Host Steve Turk interviews Melissa Blettner, CEO of Boyd Hollow Resorts and Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee. Melissa explains founder Tom Boyd’s book inspired mission to create a fantasy village where only good exists and guests leave happier, kinder, and friendlier.

She shares her hospitality start from an XL Inn front desk job to studying hospitality management, advancing through roles in front office, sales, and leadership, and spending 20 years at Great Wolf Lodge building brand culture, openings, and a large call center with strong standards.

After Great Wolf’s culture shifted following Blackstone’s acquisition and a corporate move to Chicago, she consulted before joining Boyd Hollow. Ancient Lore Village offers 14 themed dwellings on 67 acres, day passes, dining, axe throwing, archery, events, retreats, and weddings, and is expanding with Boki’s Trek Experience and an Ancient Lore Wellbeing Retreat.

00:00 Show Kickoff

00:31 Sponsor Lodgify

01:34 Meet Melissa

02:23 Ancient Lore Origin

04:03 First Hospitality Job

06:08 Breaking Into Hotels

07:51 Career Steps Forward

10:18 Great Wolf Breakthrough

12:44 Growing at Great Wolf

16:13 Call Center Culture

17:41 Brand Building Playbook

21:19 Leaving After 20 Years

22:12 From Mars To Buyout

22:49 Dream Big Consulting Reality

24:24 Finding Boyne Hollow

26:19 What Ancient Lore Offers

28:23 Managing Crowds And Groups

30:39 Small Resort Big Opening

32:20 Guests Define The Magic

34:41 Future Attractions And Wellness

36:02 Luxury Not Kitschy Design

40:13 Team Growth And Mentorship

42:10 Advice And Farewell