How I Hired And Fired Myself: The Story Behind OpenLobby

Spoiler Alert: Passive Income Isn’t So Passive

So, picture this: I dive headfirst into the world of hospitality real estate, thinking to myself, “This is it! I’ll just sit back, relax, and let the income flow in like a glorious waterfall.” Spoiler alert: the only thing flowing were guest messages at all hours of the night—along with my sanity. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I woke up to a guest inquiry about the Wi-Fi password, I wouldn’t need passive income!

The Birth of OpenLobby: A Necessity, Not Just a Luxury

After months of juggling guest messages, check-ins, and being constantly tethered to my phone, I knew something had to change. I looked into hiring a manager or outsourcing the support, but let’s be real—none of it was sustainable, dependable, or even close to affordable. Frustrated and out of options, I decided to build the tool I wish I had. And just like that, OpenLobby was born out of the chaos. I quickly realized it wasn’t just for me; it was for anyone caught in the crossfire of customer service nightmares in the hospitality realm. OpenLobby started as a way to reclaim my time—but it quickly became something bigger. It’s now a tool for every hotelier, host, or operator who's tired of trading their peace of mind for their business. Because at the end of the day, great hospitality shouldn’t come at the cost of your own life.

Discovery: A Market Gap That Needed Filling

As I began to share my creation, other hosts started noticing the magic of OpenLobby. What began as a fix for my own burnout became a solution for an entire industry. It didn’t take long for me to hear, “Hey, can you make one of those for my hotel?” And that’s when it hit me: this is a real gap in the market! The hospitality sector needed smarter, more efficient ways to connect with guests, and I was here to deliver it. This wasn’t just about solving a pain point—it was about redefining how hospitality should feel on both sides. For the guest, and for the person running the show.

Fast-forward to now, and OpenLobby isn’t just a lifesaver; it’s a game-changer. Our mission at OpenLobby evolved from just alleviating my struggles to benefiting hosts and guests alike. We’ve streamlined processes, elevated guest experiences, and, most importantly, gave people in the hospitality business some breathing room. If the thought of addressing another “urgent” inquiry means you’re pulling out your hair, know that I’ve been there. I’ve lived it!

Finding Balance in Hospitality and Enjoying Life Again

Let’s get real for a minute. The hospitality industry can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. My passion for creating OpenLobby stemmed directly from needing to reclaim my time and love for life outside of checking-in guests. With the platform I built, it’s all about enhancing the experience—whether you’re a host looking to simplify your workload or a guest wanting to stay at a place that gets it. Everyone wins when we find the right balance!

So, if you’re a fellow real estate rebel—or just someone who feels like they’re perpetually drowning in guest messages—know that you’re not alone. OpenLobby was crafted to take that burden off your shoulders. Pass it over to us, and get back to what matters (like that Netflix binge you promised myself!). Let’s face it, the world of hospitality can be tough, but together, we can make it a little lighter, and maybe even a lot more fun!

Sincerely,

Your Friend In The Trenches