It’s a small town, but there’s a lot here… There’s a strong sense of community, and we really value being part of that. ” “
to respond quickly, adjust thoughtfully, and maintain a level of care that is difficult to replicate at scale. “We notice the small things,” she says. “And we’re always trying to improve.” That mindset extends beyond the property itself. For Sally and Young, being part of Sussex means engaging in the community around them and encouraging guests to explore local businesses, attend events like the Sussex Fundy Fest and Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, and experience the town as more than a stop along the way. “It’s a small town, but there’s a lot here,” Sally says. “There’s a strong sense of community, and we really value being part of that.” In many ways, that connection to place, to people, and to the day-to-day realities of running a small business has shaped how they understand the industry itself. For those considering a similar path, their advice is grounded not in theory, but in experience. “The small things matter more than you think,” Sally says. “How a room feels when someone walks in, how easy the check-in
is, those details really shape the experience,” and“You have to be ready to be fully involved,” she says. “There’s always something to learn, and you have to be willing to adapt.” Looking ahead, their focus remains steady. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Sally and Young are continuing to invest in gradual, meaningful improvements, refining rooms, updating spaces, and balancing modern updates with the motel’s existing character. “It’s an ongoing process,” she says. “We’re taking it step by step to make sure the changes are meaningful and lasting.” In many ways, that approach reflects the journey that brought them here in the first place. Not abrupt, not impulsive, but considered, deliberate, and rooted in something deeper than opportunity alone. In choosing to leave Toronto for Sussex, Sally Kim and Young Bae didn’t just change careers; they chose a different way of life. One defined not by speed or scale, but by connection, care, and the quiet satisfaction of building something meaningful - one guest at a time.
98 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 26 ISSUE 3 The small things matter more than you think. ” “
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 99
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