Welcome to RB Radio – your ultimate destination for expert insights into the world of resort ownership, property management, and commercial real estate. Hosted by industry leaders Trudy Crooks and Frank Matus, this podcast is your go-to source for everything related to hotel development, motel brokerage, caravan park sales, and property investment.
Dive deep into the intricacies of the accommodation sector with us as we explore market trends, investment strategies, and success stories from the forefront of property development and management rights. Whether you're an aspiring investor, a seasoned property broker, or someone keen on understanding the property market, RB Radio provides you with invaluable knowledge and actionable advice.
Join our community of investors, property developers, and real estate enthusiasts as we navigate the dynamic world of accommodation assets. Subscribe on Spotify and stay ahead of the curve with the best practices in property management and investment. Let's unlock the doors to your next great investment together!
If you want to learn more about the accommodation sector, you can explore Quest Apartment Hotels: https://www.questapartments.com.au (https://www.questapartments.com.au/)
In this new episode, Trudy sits down with Rob Tye (Acumentis), James Ruben (M3 Property), and Resort Brokers economist Josh Mangleson to unpack the opportunities, challenges, and future outlook for Australia's motel sector. From rising renovation costs and constrained supply to leasehold trends and regional investment opportunities, the discussion reveals why the industry's long-term fundamentals remain strong.
◼️ Why motel owners need to reinvest now to protect future cash flow
◼️ How supply shortages are driving occupancy, ADR growth, and asset values
◼️ The changing economics behind leaseholds, freeholds, and motel yields
◼️ Where industry leaders would invest their money in today's market
◼️ Predictions for occupancy, technology adoption, and motel profitability in the year ahead
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:06:24 Leasehold yields and living costs.
00:08:24 Motel market beneficiaries of housing.
00:12:14 Lease term and property value
00:18:20 Lease term valuation challenges
00:21:29 Land value and redevelopment potential
00:24:13 Supply challenges in hospitality industry
00:28:06 Motel market outlook
00:32:05 Investing in southeast Queensland
00:36:01 Regional investment opportunities in Queensland
00:39:37 Investment in technology for efficiency
00:42:26 Technology providers recommendations
Follow Resort Brokers:
https://www.instagram.com/resortbrokers/
https://www.facebook.com/ResortBrokersAustralia
https://www.youtube.com/@resortbrokersau
https://www.tiktok.com/@resortbrokersau
If you want to learn more about the accommodation sector, you can explore Quest Apartment Hotels: https://www.questapartments.com.au (https://www.questapartments.com.au/)
In this new episode, Trudy sits down with Rob Tye (Acumentis), James Ruben (M3 Property), and Resort Brokers economist Josh Mangleson to unpack the real forces reshaping the motel industry, from valuation challenges to post‑COVID demand, pricing strategy, and the rise of innovative operators.
◼️ How goodwill, service, and operator consistency drive repeat corporate and leisure guests
◼️ Why COVID permanently changed domestic travel habits and boosted regional motel demand
◼️ The valuation realities behind over‑performing motels, tech‑driven efficiency, and buyer expectations
◼️ The business fundamentals that still matter in 2026, pricing discipline, occupancy balance, and strong landlord relationships
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:35 Acumentis Partnership and Data Growth
00:02:00 Why Valuers Support the Motel Report
00:03:46 Why Every Motel Business Is Unique
00:04:08 James’ Role at M3 Property
00:04:30 Valuing Hotels, Motels, and Caravan Parks
00:05:13 Why Every Asset Has Its Own Story
00:06:33 How Shared Data Improves Transactions
00:07:14 Protecting All Parties in a Motel Deal
00:08:01 When Motels Don’t Value Up
00:09:03 Average Operator vs Superstar Operator
00:09:19 When Performance Can’t Be Justified
00:11:02 Younger Buyers and Labour Efficiency
00:12:07 When Projections Don’t Match Reality
00:13:52 How Banks Assess Risk Profiles
00:14:38 Operating Costs and the 40% Median
00:16:14 COVID’s Positive Impact on Motels
00:18:32 ADR vs Occupancy Balance
00:19:13 How Online Platforms Changed Pricing
00:20:31 Operators Rethinking Rate Strategy
00:22:05 Coastal Motels and Price Shifts
00:23:02 How Online Behaviour Shaped Pricing
00:24:41 Human Element in Motel Performance
00:25:12 Why Operator Interaction Matters
00:26:30 Balancing Tech and Personal Touch
00:27:21 Why Personal Experience Still Matters
00:28:33 Reactive Service Through Smart Systems
Follow Resort Brokers:
https://www.instagram.com/resortbrokers/
https://www.facebook.com/ResortBrokersAustralia
https://www.youtube.com/@resortbrokersau
https://www.tiktok.com/@resortbrokersau
30 Jun 2026
#031 - The Service Detail That Builds A Stronger Motel Business
If you want to learn more about the accommodation sector, you can explore Quest Apartment Hotels: https://www.questapartments.com.au (https://www.questapartments.com.au/)
In this new episode, Trudy sits down with Damien and Judy Kennedy to unpack the real drivers of motel performance, from rebuilding failing properties to creating loyal repeat corporate guests. Three decades of experience reveal one truth: the operators who care, win.
◼️ How relationships, service, and “giving a damn” keep reps coming back
◼️ Turning around tired regional motels through pride, consistency, and community
◼️ The business fundamentals that still work in 2026, from pricing to landlord partnerships
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:00 - The Jumbuck: A Turnaround Story
00:03:00 - Understanding Occupancy Rates
00:04:00 - Building Relationships in Small Towns
00:05:30 - Engaging with the Local Community
00:06:30 - The Unique Challenges of Longreach
00:07:30 - Sponsorship and Community Support
00:08:30 - Business Development in Smaller Towns
00:09:30 - The Importance of Direct Business
00:10:30 - Personal Touch in Customer Service
00:11:30 - Enhancing Guest Experience
00:12:30 - The Value of Remembering Guests
00:13:30 - The Role of Relationships in Business
00:14:30 - Investing in Quality Amenities
00:15:30 - The Impact of Service on Customer Loyalty
00:16:30 - The Evolution of the Motel Industry
00:17:30 - Understanding Market Dynamics
00:18:30 - The Role of Freehold Owners
00:19:30 - The Importance of Communication
00:20:30 - The Saltbush Acquisition
00:21:30 - Navigating Challenges During COVID
00:22:30 - The Resurgence of Travel Post-COVID
00:23:30 - The Importance of Flexibility in Business
00:24:30 - Building a Successful Business Model
00:25:30 - The Role of Relationships with Landlords
00:26:30 - The Importance of Partnership in Business
00:27:30 - The Future of the Accommodation Industry
00:28:30 - The Roma Explorers Inn Opportunity
00:29:30 - The Role of Technology in the Industry
00:30:30 - Adapting to Market Changes
00:31:30 - The Importance of Customer Relationships
00:32:30 - The Value of Direct Bookings
00:33:30 - The Evolution of Marketing Strategies
00:34:30 - The Impact of OTAs on Business
00:35:30 - The Future of Motel Operations
Follow Resort Brokers:
https://www.instagram.com/resortbrokers/
https://www.facebook.com/ResortBrokersAustralia
https://www.youtube.com/@resortbrokersau
https://www.tiktok.com/@resortbrokersau
Who has been a guest on Checked Inn With Resort Brokers
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Trent Pevy
David Ridgway
Sam Hodgetts
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
59,169
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
4.6 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
68
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
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Questions about Checked Inn With Resort Brokers
Who hosts Checked Inn With Resort Brokers?
Frank and Trudy host the show. Published by Resort Brokers.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
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