The Unchecked-In Podcast

In today’s episode of Unchecked In, we sit down with Jordan Malara, owner of Springs Hospitality (Colorado), to unpack his transition from a U.S. Space Force engineer to boutique‑hotel operator—and the real estate and hospitality lessons he’s learning along the way. Jordan shares how he left engineering and the military, started by investing in short‑term rentals, and eventually decided “if short‑term rentals are messy, hotels must do things better”—so he bought and operates boutique hotels. ...

Show Notes

In today’s episode of Unchecked In, we sit down with Jordan Malara, owner of Springs Hospitality (Colorado), to unpack his transition from a U.S. Space Force engineer to boutique‑hotel operator—and the real estate and hospitality lessons he’s learning along the way.

Jordan shares how he left engineering and the military, started by investing in short‑term rentals, and eventually decided “if short‑term rentals are messy, hotels must do things better”—so he bought and operates boutique hotels. He explains why he chooses to buy existing hotel properties (rather than build new), how he identifies undervalued assets through location and demand, and how he uses key metrics (ADR, occupancy, RevPAR plus online reviews) to evaluate hotel viability. He also dives into the operational side: balancing renovations and guest experience, where to invest (communal spaces, human check‑in, wellness), how to build a meaningful hotel brand (why many independents fail), how to recruit talent by offering autonomy, and the hard realities many first‑time hotel investors underestimate (seasonality, cash‑flow, hidden cap‑ex).

 

Here’s what we’re diving into:

  • Jordan’s pivot from military engineer to hotel investor
  • Renovation strategy: balancing guest experience, budget, and operations
  • Investing in communal spaces, wellness, and human touch rather than just rooms
  • Why branding often fails for independents—and what to do differently
  • How he attracts and retains talent by giving them meaningful space and autonomy
  • Misconceptions about hotel investing: “It’ll just run itself” vs the reality of seasons, cap‑ex, operational complexity

 

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What is The Unchecked-In Podcast?

The Unchecked-In goes beyond a traditional podcast—it’s a raw, unfiltered space where independent hotel owners get real about what it actually takes to survive, grow, and stay sane in the hospitality business.

The Unchecked-In will explore critical themes in independent hospitality, including:
Revenue Optimization Strategies: How small properties can compete with larger chains through smart pricing and positioning
Guest Experience Innovation: Creating memorable stays that drive loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing
Technology Integration: Leveraging AI and automation to streamline operations without losing the personal touch
Succession Planning: Preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders and ensuring business continuity
Market Positioning: Standing out in a crowded marketplace dominated by large chains and vacation rental platforms
Each episode will feature candid conversations with successful property owners, industry experts, and hospitality innovators who are pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences. From family-run bed and breakfasts to boutique glamping retreats, the podcast will showcase the diverse landscape of independent hospitality.