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Listen "From Van Life to Resort Life: Building Montana's Most Authentic Airstream Experience"
Episode Synopsis
In this inspiring episode of The Inn Crowd, host Jamie Mattingly chats with Britton and Josh, owners and operators of Flathead Lake Resort in Montana, about their remarkable journey from full-time RV life to creating a thriving boutique resort. Discover how they transformed vintage Airstreams into unique glamping experiences, their "raw goods" philosophy for building businesses without massive loans, and how they've created authentic community connections in Big Fork, Montana. From paddle-boarding to Monday night margaritas to providing attainable housing for the local workforce, learn how these former event marketers built a seasonal business that honors the property's 1948 heritage while serving modern adventure travelers just 45 minutes from Glacier National Park.
🔑 Key Takeaways & Topics
The "Raw Goods" business philosophy: How to build a hospitality business by partnering with others who have complementary assets instead of taking on massive debt
Seasonal business strategies: Managing a 3-4 month operating season in Montana while creating year-round revenue through long-term winter rentals and workforce housing solutions
Authentic vintage branding: Restoring 1955-1988 Airstreams while maintaining their original character and creating Instagram-worthy nostalgic experiences
Community integration over corporate hospitality: Taking guests paddle-boarding to local bars, building relationships with town restaurants, and becoming neighborhood pillars rather than isolated resorts
Transparent communication strategy: How to get ahead of potential negatives (road noise, authentic Montana tractors) by spinning them as authentic local experiences
The Office Dropouts expansion: Launching a podcast and daily email for "rebels, dreamers, and cubicle dodgers" as an additional revenue stream and brand extension
🌐 Guest Links
Britton and Josh, Owners & Operators, Flathead Lake Resort
Flathead Lake Resort Website: flatheadlakeresort.com
Instagram: @flatheadlakeresort
Office Dropouts Podcast & Daily Dropout Email: Available through flatheadlakeresort.com
🎧 Jamie's Links
Website: duvalstreetmedia.com
Instagram: @duvalstreetmedia
Podcast Info & Guest Submissions: duvalstreetmedia.com
📌 Mentioned in the Show Notes
Flathead Lake Resort established in 1948 by original owners Marion and Martin
Located 45 minutes from Glacier National Park in Big Fork, Montana
Vintage Airstreams from 1955-1988 available for glamping experiences
Stargazing, sunset experiences, and community campfires offered
Daily Dropout email and Office Dropouts podcast launching soon
Attainable housing solutions for tourist town workforce challenges
Monday night margaritas via paddle board/kayak to local bar
Riverside recording platform recommended for podcasters
"Come as guests, leave as friends" hospitality philosophy
Teardrop campers with no electric or running water (body wipes provided)
'Who Gives a Crap toilet paper' and other eco-friendly brand partnerships
Blue Land soap dispensers and locally-made Missoula coffee for guests
🔑 Key Takeaways & Topics
The "Raw Goods" business philosophy: How to build a hospitality business by partnering with others who have complementary assets instead of taking on massive debt
Seasonal business strategies: Managing a 3-4 month operating season in Montana while creating year-round revenue through long-term winter rentals and workforce housing solutions
Authentic vintage branding: Restoring 1955-1988 Airstreams while maintaining their original character and creating Instagram-worthy nostalgic experiences
Community integration over corporate hospitality: Taking guests paddle-boarding to local bars, building relationships with town restaurants, and becoming neighborhood pillars rather than isolated resorts
Transparent communication strategy: How to get ahead of potential negatives (road noise, authentic Montana tractors) by spinning them as authentic local experiences
The Office Dropouts expansion: Launching a podcast and daily email for "rebels, dreamers, and cubicle dodgers" as an additional revenue stream and brand extension
🌐 Guest Links
Britton and Josh, Owners & Operators, Flathead Lake Resort
Flathead Lake Resort Website: flatheadlakeresort.com
Instagram: @flatheadlakeresort
Office Dropouts Podcast & Daily Dropout Email: Available through flatheadlakeresort.com
🎧 Jamie's Links
Website: duvalstreetmedia.com
Instagram: @duvalstreetmedia
Podcast Info & Guest Submissions: duvalstreetmedia.com
📌 Mentioned in the Show Notes
Flathead Lake Resort established in 1948 by original owners Marion and Martin
Located 45 minutes from Glacier National Park in Big Fork, Montana
Vintage Airstreams from 1955-1988 available for glamping experiences
Stargazing, sunset experiences, and community campfires offered
Daily Dropout email and Office Dropouts podcast launching soon
Attainable housing solutions for tourist town workforce challenges
Monday night margaritas via paddle board/kayak to local bar
Riverside recording platform recommended for podcasters
"Come as guests, leave as friends" hospitality philosophy
Teardrop campers with no electric or running water (body wipes provided)
'Who Gives a Crap toilet paper' and other eco-friendly brand partnerships
Blue Land soap dispensers and locally-made Missoula coffee for guests
In God we trust