Podcast Summary:

How Much Can I Make? – Career Insights For Your Job Search

Episode: Entrepreneurs Insights – The Art of Boutique Hospitality
Host: Mirav Ozeri
Guests: Martin and Joe, Owners of The Graham & Co. (formerly Cobblestone Motel), Catskills
Date: September 23, 2025

Overview

In this episode, career journalist Mirav Ozeri interviews Martin and Joe, the dynamic owners of The Graham & Co., a 20-room boutique hotel in the Catskills. The conversation explores their transition from city careers to hospitality, the unique challenges and rewards of running a boutique hotel, and the evolving nature of the hospitality industry. The duo gives candid insights into finances, daily operations, guest experiences, branding, and the reality behind the dream of owning a hotel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

From City Life to Boutique Hospitality

• Transition Story

  • Martin and Joe previously lived and worked in NYC (advertising and real estate, respectively).
  • Their increasing attachment to Woodstock led to weekend stays, and eventually, they decided to leave city careers behind for a more fulfilling life in the Catskills.

    "You come here once a month, then every other week, then every weekend… and your life becomes much richer here than it does in the city." — Martin (01:04)

• How They Acquired the Hotel

  • Initially pursued a business center project but faced overwhelming regulatory hurdles with NYC’s water usage controls.
  • By coincidence, discovered The Graham & Co. was for sale and decided to invest.

    "Our plan B became plan A." — Martin (03:19)

Branding & Vision

• On Keeping the Name

  • Recognized the value in the existing brand thanks to Martin’s advertising background.
  • The established following and cohesive branding (from blankets to toiletries) added value.

    "I was insistent that we own the brand as well." — Martin (04:15)

• Design Philosophy

  • Minimalist, uncluttered rooms designed to help guests relax and “exhale.”

    "It’s minimal. It's got just exactly what you need. You feel clean." — Martin (14:45)

Day-to-Day Operations & Challenges

• Not a Dream, But a Calling

  • The purchase wasn’t originally a lifelong dream; Martin felt certain right away, Joe was more cautious.

    "Martin jumped. I have second thoughts about everything." — Joe (05:25)

• Comparison: Airbnb vs. Hotel

  • Airbnb: More set-and-forget; hotel: constantly present, creating memorable experiences.
  • Guest experience is central to their approach—hosting receptions, DJ nights, and more.

    "With a hotel, we're here when the guests are here... we provide experiences for them that are memorable." — Martin (05:57)

• Staffing

  • 10 staff in peak season, half in low season. Emphasized the importance of teamwork and the diversity of skills across their team.

    "We’ve got a great team right now. They're fantastic... very enthusiastic people." — Martin (07:10)

The “Experience Economy” in Boutique Hospitality

• Curated Experiences

  • Organize social events and wellness sessions like sound baths.
  • Foster an environment of community and connection:

    "We've had people who are from the same block in Brooklyn and they come and meet each other here at the fire pit and they leave as friends." — Martin (00:05, 08:41)

• Technology-Free Retreat

  • Deliberately no TVs in rooms, spotty cell service by design; aim to reconnect guests with nature.

    "You don't come to the Catskills to watch TV. You gotta be outside." — Martin (10:29)

Financials & Mechanics

• Biggest Expenses

  • Staffing is the highest cost, followed by insurance (particularly flood insurance, due to geographic risk).

    "The biggest expense is the staff." — Martin (16:52) "Flood insurance... was $30,000 a year." — Martin (19:16)

• Financing Journey

  • Needed a floater/bridge loan to get started due to lack of industry experience; closing took a full year.

    "The bank was extremely concerned. That's why it took an entire year to close." — Martin (17:41)

• Managing Taxes & Regulation

  • Taxes include sales, occupancy, and rising hotel taxes.

    "You work for everybody else, basically." — Mirav (18:54)

The Role of Community and Guests

• Guest Relationships

  • Emphasis on building connections—some guests return annually, becoming part of the hotel community.

    "For a lot of people, this is their happy place. That's the reward." — Martin (20:40, 20:46)

• Local Impact & Town Relations

  • Acknowledge occasional town concerns, particularly about expansion, but find mostly constructive dialogue.

    "We're located in a neighborhood... but I think generally everyone is pretty supportive of us." — Martin (13:53)

Skills & Reality Check

• Traits Needed for Success

  • Independence, toughness, the ability to say no, and, importantly, someone who really likes people.

    "You have to be tough in business and say no to some things." — Joe (15:39) "At least one person in the mix has to like people a lot." — Martin (15:51)

• Hard Work & Maintenance

  • Flexibility is essential; breakdowns and emergencies are a routine aspect. Learning on the job—including via YouTube—is key.

    "It’s hard work. You don’t know what kind of work it’s going to be." — Martin (11:04) "It's amazing the things you can learn on YouTube." — Martin (21:48)

• Mistaken Glamour

  • Common misconception: Owners live a glamorous lifestyle. The reality: it’s hard work, endless repairs, and busy seasons.

    "The biggest misconception… that it's all glamorous." — Martin (19:56)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On sound baths:

  "You lay there and you’re washed over by the sound… you come out of that in a different space." — Martin (09:28)

• On rewarding transformations:

  "Teenagers come here… they’re just looking at their phone. Slowly over the weekend, they start losing that facade… and they leave just like kids, happy." — Martin (22:11)

• On future dreams:

  "To get the building built. And to get our liquor license." — Joe (23:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:00] – Martin & Joe’s journey from NYC to Catskills
• [02:22] – Regulatory hurdles and property search
• [04:07] – Importance of brand and design
• [05:48] – Airbnb vs. Hotel operation
• [06:59] – Staff structure
• [08:41] – Building guest community
• [10:09] – No cell/TV policy
• [11:04] – The hard work behind the scenes
• [12:38] – Long-term expansion vision
• [16:52] – Financial realities: staff and operating cost
• [17:41] – Banking and loan process
• [18:37] – Taxes and insurance
• [19:56] – Addressing misconceptions
• [22:11] – Transformative guest experiences
• [23:01] – Hopes for the future (expansion, liquor license)

Conclusion

Martin and Joe reveal the real story behind boutique hospitality—a profession where creativity, people skills, hustle, and resilience collide. Owning The Graham & Co. is as much about providing soulful guest experiences and fostering community as it is about managing real-world challenges: finances, staffing, regulation, and constant repairs.

Most Memorable Quote:

"You can’t just provide a room anymore. It has to be an experience." — Martin (09:00)

Listening to this episode gives a grounded understanding of the realities, rewards, and personal growth opportunities in boutique hospitality for aspiring entrepreneurs or jobseekers considering a career pivot.