ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Two summers in, the biggest lesson from Lost Fork Base Camp is that guests will tell operators what they built, if operators are willing to listen.
In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Podcast, Zeke Freeman walks the property on Guanella Pass with Skyler Moore to see how the project has evolved since they last sat down at the start of operations. Skyler shares why they pulled the camping, why the RV sites underperformed, and how A-frames built on the existing RV hookups became a guest favorite. They talk through what worked better than expected, like the community fire pit, the shared grill, and a buffalo grass lawn that keeps people on site all day. He's also candid about what he'd change, from digital thermostats to the studio layout. And they look ahead at the next phase: nine more acres, thirteen more A-frames, and a venue space for weddings and gatherings.
What You'll Learn
- Learn why mixing campers and luxury cabin guests created friction, and what replaced the campsites
- Discover how hot tubs became both the top operating expense and the top reason guests book
- Understand the small design choices Skyler would repeat, like concrete floors and quality windows, and the ones he wouldn't
- Explore how shared amenities like the fire pit and grill turned into the social heart of the property
- Hear how Lost Fork balances on-site managers, third-party management, and automated check-in without hovering over guests
- Find out how weddings, concerts, and a writers' retreat are shaping the next phase of growth
If you're building or running a small hospitality project, this is an honest look at what happens after opening day. Give the full walkthrough a listen.
Zeke Freeman's new book, Radical Hospitality, is now available.
The book explores how to build cool stuff, serve a lot of people, and create lasting wealth, and how hospitality can be the vehicle for all three.
For more information about the book: https://radicalhospitality.life/
Grab the free Radical Hospitality Starter Kit → root-ad.com/starter
Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot
Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
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Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.
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