Behind the Stays

Live From VRMA's Exec Summit: What the Smartest Operators Are Really Thinking About Right Now (Part 1)

Welcome to a special two-part series of Behind the Stays — recorded live at the VRMA Executive Summit in Miami.

I brought my mic to the halls of one of the vacation rental industry’s most intimate and influential gatherings — and instead of long-form interviews, I asked a handful of sharp operators and thought leaders three punchy questions:

1. What’s a contrarian belief you have about what today’s travelers actually want from a vacation rental?
2. What’s something happening in the industry that not enough people are talking about — but should be?
3. And finally, what’s one travel trend you’re bullish on, and one you’re a little bearish on?

In Part One, you’ll hear from Steve Trover — founder of Better Talent and a veteran of the industry with nearly three decades of perspective. Steve drops a spicy take on why guests don’t want high-touch hospitality, makes a strong case for why more PMs should be thinking about business travel, and shares his experience with purpose-built homes long before it was cool.

In Part Two, I sit down with Jacob Mueller, co-founder of Renjoy — and trust me, if you geek out on tech, systems, or data sovereignty, this one’s for you. Jacob breaks down why most property managers are being held hostage by their PMS, how owning your data is the key to unlocking real AI leverage, and what it takes to build tools that actually serve both your owners and your ops teams.

And finally — in Part Three — you’ll hear from Michelle Marquis. Michelle’s worn just about every hat in this space — from property manager to tech exec to connector-in-chief. She offers a clear-eyed take on where standardization is falling short, why guest basics still matter more than we’d like to admit, and what she’s seeing when it comes to group travel, pet-friendly stays, and the growing demand for better experiences.

These are fast, fun, and unfiltered convos with folks who are deep in the game — and I think you’re going to walk away with a few new questions to ask yourself… and maybe even a few answers you didn’t see coming.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this special series — featuring even more industry voices and insights — dropping Friday, June 13th.

Epic Stories & Insider Insights from Hospitality Legend James McBride (Co-Founder and CEO of Nihi Hotels)

James McBride is not just a hotelier — he's a visionary storyteller, a daring innovator, and a relentless champion of authentic luxury experiences.

What started as his bold vision to redefine hospitality on a remote Indonesian island has become an award-winning global phenomenon, with Nihi Resorts capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide.

As the co-founder of Nihi alongside legendary serial entrepreneur Chris Burch (co-founder of Tory Burch), James is at the heart of this extraordinary journey.

In this episode, we dive into:

• James’s fascinating journey from foundational roles at Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood Hotels to pioneering transformative luxury experiences at Nihi Resorts.

• The daring moment he famously published his personal phone number in major newspapers—and how authentic human connection remains central to his hospitality ethos.

• The incredible origin story behind Nihi Sumba, and how James transformed an untouched Indonesian island into one of the world's most celebrated travel destinations.

• Why authenticity and storytelling are indispensable for creating memorable guest experiences.

• Strategies for maintaining genuine human connections in luxury hospitality amid an increasingly digital world.

We also unpack James’s perspectives on:

• What independent hotels can learn about curating truly unique and impactful guest experiences.

• Why meaningful hospitality extends beyond aesthetics, amenities, and luxury trappings.

• How calculated risks and creativity can lead to global recognition and lasting success.

• The critical importance of sustainable, authentic luxury in today's evolving travel landscape.

This episode is for hoteliers crafting authentic luxury, bold brand builders pushing creative boundaries, and travelers seeking experiences that resonate deeply and endure long after their journey home.

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Discover Nihi Sumba

 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

The New Rules of Resort Marketing: Entertainment, Influencers & AI with Jason Kycek

If you’ve ever dreamed of running marketing for one of the most iconic resorts in the Caribbean—or just wanted a peek behind the scenes of what it actually takes to make a destination “hot”—today’s episode is for you.

My guest is Jason Kycek, the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the legendary Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. And while Jason’s resume includes time with some of the most respected names in hospitality, what makes this conversation so refreshing is that Jason is a marketer through and through. A builder. A thinker. A tinkerer.

We talk about what it means to market an independent luxury resort in today’s hyper-digital world. Why social media has become the new front door. How culinary strategy, entertainment programming, and influencer partnerships are being reimagined. And how the smartest marketers are building brands and balancing performance expectations—sometimes on a shoestring budget.

Jason also shares his journey—from Wisconsin to the DR—and what he’s learned leading marketing across both institutional hospitality groups and independently owned gems.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

How a Boutique Hotel Obsession Became a Global Travel Media Brand: The Story of Hotels Above Par

What started as a furlough-era side project on Instagram is now a full-fledged media brand reaching over 400,000 boutique hotel obsessives — and Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par, is just getting started.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Brandon’s unshakable obsession with boutique hotels (he used to play hotel as a kid — not kidding)

• How a background in PR shaped his approach to storytelling, strategy, and aesthetic curation

• The origin story behind Hotels Above Par — and how a single Instagram caption became the launchpad for a globally respected travel media platform

• Why partnering with tourism boards (not just hotels) is a win-win-win

• How paid partnerships, affiliate bookings, and Substack newsletters drive real revenue (this isn’t just a vibes operation)

• Why he’s bullish on newsletters, hospitality humans, and high-touch check-ins — even as AI eats media

We also unpack Brandon’s POV on:

• What most independent hotels are still getting wrong on Instagram

• Why newsletters are having a renaissance moment (and how hoteliers should use them)

• How journalists are evolving into modern creators (and what makes them more trustworthy than traditional influencers)

• What makes a travel giveaway actually work — and why you’re probably doing it wrong

This one is for the independent hoteliers fighting the good fight, the brand builders playing the long game, and the travelers who crave places with soul.

Follow Hotels Above Par on Instagram
Follow Brandon on LinkedIn
Explore the Hotels Above Par Website

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

How They're Building the Next Great American Hotel Brand: The Story of Trailborn with Co-Founders Mike & Ben

What happens when two childhood friends trade finance careers for a crack at building the next great American hotel brand? You get Trailborn.

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, co-founders and co-CEOs of Trailborn — a vertically integrated hospitality brand reimagining what it means to travel to America’s most iconic outdoor destinations.

Mike and Ben didn’t just set out to build better hotels — they’re building an experience-driven brand from the ground up, one that actually reflects how modern travelers want to explore the wild. We unpack the white space they saw in markets like Mendocino, Wrightsville Beach, and Highlands, why they chose the “harder path” of vertical integration, and what it really takes to operate with excellence in places that don’t always show up on institutional investors’ maps.

You’ll also hear:

• Why building brand and operating company and real estate platform was a bet they were willing to lose sleep over
• How their new partnership with Marriott gives Trailborn scale — without sacrificing soul
• The early seeds of personalization in hospitality — and how Trailborn plans to lead with both human intuition and machine intelligence
• Why AI won’t replace great service — but it might finally deliver on it

This one’s for the founders, the place-makers, and anyone who’s ever tried to do something the “harder, but better” way.

Learn more about Trailborn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Why Vibe-Driven Hotels and Restaurants Are Failing (And What Actually Works)

Cory Schisler isn’t just building beautiful hotels and restaurants — he’s rethinking what hospitality actually feels like.

He’s worked with brands like Proper and Viceroy, co-founded The Madrona in Healdsburg, and has a sharp eye for the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways hospitality has evolved (and where it still needs to catch up).

In this episode, we unpack:

– The early experiences that shaped Cory’s hospitality worldview
– How to balance timeless service with modern guest expectations
– The tech that actually enhances hospitality (and the kind that kills it)
– Why QR code menus might signal the beginning of the end
– What’s next: the rise of micro-resorts and the white space between STRs and hotels

Cory also shares how he approaches concept development, the difference between good and great creative partners, and what it really takes to build a team culture where guests feel seen — and staff feel proud.

This one’s packed with insight for anyone thinking about the next generation of hospitality brands.

Learn more about Cory here.
Explore The Madrona

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

How to Build Hotels With a Pulse: Carolyn Schneider, Co-Founder of Casetta Hotels, on Ditching the Copy-Paste Approach

Before founding creative studio Corner Booth, Carolyn co-founded Casetta Group, the acclaimed boutique hospitality brand known for transforming forgotten roadside motels into soulful, design-forward stays that actually reflect the communities they’re in. But her journey started far from the boardroom — as a cocktail server at the Ace Hotel in New York, where she first experienced the magic of what a hotel could be when it’s built with intention and feeling.

In this conversation, Carolyn unpacks how her background in the art world shaped her creative vision, how she approaches brand-building from the inside out, and why some boutique hotels manage to feel deeply personal — while others fall flat. You’ll hear her thoughts on balancing timelessness with trendiness, her approach to embedding local artists and narratives into each property, and what she’s learning as she advises clients across the U.S. and Europe through her studio.

Plus:

1. The real reason the front desk might be the most important brand ambassador of all

2. Why copy-paste design is the death of boutique hospitality

3. How to create a “microcosm of the community” — even in a space you didn’t build from scratch

4. Her thoughts on parent brands vs. standalone hotel brands — and where Cassetta fits in

5. The importance of building with soul — and what gets lost when you cut the “extras”

If you’re building a hospitality brand or dreaming up your next project, this episode is a masterclass in curating space, story, and soul.

Connect with Carolyn on LinkedIn

Learn more about Corner Booth 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Why Hotel Booking Engines Are Dying — And How AI Agents Will Replace Them, with Selfbook Founder Khalid Meniri

Khalid Meniri didn’t come from hospitality — but maybe that’s exactly why he was able to see its most obvious blind spot so clearly.

A designer and technologist by trade, Khalid is the founder of Selfbook, the beautifully elegant booking platform that’s quietly powering the next generation of high-end hotels.

In this episode, you’ll hear the remarkable story of how a glass cube on Fifth Avenue (yes, the Apple Store) first inspired Khalid’s obsession with design — and how years later, that obsession led him to reimagine the broken booking experience plaguing even the most beautiful hotels.

We unpack:

• Why the legacy booking flow is fundamentally broken — and why most hoteliers don’t even realize it

• How Selfbook is thinking about dynamic pricing, personalized rates, and the future of “invisible tech”

• Why the most exciting guest journeys of the next decade won’t start on a hotel website — they’ll start in a chat window

• And how Selfbook’s new partnership with Perplexity could reshape hotel discovery at the point of inspiration

If you care about hospitality tech, design-led products, or the future of direct booking, this is a must-listen.

Learn more about Selfbook

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

From Sales Guy to Hospitality Media Mogul: The Modern Hotelier Story with Steve Carran

Steve Carran never set out to become one of the most recognized voices in hospitality media. But what started as a scrappy experiment to engage hoteliers during his time in sales has now blossomed into The Modern Hotelier — one of the industry’s most beloved podcasts and a new video media brand that’s putting a fresh lens on hospitality storytelling.

In this episode, you’ll hear the fascinating backstory behind how Steve and his co-host David Millili launched the podcast, how they bought it back from a startup, and how it has completely reshaped Steve’s career. We also dive into the biggest trends he’s seeing across the hotel industry — from how AI and design are converging to address labor shortages, to the rise of "bleisure" lobbies, to why apartment-style hotels like Mint House are quietly winning the loyalty of the next generation of travelers.

Plus:

- Why hotel lobbies are becoming the new coworking spaces
- How podcasts have become the secret weapon for hospitality networking
- Why giving guests a choice in how they interact with your brand is the future of service
- Steve’s vision for the Modern Hotelier Media group — including their "MTV Cribs"-style hotel video tours

If you’re building a hospitality brand or just love geeking out on where the industry is headed, this episode is for you.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
Listen to The Modern Hotelier

 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

How Ash Hotels Became the Coolest Brand You’ve Never Fully Defined

If you’ve scrolled Instagram or Design Milk anytime in the last few years, you’ve probably come across a hotel that made you stop scrolling. Not because it was just beautiful, but because it felt like a world. A story.

And chances are... that hotel was built by Ash.

In this episode, I sit down with Ari Heckman, founder & CEO of Ash — one of the most distinctive hospitality brands redefining how hotels, neighborhoods, and even guest memories are made.

Ari’s story is a masterclass in world-building. We explore how growing up in post-industrial Providence sparked his obsession with places that transform.

Why he didn’t study hospitality at Cornell (even though he was a stone’s throw from the world’s most famous hotel school). And how Ash went from a small design studio to an experiential powerhouse shaping properties from Baltimore to New Orleans.

We get into why modern travelers don’t just want design anymore — they want mythology, meaning, and discovery.

We unpack how Ash thinks about cinematic storytelling, why boutique hoteliers must learn to master revenue as much as aesthetics, and what Ari believes is the next great unlock for independent brands scaling today.

If you care about hospitality, placemaking, or just building things that matter — this one’s for you.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.