In this episode of Road to the Unknown, we sit down with Zach Rapaport, founder of Meerkat Development. Zach’s journey from working construction sites in Long Island to leading development teams for top hospitality brands is both inspiring and insightful. He shares how he turned a degree in pre-law into a thriving career in real estate development, and offers invaluable advice for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the industry. From building relationships to taking creative risks, Zach's story is a testament to perseverance and strategic thinking.

As the lead developer on an HD-award-winning hotel for Best New Brand Launch last year, we're excited to dive deep into this conversation and highlight how developers like Zach bring new brands to life in the hospitality world.

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Zach's transition from pre-law to construction and development.
  • The importance of getting hands-on experience in the trenches.
  • Working with major brands like Joe & The Juice and LifeHouse Hotels.
  • The challenges and rewards of developing boutique hospitality projects.
  • Zach’s latest projects, including an adaptive reuse hotel in Cincinnati and a new Pacific Northwest lodging concept.
  • Advice for those starting out in the industry
• Special Shoutouts
  • Andy Krasnow, concept owner for the PNW hospitality venture: linkedin profile here
  • Samantha Hardcastle, experience leader for the PNW hospitality venture: linkedin profile here
  • Maxine's - Bagel Shop
  • Hudson Table - Restaurant Concept
• Get In Contact Here
• Website - https://www.meerkatdevelopment.com/
• Zach Rapaport LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachrapaport/
• Meerkat Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meerkatdevelopment/

In this episode of The Road to the Unknown, we sit down with Bill Graf, a former finance professional who left his successful career in mergers and acquisitions to pursue a life of adventure and entrepreneurship. Bill shares his remarkable story of transitioning from a high-powered job in private equity to founding Onda, a boutique hotel brand in Costa Rica that’s redefining hospitality for digital nomads and slow travelers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to Bill Graf:
  Bill shares his background, from growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, to his career in finance and the pivotal moment when he decided to quit his job and embark on a year-long journey that changed his life.
• The Genesis of Onda:
  Bill recounts the early days of Onda, including the challenges of finding and renovating their first hotel in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, and how his finance background helped him navigate the complexities of international real estate.
• Building a Community-Focused Hotel:
  Unlike traditional hotels, Onda is designed as a community hub, catering to both locals and travelers. Bill explains how this unique approach has become a key differentiator for Onda in the competitive hospitality market.
• Catering to Digital Nomads and Slow Travelers:
  Learn how Onda targets digital nomads and slow travelers by offering flexible accommodations, reliable Wi-Fi, and a strong sense of community, blending the best aspects of hostels and boutique hotels.
• Navigating Low Season with Whole Hotel Buyouts:
  Bill shares the innovative strategies Onda uses to maintain occupancy during Costa Rica’s low season, including offering the entire property for group buyouts, from wellness retreats to family reunions.
• The Adventure of Scuba Diving:
  Bill’s passion for scuba diving is explored, highlighting some of his favorite diving spots around the world, including the breathtaking Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
  Bill’s message to listeners dreaming of starting their own business or diving deeper into the world of travel: “Quit your job, take the leap, and just do it.”

Connect with Bill Graf and Onda:

• Onda on Instagram: @findyouroanda
• Bill Graf on Instagram: @Billygoat_Graf
• Bill Graf on LinkedIn: Bill Graf

Listen Now:
Tune in to hear Bill Graf’s inspiring journey from Wall Street to the beaches of Costa Rica, where he’s building a new kind of hotel experience that’s all about community and adventure.

In this episode of Road to the Unknown, Dylan and Mo sit down with Sam Simmons from MintPass, a groundbreaking platform merging travel and Web3 technology. Sam, who has a background in streaming media and a passion for travel, shares how MintPass allows travelers to collect digital souvenirs (NFTs) and share personalized travel experiences. He explains the concept of creating a social, gamified travel logging experience akin to a mix of Pokémon Go and Foursquare. Sam also delves into the community aspect of MintPass, emphasizing the importance of genuine recommendations and the potential for earning rewards through the platform. Whether you're an avid traveler or tech enthusiast, this episode offers fascinating insights into the future of travel and digital engagement.

Join us as we explore:

• The inspiration behind MintPass and its unique approach to travel logging.
• How travelers can collect and share digital souvenirs of their journeys.
• The role of community and personalized recommendations in the travel experience.
• Sam's insights on building in the travel tech space and the importance of human touch in travel planning.
• What's next for MintPass and how you can join the closed beta to be part of this exciting journey.

Website - https://mintpass.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mintpasstravel/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampsonsimmons/