In this episode of The Radical Hospitality Podcast, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Tyler Cauble, a Nashville-based commercial real estate investor, advisor, and developer known for turning overlooked properties into community anchors through adaptive reuse and neighborhood-first strategy.

Tyler shares how he dropped out of college, landed an in-house leasing role at a boutique development firm, and quickly built real-world experience across office, retail, industrial, and development. After completing his first major development project, he launched his own firm and began raising capital for deals rooted in a clear philosophy: be product-type agnostic, but hyper-local about where you invest. For Tyler, that means spending nearly all his time understanding the real fabric, demand, and trajectory of specific neighborhoods like East Nashville and Madison.

Takeaways:

• Tyler Cauble emphasizes the importance of understanding neighborhood dynamics for successful investments.
• He prefers commercial real estate over residential due to the complexities of tenant relationships.
• Tyler's approach to underwriting deals focuses on finding the 'X factor' that sets projects apart.
• He believes in the potential of opportunity zones to spur investment in neglected areas.
• Tyler discusses the challenges of navigating city regulations and permitting processes.
• He highlights the significance of choosing the right management team for hospitality projects.
• Tyler's Peerless Mill project aims to create a self-sustaining community within a mixed-use development.
• He stresses the need for conservative underwriting in uncertain market conditions.
• Tyler shares insights on the benefits and challenges of utilizing historic tax credits.
• He advocates for hiring experienced professionals to navigate complex financing options like TIFs.

Connect with Tyler Cauble:

Website: crecentral.com

Instagram: @commercialinnashville

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

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In this episode, Zeke Freeman sits down with Steph Weber, a branding and marketing leader in the short-term rental, boutique hotel, and micro resort space. Steph shares the origin story behind her move from fashion and influencer marketing into hospitality, and why story-led branding is no longer optional as platforms shift and competition tightens.

They unpack what “owning your brand” really means for STR and boutique operators, how to build a brand before construction is even finished, and why strong marketing systems (email lists, content, direct bookings) become part of the business asset itself, especially when it’s time to exit.

What you’ll learn

• How Steph went from fashion branding and influencer work to hospitality investing and development
• Why storytelling is the competitive edge in modern STR and boutique hotels
• The difference between “good design” and a stay that creates emotion (and loyalty)
• How to define a target guest profile that guides everything from amenities to messaging
• What it looks like to market a property while it’s still under construction
• Why relying on OTAs alone can cost you loyalty, margin, and long-term business value
• The real-world journey of building Cabins on the Cumberland: partnerships, financing, surprises, and lessons learned
• How to think about event venues, capacity, and the economics of full-property buyouts

Connect with Steph Weber:

Website: theweberco.com

Instagram : @theweberco

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.

In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Podcast, Zeke Freeman interviews Brandon Gore, a craftsman known for his work in concrete artistry and sustainable building. Brandon shares his journey from a career in hospitality to becoming a designer and builder, emphasizing the beauty and longevity of rammed earth construction. He discusses his current project, the Outlier Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which aims to provide unique accommodations for visitors. The conversation explores the challenges and benefits of rammed earth, the importance of craftsmanship in design, and the search for strategic investment to bring the Outlier Hotel to life.

Takeaways:

• Brandon Gore's journey into concrete artistry began with a passion for mountain biking and architecture.
• His work emphasizes sustainable building materials and timeless design.
• Rammed earth construction offers longevity and minimal maintenance compared to traditional materials.
• The Outlier Hotel aims to cater to a demographic seeking modern, unique accommodations in Eureka Springs.
• Brandon's experience with Dwell Magazine significantly boosted his career and visibility in the industry.
• Rammed earth is gaining traction in building codes across the U.S., but still faces challenges due to historical lobbying.
• The Outlier Hotel project is strategically located near popular attractions, enhancing its market potential.
• Brandon seeks a strategic investor who shares his vision for the Outlier Hotel.
• Market studies indicate strong demand for high-end accommodations in Eureka Springs.
• Brandon's personal connection to the area drives his commitment to creating meaningful spaces.

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

Ready to get started with your hospitality project?
https://root-ad.com/

Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Follow, Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Your support helps us continue delivering conversations with industry leaders redefining hospitality.