running properties remotely
• Scaling hospitality operations
• Building a career in modern hotel management

👉 Final Thought: The future of hospitality leadership isn’t tied to a desk—it’s built on systems, trust, and perspective.

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@virtualgmpodcast

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www.thevibrantteam.com

In this episode, Cody & Meagan shine a spotlight on an exciting new project: the grand opening of Adobe Desert Boutique Motel.

Opening April 18, this fully reimagined roadside motel represents something bigger than just a renovation—it’s a case study in how thoughtful design, storytelling, and positioning can transform not just a property, but an entire market.

🔹 Opening: Why This Property Matters
Cody & Meagan introduce the project and why boutique redevelopment is one of the most exciting trends in hospitality today.

From a full gut renovation to a complete brand repositioning, this project is about:
👉 Breathing new life into legacy roadside motels
👉 Elevating guest expectations in overlooked markets

🔹 Segment 1: The Location Story
Located in Panguitch, Utah, this property sits in a prime “basecamp” location:

• Minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park
• Within driving distance of Zion National Park

Cody & Meagan discuss:

• The rise of quieter gateway towns
• Why travelers are choosing charm over crowds
• The appeal of walkable, authentic small-town experiences

👉 Insight: Today’s travelers are trading busy resort hubs for intentional, peaceful destinations.

🔹 Segment 2: The Vision Behind the Renovation
This property started as a classic mid-century roadside motel—but now:

• It’s been completely transformed
• Repositioned from “a place to stay” to “a place to experience.”
• Designed to be the best property in its market

They break down:

• How renovation impacts ADR and perception
• Balancing historical roots with modern design
• Why investing in design pays long-term dividends

👉 Insight: Great design doesn’t just improve a property—it reshapes demand.

🔹 Segment 3: Design & Guest Experience Philosophy
The design approach is intentional and elevated:

• Warm, desert-inspired interiors
• Natural textures and neutral tones
• Minimal, calming spaces
• A focus on light, openness, and relaxation

👉 Discussion: Why simplicity is becoming the new definition of luxury

Cody & Meagan explore the balance between:

• “Instagram-worthy” design
• And true emotional comfort

🔹 Segment 4: Room Mix & Target Guest
The property is built for modern travelers:

• King rooms for couples
• Double rooms for friends
• Suites for families and groups

Ideal guests include:

• National park visitors
• Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
• Road-trippers and photographers

👉 Positioned as a stylish basecamp, not a traditional resort

🔹 Segment 5: The Boutique Advantage in Secondary Markets
This is where things get really interesting:

• Boutique properties are elevating overlooked destinations
• Guests are willing to pay more for experience and design
• Strong properties can drive longer stays and repeat visits

Community impact includes:

• Supporting local businesses
• Revitalizing Main Street energy
• Increasing overall destination appeal

👉 Key Idea: One great boutique hotel can lift an entire town.

🔹 Segment 6: The Grand Opening Strategy
A successful opening is about more than occupancy—it’s about momentum.

Cody & Meagan break down:

• Building buzz through social media and visuals
• Leveraging influencer stays
• Creating local partnerships
• Ensuring operational readiness

👉 From staff training to guest journey scripting—first impressions are everything.

🔹 Closing Reflection

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@virtualgmpodcast

Checkout our website -
www.thevibrantteam.com

In this episode, Cody & Meagan tackle one of the biggest shifts happening in hospitality today: the evolution of the General Manager role.

What used to be a primarily operational position has transformed into something much bigger. Today’s leaders aren’t just managing properties—they’re shaping experiences, building brands, and designing how guests feel from the moment they discover a property to long after they check out.

So the question is:
👉 Are General Managers becoming Experience Architects?

🔹 Opening: A Changing Role
Cody & Meagan set the stage by reflecting on how dramatically hospitality leadership has changed over the past 5–10 years.

From their own experience and industry events, they share the moment it became clear:
👉 The GM role isn’t what it used to be.

🔹 Segment 1: The Traditional GM Mindset
They break down the classic GM playbook:

• Staffing schedules
• Maintenance oversight
• Budget management
• Daily reporting
• Occupancy targets

Success was measured by:

• Operational efficiency
• Cost control
• Basic guest satisfaction

👉 Insight: The GM used to manage a building.

🔹 Segment 2: The Rise of the Experience Economy
Today’s guests are looking for something entirely different:

• Emotional escape
• Memory creation
• Shareable moments
• Wellness and connection

Booking decisions are now driven by:

• Brand story
• Design and aesthetic
• Personalization
• Local immersion

👉 Key Shift: The guest journey starts before arrival and continues after departure.
👉 Operators are no longer selling rooms—they’re designing feelings.

🔹 Segment 3: What an Experience Architect Actually Does
Cody & Meagan define what modern hospitality leadership looks like:

An Experience Architect:

• Curates the full guest journey (booking → post-stay)
• Works across marketing, operations, design, and revenue
• Thinks like a brand builder, not just an operator

Real-world examples include:

• Scripting arrival moments
• Designing amenity strategies
• Creating intentional guest flow
• Building local partnerships

👉 Insight: Leadership is becoming more creative, strategic, and visionary.

🔹 Segment 4: The Pressure on Modern GMs
With this evolution comes new challenges:

• Higher owner expectations for performance
• Increased guest expectations for experience
• Constant technology decisions
• Ongoing staffing challenges

👉 Are we asking too much from today’s hospitality leaders?

Cody & Meagan discuss the balance between operational excellence and creative leadership—and the very real risk of burnout.

🔹 Segment 5: How Future Leaders Can Adapt
Actionable advice for the next generation of hospitality leaders:

• Develop emotional intelligence
• Learn branding and storytelling
• Get comfortable with data and tech
• Lead culture—not just teams
• Think like an entrepreneur

Practical tips:

• Spend time in guest spaces
• Travel with intention
• Study experiences outside hospitality
• Stay curious

👉 Key Takeaway: The future GM is part operator, part designer, part strategist.

🔹 Closing Reflection
Cody & Meagan close with a big question:
👉 Will the title “GM” even exist in 10–15 years?

And a powerful reminder:
👉 Hospitality leadership is becoming more human—not less.

Follow us on Instagram -
@thevibrantteam
@virtualgmpodcast

Checkout our website -
www.thevibrantteam.com