Yes you read that right…
At Ferncrest, we have a position fondly called the “Hype Man.”
This unique position has proven to be one of the best decisions we’ve made, and I’d love to share why.
Meet Our Hype Man
Steve, our Hype Man, is a local who lives less than 10 minutes away from Ferncrest.
His main job?
To make a massive fire in our community fire pit every Friday and Saturday night and hang out with our guests.
Yes, you heard that right! We pay someone $20/hour to simply socialize.
Steve, a retired school teacher, is an extreme extrovert who loves meeting new people, learning about their stories, and sharing his own.
Our intent of sharing what we’ve learned from creating this unique role, is to illustrate that there are often intangible responsibilities and opportunities to enhance the guest experience… that the guest experience doesn’t end at the tent or the hot tub, or the automations you send out via email and text… but can be as simple as making sure there is a large fire for people to gather around during the busiest nights of the week.
The Magic of the Hype Man
Steve’s love for people, the town, and Ferncrest are invaluable. As such, his presence brings a multitude of benefits to our glampground:
- Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere: Steve’s large, inviting fire and his warm personality encourage guests to gather around, fostering a sense of community and excitement.
- Enhancing Guest Experience: As an on-site presence during our busiest nights, Steve doubles as a customer service resource. Guests frequently approach him with questions or requests for assistance, and he’s always ready to help, whether it’s starting fires in private pits or providing local recommendations.
- Generating Goodwill: Steve’s enthusiasm for Ferncrest and his ability to connect with guests on a personal level create a positive and memorable experience, leading to increased guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Relieving Owner Responsibilities: While an owner or manager could perform this role, it’s not always feasible, especially for those of us who live hours away and have young families. Steve’s proximity and reliability allow us to maintain a high level of guest engagement without needing to be physically present every weekend.
Why Consider Hiring Your Own Hype Man
As business owners, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats, including that of the Hype Person. However, having someone dedicated to this role ensures consistency in guest interactions and allows us to focus on other aspects of the business. Steve’s natural ability to connect with people and his deep-rooted love for the community make him the perfect fit for this role.
The Takeaways
- Leverage Local Talent: Hiring someone local who understands and loves the community can significantly enhance your guest experience and create a more authentic atmosphere.
- Enhance Guest Engagement: A dedicated Hype Man can create a lively, welcoming environment, making guests feel more connected and valued.
- Delegate Strategically: By delegating guest interaction duties to someone like Steve, you can ensure high-quality guest experiences without sacrificing your personal time or overextending yourself.
- Adapt Roles to Fit Personalities: Formalizing roles with specific titles and minimal responsibilities can allow the right personalities to shine and naturally enhance your business.
We hope you find this insight into our unique approach both amusing and informative. Implementing a role like the Hype Man might just be the key to elevating your own glamping business.
Remember… in glamping, the magic lies in the details. Delegating those details and not trying to do everything yourself ensures that every guest has a memorable stay
Happy Glamping!
Brian & Joanna Linton
