How this farm became a thriving a agritourism destination

Justin Kamm is building one of the most sought out destinations in the Catskill Mountains.

Today, I'm going to share an interview I did with him. Here's what we talked about:

• Why small family farms are losing money in 2026

• How he turned a blueberry farm profitable by building a glamping hotel

• How other farmers can find revenue pockets to create cash flow

• And more!

Note: If you don't own a farm, this is still worth the read. I promise.

As always, the full interview is linked at the bottom.

If you hate listening to interviews on YouTube, the rest of this read will be a collection of my notes.

Enjoy.

Let's start here

Justin began his career working Venture Capital in New York City. Each day the focus was:

• Growth models

• Cash flow

• Returns

Then he bought a blueberry farm.

Not has a hobby, as a real business.

On paper, it made sense.

• Good land

• Real crops

• Strong staff

But there was one problem. From day one, the farm was losing money. Which isn't uncommon.

Most small family farms in the US aren't financially doing well

Not because they're a bad farm or the product sucks. It's because the business model no longer matches how people spend money.

Let me break that down:

• Growing food is expensive

• Corporate farms can sell food for cheap - which is what most customers want

• If a small farm wants to compete with corporate farms, they have to cut their margins almost to 0

• And that's assuming the growing season goes well

So how does a farmer keep their farm and make a little money on the way?

I'm not sure. But Justin does. That's why I asked him.

Let's talk about it.

Turning a blueberry farm into a hospitality destination

About 6 months into buying North Star Farm, Justin realized something.

Instead of asking,

“How do I make blueberries more profitable?”

He asked,

"What's another way we could generate revenue?"

The answer wasn’t better farming. It was hospitality.

So he added glamping domes as a parallel income stream. Not to replace the farm, but to support it.

Most people aren't avid blueberry shoppers. I don't remember the last time I bought blueberries. I may have never.

But the market for legendary hotel experiences?

Massive.

2025 was the first year the domes were open for rent. Most weekends were booked.

POV: You're a guest

I'm writing this from the perspective of a business owner and host of this interview.

But, let's imagine ourselves as a North Star Farm guest for a second.

• Wake up overlooking a farm with rolling hills everywhere

• Spend the morning playing with sheep

• Then go pick blueberries

• Stop at the flower fields on the way back

• End the night with a bonfire in the blueberry field

All on the same property.

Most weekends weren't booked because people like glamping. Instead, it was the experience.

People don't buy beds. They buy experiences

I love Justin’s story because it highlights something rental operators often miss.

People don’t buy beds. They buy experiences.

Justin didn't build a profitable farm by working harder.

He won by creating a hospitality experience out of what he already had that isn't found anywhere else in the area.

What could you do to have the same result?

I have some ideas (that won't break the bank):

• Lake cottage: Map out your favorite 5-10 fishing spots on the lake then provide a map to guests. It's like a digital guided fishing service.

• Mountain house: Offer mountain bikes and a digital trail guide. Bonus! Turn the trail guide into a treasure hunt for a prize. The trail guide could be used for hikers too.

• Ocean villa: Work out some sort of deal with the marina on a discount for guests.

• Campground: Build a disc golf or putt putt course that sends guests into nature.

• 2-4 Bedroom stay: Turn it into a wellness retreat with a hot tub, sauna and gym.

These are just some ideas. I could keep going. But, I'll leave you with this:

What's your blueberry farm?

That's all for today. I'll see you in the next article.

P.S. Writing this from Boston. The Lodge Social team came to town for some annual planning in person.

I’m the kinda guy who doesn’t do well with group silence. Like if you and I went on a road trip, we’re talking the whole time ABOUT NOTHING IMPORTANT.

The team challenged me to go 30 minutes of total silence while playing pool. I broke 15 minutes in because I remembered a good story and it couldn’t wait.

It wasn’t that good of a story.

Watch My Interview with Justin Kamm

Before you go

I spend about 10 hours writing this newsletter each week. The rest of my time is spent running $100K Stay and Lodge Social.

1) $100K Stay — Learn how to make $100K for your Airbnb or hotel from social media in 90 days.

• This hybrid-live training program is everything you need to get your own guests from the internet. Even if you have zero audience, experience, or marketing skills.

• Enrollment is currently closed. Get on the waitlist to join the next one →

2) Lodge Social — Our marketing team will help you get more guests to like, share and book. Work with me and my team here.

Links you might like:

1. Email Justin Kamm ([email protected])

2. Check out his blueberry farm glamping hotel (North Star Farm)

3. Imagine yourself here (Instagram)

4. Watch my full interview with Justin - it’s good (YouTube)