Wedgwood's InnSchool for Aspiring Innkeepers
 Around 1980, Nadine and Carl Glassman had a dream to own
a bed and breakfast country inn. They were part of an emerging
class of professionals who rejected suburban conformity and
urban complexity. It was the life of the small town and a
gingerbread Victorian house filled with antiques that drew
them. In 1982 they plunged forward buying an inn, the Wedgwood
Bed & Breakfast, in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Since then, they have expanded to include a collection of
three inns. And Carl has co-authored a book for aspiring innkeepers
(How to Start and Run Your Own Bed and
Breakfast Inn). Carl and Nadine have opened their inn to others who have the
same dream and offer an opportunity to "apprentice"
with them, to see if the reality of owning an inn is as interesting
as the fantasy.
All our "learning vacation programs"
take place in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A small
river town across from Lambertville (NJ), New Hope has a 350
year history as a big centre for antiques, handcrafts,
historic attractions, fine dining and live music and
entertainment. Click here
to read about New Hope being voted the # 1 Arts Destination in
America's Small Cities/Towns category for 2005/6.
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Jessica
Future Innkeeper |
The three avenues for learning are:
A complimentary blast
from the past;
a Comment from a former guest (c. Spring 1982), now an
innkeeper.
I don't suspect you'll remember me; I was
a guest at your Inn around the mid 1980's. I had just taken
a position at Drexel Univ. and went to New Hope with my
partner. You were the first B & B I ever stayed at - but
certainly not the last. I was completely in awe of what you
created and immediately fell in love with the concept of a
bed and breakfast. I can't remember much about many of the B
& B's I've stayed at - although almost all were very nice.
But for some reason after all these years I remember so many
details of my stay at The Wedgwood Inn; the offering of a
drink as soon as we walked in, the refreshment breaks, the
lovely upstairs room, and your wonderful hospitality.
Little did I realize that some day my stay
at your Inn would change my life. After 30 year in higher
education, I decided to retire early, go home to my family
to Bellevue, Ohio and open my own B & B. I wanted to do this
ever since my stay at your Inn. I often tell my guests this
about your "mentoring" of me and it struck me this past
weekend when talking to a guest that I never shared this
with you. So, I thank you. I have a second career in my life
and one that I just love. I enjoyed greatly working in
higher education and ultimately becoming a Dean. But,
nothing compares to owning my own business in such a
wonderful setting and meeting almost daily interesting and
engaging people.
I do hope some day, soon, I can return to
New Hope, and give you a more personal thank you than this
email permits. Fortunately, with the recession seeming to
fade, my Inn has been extremely busy for the last 10 months
and doesn't seem to be letting up. But, I need to soon take
a vacation, so who knows. But, again, I thank you. And am so
happy to see you being still so successful. One can have a
beautifully decorated B & B, but without that special touch,
that special Innkeeper personality - it just won't work. And
that is clearly why you touched this guest, in his twenties,
thirty years ago so profondly.
Carl & Dinie~
Just a quick note to Thank You for your time, professional
support and advice. We not only had a lovely stay at your
Inn, but learned quite a bit at your "HOW2BB" seminar as
well. I hope some day you will be guests at our Inn, when
our dream comes true! Take Care!
Kate & Kevin ( Phila., PA) April 2008
Dear Carl,
We have several B&B's here in Nauvoo,
Illinois and we are thinking about starting a B&B association.
I have your book and have enjoyed reading it several times!
Thank you! If you should have any ideas for us in
starting such a group, please let me know. I would love
to have your input.
Also, do you ever make it to Illinois or
do any type of speaking engagements? We are in great
need for some inspiration! Nauvoo is a very busy little
town during the spring, summer and fall. We have some
wonderful B&B's and all of us have something very different to
offer guests visiting our area.
Thanks so much for your time and thoughts.
Again, I really enjoyed your book. It helped out so much in
the beginning days and is still sitting on my book shelf
available for a refresher course!
Greta W.
Hi Carl.
IT's officially here!!!! Our new Inn is open and the new
website is finally finished too. Go to
www.thepartridgehouse.com and you will be able to see the
culmination of one year of the hardest work I ever did in my
life!!!! Thanks for all your expert advise. Let me know what
you think. Your opinion matters....always has and thank you
for all your encouragement.
Rose and Willie, Pottsville, PA
SEMINAR grads, March 2005
Dear Carl and Dinie,
We wanted to thank you for our experience as aspiring
innkeepers at your Seminar. The two days were full of
interesting and worthwhile information we will need on our
quest to own a B&B. In addition to the chance to ask questions
of you and to hear from fellow aspiring innkeepers at the
Seminar, we had the unique opportunity to observe a B&B
Association committee meeting and attend a luncheon with many
B&B owners. Of course our visits to other B&B's made the
Seminar complete.
We spent the rest of the week with a
broker visiting B&B's in Lancaster County that are for sale
and found several that could meet our dreams and needs.
We wish you continued success with the
Wedgwood Collection and inspiring more potential innkeepers
with your Seminar.
Tom and Sarah M.
Thank you for mailing me your 'How To'
book so promptly. It is the best one I have found on running
an inn. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
Sherry Ruby,
Innkeeper, SeaScape Manor, Highlands, NJ
Thank you for sharing your 20 years of
experience with the 'Zen of innkeeping." Your insights into
the 'effortless effort' of successful innkeeping are
priceless.
Steve & Mary,
NY, NY
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Jana and Peder
from the
Czech Republic |
Innkeeping Seminars
The following is the schedule for two-day
seminars for aspiring innkeepers:
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2011 March 13th and 14th
April 3rd and 4th |
2012 March 11th and 12th
April 15th and16th |
 The
Seminars are set up to allow individuals/couples to meet one another
and to share their interests in becoming an innkeeper, and to
participate in our 1 night - 2 day workshop, which is limited to no
more than fourteen students. The Seminars are led by Carl and
Nadine, with other innkeepers who serve as guest lecturers too.
Guest innkeepers are invited to dinner and encouraged to chat
informally with Seminar participants. Unlike the
Apprenticeship Program, the Seminar does not provide the chance to
meet "real" houseguests, however limited "hands-on" experience in
operating an inn will be available.
One price includes tuition, written materials
plus accommodations, a generous, home baked breakfast, lunch and
beverages with refreshments at breaks. (Cost of Dinner is not
included.) The 1 night/2 day seminar begins Monday afternoon
(2 pm) and continues through 5 pm on Tuesday. The all
inclusive cost is $275 per person, double occupancy; $499 for
single, plus tax and gratuities.
See our Special
Packages for aspiring innkeepers.
Carl was the keynote speaker at the
Annual Alaskan BB/Inn Convention, March 2006 which was held in
Fairbanks, Alaska. He also led a half-day Workshop for
Native Alaskan Aspiring Innkeepers. Carl also consulted with the
staff of the Greater Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau
regarding trends in travel and marketing.
Dinie and Jessica accompanied Carl on this 12 day "working vacation"
to the frozen interior of northern Alaska.
Click here to view some images of the Aurora Borealis
(Northern Lights). We had a great extended stay at
www.MinnieStreetBandB.com, flew over the Artic Circle in a small
prop airplane with
www.Warbelows.com,
had a great day mushing through the countryside with
www.sleddogadventures.com and followed the Ididarod Trail Sled Dog
Race www.Iditarod.com in real time in the daily newspapers.
Layering is not a 7 - layer cake during winter in northern Alaska!
Click here for all your travel planning needs to Alaska's interior
www.explorefairbanks.com
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Reviews
The Wedgwood's InnSchool has been featured in
a number of business publications in print, online, radio and
Television. In
addition, Carl's book and programs have been covered on radio and
television programs.
Diversion Magazine for Physicians at Leisure, 2004 by Ms. Appleman
"Carl Glassman offers the best innkeeping workshops and apprenticeships
at his Wedgwood Inn in New Hope, Pennsylvania. For about a week
perspective innkeepers do everything from scramble eggs to unscramble finances.
You'll be inspired, but you'll also discover that running a B&B involves a
little more than putting up cute gingham curtains in that spare bedroom.
I. Tourneau Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, CANADA:
2004
"I thought you'd be glad
to know that another one of your "Seminar graduates" is on her way
innkeeping... in Canada! I also wanted to let you know that your
"How-To Seminar" was really invaluable in helping us more clearly
define our goals and take action more confidently. We've also picked
up your book several times to review important considerations.
Sheryl Metcalf of Seattle,
2004
"It was great to have so much data not
only all in one place, but in such a lovely setting, and from such
well informed sources."
Everett and Gayle of Chicago,
2003
"Attending your
how-to seminar was well worth it, even though we delayed our
honeymoon to do so!"
Ruby Robbins of New Orleans,
2001:
"Thank you for
adding to my dream."
Jeanie Kennedy (pictured at right):
2000
I enjoyed the class . . . and
thanks for the innkeeping job at Aaron Burr House!"
New York Times, August 1997:
"Wedgwood's Inn School is a must for
the prospective innkeeper."
On
Business with Lou Dobbs (CNN) March 1994:
"Glassman's insights to the inn business is valuable for all
aspiring innkeepers".
W4, August 1993:
"Wedgwood's Inn School is a
unique resource this side of the Mississippi River."
New
York Magazine, August 1989:
"Not a complete balloon-popper, Glassman does warn that
innkeeping is simply not for everyone, and he brings
formidable credentials to his role as trainer."
Entrepreneur Magazine, October 1989:
"A
special concern, financing, is Glassman's forte."
Inc. Magazine, May 1988 (feature article):
"Professor Glassman is one of a few professional (inn) consultants
in North America."
Innsider Magazine, September 1986 (cover
story):
"Pipe dream or reality? The Inn School offers a unique
opportunity to learn the secrets of successful innkeeping. Without a
doubt, the Glassmans are accredited inn experts."
 In Business Magazine, December
1985 (cover story):
"Innkeeping, The Right Time for a Dream
Business, and the Glassmans' are the experts to train with."
Country Living, June 1985:
"One of three
programs, apprenticeships alone offer a unique chance to test the
sometimes murky waters of innkeeping."
Your Money Magazine, Canada,
October 1984:
"If you have any doubts as to whether innkeeping is in
your blood, the Wedgwood programs could help you make the right
decision... including the decision not to buy an Inn."
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Apprenticeship Program
 We warmly invite prospective innkeepers to
spend time at the Wedgwood and to participate in a structured
residential "hands-on" learning program, geared to provide a full
range of day-to-day experiences in operating an inn. The
length and content of the Apprenticeship Program is tailored to the
individual needs of the participants. The program usually runs
between five (5) and ten (10) days, and often runs as long as two
weeks. W4 called this program, "a unique resource this side of
the Mississippi River." (August 1990)
Special (for credit) internship programs for
college and graduate students have also been designed.
All Apprenticeship Programs cover the full
range of inn experiences: from financing your purchase and
registering guests to making beds and preparing -breakfast.
Longer stays obviously allow for more in-depth learning. The last
days of all programs afford the aspiring innkeeper(s) a chance to
take charge and operate the inn by themselves.
Visits to Inn vendors and to other B&B's and
Inns are scheduled too, with the intent to provide an insiders
perspective to several on-going establishments. There is a $400 cost for the Apprenticeship
Program, plus the cost of room and board. Participation is limited,
and the Apprenticeship schedule must be arranged in advance.
Apprenticeships are available year 'round, but limited to one
apprenticeship per quarter.
U.S. 1
Newspaper - "Do You
Want to Run a B&B" 2005 by Euna Kwon Brossman.
...The Glassmans have taken the idea of sharing their knowledge
one step further with a series of seminars designed for aspiring
innkeepers. The seminars take place on site in New Hope and are
set up to allow individuals and couples to meet one another and
to discuss their interests in being an innkeeper. The hands-on
workshops are led by Carl and Nadine with other innkeepers who
serve as guest lecturers - and who give participants a
much-needed reality check: is owning an inn as fun and
intriguing as the fantasy?...
Click here to read entire article
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Consulting Services
Carl Glassman, named "one of a few
professional inn consultants in North America," by Inc. Magazine
(May 1989), is available to consult with aspiring innkeepers on a
one-to-one basis at the Wedgwood, or the proposed location of your
new inn. In addition to opening many inns for clients in Bucks
County, Carl has done inn consulting in Bar Harbor, Charleston,
Savannah, Indianapolis, Cape May, Del Ray Beach (Florida), Dubuque
(Iowa), and Chesapeake City (Maryland). Services range from location
evaluation and structuring the organization and purchase of the
property to establishing inn policies and procedures and developing
a brochure and marketing plan.
There is a per diem fee ($150/hr.) for
consulting services, plus the reimbursement for expenses. Please
call for more specific details and a list of references.
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Reading Resources
 How to Start and Run
Your Own Bed and Breakfast Inn, co-authored by Carl
Glassman. First published in 1992, the second edition is now
available. You can purchase an autographed copy by calling the
Wedgwood Inn directly (215-862-2570) or
Click
Here to Order Online. This is a "must" read for any
prospective innkeeper.
"As an aspiring innkeeper, I thirst for reading
material! I'm in the process of reading your book published in 1992
"How To Start and Run your Own Bed & Breakfast Inn." Thanks
for so much very good information. I hope to work at an inn
this summer to see if that discourages me at all, I doubt it! Any
other books in the bookstore from you?
Linda Behmoiras, Miami Beach
"Hello, Mr. Glassman.
I am in the process of soaking up your book, How
To Start and Run Your Own Bed and Breakfast Inn. My husband just
told me yesterday that I am reading it like it's a juicy novel! I
told him it was even better than that! I have read a couple of other
books on the subject and must tell you that I find yours to be the
most informative to date. I am learning a great deal and I'm not
even done yet!
We are one of the many who are dreaming of
having our own place and are at the research point. I can't help but
want to ask what you think the current situation in our country may
do to the B&B industry. I would like to think the industry would get
a boost from travelers choosing to stay closer to home. I would love
to hear from you and hear any tips you would like to pass on.
Thank you again for your great book!
Angela Powell-Craney"
A college student prepared this overview of our Wedgwood Inns,
Click Here to view photos and text.
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