Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Jun 9, 2026 · 48 min · 14 segments
Building a successful lodging business requires more than great operations. It also requires a clear vision, authentic branding, and a long-term strategy. Monique Greenwood, owner of the Akwaaba Bed…
Monique GreenwoodGuest
Steve ShortHostMattHost
Just like it's been five years since we've had you on the podcast, it probably is hard to believe it's been 30 years that you've been doing the whole thing.
But like you said before we started, it's a passion, right? It's not really a vocation.
We're at year 31 starting and my husband retired from his job and he got fired from the business or he quit depending on who you ask two years into the bed and breakfast business.
And I just, you know, spend a little bit of time thinking about like, what are those life lessons that I learned? What are those business lessons that I've learned in the last 30 years? Because when I started, I was kind of the baby in the room.
That's kind of interesting to be in that space, but certainly want to share that.
ideas and things that I've learned along the way to help other people not maybe experience some of the pitfalls that I did, but also be inspired to know that on the opposite end, you can still find joy and passion in what you do, even if you've been doing it for three decades.
So I'm always kind of evolving and redefining not only my business, but me personally.
I saw myself building a successful business and I worked my way backwards.
Like what has to happen in order for that to happen? And the number one thing was to start with your business in mind is to make sure that your business plan aligns with your life plan.
I have shared that I got into the bed and breakfast industry because I had this lofty idea of of owning a home that I love for each season of the year.
Just like it's been five years since we've had you on the podcast, it probably is hard to believe it's been 30 years that you've been doing the whole thing.
But like you said before we started, it's a passion, right? It's not really a vocation.
We're at year 31 starting and my husband retired from his job and he got fired from the business or he quit depending on who you ask two years into the bed and breakfast business.
And I just, you know, spend a little bit of time thinking about like, what are those life lessons that I learned? What are those business lessons that I've learned in the last 30 years? Because when I started, I was kind of the baby in the room.
That's kind of interesting to be in that space, but certainly want to share that.
ideas and things that I've learned along the way to help other people not maybe experience some of the pitfalls that I did, but also be inspired to know that on the opposite end, you can still find joy and passion in what you do, even if you've been doing it for three decades.
So I'm always kind of evolving and redefining not only my business, but me personally.
I saw myself building a successful business and I worked my way backwards.
Like what has to happen in order for that to happen? And the number one thing was to start with your business in mind is to make sure that your business plan aligns with your life plan.
I have shared that I got into the bed and breakfast industry because I had this lofty idea of of owning a home that I love for each season of the year.
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