Welcome to "The Art of Hospitality," where the Operator meets the Philosopher to unravel the intricate tapestry of the vacation rental industry. Led by Conrad O'Connell, the Digital Strategist who turns clicks into bookings, and hosted by Scott Fasano, the "Operator," and Adam Norko, the "Philosopher," our podcast presents a trinity of perspectives that uniquely positions us at the intersection of practical operations, philosophical depth, and digital innovation. We tackle the gamut—marketing strategies, guest relations, property management, and internal operations—all while keeping an eye on the ever-changing landscape of our industry. This isn't just about running a vacation rental management business; it's about mastering the Art of Hospitality, where operational precision and thought leadership intersect to create extraordinary experiences. So, if you're keen on listening to discussions that marry tactical excellence with intellectual depth, all underpinned by game-changing digital strategies, you're in the right place. Join us as we redefine what it means to excel in the vacation rental industry.
In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined again by Pierre-Camille Hamana of Hospitable to talk about product features, new pricing tools, building for Vacation Rental hosts and managers and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPierre-Camille HamanaHospitable
In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Fonvielle from Atlantic Vacation Homes on growth, marketing, brand, a long company and local history and a lot more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJonathan Fonvielle Atlantic Vacation Homes
In this episode, we chat with Blendi Muriqi on building teams, delegation, short-term rental staffing needs, AI vs personal touch and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellBlendi MuriqiDelegate.co
In this episode, we chat with Nathan Woods - formerly of Bolt Farm Treehouse and now certified training specialist of "Unreasonable Hospitality" from our favorite author Will Guidara. Nathan shares his story, journey into short-term rentals and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMinistry of WelcomeBeloved HospitalityNathan Woods Personal SiteNathan Woods
In this episode, we chat with Allison Bayley from Bayley Vacation Rentals about all things focus, team management, building a tight geo collection of inventory and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAllison BayleyBayley Vacation Rentals
In this episode, we go "guestless" and focus on the news, industry trends and changes happening to our space so far in 2025.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSCOOP: VTrips' Steve Milo Is Out as CEOVacasa Accepts Revised Acquisition Offer, Turns Down Rival's Higher Bid
In this episode, Moran Goldboim of Boom to talk all things AI, tech, platforms, APIs, building true "enterprise" software and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMoran GoldboimBoom
In this episode, Simon Lehmann joins to chat all things growth, industry trends, his advice to new property managers, international market differences and where things are likely headed into 2025 and beyond. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSimon LehmannAJL Atelier
In this episode, Tanya Rooney joins the discussion to explore the concept of "unreasonable hospitality" and how even minor acts can greatly enhance guest experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of regularly evaluating business operations. Rooney shares her personal journey into short-term rentals, along with her preferences regarding property management. The hosts discuss adapting to short-term rentals through experimentation, as well as addressing challenges with hospitality to elevate guest experiences.The discussion then shifts to the fixation on achieving five-star reviews, and strategies for regaining control from Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) by prioritizing marketing and direct bookings are also covered. Rooney's preference for managing a smaller, high-quality business leads to a conversation about the challenges of scaling versus maintaining quality. The hosts explore the idea of pursuing passion projects over soulless scaling, and Rooney provides a referral for a future podcast guest.⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTanya RooneyYay You're HereTribe Builders Podcast
In this episode, we're joined by Eli Pritykin of Hudson Creative Studio to talk all things product, direct bookings, building solutions, data lakes, and a LOT more...⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellEli (Alexey) PritykinHomeRunnerHudson Creative Studio
In this episode, we're joined by Ben Wolff Cofounder of Onera and Oasi on his focus of unique stays, marketing, organic social growth, experience-focused stays and a LOT more... ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellOneraOasiBen Wolff
In this episode, we're joined by Jamey King from eviivo on PMS growth, awareness in a new market, the history of VRMA, sales, people and a lot more! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJamey Kingeviivo
In this episode, we're joined by Michael O'Connell & Ben Coleman who are on the Founding team of Happy Guest to talk about growth, solutions and a LOT more!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMichael O'ConnellBen ColemanHappy Guest
In this episode, we're joined by Sasha Lawler - CEO of Roam - talking all about her solution for the vacation rental industry. ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSasha Lawler Roam
In this episode, we're joined by Pierre-Camille Hamana of Hospitable to talk all things funding, growth, rounds, PE vs VC and a lot more!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPierre-Camille HamanaHospitable
In this episode, we're joined by Richard Vaughton of YES Consulting on his long career in short-term rentals (vacation rentals) and the changes on the horizon in 2025. Richard shares his current views on focusing (or not focusing) on direct bookings, OTA platforms, pro vs hobby hosts and a LOT more...⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellYes ConsultingRichard Vaughton
In this episode, we're joined by Rose Tipka from Your Family's Place on guest, finding a unique market, building, "secret boxes" and more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellRose TipkaYour Family's Place
In this episode, we're joined by Braeden Flaherty of Aidaptive (again!) to talk all things AI, tooling, what's functional today, growth with tools, conversion rates, "merchandising" and more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAidaptiveBraeden Flaherty
In this episode, we're joined by Landon Schlabach of BNB Breeze to chat growth, acquiring investors and inventory, taking care of guests, ops and a LOT more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellLandon SchlabachBNB Breeze
In this episode, we're joined by Nathan St Cyr of Howzit Hostels to chat all things hostels, travel, the cost of travel, hospitality and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellHowzit HostelsNathan St Cyr
In this episode, we're joined by Amber Carpenter of VTrips to talk all things marketing, CXO, revenue, conversions, merchandising properties and a LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAmber Carpenter VTrips
In this episode, we're joined by Zach Busekrus of Journey to discuss his recent joining of company & sale of StayWatch, loyalty, hospitality, unique stays, credit card points and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellZach BusekrusStayWatchJourney
In this episode, we're joined by an all-star cast - Madison Rifkin, Amy Hinote and Matt Landau - to discuss the future of vacation rental industry events, DARM, looking for the right conference for you and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAmy HinoteDARMMadison RifkinMountMatt Landau Here Goes Nothin
In this episode, we're joined (again) by Tom Goodwin to share the launch of his podcast and upcoming media - For the Love of Gatlinburg Podcast! Tom shares a LOT more than just that however and goes into detail on building a brand, competing with the big guys, connecting with your local community and even more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellFor the Love of Gatlinburg Tom GoodwinMountain Laurel Chalets
In this episode, we're joined by Annie Sloan of The Host Co. on all things guest experience, upsells, NRR (non rental-revenue), expansion, going from a host to a pro host and a lot more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAnnie SloanThe Host Co.
In this episode, we're joined by Clark Twiddy from Twiddy & Company to share his thoughts on growth, leadership, balancing guest vs homeowner, being the 'best' in a market and a lot more. You do NOT want to miss this one. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTwiddyClark Twiddy
In this episode, we're joined (again) by Justin Ford who is the Director of Short-Term Rental Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway. Justin gives us an update on what's trending and happening in the world of safety in 2024 and where we need to do better. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJustin FordBreezeway
In this episode, we're joined by Paul Waldschmidt, CEO of Ownerrez. We talk all about the origin of Ownerrez, an engineering mindset, updates, growth, funding in our space and LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPaul WaldschmidtOwnerrez
In this episode, we're joined by Kenny Bedwell of STR Insights to talk all things data, marketing, ops, finding the right properties and a TON more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellKenny BedwellSTR Insights
In this episode, the trio takes on trying to better define what it means to be a truly "professional" property manager or vacation rental manager.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'Connell
In this episode, we chat with Scott Leggat who is the Director Government Affairs & Advocacy at Inhabit IQ. We dive into regulations, how to build the right local relationships, marketing, Scott's background and more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellScott Leggat
In this episode, the trio takes on the fundamentals of vacation rental business building and how it applies to building a winning organization. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellThe Webinar: Conrad / Adam
In this episode, we chat with Jeff Brown of IntelliHost on data, getting more traffic on Airbnb with testing, thumbnails, how to run tests and even more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJeff BrownIntelliHost
In this episode, we chat with Dustin Abney of Portoro on his stunningly quick growth building his vacation rental mangement company to hundreds of units in just a few short years, trends, PMS platforms, building technology, what the future holds and a lot more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPortoroDustin Abney
In this episode, we chat with Becky Large of Autism Travel Club on her movement to accept all travelers, why focusing on families with Autism can be not just be more 'welcoming' but also a driver of growth for your business too. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellBecky LargeAutism Travel Club
In this episode, we interview Wes Smithe of Direct Software on what it's really like to build a PMS, his unique takes on where we're heading, how change is creating opportunity for Direct and a lot more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellDirect SoftwareWes Smithe
In this episode, we interview Tim Rosolio of Vrbo / Expedia Group on all things Vrbo, technology, tech debt, building towards the future, merchadising vacation rentals and a lot more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTim RosolioOne Key
In this episode, we interview Darren Pettyjohn from Proper Insurance on why they're the world-class insurance product for vacation rental homeowners, guests and property managers. Darren shares his journey of what's it's like to 'swim away' from the crowd, being the most expensive offering and more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellDarren PettyjohnProper Insurance
In this episode, we interview Chris Walker from Direct Booking Tools about his current approach to building tech that works and delivers the outcome that all PMs and VRMs are looking for. Chris also shares his background and history by getting into and building a vacation rental business in Hilton Head, SC. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellChris WalkerDirect Booking Tools
In this episode, we interview Marcus Räder from Hostaway about tech, funding, building a winning PMS platform, what scaling means for the STR/Vacation rental industry, his song and a LOT more. You don't want to miss this one.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMarcus RäderHostaway
In this episode, we interview Bryndee Barton from Loma Homes on her background in building long-term rentals, then working with her business partners into a brand-new short-term rental angle with designed + themed vacation homes. She breaks down why design and investing into an awesome guest experience is what has lead to the right outcomes for Loma Homes and their investors. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellBryndee BartonLoma Homes
In this episode, we interview (for the second time) Tyann Marcink Hammond of many projects (linked below) but most known as the Queen Of Guest Experience for Touch Stay. We talk about what touch points are missing from many PMs and hosts workflows, building happy guest experiences and more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTyann Marcink HammondBranson Family RetreatsMissouri HausTouch Stay
In this episode, we interview Deborah Labi of Have You Got / The Techsplained Series on growth, building understanding in the vacation rental space of tech + tools, her new business launching now and a lot more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellDeborah LabiHave You Got Network The Techsplained Series
In this episode, we interview Eric Thibodeaux of Current Tides Vacation Rentals + Safer VRs about building a world-class vacation rental business that takes every stakeholder into account including guests, owners and our community. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellEric ThibodeauxSafer VRsCurrent Tides Vacation Rentals
In this episode, we interview Steve Milo and Miriam Ramsey from Vtrips. They share their (always) honest takes on where we're heading, VRMA, how Vtrips is doing, ethics of our industry and a lot more. Editor's note: we had some minor audio issues with Miriam's file, but it doesn't take away from the great information shared. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSteve MiloMiriam Ramsey
In this episode, we interview Matthew Loney with Xplorie on overall guest experience, service vs hospitality, building the right setup for guests and lot more! Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMatthew LoneyXplorie
In this episode, we interview Jeff Ostermann from Sweetwater (Sweetwater is the world's leading music technology and instrument retailer) about how customer care leads to the ideal outcome not only for happy customers, but for their business as well. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJeff OstermannSweetwater
In this episode, we interview Jeff Iloulian and Kimberly White from HostGPO on their approach to marketing, brand building, standards, scaling, 'starting from the bottom' and more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellKimberly WhiteJeff IloulianHostGPO
In this episode, we interview with Kerri Gibson of Chalets Hygge. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellKerri GibsonChalets Hygge
In this episode, we share what's happening with the next phase of The Art Of Hospitality, why our back catalog is down and other important life updates.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'Connell
In this episode, we interview with John Paladino from Small Batch Hats (our proud hat builder) and Milestone Meetings. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSmall Batch HatsJohn PaladinoMilestone Meetings
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