In this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, host Scott Howell sits down with Max Poppel, a passionate rock climber who transformed his love for the sport into thriving local businesses in Chattanooga. Max shares the captivating journey that led to the creation of The Crash Pad, an innovative hostel that combines communal living with boutique hotel charm, and Ernest Chinese, a restaurant that satisfies his dream of eating dumplings every day.

Max's story begins with his move to Chattanooga for rock climbing nearly two decades ago. Falling in love with the city and its climbing scene, Max saw an opportunity to create a base camp for climbers. This vision eventually evolved into The Crash Pad, an "uncommon hostel" that offers economical and communal lodging options for outdoor enthusiasts. The Crash Pad stands out for its unique blend of traditional hostel elements and boutique hotel features, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking a memorable and affordable stay in Chattanooga.

In addition to The Crash Pad, Max and his business partner ventured into the culinary world with the Flying Squirrel restaurant. However, their latest endeavor, Ernest Chinese, truly embodies Max's passion for food and community. Named after a cherished cat, Ernest Chinese offers a delightful mix of American Chinese food and Sichuan cuisine, accompanied by a tailored tiki drink menu. The restaurant also features 'dumpling hour,' a special time where guests can enjoy half-priced dumplings, crab rangoons, and draft tiki drinks, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Max emphasizes the importance of creating 'third places,' environments where people can connect outside of home and work. Both The Crash Pad and Ernest Chinese serve as these vital communal spaces, enriching the Chattanooga region by providing places for people to interact, share stories, and build relationships. This focus on community and hospitality is at the core of Max's ventures, making them more than just businesses—they are integral parts of the local fabric.

Max's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the impact that local businesses can have on a community. Whether it's providing a comfortable and affordable place for travelers to stay or offering delicious and unique dining experiences, Max's ventures contribute significantly to the vibrancy and charm of Chattanooga.

Listeners are invited to tune in to the full episode to hear more about Max's entrepreneurial journey, the philosophy behind his businesses, and the heartwarming story behind the name Ernest Chinese. They are also encouraged to nominate their favorite local businesses to be featured on the Good Neighbor Podcast, helping to highlight and support the incredible array of locally owned establishments in the Chattanooga region.

Supporting local businesses like The Crash Pad and Ernest Chinese is crucial for the vitality of the Chattanooga community. Scott encourages listeners to remember and support the locally owned and operated businesses in the region, from Cleveland to Dalton and from Jasper to Benton. By doing so, we can help strengthen our community and ensure that unique establishments like Max's continue to thrive.