At RevenYou, we've had the privilege of working with hundreds of accommodation owners across Australia, and one thing is consistently true: every successful business has a unique story behind it.
Through our Owner Spotlight series, we share the journeys, lessons and experiences of accommodation operators who have built thriving businesses in their own way.
Peter and Veronica’s story is a powerful reminder that accommodation ownership is about far more than rooms and bookings.
It is about recognising opportunity, creating memorable guest experiences and building long-term value through vision, persistence and smart systems.
Peter and Veronica spent years searching for the perfect accommodation business and then somehow fell in love with one that looked like it had survived several natural disasters, a decade of neglect and possibly a zombie apocalypse.
Having owned and operated a range of businesses over the past 15 years, from restaurants and bars in Bali to hospitality venues on the Sunshine Coast, Peter and Veronica were no strangers to hard work. They knew they wanted to stay in hospitality, but finding the right accommodation business was far from a quick decision.
For years they reviewed opportunities across management rights, pubs, hotels and motels, analysing numbers and exploring possibilities before finally narrowing their search. Their dream property was simple: something well-maintained, operational and ready to walk into.
Then a broker suggested a property in Tasmania.
Their response? Absolutely not.
After years in tropical climates, neither could imagine voluntarily signing up for a Tasmanian winter.
Fortunately, the agent was persistent enough to convince them to jump on a plane and take a look.
Love at First Sight. Sort Of.
To Peter's surprise, Veronica fell in love immediately. Not because the motel was beautiful. Quite the opposite.
The property was so overgrown it was barely visible from the road. If you combined every motel horror story you've ever heard into a single building, you'd be getting close. Yet beneath the weeds, neglect and years of deferred maintenance, Veronica could see something special.
While others saw problems, she saw potential. While others saw work, she saw opportunity. And after a little convincing, Peter agreed.
Continue reading more from Tamie Matthews, founder of RevenYou here
