Most hotels start with a spreadsheet. This one started with a backpack.
When Bobby Mikulas and his wife Brooke set off across 17 countries with nothing but a carry-on and a tent, they weren’t chasing square footage or occupancy rates. They were chasing connection—sharing meals in strangers’ homes, sleeping under stars, learning what belonging feels like in a place you’ve never been before.
They stayed in one hotel. One.
And yet, that experience birthed one of the most celebrated boutique hotels in Colorado Springs: Kinship Landing.
This is the story of how adventure built a hotel—and how Bobby and his team redefined what hospitality can mean.
The Journey Begins: From Campfires to Core Values
Before Kinship Landing was a concept, it was a question:
"How can we serve our community when we return home?"
Colorado Springs was ripe for something new. A downtown that needed more vibrancy. A tourism experience that deserved more than transactional check-ins. And a community hungry for meaningful spaces.
So, mid-adventure, somewhere between New Zealand camper vans and Southeast Asian homestays, Bobby and Brooke started sketching a business plan. Not from a desk, but from the road.
They imagined a place that blended the spirit of the trail with the comforts of home. A “base camp” for travelers—not just a bed, but a launchpad for experience.
When they returned home, they brought more than photos. They brought a mission.
Building Kinship: Naivety, Grit, and a Lot of Courage
With no prior hotel experience but a lifetime of people-first thinking, Bobby and his team did what all adventurers do best: they took the first step.
“We thought we’d be open in a year,” Bobby laughs. “It took four.”
They bought a piece of infill land in downtown Colorado Springs, raised capital from generous believers, and began design with a local architect and contractor—neither of whom had built a hotel before.
It wasn’t easy. Construction came with cost overruns. Banks pulled out. The numbers stopped adding up. But the team didn’t.
“We decided we’d give it two years. Every wall we hit, we’d find a way through.”
That relentless commitment came from a shared set of core values, defined early with their co-founders: Courage, Trust, Community, Generosity, and Adventure.
These weren’t just buzzwords—they were the compass. Every decision, every pivot, ran through the filter of values. It kept them grounded when things went sideways and inspired them when momentum hit.
A Basecamp, Not a Bed
Kinship Landing opened its doors as more than a hotel—it opened as an invitation.
The 40-room boutique property includes bunkrooms, suites, outdoor adventure credits for staff, and no shortage of local art and food. But it’s what happens outside the rooms that makes Kinship magic.
“We don’t want people to just stay here—we want them to launch from here,” Bobby says.
No spa. No climbing wall. Instead, guests get trail maps, local recommendations, and real conversations with the front desk team about the best sun-soaked crags or where to catch live music.
Adventure is baked into the culture, not just the marketing. Staff get reimbursed for personal adventures—anything that stretches them to grow. Because Kinship believes hospitality starts with fulfilled humans, not polished uniforms.
Purpose Over Profit
In an industry that often prioritizes amenities over authenticity, Kinship stands apart.
They didn't choose the fastest route, the biggest backers, or the most experienced partners. They chose people. Many of whom they had traveled with. All of whom shared the same heart.
“We’re not just offering lodging. We’re inviting people into a story,” Bobby says.
From day one, the founders operated the hotel themselves—Bobby as head of marketing, Brooke as general manager. They learned the hard way. They made mistakes. But they never compromised on their vision: purposeful hospitality rooted in real community.
What’s Next? Global Vision, Local Heart
Kinship Landing isn't just a one-off success story—it’s the prototype.
The Mikulases envision a global network of community-centered spaces that feel local, even if they’re halfway across the world. Places where travelers and locals mix, and where values lead the experience.
They’ve also launched Sonderwind, a side venture focused on guiding other entrepreneurs, hosting summits (like their upcoming Parenting Summit), and helping leaders think courageously about their own paths.
Whether consulting, hosting, or adventuring—Bobby remains committed to one mission: to live and lead with intention.
Lessons for Aspiring Hoteliers (or Any Entrepreneur)
- Start with your values. They’re your compass when things go wrong—and they will go wrong.
- Be willing to look naive. No one climbs a mountain without stumbling.
- Build with people who believe what you believe. Experience matters, but shared values matter more.
- Adventure is a business strategy. It attracts the right people, challenges you to grow, and keeps you curious.
- The journey is the culture. From camping under the stars to breaking ground on a hotel, every step shapes what you build.
Ready to Bring Your Dream Project to Life?
Whether you're planning a stunning hospitality space or the perfect home, our expertise in innovative design and tailored solutions ensures your vision becomes reality. Let’s discuss how we can make your project exceptional.
📅 Book your free 30 minute consultation today and take the first step toward your ideal project!