Instead of chasing bookings, the founders behind Bolt Farm Treehouse create an obsession amongst their guests, and they do it with love at the center of everything. Their hospitality business heals relationships, attracts top-tier employees, and doesn't require the use of OTAs

In this episode, Seth and Tori Bolt break their iconic hospitality business where luxury stays meet emotional transformation.

You’ll hear:

• How to design experiences that emotionally move your guests
• Why 100% of their bookings are direct, and how to do the same
• How they built a performance-based team culture rooted in love
• How they use AI to automate grunt work and scale high-touch moments
• Why their recruiting funnel brings in 12,000+ applicants a year

This episode is your blueprint for turning a stay into a movement.

About Seth & Tori

Bolt Farm Treehouse is a luxury adults-only mountaintop retreat founded by Seth and Tori Bolt, born from their honeymoon treehouse and built into an eight-figure hospitality brand. Nestled in Tennessee, the retreat offers high-end domes, mirror cabins, and treehouses designed for romance, reconnection, and escape into nature. Known for their viral marketing, soulful storytelling, and sustainable mission, Seth and Tori have created more than just a destination—they’ve crafted an experience that’s redefining luxury in the wild. Each stay supports tree-planting efforts and is packed with intentional design, curated moments, and heartfelt hospitality.

Connect with Seth & Tori

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bolt-73061790/

Website: https://www.boltfarmtreehouse.com/

IG: @toribolt & @boltfarmtreehouse

Have a deal?
Send it to us: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission

Connect with Mike and Nate:
Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest

Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook

Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Thinking about buying or operating a hotel, but not sure where to start?

Sujay Mehta built a $187M hospitality portfolio by betting on himself, starting lean, and learning through execution. In this episode, he breaks down what most people get wrong about hotel investing and how you can start smarter.

You’ll learn:

• How to determine which hotel brand fits a deal best
• How the “Mamba Mentality” shaped his risk tolerance and execution
• What he learned by making his first deal a ground-up development
• Whether a boutique hotel can compete with Hilton in your market
• How to add real value to a flagged hotel without a massive reno
• Why throwing away bacon could cost you $1M+ at exit
• The case for self-management vs hiring a third-party operator

Whether you're analyzing your first hotel deal or looking to scale your portfolio, this one’s packed with tactical insights and real-world lessons.

About Sujay

Sujay Mehta is a hotel entrepreneur and real estate investor who built a $187M+ hospitality portfolio before turning 30. A former cancer researcher turned founder, Sujay leads Bloom Ventures—a Columbus-based investment firm focused on boutique and branded hotel development, ground-up builds, and value-add repositioning. He’s known for his creative capital strategies, operational insight, and commitment to hospitality with purpose. Through content, syndications, and strategic partnerships, Sujay helps others scale in the hotel space while staying grounded in family and mission.

Connect with Sujay

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujay-mehta-b80411142/

Website: https://bloom.ventures/ & https://www.kafafinancial.com/

Instagram: @sujmehta , @kafafinancial & @hotelinvestoracademy

Have a deal? Send it to us here:

https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/28iLM67xiWWNkekg8ONt

Have a deal?
Send it to us: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission

Connect with Mike and Nate:
Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest

Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook

Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

What does it take to build a successful hospitality business in a small rural town, with no outside investors? Dave Cook, founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire, walks us through his journey from hostel volunteer to hostel owner.

We dive into:

• How he used sweat equity and personal savings to convert an old chicken coop into a thriving hostel
• His research process on demand, shared economy trends, and local recreation patterns
• The hidden cost of rural hospitality: zoning, septic, ADA, fire codes, and more
• How he fills beds year-round in a seasonal market
• The emotional toll and personal sacrifices that come with being a first-time hospitality operator
• His long-term outlook on scaling, balance, and defining success on your terms

Whether you're dreaming of opening a hostel or just curious about rural hospitality investing, this one’s packed with hard-earned lessons.

About Dave

Dave is the founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire—a community-driven basecamp for climbers and adventurers, built from the ground up (literally, from a chicken coop). With over a decade of experience in hospitality, climbing gyms, and youth programming, he brings heart and intention to every guest experience. He's also a passionate advocate for access and stewardship, serving as a board member for the Rumney Climbers Association and a Ski Kind ambassador. Follow along as we dig into the journey behind Barn Door and the spirit of adventure it inspires.

Connect with Dave

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefrombarndoorhostel/

Website: https://www.barndoorhostel.com/

Instagram: @barndoorhostel

Have a deal? Send it to us here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/28iLM67xiWWNkekg8ONt

Have a deal?
Send it to us: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission

Connect with Mike and Nate:
Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest

Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook

Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com