Finding Brotherly Love

"We’ve done over $2 million in equipment sales in 12 months—all from social media."This episode dives deep into how social media transformed from a simple storytelling tool into a revenue powerhouse. We break down how sharing the right story—starting with a failed TV show—became the foundation for launching Ferncrest, selling over $2M in equipment, and turning casual followers into committed franchisees.We also get real about the imposter syndrome that comes with constant content creation, the evolution of organic reach, and why building—not just talking—wins in today’s social media landscape. Plus, the one thing most brands get wrong when trying to grow an audience that actually converts.What You’ll Learn:Why the best social media strategy isn’t about going viral The key to turning engagement into real revenue How Finding Promised Land leveraged giveaways to grow an audience fast Why Schitt’s Creek played an unexpected role in brand storytelling The power of YouTube and why it might be more valuable than InstagramWhere to find us:Follow us on Instagram: @findingbrotherlylove Check out Finding Promised Land: findingpromisedland.com Watch Brian's journey on YouTube: Finding Promised Land YouTube

"So many people exist for their entire life in this inaction state. They wait years, even decades, to take the first step. But you blink—and 10 years are gone." — MikeIn this episode of Finding Brotherly Love, Mike and Brian dig into one of the biggest challenges in entrepreneurship—taking action before everything feels “ready.” They discuss how the MVP (minimum viable product) mindset has shaped their businesses, from testing new products to building a glamping franchise. They also reflect on why so many people get stuck in analysis paralysis, letting years slip by without chasing their dreams. If you've ever hesitated to start something because you felt like you weren’t ready, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why perfection is the enemy of progress in businessHow launching an idea before it’s fully “baked” can actually lead to better resultsThe biggest differences between bootstrapped businesses and investor-funded startupsWhy taking more shots on goal—fast—can be the key to successHow real entrepreneurs overcome fear, failure, and hesitationTune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Finding Brotherly Love—where we talk business, family, and taking risks that matter.

In this episode, we’re sitting inside Society Hill Hotel, reflecting on the experience of staying in the very place we run. The conversation quickly turns to the entrepreneurial curse—that constant drive for more, better, bigger. We unpack why business owners are often their own worst critics, the struggle of chasing perfection, and the fine line between focus and distraction.From glamping franchises to fusion restaurants, we explore how staying focused (or failing to) can make or break a business. Plus, we share personal stories of past ventures, the lessons we’ve learned, and the defining metric of success that’s driving us forward now.If you’ve ever wondered when is enough, enough?—this one’s for you.“Nobody would trade places with Warren Buffett right now. He’d trade it all for more time.”What You’ll Learn:✅ Why entrepreneurs are wired to focus on flaws instead of wins ✅ The hidden dangers of expanding too fast (or in the wrong direction) ✅  How Away, Allbirds, and  Warby Parker struggled with focus ✅  The truth about money and happiness—what successful people say vs. feel ✅ Why defining your success is the hardest partLinks & Resources:📌 Follow us on Instagram: @findingbrotherlylove 📌 Books mentioned: Never Enough by Andrew Wilkinson & The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom

In this episode of Finding Brotherly Love, Mike and Brian take a trip down memory lane, reliving the early days of entrepreneurship when cash was tight, and creativity was key. From sleeping in a closet at the office to sneaking into hotel gyms for showers, they share the scrappy, borderline ridiculous things they did to build their businesses. But beyond the hustle, they reflect on the deeper lessons—how struggle shapes entrepreneurs, why the hardest moments become the best memories, and what’s next in their journey."It’s funny—looking back, it’s all the hardest times that stand out as the best memories. The struggle is what makes the journey worth it." — BrianWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:How early business struggles built resilience (and great stories)Why frugality in the beginning can be a competitive advantageThe mindset shift from surviving to thriving as an entrepreneurHow to recognize and appreciate the “hard moments” while you're in themWhy entrepreneurship is really about embracing calculated riskTune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Finding Brotherly Love—where we talk business, family, and finding your own path.

"Sometimes it’s not about reacting in the moment—it’s about seeing the opportunity before it even happens." — BrianFresh off an Eagles Super Bowl win, Mike and Brian dive into a conversation about leadership, decision-making, and the unexpected business lessons hidden in sports. From last-minute school drop-offs to missing out on a massive revenue opportunity at Society Hill Hotel, they unpack how preparation, mindset, and strategy impact everything—from parenting to hospitality.They also reflect on what it means to be proactive in business, why human intervention still beats AI when it comes to pricing, and how the hotel industry can benefit from a dedicated revenue management role. Plus, they look ahead to the massive events coming to Philly in 2026 (think World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and America’s 250th birthday) and how they’re planning to capitalize on them.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The surprising connection between Super Bowl leadership and running a businessWhy blocking hotel rooms in advance could have made them an extra $10KHow AI pricing tools can miss big revenue opportunities—and what to do insteadThe challenge of staffing a small hotel when the restaurant is the real moneymakerWhy 2026 will be a huge year for hospitality in Philadelphia

In Episode 9 of Finding Brotherly Love, Mike and Brian celebrate a major milestone: their nomination for the Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Real Estate Deals and Dealmakers in the hospitality category. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. They pull back the curtain on what’s working—and what isn’t—six months after opening Society Hill Hotel. From heated bathroom floors and high-tech bidet toilets to the very real struggles of storage, hot water issues, and the absence of an elevator, they discuss the wins and lessons learned in hotel ownership.The duo also debates the “magic number” of hotel rooms needed to create a sustainable business model. Is 25 rooms enough, or is 35 the sweet spot? They dive into staffing challenges, the hidden costs of small hotels, and how scaling Society Hill Hotel might just be their next big move.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why small luxuries like heated floors matter more than you’d thinkThe unglamorous reality of hot water system failuresThe economics of adding an elevator in a historic buildingThe ideal room count for profitability in boutique hotelsHow growth isn’t always about new projects—it’s about doing more with what you’ve builtTune in every Tuesday for new episodes!

In Episode 8 of Finding Brotherly Love, we explore the age-old debate: renting versus owning. From searching for a new office and studio space to breaking down the fallacy of owning your primary residence, we share why flexibility and scalability often outweigh the conventional wisdom of homeownership.This episode dives into how renting creates opportunities for growth, why owning residential real estate might not always be the best investment, and how lessons from past ventures like United by Blue shape our approach to real estate today. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just reconsidering your own real estate choices, this conversation is full of insights, personal stories, and strategies for building a better future.Quote from the Episode:"Flexibility is the key to growth. Renting gives you the freedom to adapt without being tied down to a single space or idea."What’s Inside This Episode:Why renting a studio and warehouse is a game-changer for growing a franchise business.The pros and cons of owning versus renting your primary residence.How we’re creating value through hospitality and commercial real estate.Lessons learned from past ventures about staying nimble in business.The surprising role of camp stores, merch, and e-commerce in franchising.Join the conversation about making smarter business and life decisions! Follow us on Instagram @findingbrotherlylove for more behind-the-scenes moments, and tune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Finding Brotherly Love!

In Episode 7 of Finding Brotherly Love, we’re diving deep into the realities of raising kids while building a business. From navigating sleepless nights with newborns to teaching kids about entrepreneurship, we explore the challenges, lessons, and unexpected joys of juggling family and work.We touch on the importance of intentional time with family, the myth of work-life balance, and how our kids inspire us to build a better future. Whether you’re a parent, an entrepreneur, or both, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable insights.Quote from the Episode:"You only have a short window where you’re the world to your kids. After that, they have friends, sports, and their own lives. Make those years count."What’s Inside This Episode:The chaos and beauty of raising four kids while running a business.Why "balance" is a myth and how to prioritize what matters most.Teaching kids the basics of entrepreneurship through play and curiosity.Personal reflections on the impact of family on career goals.

Quote from the Episode:"You are going to get sued no matter what you do in this world. If you're building a business and making a name for yourself, stuff like this will come up—but it’s not the end of the world."This week on Finding Brotherly Love, we're lifting the lid on chaos and the not-so-glamorous side of entrepreneurship: lawsuits. From a parking ticket that turned into an arrest warrant (yes, really!) to a $1 million trip-and-fall claim, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to share what we’ve learned so you can avoid—or survive—these bumps on your business journey.We dive into the wild world of ADA website compliance, California’s infamous Prop 65 lawsuits, and how we managed to settle cases for pennies on the dollar. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and maybe you’ll double-check your insurance policies by the end of this episode.What’s Inside This Episode:How a $20 parking ticket escalated into a full-blown warrant.The million-dollar sidewalk trip-and-fall that taught us about liability.What it’s like to get sued over a website and why ADA compliance is no joke.California’s Prop 65 madness: plastic, cancer warnings, and lawsuit factories.Why lawsuits don’t have to be the end of the world (but paying your parking tickets helps).Key Moments:[1:45]: “Have you ever been arrested?” sets the stage for a wild ride.[7:20]: Breaking down the sidewalk lawsuit and its $300K settlement.[14:00]: ADA compliance lessons: when a blind person sues your website.[21:10]: How Prop 65 laws almost sank us—and how we fought back.[30:30]: Final reflections on resilience, risk, and rolling with the punches.Don’t forget to tune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Finding Brotherly Love!

Quote from the Episode:“This business is no longer just about supporting our properties. It’s about chasing a massive opportunity. 2025 is the year to put pedal to the metal and turn dreams into results.”Episode Summary:In Episode 5 of Finding Brotherly Love, we explore a pivotal moment in the journey of Ferncrest and its franchise business. Two major hires—a sales lead and an operations manager—mark a significant shift in scaling the business to meet an influx of franchise leads and operational demands.This episode dives into how to recognize the right time to expand a team, the challenges of hiring for competence over personality, and balancing family life while scaling a vision. With a renewed focus on turning leads into results, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of growth, execution, and opportunity.What You'll Learn:When to hire for scale and how to assess ROI on new team members.The importance of delegation and competence in a small business team.Lessons from past ventures about over-hiring and avoiding unnecessary bloat.How organic social media growth fuels lead generation and sales success.Key Moments:[3:00]: Why two major hires are a game-changer for Ferncrest’s growth.[10:20]: Lessons learned from United By Blue and hiring pitfalls.[18:45]: The viral post that generated millions of views and thousands of leads.[25:30]: The balance of managing family life while scaling a business.[35:15]: Planning for a big 2025 with a focus on franchise success.Follow us on Instagram @findingbrotherlylove for more content. Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Finding Brotherly Love!Ready to open your own Ferncrest glampground? Visit FindingPromisedLand.com to learn how to get started today! Curious how this all goes down? Check out Brian's business page @findingpromisedland on IG, where it all started. 

In this episode of Finding Brotherly Love, we reflect on our journey so far with Society Hill Hotel and explore what’s next. We discuss lessons learned, wins worth celebrating, and challenges to overcome as we scale our vision in hospitality. With Wildwood, NJ as a potential next focus, we dive into:Why scaling Society Hill Hotel might mean expanding vertically, not laterally.Wildwood’s untapped potential as a nostalgic yet undervalued Jersey Shore destination.The economics of turning rundown properties into profitable gems.Balancing passion for creativity with the discipline of being investors rather than operators.Two exciting new prospects: The Pink Champagne and Ocean Holiday motels—both ready for a transformation.Join us as we dream big, debate bold moves, and lean into our strengths in branding and storytelling to build something truly special.

Episode Summary:In the third episode of Finding Brotherly Love, we sit down to discuss the transformative journey behind FareRX, a groundbreaking “food is medicine” company. From addressing chronic disease with fresh groceries to tackling food deserts and processed diets, FareRX is reshaping how we think about healthcare. Join us as we explore the origins of this mission-driven business and why it’s poised to make an impact on one of America’s biggest health crises.This episode dives into the challenges of starting a business in a highly regulated industry, the staggering statistics around diabetes and food insecurity, and how education and personalized nutrition are central to the FareRX mission. If you’ve ever wondered how to combine purpose and profit, this conversation is for you.What You'll Learn:The role of food in preventing and managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.How FareRX is addressing food deserts and improving access to healthy groceries.The importance of education in driving long-term lifestyle changes.Insights into balancing business profitability with meaningful impact.Key Moments:[2:45]: FareRX's mission is to address social determinants of health through food.[5:30]: The staggering rise of diabetes and pre-diabetes in America.[12:15]: Overcoming food deserts and the reliance on processed foods in urban areas.[18:00]: How personalized nutrition plans through health insurance are changing lives.[25:40]: The emotional and practical impact of delivering 100,000 bags of groceries.[32:10]: Lessons learned from past ventures and applying them to ThayerRx.[40:00]: The future vision for FareRX and solving America’s nutrition crisis.Quote from the Episode:“Food is the root cause of so many chronic diseases, but it’s also the solution. By delivering healthy, whole foods and the tools to prepare them, we can empower people to change their lives.”Call to Action:Follow us for more episodes where we explore the purpose-driven business, hospitality, and creating an impact. Visit farerx.com to learn more about starting your own venture or joining the food-as-medicine movement.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Brian shares the story behind his unique approach to e-commerce, the Dome Tent Event, and how it evolved from a simple social media post to a powerful sales funnel. Joined by his business partner, the discussion dives into the strategies that turned a niche market for glamping equipment into a multimillion-dollar opportunity, laying the groundwork for the Ferncrest franchise model.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The origins of the Dome Tent Event and how it generated over $1M in sales through a Google Form.Why urgency and scarcity are vital to driving high-ticket sales.How social media builds trust and affinity, creating a direct path to customer conversion.The progression from selling dome tents to developing a comprehensive sales funnel.Why the funnel isn’t just about equipment sales but also about priming future franchisees.Insights into the profitability of glamping and the role of dome tents in Brian’s business strategy.How digital products, like the Glampground Profit Calculator, play a crucial role in nurturing leads.The scalability challenges of founder-driven sales and Brian’s vision for the future.Key Moments in the Episode:[00:00] - What is a Dome Tent Event? Breaking down the concept.[01:14] - The origin story: How a casual Instagram story turned into a million-dollar sales event.[02:31] - The strategic importance of scarcity and time-constrained sales.[05:15] - Why dome tents outperform other glamping structures at Ferncrest.[09:09] - Leveraging social media trust to drive high-ticket sales.[15:50] - Scaling the funnel: From free content to $27 products and beyond.[24:25] - The role of education in building customer confidence and trust.[33:06] - The compounding effect of the sales funnel and its impact on franchise development.[42:35] - Brian’s ultimate goal: Transitioning from equipment sales to a scalable franchise model.Links and Resources Mentioned:Ferncrest Campground: Visit FerncrestFinding Promised Land: Follow on InstagramGlampground Profit Calculator: Learn MoreFerncrest Franchise Opportunities: Explore FranchisingJoin the Conversation:Have questions about glamping, dome tents, or the Ferncrest franchise? Reach out by visiting Finding Promised Land.Subscribe to The Weekly Glampreneur for insights on building a profitable glamping business.

In the first episode of Finding Brotherly Love, we dive into the story behind acquiring the Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia—a $2.3 million deal made without using any of our own money. Brian and Mike share how their 15-year friendship laid the foundation for a successful business partnership, the creative financing strategies they used, and the relationships that made it all possible.We take you step-by-step through how a casual text about a listing online turned into owning and renovating a boutique hotel in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district. Along the way, we discuss the risks, lessons, and the role relationships play in building something extraordinary—even when the odds seem stacked against you.What You'll Learn:How creative financing and seller financing can help you start without significant capital.The power of relationships in funding and executing large-scale projects.The challenges and opportunities of renovating a burned-out building into a thriving business.Why past ventures—even ones that didn’t meet expectations—can still lay the groundwork for future success.“People think you need money to start, but the truth is, if you have a plan, relationships, and the grit to do the work, the money will find you.”Follow us for more episodes where we break down our journey in hospitality, business, and building a life we’re proud of.