From Paws Up to Wildhaven: Lessons from “Mr. Outdoor Hospitality”
In the newest episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, Connor Schwab sits down with Scott Randall, a name that’s become synonymous with innovation and leadership in outdoor hospitality. With more than 25 years of experience, Scott’s helped shape some of the most recognizable glamping and resort brands in North America: Paws Up, AutoCamp, and now Wildhaven. There’s hardly a more qualified voice to speak on what makes (and breaks) an outdoor hospitality business.
The Trail He’s Blazed
Scott’s journey began as Director of Recreation at The Homestead in Utah, but it was his role on the founding team of Montana’s Paws Up Resort that truly put him on the map. Imagine building luxury tented camps along the Blackfoot River, coordinating dog sledding excursions, and even engineering an ice climbing wall for guests, all at a time when “glamping” barely existed in the American lexicon.
From there, Scott took the reins at several boutique properties, eventually becoming GM at AutoCamp Yosemite, and now Wildhaven Yosemite, where he continues to apply his people-first philosophy and passion for creating genuine guest experiences.
What Makes an Outdoor Hospitality Operation Flourish?
Scott doesn’t mince words: “It’s all about the team.” According to him, having the right people, from the front desk to housekeeping to maintenance, is more important than any fancy amenity. “Guests can feel when your staff cares,” he explains. “And they can really feel when they don’t.”
Other keys to success include:
- Clear identity – Don’t try to be everything to everyone.
- Authentic marketing – Don’t oversell what you can’t deliver.
- Guest feedback systems – Actively collect, organize, and share reviews with the team.
- Gratitude culture – Scott makes it a point to thank his staff every single day.
What About Failures?
Scott’s seen plenty of missteps too. One standout example? Trying to run a luxury spa year-round in canvas tents during Montana winters — despite the sub-zero temperatures. “Frozen pipes, cracked toilets, freezing therapists, yeah, that one didn’t last long,” he laughs.
He also warns against launching without clear operational systems or over-promising during the reservation process. “It’s easy to say yes to everything on the phone,” he says, “but it’s your team on the ground that has to deliver.”
Insights from a Legacy
The episode dives deep into how iconic properties evolve:
- Paws Up started with just 19 cabins and grew to include 48 glamping tents across six camps.
- AutoCamp scaled through smart brand identity and consistent guest experience.
- Wildhaven is forging a new path, providing accessibly priced luxury in natural settings with sweeping views of protected land.
Despite the differences, Scott highlights a common thread: “People aren’t just buying a bed. They’re buying a feeling.”
The Final Word from “Mr. Outdoor Hospitality”
When asked where he sees himself in the next 5–10 years, Scott says he’d be happy to retire at Wildhaven, but his entrepreneurial heart is always scanning the horizon. And if he were to launch his own dream property? Think Blackfoot River, luxury tents, and a strong sense of place, somewhere rugged and wild, yet warm.