Who are Innkeepers and where do they come from? I mean, who are these people? I’ve met innkeepers who were accountants, lawyers, doctor’s wives, retired schoolteachers, craft beer brewers, bank managers and many other types of professionals who wanted to join the hospitality industry and broaden their horizons. Many have told me how happy they are to have made the career change and are very proud of the Inns they have created. Even if you purchase an existing Inn, you wind up making it your own.
As you may know, I was an innkeeper for 12 years. I created my first Bed and Breakfast as a way to keep a real estate asset I already had and have it pay for itself. It was the best decision I ever made. My background in construction and finance, along with my ability to host large parties and events at my home (20 acres of property), and my cooking expertise combined to make me a successful bed and breakfast owner.
It seemed that every week a guest would remark, I’ve always wanted to own and run a Bed and Breakfast. Many consider this something to do in retirement and others think of it as a life passion. Either way, being an innkeeper is fun and work at the same time. Some think of it as a retirement business, some just love hospitality and don't know where to start and some think of it as a way to own a beautiful home and have guest revenue help cover the costs. Either way, it's a business to operate.
I’ve met so many interesting guests and made many friends along the way. It’s also a good opportunity to be an ambassador for your community. By accident and not by design, I was asked to sit on the board of our local Main Street organization. From there I learned lots about marketing the community and local businesses, which are a vital part of being an innkeeper. Who else is a guest going to ask about where to eat and what attractions are in the area? You are the concierge for your Inn.
So, if you are one of those people who have said, I’d like to do that, the Florida Inns offer Aspiring Innkeeper Workshops several times a year. It’s an all inclusive weekend full of knowledge about the Bed and Breakfast Industry from acquiring, retrofitting, building a Bed and Breakfast, including regulatory, zoning, government, Fire Safety, Alcohol Licensing, Marketing your Inn, Evaluating how an Inn is doing, and understanding Exit Strategies, plus every day Operations, to help you make an educated decision on how or if you want to proceed into the hospitality industry.
Professional Speaker, Pattie Detwiler of BedandBreakfastConsultantService.com and Seasoned Bed and Breakfast Owners will walk you through the process. There is opportunity to thoroughly understand the business you are thinking of investing in, while being a guest at a luxury Bed and Breakfast Property.
To learn more: http://www.florida-inns.com/ or
http://bedandbreakfastconsultantservice.com/
Live Long and Prosper In An Inn
By Patricia Detwiler