“Everything was focused on the road as old motels typically were, not landscape focused. We flipped the script on it and made everything face the forest.”
We’re in great company with Brian Linton, Co-Founder of The Rex, a new outdoor escape in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, for urban-dwelling explorers and travelers alike.
Brian along with his wife Joanna, are no strangers to entrepreneurship and passion for the outdoors, having previously founded United By Blue, an outdoor lifestyle brand focused on conservation. Together, they jumped at the opportunity to purchase a vacant motel at the entrance of the Promised Land State Park during the height of the pandemic, relocating their young family to build the intentional modern accommodations that would become The Rex.
In this episode, Brian shares his inspiration behind The Rex and in creating a nature escape that is accessible and approachable to all, and the community he hopes to continue to foster through its natural beauty and experiences.
Top Takeaways
[3:21] A search for a family cabin to escape the city during the pandemic unexpectedly turned into the purchase, renovation, and reopening of a forgotten motel.
[5:35] From big city living to small town renovating, how the Linton family became the real life Schitt’s Creek sitcom.
[14:18] The importance of raising children to see the behind the scenes of running a family business.
[19:20] Attention is in the details. From the location of the parking lot, to the trailhead view from your room window, to the heated bathroom tiles, there is intentionality behind these modern accommodations.
[26:44] A day in the life at The Rex includes local snacks from the Corner Store, wildlife watching, hikes throughout The Promise Land, and lessons in building a campfire.
[35:05] People need to embrace the outdoors however they feel comfortable and The Rex is making it more accessible and approachable.
