Today we're welcoming Carrie from Roost North Rentals, whose journey from a self-described "failed stay-at-home mom" to the owner of nine successful vacation rentals in Traverse City, Michigan, offers a masterclass in thoughtful growth and systematic hospitality. From her first casual property purchase in 2015 to her latest A-frame renovation and plans for an 18-cottage resort, Carrie shares how creating strong systems and maintaining high standards has allowed her to scale while keeping the personal touch that makes each stay special. We'll explore how she transformed a $75,000 A-frame "disaster" into a stunning retreat, and why sometimes the best business decisions come from following your gut while keeping one eye on the numbers.

Whether you're dreaming of growing your rental portfolio, curious about the evolution of hospitality over the last decade, or fascinated by the intersection of systems and soul in hosting, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring insights. We'll dive into everything from commercial laundry solutions to the importance of proper labeling, and why sometimes the best growth happens when you take your time. Let's dive in!

IG HANDLES
@roostnorthrentals

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Direct Booking: https://www.roostnorth.com

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're chatting with Alison from Water Camp, whose collection of 1950s fishing cabins on Torch Lake, Michigan, beautifully balances modern comfort with vintage charm. From her thoughtful perspective on embracing imperfection to her three core values of rest, connection, and exploration, Alison shares how authenticity in hospitality often means resisting the urge to make everything perfect. We'll explore how she transformed three aging lakeside cottages into spaces that honor their historic roots while meeting modern expectations, and why sometimes the most memorable stays aren't about luxury - they're about character.

For anyone questioning the balance between renovation and preservation, wondering how to build a business that aligns with their values, or seeking to create experiences that feel both polished and approachable, this conversation offers both practical insights and philosophical wisdom. We'll dive into everything from the financials of hosting to the importance of giving back, and why sometimes the hardest part of growth is knowing when to say no.

IG HANDLES
@water_camp

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Water Camp Direct Booking: https://watercampstays.com/book-now

Birch Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49837024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYmOHhi1xikTWnEhgh5pZ-mQfFNK8dGP4cibbYDLpcaCZmV3-Fygy_ui10_aem_omrkzWfF_xATe7cBD0lNnA&source_impression_id=p3_1739320076_P3PVmBwE2lZ2DFvB

Cedar Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44088764?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa9iyrIVhEWn4t12D_dUBruh1wm48IbfkNo6g9alJu2CIWP2sU4UgGDc8Q_aem_diwyrG2KaS59CCkDb49vVA

Blue Spruce Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/547772400314458231?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaW8D3tK2b7dpUqxFKCR41k_ujW-vi2lUEc2XvTd8oRMk94KOg4ftchKug_aem_xSdDThzPaTCajHiXIufOrA&source_impression_id=p3_1739320112_P3gGZPoVhSvi9GFJ

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com

Today we're welcoming Kelsey and Chris Still of Still Resorts, whose journey from a 95' Georgie Boy Swinger RV to creating two distinct cabin properties in Minnesota is a masterclass in perseverance and creative vision. From their innovative use of 140-year-old reclaimed barn wood to their commitment to preserving the natural landscape, the Stills share how staying true to your vision often means taking the harder path. We'll explore how they transformed challenging pieces of land - including an old mining shelf and a densely forested Lake Superior property - into spaces that honor Minnesota's cabin heritage while reimagining what a modern retreat can be.

Whether you're dreaming of building your own hospitality project, fascinated by the evolution of cabin culture, or simply love a good story of persistence and creativity, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring insights. We'll dive into everything from navigating commercial funding to the importance of knowing your avatar, and why sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from embracing the struggle. Let's dive in!

www.stillresorts.com

IG HANDLES
@stillresorts

@cuyunacove

@toftetrails

@cozyrockcabin

@cozycampsebec

@cozycabinboone

BOOKING SITES
Cuyuna Cove: https://www.cuyunacove.com/

Tofte Trails: https://www.toftetrails.com/

Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com