References

"Your analysis was dead-on! We are back from our review of two inns that you studied for us. Though we were emotionally attracted to one over the other, it was your numbers that helped us put on the brakes before going over the edge. We did end up negotiating a purchase price on a perfectly wonderful inn based on our gut feel AND the business numbers. It was a pleasure working with you!" --Scott and Ellen Martin, Lightner Creek B&B, Durango, Colorado

"We really appreciate your assistance and will not hesitate to call on you again." --Paul and Christine Hampton, Aspiring Innkeepers

"My wife and I looked at more than 20 properties in four states over four months. Your in-depth knowledge of the bed and breakfast business and expertise in assessing a property's value helped us immensely. One thing that sets you apart from other consultants is your incredible responsiveness. It seemed like you were always checking e-mail or were available by phone. You taught us how important it is to do our homework when considering a B&B." --Barry and Rene Peckham, Aspiring Innkeepers

"We were looking for a professional who would not BS us, and would take us and our needs seriously. We felt Kit was very diligent in giving us the 'inside scoop' on properties and/or locations." --Linda Lentz , The Bross Hotel, Paonia Colorado

"We hired Kit as we searched for our New England B&B. As we weighed the pros and cons of various properties, wrote up offers, and progressed through our due diligence, her advice was very helpful." --Gary and Sharon Coquillette, Former Innkeepers, Fitch Hill Inn B&B, Hyde Park,

"If we had one piece of advice to give (in hindsight of course) to aspiring innkeepers it would be: even though you think you know what you want to do and don't think you need help -- get it anyway. When we started pursuing our B&B purchase we knew Kit taught aspiring innkeeper classes, but we didn't see ourselves as aspriring we had worked [at the Lovelander B&B] for eight months and thought ourselves seasoned. Ya right! There is much more to buying and owning an inn than being an assistant innkeeper, something we figured out too late. Get that guidance from Kit before you start." --Lauren and Gary Smith, Former Innkeepers, The Lovelander B&B, Loveland, Colorado

"Many of today's real estate agents do not have a clue about how to sell a B&B, either as real estate or as a business. It is very reassuring to know there is still someone out there who remains grounded as to what is going on in our industry and can remain fair and objective to the current values of various inns. As an innkeeper for almost a decade, I have begun to appreciate the true "worth" of my property. The question we all ask is: "Is it truly a lifestyle that allows you to live and work in a wonderful home in a great part of the country, or is it a valuable and thriving business that has great value and can be sold?" After our discussion, Kit allowed me to understand that either situation can and does exist, and that either situation can be profitable. Her information, knowledge and experience provided me with the answers we have been looking for with regard to selling our inn, and that is so very valuable. --Jon and Terre Terrell, Founding Innkeepers, The Tudor Rose, Salida, Colorado

"Kit helped us focus on our abilities, interests, and needs so that our goals could be realized." --Jim and Amy Cremmins, Founding Innkeepers, The Adagio B&B, Denver, Colorado

"Kit has made excellent recommendations on effective and inexpensive advertising, proper lighting and decor ideas, and business valuation on my B&B. Her services are valuable to this industry as most innkeepers do not find the time to keep up on the changes in marketing techniques or valuation of their properties." --Amy V. Kadrmas, Founding Innkeeper, Fruita, Colorado

"Kit discreetly gathered licensing information so I could make an informed offer on my B&B house. She worked hard negotiating and nursing the deal to its completion. I continue to use her expertise and consider her part of my business success." --Marvin Keith, Founding Innkeeper, Victoria's Keep B&B, Manitou Springs, Colorado

"After trying for years to find our B&B, we committed to Kit and quickly found our dream property. We were up and running for the winter season. We couldn't have done it without Kit's able assistance." --Ken and Barbara Parker, Former Innkeepers Outpost Inn, Winter Park, Colorado

"We highly recommend The Face-To Face Indepth Seminar. Kit's experience and knowledge are invaluable. We especially appreciated the fact that Kit adapted the seminar to meet our needs." --Rich and Tammy Rossi, Aspiring Innkeepers

"It was amazing how fast two full days went by when we met with Kit. To have a one-on-one consultation with her was very beneficial. We had her undivided attention. She customized the subjects that were covered using a general format given in our handbook. We were already going through the steps of purchasing a B&B and Kit was able to structure the seminar material to address points specific to our particular property. We learned in one exercise that we (my partner and I) had similar visions for our B&B --- a very important reality in a venture as huge as this is. Kit also played the "devil's advocate", making us dig deep into our responses. Our expectations were whittled into realities after two days of discussing our B&B's image to create appeal, a needed business plan and avenues for marketing our hospitality. The decision to become an Innkeeper requires thought, research, and hands on exposure to running a B&B before a financial, emotional and physical move is made. Kit will get your mental wheels turning --- take advantage of her expertise; it's well worth the time and expense. Owning and running a Bed And Breakfast is a big leap. Make it an educated one." -- Sally Griego, River Run Inn, Salida, Colorado

"We were able to develop and market our B&B inn to gain a 4-diamond rating faster than anticipated through Kit's quiet wisdom. What a fantastic way to learn what we needed about successful innkeeping!" --Dave Williams and Keith Waterbrook, Founding Innkeepers, The SunCatcher, Tucson, Arizona

"Everything from Kit's invaluable seminar is sitting right next to my computer." --Paula Post, Former Innkeeper, the Black Pearl B&B, Provincetown, Massachusetts

"Kit's seminars have been invaluable to me and I have walked away each time feeling like I have a realistic grasp of the hospitality industry. Kit is a bed and breakfast resource extraordinaire that I plan to use when purchasing my B&B." --Andrea Hinda, Aspiring Innkeeper

"The small group exchanges and material presented affirmed our research. We were able to create a Business Plan, Operations & Policy Books, and data systems with more confidence." --Lois Jones, Founding Innkeeper, The Baxter Inn, Pueblo, Colorado

"We finally did it! I'm now an innkeeper. I learned more from your class than any other class I attended." -- Cynthia Maier, Founding Innkeeper, Cedar Bluff Lodge, The Guest House, Brownell, Kansas

"All topics (covered during the seminar) were valuable. Of greatest value were the business plan, marketing, and worksheets." --Harry and Teresa Pastorius, Former Innkeepers, Klamath Manor B&B, Klamath Falls, Oregon

"As part of our process of purchasing our inn, we did an intense amount of research on the web as well as reading various 'How to' books. We'd already found the property we were interested in and didn't have the time to go through some of the intense courses offered for aspiring innkeepers which would involve travel and quite a bit of money. But knowing how important having another perspective is, we took Kit Riley's online course for aspiring innkeepers. Considering the time constraints we were under, this type of course was ideal. We took the course at our own pace while also working on our business plan and dealing with negotiations. Even though I wasn't consistent in when I was able to work on each section of the course, Kit was always very prompt in her responses. Kit gently played 'Devil's Advocate' and made us both think of areas of innkeeping we hadn't touched on ourselves. Yet, she was also very supportive of our ideas and thoughts with some helpful comments and suggestions on how to handle many different types of situations. I would highly recommend Kit's course to any aspiring innkeeper not only for those of us with limited time and money, but also for those having taken other courses. Her insights and experience will surely add to any other courses in which someone might choose to partake." --Tim Ostendorf, Inn at Crystal Lake, Eaton Center, New Hampshire

"The added value to your course is you! Anybody can read web sites and books, but it's your responses that have made this course worth every dime I've spent. I have read several "How To" books and would choke and skip over the sections on estimating cost expectations and cash flow. I just went back to them and realized that you had covered the same material in a manner that was more concise and easier to understand. Thanks." --Carol Beaupre, Aspiring Innkeeper

"I enjoyed the online class very much and found your input to be rich with good information, critical thinking and helpful feedback. I liked that you always answered me quickly, taking things seriously and respecting me. I'm so happy I found you....you opened my eyes! Thank you! I'm full of hope and enthusiasm for my next step." --Ruth Lieber, Aspiring Innkeeper

"Thanks for letting me take forever at this - I've learned much and enjoyed it." --Cindy, Aspiring Innkeeper

"There is so much excellent information from your ebooks, even though I've been doing this work for a while. We are in the process of writing our Operations Manual, and the structure provided in the eBooks and eGuides will make a positive difference. Thank you for all the professional work you have put in to these books and for your willingness to share them." -- Colleen Reeves, Red Corral Ranch, Wimberley, Texas

"Kit provided incredible insight into what is to be considered when purchasing an inn. Her consulting and eBook, "Buying a B&B Inn" proved to be invaluable as I got into the daunting task of a purchase. Kit's expertise and her methodology in valuing inns was critical to the recent successful purchase of my dream property." --Leanne Saylor, Cincinatti's Weller Haus B&B, Newport, Kentucky

"Your eBooks are good, and I learned quite a few things from them. In the Marketing eBook I especially like the way you worked through branding. The concept is very difficult for the average person to understand. It's part discipline, I think, and many people don't want to stay disciplined or focused. We can't be everything to all people. Regarding the worksheets found in each book, I think these are very useful, but only if the people work at them seriously and honestly." --Bobbi Zane Editor and Publisher, of the former Yellow Brick Road, the newsletter of Innsight for Aspiring Innkeepers

"This is fabulous detail, and very professional. I am used to this level of professionalism having just retired as a vice president from one of the major banks in the country." --Peggy O'Dell, Graduate Student in Ohio

"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the info in these publications! The information you've provided is invaluable! There are things in there that I never would have thought of -- until it was too late! Knowing I have a resource to refer to will help calm the anxiety of my first check-in. The checklists will be such a valuable tool, and nothing like them is available in any of the books we've read about starting/owning an Inn. I'm so glad I purchased your e-books. Thank you." --Victoria Pierce, Yellow Farmhouse Inn, Waitsfield, Vermont

"I really enjoyed Buying a B&B Inn. While some areas reaffirmed information in other books that I've been reading, I was able to learn so much about several other aspects of the Inn search! Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive document all in one place. It will certainly be a huge help as I go through this process." --Leanne Saylor, new innkeeper of Cincinatti's Weller Haus B&B, Newport, Kentucky

"Wow! What great information! I'm a little overwhelmed (ok, more than a little). This helps me form my offer and word it in such a way that all caveats are covered. I have a lot of research to do with laws. I'm putting you on retainer!" --Shelly Davis, Queen of the Valley Inn, La Connor, Washington

"Using your e-books and some on-line tools we put together a business plan for acquisition of the Inn. It was really your advice that drove us to get our own broker, the sellers assumed we would use their agent but what a nightmare that would have been. Throughout our entire due diligence process we came back to your books again and again...and what impressed me the most is that every time we had to make an educated guess on something we used the formulas and info provided in your books and we were right every time! Your books gave us the confidence to move forward in our purchase. We are so grateful. Your ebooks were the best investment we ever made." -- Todd and Christine Thomas, The Doubleday Inn, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

"Kit Cassingham is the best source to go to for top-flight B&B information and insight. Of the hundreds of hospitality consulting professionals whom I have worked with over the years, Kit stands alone as the most resourceful, knowledgable and helpful advisor to the Bed and Breakfast industry. She is truly the B&B Lady, and I encourage anyone working in this area of the hospitality industry to call her first when you want to get it right." --Maurice Robinson, Maurice Robinson & Associates LLC, El Segundo, California

"With a combination of operational and consulting experience, Kit offers realistic views and solutions to a full range of situations. I often consult with her when I appraise B&B properties.." --Bill Hopping,W.R. Hopping & Co., Littleton, Colorado

"Appraising Bed and Breakfast facilities are tough assignments. I would not undertake such an assignment without talking with Kit Riley. Kit knows the industry and is well informed on the availability of properties throughout Colorado. Her knowledge of the industry os invaluable to me in serving the Bed and Breakfast community." --Steve Ketcham, SRPA, SRA, Ketcham and Company, Littleton, Colorado

"Our experience with Kit as an expert witness on B&B issues in a federal action was a good one and I do not hesitate to recommend her highly for similar projects in the future." --Andrew D. Ringel, Esq., Hall & Evans, L.L.C., Denver, Colorado