Check-In with Bryan
Welcome to Check-In with Bryan, your essential podcast for staying ahead in the dynamic world of hospitality. Hosted by Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality and a highly sought-after keynote speaker, this podcast dives deep into the strategic insights, evolving trends, and transformative ideas driving the hospitality and travel industries forward.
Drawing from Bryan’s extensive background in hospitality management, strategic planning, and business innovation, each episode features compelling discussions with influential industry leaders, hotel executives, investors, asset managers, and expert consultants. You’ll gain valuable insights into operational excellence, market developments, investment opportunities, asset optimization strategies, and relevant travel news influencing the hospitality landscape.
Designed specifically for hotel owners, operators, hospitality investors, travel professionals, and industry leaders, Check-In with Bryan empowers listeners to elevate their business strategies, harness industry-leading insights, and navigate the ever-evolving intersection of hospitality and travel.
Stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the competition with Bryan Fish and Reliance Hospitality.
Check-In with Bryan
Helping Build Maui’s Top-Rated Hostel with Michael Russell
From selling candy in grade school to running the #1 rated hostel in North America, investor Michael Russell shares how hustle, timing, and creative thinking turned risk into a multimillion-dollar hospitality portfolio.
What you’ll learn:
•How the Great Recession became his once-in-a-lifetime buy-in opportunity.
•The leap from vacation rentals → boutique hospitality investing.
•Inside the creation of Hakuna Matata Hostel—from $800K to a $5.2M appraisal.
•The business math behind hostels: “Sell the bed, not the room.”
•Building community-driven experiences that outperform luxury stays.
•How Malama Capital scales boutique hospitality assets with heart and ROI.
•The mindset shift: leverage partnerships, hire experts, and grow intentionally.
About the Guest:
Michael Russell is the co-founder of Milana Capital and co-host of The Hotel Investor Playbook. With 20+ years in hospitality and real estate, he’s redefining what “investing in experiences” really means.
If you’re passionate about hospitality, entrepreneurship, and real-world investing—subscribe and follow along every Tuesday for new episodes of Check-In with Bryan.
Also, dont forget to check out The Hotel Investor Playbook to hear more from Michael!
Disclaimer:
All opinions are for educational purposes only and not investment advice.
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