Aspiring Innkeeper Assistance

Seminars | B&B Bootcamp | Consultation Services

Background

Lodging Resources Workshops has been providing professional consulting and educational services to the Bed & Breakfast, Country Inn and Small Hotel industry for over 20 years. The company was founded by David and Susan Caples, nationally recognized consultants, trainers and innkeepers. In 1993, they were joined by Helen Cook. The company's principals have started inns from scratch, operated or managed small hotels and resort management companies and understand the small lodging industry. The Florida based company provides prospective and Innkeepers and small hotel operators with a ready source of management, operations and marketing assistance.

"The seminar was one of the best investments I have ever made. You all did such an outstanding job...I still can't believe how knowledgeable you are and how willing you are to share your knowledge with others...

A.M., Concord, NC

Intended for those who are serious about making a career change to innkeeping, our Aspiring Innkeeper Seminar provides an in-depth look into the business. Focus is on the personal and financial aspects of innkeeping; the economic reality of inn ownership; the pros and cons of purchasing an existing inn versus creating a new inn; financing; marketing and business plans.

Our apprentice program provides hands-on experience working with the staff at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on historic Amelia Island, Florida. Our 3-day apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to experience all aspects of the day-to-day inn operations. Apprenticeships can be custom tailored to meet individual needs.

Business Plans | Feasibility | Renovation, Restoration or New Construction | Bed & Breakfasts and Inns for Sale | Financing | Marketing Plans | Start-up | Operational Procedures | Training | Contact Information

Sometimes you just need to talk with someone who has been there...to see if your objectives are sound, your plan is reasonable and the prospective property makes sense. We can assist with locating an inn, offer site inspection, determine value, business plan preparation, marketing plan development, feasibility reviews and other individual consulting services on an hourly, daily or project basis.

A business plan is a basic requirement of any lender and an important step in confirming that the endeavor will match your objectives. We can assist with the development of a business plan for your property. Our 12-step business plan has proven successful with lenders across the country. Our economic models software will accelerate your pro-forma calculations.

New innkeeper assistance is available in the areas of product conception, site and building reviews, market feasibility and business plan development. We frequently travel with new innkeepers to do site and building reviews and to provide product concepting.

Much of our consulting effort is spent with new innkeepers, architects and builders in areas such as building layout and functional efficiency, sound proofing, guest amenity planning, etc. We can assist with ADA requirements, building code compliance and fire regulations.

From time-to-time our clients ask for us to assist them in marketing their properties that are for sale by owner. Our transfer services include property valuation, development of the offering package, creation of marketing media plans and screening of initial inquires.

Lodging Resources Workshops has financing sources for our clients. We also have a working knowledge of the Small Business Administration guidelines which can be a practical source of funding for new or expanding inns.

Fundamental to the success of any inn is the ability to determine how to differentiate your property and market that identity. Lodging Resources Workshops can help choose the best markets, media tactics and even assist with ad layouts. Our client inns achieve occupancy levels and average daily rates which are significantly above the industry average.

Assistance in choosing the business structure of the inn, selecting a marketable name, obtaining business and legal licenses and filings. Transition consulting services are available during the initial stages of ownership focusing on implementation of guest services operations, housekeeping operations, marketing, staffing, accounting and selection and setup of computer systems.

Basic policy and procedure manuals for existing inns and new properties are available for Front Desk Operations, Housekeeping, Staff Training, and Personnel. The industry operations manual, Innkeeper's Policy and Procedure Handbook, is a comprehensive guide to front desk procedures. Published by our company, it is suitable for any size inn. Operational assistance may be conducted on-site or at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge.

Help, through a customized training program, is available to new innkeepers, new inns or existing inns experiencing staff turnover or expansion. Training may be conducted on-site or at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge.