The Hotel Investor Playbook
Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investors and hospitality experts Michael Russell and Nathan St Cyr. As the founders of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, Michael and Nathan have a wealth of experience in owning and operating boutique hotels, hostels, and other experiential lodging properties. With over $30 million in real estate investments, including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, commercial retail, and hospitality properties, they bring a unique perspective on how to turn passion-driven investments into financial freedom.
In this podcast, they share their roadmap for transitioning from traditional real estate investments to boutique hotels, offering listeners the insights and strategies needed to succeed in this niche market. Whether you're looking to learn about identifying the right property, managing operations, or understanding the financial complexities of boutique hotel ownership, The Hotel Investor Playbook has you covered.
Join Michael and Nathan each week as they document their journey towards building a $400 million real estate-based business and bring you along for the ride. Subscribe now and start turning your real estate investment dreams into reality.
The Hotel Investor Playbook
The Husband and Wife Duo that Scaled from 5 Airbnbs to 2 Boutique Hotels (Without Burning Out) | E57
Want to know what it’s like to go from short-term rentals to owning boutique hotels while still maintaining a healthy relationship?
This week on the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell sits down with Mitch Ehly and Katie Wanzer, the husband-and-wife duo behind Fresh Coast Motel and Spruce & Shore Motel in Door County, Wisconsin.
They share how they scaled from Airbnbs to a full-fledged hospitality brand, revived two historic motels, and used automation to stay profitable without losing the guest touch.
You’ll learn how they:
- Transitioned from STRs to hotels (and what changed operationally)
- Revived historic properties into modern boutique experiences
- Turned self-check-in into a high-touch guest experience using video personalization
- Balanced business, marriage, and mindset while scaling fast
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your short-term rental business into something bigger, this is the episode to study.
About Mitch & Katie
Mitch and Katie are the husband-and-wife team behind Fresh Coast Motel and Spruce & Shore Motel, two boutique properties redefining the modern Door County getaway. Drawing on Mitch’s background in hospitality technology and leadership, and Katie’s creative eye for design and guest experience, the pair have transformed classic roadside motels into stylish, high-end retreats that blend historic charm with modern comfort. Their approach embraces self-check-in technology, thoughtful renovations, and authentic local storytelling to create spaces that feel both elevated and effortless. Together, they’re shaping a new wave of boutique hospitality in Wisconsin’s most beloved coastal towns.
Connect with Mitch & Katie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchehly/
Websites
https://therefreshcollection.com/
https://spruceandshoremotel.com/
https://instagram.com/mitchehly
https://www.instagram.com/spruceandshoremotel
https://www.instagram.com/freshcoastmotel
Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com
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