Wilmington, NC is an awesome city.  Heck, that's why I moved here 5 years ago and was able to convince Jonas to move here a few weeks ago. It's also a market I know very, very well - and one that I am very excited about doing a micro resort in. Today, we pull back the curtain and deep dive into a potential deal that we are looking at so that you can see the thought process and framework we walkthrough on each deal we analyze - and how we come up with either "heck yes" or "no".  

The site of our first international micro resort is: A country that neither Jonas or Trav has stepped foot on. Small, tropical, and not known by many people. Home to incredible scuba diving. So how did this become the first place we decided to do an international micro resort? And where is it? To get those answers, you've got to listen to the show!

Short answer:  VERY! But for some people, the design process can be very overwhelming. Today, Heather shares why design is the one of the most importance parts of any hospitality project (especially a boutique one) and why it's not JUST "oh, that's visually appealing" but that it goes much deeper. Plus, she also gives some of her top design tips that anyone can implement, even if they aren't a designer, and the one thing she will NEVER allow in one of her properties? Want to be the first to know about our newest projects - and even get first crack at being an investor? Sign up for our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here.

Experiential micro-resorts around the world? Yes please! Today, we dive into our the top 15 international destinations that we are dreaming (scheming?) of opening up micro-resorts. 3 people. 5 places each. And some very surprising answers.  

Max Lee is not your typical gym owner.  In fact, he was never even planning on going to the gym, yet alone opening up 20+ gyms across Taiwan. Heck, he didn't even live in Taiwan 4 years ago - and he wasn't planning on staying that long. But Max is always open to opportunities, and that's what has lead him and his family to leading such interesting lives. You'll hear all about it in today's show, including their year of full-time worldschooling, what life is really like in Taipei and how they decided on it, and how Max and his wife found themselves opening 20+ gyms in Taiwan.

Dreaming about where to do our next project is one of the most fun parts of the whole process - and there are no shortage of epic places to pick from. Today, we narrow down the list to our top 15 places in the US where we'd like to open a micro-resort. 3 people.  5 places each. Including a special guest - someone who EPOP listeners will recognize.  

Kevin was a burnt out Wall Street lawyer who left that life behind to "buy a drug motel at the Jersey Shore with no money." Oh...and he had no previous hospitality experience. What he did have was a vision - both for what a new version of hospitality could look like and for what he wanted his life to look like.   It didn't involve going back to Wall Street...and did it did involve a lifestyle of freedom. Over the past 7 years, he turned that first motel into a thriving hospitality brand, The Shore House, transformed an entire area, and also pulled of a multi-million dollar exit. In his new book, The Boutique Hotel Blueprint, he documents the entire journey, and here's the cool part: In the process, he realized that he wasn't a hotel operator, but instead, a brand creator. So if you're into real estate and hospitality, then in this episode you'll get a masterclass from Kevin. And if you aren't into real estate and hospitality, the major lessons Kevin learned are applicable to any facet of life where building a brand is vital (and to be honest, when ISN'T that the case anymore)? If you like this episode with Kevin, then go grab his brand new, hot off the presses book The Boutique Hotel Blueprint on Amazon - it's worth it's weight in gold (and fortunately, only costs $30).Buy The Boutique Hotel Blueprint here   00:00 From Wall Street to Boutique Hotels 12:12 The Journey of Transformation 26:30 Building a Brand in Hospitality 37:16 Scaling Success and Lessons Learned 37:32 Market Timing and Investor Exit Strategies 40:03 Real Numbers and Authenticity in Real Estate 45:00 Transitioning from Owner Operator to Asset Manager 50:42 Leveraging Technology for Revenue Growth 55:19 The Importance of Direct Bookings and Guest Relationships 01:04:48 Lifestyle Choices in Hospitality Entrepreneurship 01:11:29 Democratization of Technology in the Hotel Industry  

Two sets of bungalows.  Both on the same island.  Both owned by a one family for the last 50 years.  Both historical and charming.   And that's where the similarities end. In this episode, Trav walks through the lessons he learned from the first set of bungalows (and there are A LOT), how he made sure he didn't make the same mistake twice...and also why, despite the setbacks, the first set of bungalows might actually end up being a better deal (which is truly a shocker). Despite all the similarities, no two deals are the same - and this episode proves it.  Want to be the first to know when we have other projects happening?  Subscribe to our EPOP Real Estate Newsletter here: EPOP Real Estate Newsletter

You've thought of it.  Probably even dreamed of it.  Leaving your regular life - the job, the car, the house, and the rat race - to move to a tropical location, renovate, and run a hotel. No worries, no stress.  All sunshine, surf, fresh coconuts.  Pure bliss. Well...you've dreamed of doing it, but Steph and Luke have actually done it. In 2020, they "bet it all" to move to Costa Rica and open up a hotel with two young daughters in tow. Heck, they even got a tv show out of it - HGTV's "Betting on Paradise." They were living the dream. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out...A LOT. Here's the full, behind the scenes story of that journey, told by two people who have some of best energy you could possibly have - and still were almost broken by it!  

Jonas has two development projects currently going - one in New York, one in Tennessee.  One's going very well, one's going not so well (or in his words - not at all). So how do two projects, both with the same owner, take two drastically different paths? Find out the biggest lessons Jonas has learned from his Tennessee project, the things he would do differently, and how, despite the development taking years longer than expected, he's still making sure that project doesn't destroy him (financially and emotionally)!

Tom left his home in New Jersey one day before his 26th birthday.  He walked.  Around the world.  For 7 years.  28,000 miles. 38 countries. 34 pairs of shoes. And one trusty companion (who was not part of the original plan). I've been fascinated by Tom's journey for years now - and it's as epic as it sounds.  It's also, sometimes, as boring and mundane as it sounds.  Tom dives into all that - why he started in the first place, how and why he kept going, what his favorite countries were, and how something like this changed him.But also, how being "the guy who walked around the world" isn't his only identity, and how he's dealing with life after such an epic adventure while being "constrained" to Cincinnati.  An open, honest, and insightful look at an accomplishment that very few people have ever achieved through the eyes of someone who has done it.     00:00 The Journey Begins: Tom's World Walk Introduction 03:49 A Life-Changing Event: The Motivation Behind the Walk 10:55 Keeping the Vision Alive: Overcoming Doubts and Challenges 13:26 Reality vs. Expectation: Insights from the Walk 17:12 Gradual Change: Experiencing Cultures on Foot 21:35 The Beauty of Serendipity: Embracing Unexpected Moments 31:17 Rich Experiences: Countries That Left a Mark 33:05 Planning the Route: Balancing Flexibility and Structure 34:37 Navigating the World During COVID 35:11 Defining a World Walk 36:41 The Decision to Walk with a Dog 42:05 Challenges and Companionship on the Journey 47:31 Overcoming Physical and Mental Hurdles 53:49 Reintegration into Normal Life 56:38 Writing the Book: A Journey of Reflection 01:02:32 Embracing Constraints for Growth 01:04:37 Future Adventures and Projects

Location, Location, Location - the old adage of real estate is true.But that doesn't mean the right location is a one size fits all.  In fact, it's the opposite.  What's right for you might not be right for me - and vice versa. The best real estate investors define their own buy box and today we talk about how we have defined our buy box, why we are so keen on hitting "the path of progress" and tease out Jonas's new project in upstate NY - and how it was a home run deal for his buy box.     01:00 The Importance of Location in Real Estate 02:50 Understanding Market Dynamics and Indicators 06:07 Setting a Buy Box for Investments 08:48 Evaluating Path of Progress in Markets 11:46 Finding Hidden Gems in Real Estate 15:13 Urban vs. Rural Investment Strategies 17:48 Case Study: New York Property Investment 20:50 Developing Micro Resorts: Key Considerations 24:03 Zoning and Regulations in Real Estate 26:49 Recap and Key Takeaways

Ever dreamed of living in Europe?  Sipping cappucinos in the square of some Italian village or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean or Adriatic?It's possible - and, in fact, maybe even a lot more feasible, and affordable, than you think!(especially with lots of new digital nomad visas popping up, which we discuss at length)Jeff Opdyke has been to over 80 countries.  He's lived in multiple countries in Europe.  He's written for the Wall Street Journal for 17 years and is now the Global Investment Expert for International Living.So...safe to say he knows a thing or two about living abroad and helping expats find the best place in Europe to live. And surprise, surprise - he gets asked the question "Where's the best place to live in Europe and how do I do it?"Hint:  If it was one size fits all, this podcast wouldn't be over an hour!But the best thing about Jeff is that he doesn't just give you some basic answer - instead, he gives you a variety of answers based on the situation that YOU are in and the type of life that you want to lead.I've spent decades researching living in Europe, and I know quite a bit.  Well, I thought I did.  And then Jeff came on and dropped a ton of new knowledge on me. Want to know the "Asheville of Europe?"  Or what country is "if Greece and Switzerland had a baby?"  Don't miss this one!

It's like a resort...for ants. (Just kidding. That's a Zoolander reference.  I really hope someone got it and laughed). So, what are micro resorts?  Why do Jonas and I believe they are the best path forward for creating experiential hospitality?  And where are we currently building micro resorts (hint:  one place is international, it starts with a B, and it's not the Bahamas - although I wouldn't be opposed to that down the road).

Ever dreamt of moving to a tropical country, beach breeze blowing through your hair, surrounded by lush vegetation, wildlife, and amazing surf? ("Uhhh, yea Trav, basically every day!") Well great - then you're in luck. Because 4 years ago, my great friend Erika Kennedy packed up her life in Canada, her husband, two kids, and mom and headed off for that dream lifestyle in Costa Rica. And after living there for 4 years, she explains what it is ACTUALLY like to live that beachfront paradise lifestyle - the good, the bad, and the WTF - including some of the most random things you can't get there. (oh, and she also renovated a decrepit mountaintop house, so she's really seen it all). Enjoy this behind the scenes look at what life in Costa Rica is really like...and maybe you'll be packing your bags sooner rather than later.  

In this new podcast, Trav sits down with his co-host Jonas to discuss the vision for their real estate "empire" -  and why they believe experiential hospitality is the answer.Learn how they define experiential hospitality, why they are doubling down on it, and why AirBnB's aren't dead (but a lot are on life support). If you're interested in going on this journey with us, then you're in luck - we'll be releasing new EPOP Real Estate shows every week to give you a behind the scenes look as we go on a mission to create the most unique and boutique micro-resorts around the world. 00:00 Introduction to Experiential Hospitality 00:57 The State of Hotels and Short-Term Rentals 02:59 Defining Experiential Hospitality 05:59 The Importance of Unique Experiences 09:08 Creating Purpose-Driven Properties 11:56 The Future of Hospitality 14:55 Investing in Experiential Hospitality

J-Rob was 40, had a house, regular job, and had only been to two countries (one of which was the US).  Oh, plus he was scared to travel. But he did it anyway - and he started with a series of experiments (which he continues to this very day).Here's how J-Rob went from non-traveler to world traveler in 5 years despite getting diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Whether you're someone who hasn't traveled much but wants to or someone who's been around the world a bunch, J-Rob's story is not only inspiring but actionable. And if you want even more guidance, pick up his book, The Beginner Traveler's Guide, which just released the all new 2nd edition.   You can find it at www.thenomadexperiment.com

Danielle and Cassie were just two vet techs living in New Hampshire with a shared passion for the outdoors and morbid stories.So naturally, they started a podcast with their $25 walmart microphones and...   ...it become an overnight sensation!In this episode, they give all the juicy details about the journey (like who was willing to leave their job first), discuss their most underrated national parks (it'll surprise you) and even throw a famous national park under the bus (lovingly, of course).   00:00 Introduction to National Parks and Morbid Stories 05:57 The National Park Designation Process 10:48 Personal Connections to National Parks 14:52 The Rise of National Park Popularity 19:04 Starting the Podcast Journey 24:42 The Power of Podcast Naming and SEO 27:45 Navigating the Podcasting Landscape 29:08 The Decision to Go Full-Time 32:06 Balancing Passion and Profession 37:52 Transforming the Podcast into a Business 39:29 Building Community Through Travel 45:22 The Morbid Curiosity Behind the Podcast 51:33 Crafting Engaging Stories in Podcasting 56:23 Exploring Literary Styles and Storytelling 59:57 National Parks: Favorites and Underrated Gems 01:06:36 Critiques of Popular Destinations 01:12:03 Introducing 'Watch Her Cook': A New Podcast Adventure

Adam Schluter is a self-proclaimed "introvert who was scared of the world."  So what did he?  Booked a plane ticket to the cheapest place he could find (hint:  it wasn't cheap once he landed!) and started saying hello to strangers.Fast forward 9 years, and he's still doing it - while also figuring out how he can take the joy he feels while traveling and bring it back to his home in Idaho, which lead to him hosting Monday Night Dinners for 500(ish) people.  Yes, 500 people.  In a backyard.  Of a small house.Hear all about it and more in this episode... And then, go say hi to a stranger.  

Over the past 30 days, I've taken on a challenge - to try 9 new habits.  Everything from doing a carnivore diet to 5 minutes of a daily somatic shake to "phone in foyer".  What did I learn?  Did I fail at some of them? (hint: yes).  Are some life-changing?Find out in today's show - and do me a favor:If you liked (or didn't like) this more personal, behind the scenes style show, let me know.  I'm looking for your honest feedback as I experiment with different styles of shows so that I can create what you want to hear!