During a ski trip in Georgia, a group of friends encountered an unfortunate incident involving a hot tub repairman. After completing the job, the friends invited the repairman in for a beer. However, the following day, the repairman allegedly broke into their apartment and made off with personal items valued at nearly $20,000.

The tenants reported the incident to the Steamboat Springs Police Department on March 16. According to the arrest affidavit, the renters had contacted Vacasa rental regarding a broken hot tub in their rental property. Christopher Svenson, a contractor hired through Vacasa, responded to the request. One of the renters had a conversation with Svenson while he was repairing the hot tub and extended an invitation to join them for a drink.

The next day, the three renters left the premises to go skiing. Upon returning at noon, one of the renters discovered that the door was unlocked. They reported several stolen items, including a Rolex watch worth $18,000, Bose headphones worth $329, a Dell laptop worth $848, Adidas sneakers worth $160, and an $80 laptop case. Additionally, one of the renters reported the theft of an American Express credit card, while another stated that $1,200 in cash was missing from their laptop case.

The renter whose credit card was allegedly stolen received notifications of its usage in multiple locations around Steamboat, starting at 12:10 p.m. on March 16, just ten minutes after one of the renters returned to find the unlocked door.

According to the affidavit, Svenson had only been employed by the rental company for five days, as confirmed by the property manager. The property manager informed the police that Svenson had access to the garage but did not possess keys to enter the residence.

On the morning of March 16 at 9:15 a.m., Svenson reportedly expressed feeling belittled by the tenants to the property manager and promptly quit before leaving the office. However, despite quitting, Svenson was allegedly seen at the rental property by a maintenance staff member at 9:30 a.m., just 15 minutes later.

The police used vehicle registration data and video footage from stores where the stolen credit card was used to identify Svenson as the suspect. Subsequently, Svenson was arrested on Wednesday, April 26, on charges of second-degree burglary, a Class 3 felony, and theft, a Class 5 felony. His bail was set at $25,000.

Mississauga-based company Hydropool has made a groundbreaking announcement in the Canadian hot tub and swim spa industry by merging with Sunrise Spas. This merger brings together the leadership, intellectual property, and industry experience of both companies, totaling almost a century, to enhance the efficiency of the production process for both manufacturers.

The primary objective of the merger is to strengthen both the Hydropool and Sunrise brands. By working closely together, the companies aim to build a strong future. The merger presents an exciting opportunity for all those involved in either company.

While the two manufacturers join forces, most aspects of their operations will remain unchanged. Retailers can expect to continue receiving the same high level of service and support they have been accustomed to.

Over the next year, there will be a gradual shift in Sunrise’s production and assembly from Grimsby, Ont. to Hydropool’s location in Mississauga. This transition will be carried out at a reasonable pace to minimize any disruption for retailers.

Throughout the merger, the Sunrise brand family will be maintained, with a focus on strengthening both brands without one overshadowing the other. Dealers will maintain their existing relationships with Sunrise Spas’ customer service, sales teams, and senior leadership. Parts will continue to be supplied directly by Sunrise, and the warranty service will also be handled by Sunrise.

The merger is seen as a change that makes sense for both companies, considering the current economic climate. By operating more efficiently and expanding manufacturing capabilities, both Hydropool and Sunrise will be better positioned for the future.

Steven Northam, a semi-retired British entrepreneur, embarked on an extraordinary venture by purchasing the front end of a vintage Boeing 737-200 from eBay for $6,165. The 38-year-old visionary saw this as an opportunity to create a distinctive luxury Airbnb vacation rental. The project aimed to combine fun and quirkiness with a potential business venture.

However, acquiring a plane proved to be more challenging than a typical online purchase. Northam had to arrange for a haulage firm and a crane to transport the plane, which took nearly three months to coordinate. The aircraft was originally used by Chichester College to train future flight crew but had been neglected for over a decade, resulting in a rather dilapidated condition upon its arrival at Northam’s home in Winchester, England.

Undeterred by the plane’s sorry state, Northam embarked on an extensive renovation project, both inside and outside the aircraft, which incurred a total cost of around $18,500. The interior required a complete overhaul, as it was a time capsule from the plane’s original era. The renovation process commenced in July 2022 and spanned three months, with Northam undertaking the project single-handedly. His efforts were even documented by the crew of the Channel 4 show “George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.”

The initial step involved removing the majority of the seats, reinforcing the floor, and installing new carpeting. Northam then transformed the empty space into distinct sections, creating alcoves for beds, seating areas, and a kitchenette using stud walls. While the interior features modern technology, such as high-speed WiFi, Smart TVs, and Xboxes, Northam was careful to retain many of the plane’s original elements, including the seats with seatbelts, overhead storage lockers, and even the original restroom. To add an element of uniqueness, a glass floor was incorporated, offering a view into the cargo hold area.

One of the standout features of the renovated plane is an innovative hot tub made from the inlet cowling of a plane engine. Alongside deck chairs and space for a barbecue, this creative addition provides guests with a one-of-a-kind experience. Another highlight is the cockpit flight simulator, which captures the attention of aviation enthusiasts. Equipped with a gaming PC and a large curved monitor, the simulator allows guests to immerse themselves in a realistic flight experience. The fusion of entertainment options and distinctive features has already generated significant interest from potential Airbnb guests.

Although Northam is still awaiting planning permission from the local council to officially list the plane on Airbnb, there is already a considerable list of individuals eager to stay. The anticipated cost per night is around £150 ($185.70). Families with children have shown particular interest, but the rental is also expected to appeal to those seeking a unique venue for parties or a weekend of leisure and enjoyment.

Northam takes great pride in his remarkable accomplishment and envisions using the revenue generated from the Airbnb rental to pursue future projects. He has set his sights on transforming a truck into an armored camper van, which promises to be yet another extraordinary venture. With his passion for converting unusual spaces into fascinating accommodations, Northam’s innovative spirit continues to thrive, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next endeavor.

Featured Photo Credit: Steven Northam