How We Bought a $2.3M Hotel Without a Dollar of our Own Money

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.