Podcasts about vacation rentals

In this episode of the Invested Fuel podcast, host Q Edmonds interviews Margie Van Zee, the owner of Bella Palazzo, a property management company specializing in short-term vacation rentals in Arizona. Margie shares her journey in the property management industry, the challenges she faces, and her strategies for growth. She emphasizes the importance of providing a five-star guest experience and discusses her plans to scale her business while maintaining high standards of hospitality. Margie's personal story of resilience and focus on family adds depth to her professional insights, making this conversation both informative and inspiring.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this episode, we're joined by Mark Lumpkin of STR Cribs to talk all things, design, returns, performance of commodity listings vs designed listings, where most property managers fail, winning on Airbnb, how to get more bookings with design and a LOT more. Buckle up.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSTR CribsMark Lumpkin 

In this episode of Vacation Rentals with John, we're diving deep into one of the most frustrating realities of hosting — when guests lie just to get a refund.I'll break down the most common scam tactics — from false cleanliness complaints to fake pest sightings — and share real-life examples from my own hosting experience. You'll learn exactly how to document, respond, and escalate issues so you win refund disputes and protect your hard-earned income.Whether you've been burned before or just want to scam-proof your short-term rental business, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to handle any guest who tries to take advantage.

In this episode of Vacation Rentals with John, we dive deep into one of the most frustrating parts of running a short-term rental business: getting paid for guest damages.We're talking about AirCover, Booking.com, and VRBO — the platforms that promise protection but often leave you covering the bill. I break down:Why your payout is often only 20–50% of the actual damageWhy cleaning fees, unauthorized pet charges, and late checkout penalties rarely get coveredWhat documentation you must collect (and when)The real story of a guest swapping out TVs and STILL not getting reimbursedStep-by-step action plan to protect your profit when the platforms fail youIf your wear and tear costs are higher than your profits, you're not in business — you're bleeding cash. Learn how to fight back smart, protect your margins, and run a tighter operation.Quick asks to help grow the show and community:✅ Like my Facebook page → facebook.com/thejohnandrew — I drop free tips and content there every week.

Send us a message!What did it take to bring vacation rentals into the mainstream and what did we lose along the way?In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we're joined by industry veteran and Finding Better podcast host John Suzuki, who reflects on the emotional and operational toll of the tech transformation that reshaped short-term rentals over the last two decades.From the early days of fax machines and yellow page listings to the rise of e-commerce and AI, John helped lead the charge at Expedia Group during one of the most turbulent and defining chapters of the industry. But behind the progress came growing pains, confusion, fear, and a communication breakdown that left many property managers feeling left behind.We dive into:1️⃣ The emotional toll of industry-wide disruption2️⃣ Why innovation without empathy nearly broke trust3️⃣ The importance of clear communication during periods of change4️⃣ How AI could finally simplify operations (if we let it)5️⃣ Why “scrappiness” is the most important skill to build now6️⃣ The rise of Finding Better and John's mission to bring heart back to businessIf you've ever felt overwhelmed by how fast things are moving or nostalgic for the days when hospitality was more human, this episode is for you.✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get a free market assessment from Track with 3 to 5 actionable insights tailored to your business. (valued at $400)You will meet one-on-one with an expert to help evaluate your market, identify opportunities, and build a strategy to help you stand out.

In this episode, we're joined by Amber Knight from BookingsCloud to talk advertising, marketing teams, budget, AI/ML, targeting and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellAmber KnightBookingsCloudEditor's note: we had some minor audio issues during recording. 

As we mark our 500th episode, we're diving into the incredible journey of reviving Engadine Inn & Cabins, a historic vacation rental in Asheville, North Carolina. Your host, Brian Hamrick, shares the behind-the-scenes story of overcoming property management setbacks, surviving Hurricane Helene, and transforming disaster into opportunity. Discover how creative strategies—like launching fly fishing experiences, hosting weddings and wellness retreats, and leveraging local partnerships—are helping to turn a struggling property into a thriving destination. Learn valuable lessons about resilience, marketing, and the power of community in the face of adversity. Plus, get an inside look at the launch of a new podcast, “Asheville Reboot,” dedicated to supporting local businesses and showcasing the comeback of Western North Carolina after the storm. Whether you're a real estate investor, vacation rental owner, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights! Topics covered: The challenges and rewards of managing a historic property Lessons learned from property management failures Surviving and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene Innovative ways to boost bookings and revenue The importance of local partnerships and creative marketing Launching “Asheville Reboot” to support the Asheville community Tune in and join us on this milestone episode! For more information: Engadine Inn and Cabins Website Engadine Inn and Cabins on Instagram Asheville Reboot on YouTube Channel Asheville Reboot is also available on all podcast platforms. ---------- Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

  Recorded Sunday July 27, 2025 Book talk begins at 21:21 Our ongoing knit-along is a CHARITY KAL!   Do you regularly knit or crochet for a charity? Have you been making plans to knit or crochet for a charity?  Well, this knit-along is for you!   DATES - May 15, 2025 until September 1, 2025 Rules: Post pictures of your completed projects in the FO thread. Along with the picture(s), please tell us what charity you are knitting for and a link to their website if possible. Post a separate post for each item. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to enter a project for a prize.  Need some inspiration or looking for a charity? Check out our  Charity KAL Chatter thread! Come join our Virtual Knitting Group - all the info is HERE EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get Together - September 18-21, 2025 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Centre on Zephyr Cove, Nevada Tracie will be at: TKGA Retreat - November 6-9, 2025  KNITTING Barb has finished: Knitted Knocker A Hat Called Hudson #2 Tracie finished: Bears 340-342 including Ginger Bear the drag queen Pampas Tee by Samantha Guerin in CasaSol Bambú M in Rosa Coral Everyday Attitude by Susanne Sommer in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in Rigging and Wool and the Gang The One Cotton in Azure Blue Barb is still working on: A Hat Called Hudson #3 Knitted knocker Garden Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Woolen Cotton (DK weight) in the Dolly Heather colorway. Barb has cast-on: Colorwork Dip pullover by SuviKnits, using Berroco Remix Light Tracie has cast on: Dunedrifter tee by Wool & Pine in Trendsetter Yarns Transitions in Sunrise Red Orange Yellow Davis #6 by Pam Allen in Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus Dappled in Cape Town BOOKS Barb read: The Vacation Rental by Katie Sise - 3 stars No Conscience by Phil Williams - 3 stars  Blood in the Water: the Untold Story of a Family Tragedy by Casey Sherman - 4 stars Tracie read: The In Crowd by Charlotte Vassell - 4.5 stars Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read - 3 stars The Black Book (Inspector Rebus #5) by Ian Rankin - 3.5 stars If Two Are Dead by Rick Mofina - 2 stars

Send us a message!In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Paul Kromidas, Founder & CEO of Summer, to talk about the growing need for asset intelligence in short-term rental investing, and why gut feel is no longer enough when deciding which properties to buy.Paul shares his journey from building products at Airbnb to launching Summer, a powerful underwriting and asset management platform designed specifically for STR operators. Originally built as an internal tool while running his own rental portfolio, Summer is now helping operators and investors across the U.S. evaluate, acquire, and manage properties with more confidence and accuracy.Key Topics Discussed:1️⃣ Why post-COVID performance data is misleading and how to normalize it2️⃣ The difference between pricing tools and true asset intelligence3️⃣ How Summer helps operators know if a property will perform before they buy it4️⃣ What investors, lenders, and operators are really looking for in STR data5️⃣ Lessons from Paul's time at Airbnb, including what makes a brand resilientIf you're buying or managing STR properties without a reliable way to underwrite or track performance, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kromidas-a8343519/ Website: https://summeros.com/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get a free market assessment from Track with 3 to 5 actionable insights tailored to your business. (valued at $400)You will meet one-on-one with an expert to help evaluate your market, identify opportunities, and build a strategy to help you stand out.

I'm back. Here's where I've been, what's changed in STRs, and how this podcast will help you win in 2025 — one smart move at a time.Follow the new facebook page hereThank you so much for your support.

In this conversation, Lenny Sharp shares his journey from a tech background to becoming a successful realtor specializing in vacation rentals near Yosemite National Park. He discusses the importance of finding a niche in real estate, the impact of travel on his perspective, and the significance of hospitality in the vacation rental business. Lenny also provides insights into the Yosemite market, the appeal of nature, and how to connect with potential investors. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

This episode is brought to you by HalloCasa, the SEO-ranked digital business card for real estate agents. Looking to find the right agent, no matter where you are?Visit https://home.hallocasa.com to discover and connect with top real estate agents globally.In this episode, we sit down with Oswaldo Ortega González, co-founder of Riviera Maya Cozy and one of the most trusted real estate consultants in the Riviera Maya. With over 10 years of experience in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancún, Oswaldo shares priceless insights for anyone interested in investing, buying, or selling property in Quintana Roo.Timestamps:00:01:20 – Introduction00:05:20 – Overview: Quintana Roo, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancún00:07:40 – How Tulum's Real Estate Market Has Evolved + 2025 Construction Boom00:11:50 – Real Estate Prices & Trends in Quintana Roo00:18:00 – Preconstruction, Foreign Buyers, Transaction Costs & Mortgages00:26:00 – Vacation Rentals & ROI in Riviera Maya00:30:10 – Selling Property, International Transfers & Promissory Contracts00:34:05 – Building a Real Estate Brand in Mexico00:35:33 – Final Thoughts & AdviceWhether you're looking to live in paradise or invest in high-ROI vacation rentals, this is a must-watch for investors and real estate enthusiasts alike.You can reach out to Oswaldo via: https://rivieramayacozy.com/

Condotels Are A Vacation Home And A $$$ Maker...   ...can be a great 1st time investment property as long as you understand how they work at a super high level they are absolutely different than your typical condo and can cost a lot less than a traditional condo keep in mind that they are almost always cash sales as most bank will not approve a mortgage in a heavy rental building condotels can look and feel a lot like a hotel many of them have a front desk for check in/check out 1 main difference is that each unit is individually owned  so renters deal directly with the owners or their property managers for bookings and assistance owners typically spend some time using their condotels during the year and then rent it out when they aren't staying there which for many investors is the perfect situation where the rental income covers most/all of the annual expenses which ends up feeling like they have a free vacation spot as with any short term rental property it's expected to be furnished and fully stocked for guests a handyman and a cleaning person are typically hired to oversee things today's show takes you through the process of purchasing a condotel and leveraging your investment to its maximum income potential     

Ever wonder what it really takes to pack up your life, move to a new city, and build a short-term rental business from scratch? In this episode, We sat down with my friend Chachi Horgan — a former real estate agent from Maine who took a leap, moved to Florida, and built Roam Ready Vacation Rentals, scaling to 11 properties in less than two years. We talk about everything — the mindset it took to start over, the power of building a solid network, what it's like navigating a new market, and why learning to delegate is absolutely critical if you want to grow. Chachi also shares how coaching lacrosse and a love of personal development shaped how he runs his business today. If you're thinking about starting a vacation rental business — or scaling the one you already have — this one's loaded with real stories, raw insights, and some seriously motivating perspective. Things we discussed in this episode: Chachi's transition from real estate agent to short-term rental business owner in Florida The importance of networking and building relationships in a new community Strategies for analyzing and selecting properties using tools like AirDNA and PriceLabs The challenges of scaling a business and delegating tasks effectively Mindset development and personal growth through reading business and self-help books Dealing with seasonality in short-term rental markets The value of having a growth mindset and continuous improvement Expanding business operations across multiple markets (Florida and Maine) The role of virtual assistants and team members in business growth Leveraging coaching and athletic experience in developing business skills and mindset training Get in touch with Chachi: Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/chachi.horgan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_realestate_chachi/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://roamreadyvacationrentals.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbInvestment #RealEstateSuccess #PropertyInvesting #STRStrategy #OffMarketDeals #AirbnbTips #RealEstateCoaching #PassiveIncome #PropertyManagement Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, Kristen Knapp interviews Ken Burrows, the founder and CEO of Kinlux, a unique vacation rental model that merges residential and commercial properties with innovative entertainment concepts. Ken discusses the challenges faced in the residential vacation rental market due to increasing regulations and how Kinlux is transitioning to commercial properties. He explains the tokenization of shares in the business, allowing investors to participate in a new model that combines real estate with cryptocurrency. The conversation also covers the design of unique properties, investor engagement strategies, and the future vision for Kinlux.  Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this episode, Heather Bayer sits down with Heather Fillmore, co-founder of Utah-based StayLuxe Properties, for an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and leadership in the short-term rental space. Heather shares her remarkable journey from surviving a catastrophic flood in Baton Rouge to launching a successful luxury vacation rental brand in Park City, Utah - right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >>https://www.hostfully.com/survey You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS620

Send us a message!In this episode, we're joined by Lorraine Woodward, CEO of Becoming rentABLE, to explore how property managers and hosts can make their vacation rentals more accessible without needing a full renovation or massive investment.Drawing from her lived experience navigating life with muscular dystrophy and raising two sons with the same condition, Lorraine shares practical, real-world advice for designing spaces that serve a broader range of guests. From small, low-cost additions to rethinking how properties are marketed, she breaks down what accessibility really means and why it matters now more than ever.We dive into:1️⃣ Common myths and misconceptions about accessibility in short-term rentals2️⃣ Simple updates that can make a big impact (and boost bookings)3️⃣ The importance of inclusive language, photos, and listing descriptions4️⃣ Insights from Becoming Rentable's collaboration with Vrbo and Expedia5️⃣ The long-term opportunity of serving the accessible travel marketNo matter the size of your portfolio, this episode will help you see your properties through a more inclusive lens and show you how small changes can make a big difference for guests who are too often left out of the travel experience.Connect with Lorraine:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainebwoodward/ Website: https://www.becomingrentable.com/✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get a free market assessment from Track with 3 to 5 actionable insights tailored to your business. (valued at $400)You will meet one-on-one with an expert to help evaluate your market, identify opportunities, and build a strategy to help you stand out.

Bea Murphy, Realtor with Lamacchia Realty, shares insights from both her own experiences and teaming with her real estate investor clients. She breaks down how to evaluate short-term vs. long-term rental opportunities and what factors to consider before making an offer. Bea also offers practical tips on preparing for and managing the unique challenges of short-term rentals. Whether you're a first-time investor or growing your portfolio, this episode is packed with valuable advice and real life stories.

Can a side hustle built on friendship and a love of travel become something bigger? Join Jason Muth, Rory Gill, and Ethan Sobel as they share the real story behind Prideaway Stays, their co-hosting venture in Provincetown. From a family dream of owning a Cape home to building a guest-first rental brand, this episode dives into the heart of short-term rental hosting. Discover how they scaled their business while staying personal, built community connections, and turned passion into purpose.

Furnished Finder's CEO Jeff joins us to break down why thousands of hosts are moving away from Airbnb and into the booming midterm rental space.In this episode: • Jeff's journey from VRBO and Expedia to Furnished Finder • Why monthly rentals are the most underserved niche in real estate • How to price your MTR listings for max profit • The 3 types of hosts who thrive on Furnished Finder • Tech upgrades, new guest demographics, and the future of midterms • Why most Airbnb hosts still don't understand real returnsWhether you're a casual host or a pro operator, this episode will help you rethink your strategy, lower your fees, and build a more resilient rental business.Guest Bio:Jeff Hurst is the President and CEO of Furnished Finder, a role he assumed in November 2023 at the invitation of the company's founders. Prior to that, Hurst was the Chief Operating Officer of Expedia Brands and Co-Lead of Expedia Group Marketing. Before that, he was the President of Vrbo and Chief Strategy Officer of HomeAway, where he oversaw the company's successful sale to Expedia, Inc. Before venturing into the vacation rental industry, Hurst worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, collaborating with consumer brands on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and pricing strategies. Hurst received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and BA from the University of Texas at Austin.00:05:00 - Game-Changing Insights: Luxury Brands in Vacation Rentals 00:10:00 - Unstoppable Leaders: CEOs Who Shaped My Philosophy 00:15:00 - Winning Balance: How I Prioritize Family, CEO Role, & Life 00:20:00 - Bold Moves: Why I Chose Furnish Finder Over Other CEO Jobs 00:25:00 - Secret Advantage: Choosing the Right City & Team First 00:30:00 - Proven Blueprint: Advice to My Son on Career & Leadership 00:35:00 - Power Tip: Best Way to Reconnect with Furnish Finder 00:40:00 - Ultimate Secret: #1 Tip for Short Term Rental Success 00:45:00 - Smart Hack: How Hosts Save Money by Reverse-Engineering Airbnb Guest Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hurst-atxGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

In this conversation, Kelly Lynn Cronin shares her journey into the real estate and vacation rental space, discussing her unique properties in Alaska and Puerto Rico, the challenges of navigating multiple property deals, and the importance of seller financing. She emphasizes the potential of alternative housing and the experiences that can be created in nature, highlighting her recent acquisition of an 80-acre property in Wisconsin. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Furnished Finder's CEO, Jeff, joins us to break down why thousands of hosts are moving away from Airbnb and into the booming midterm rental space.In this episode: • Jeff's journey from VRBO and Expedia to Furnished Finder • Why monthly rentals are the most underserved niche in real estate • How to price your MTR listings for max profit • The 3 types of hosts who thrive on Furnished Finder • Tech upgrades, new guest demographics, and the future of midterms • Why most Airbnb hosts still don't understand real returnsWhether you're a casual host or a pro operator, this episode will help you rethink your strategy, lower your fees, and build a more resilient rental business.Guest Bio:Jeff Hurst is the President and CEO of Furnished Finder, a role he assumed in November 2023 at the invitation of the company's founders. Prior to that, Hurst was the Chief Operating Officer of Expedia Brands and Co-Lead of Expedia Group Marketing. Before that, he was the President of Vrbo and Chief Strategy Officer of HomeAway, where he oversaw the company's successful sale to Expedia, Inc. Before venturing into the vacation rental industry, Hurst worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, collaborating with consumer brands on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and pricing strategies. Hurst received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and BA from the University of Texas at Austin.00:05:00 - Game-Changing Insights: Luxury Brands in Vacation Rentals 00:10:00 - Unstoppable Leaders: CEOs Who Shaped My Philosophy 00:15:00 - Winning Balance: How I Prioritize Family, CEO Role, & Life 00:20:00 - Bold Moves: Why I Chose Furnish Finder Over Other CEO Jobs 00:25:00 - Secret Advantage: Choosing the Right City & Team First 00:30:00 - Proven Blueprint: Advice to My Son on Career & Leadership 00:35:00 - Power Tip: Best Way to Reconnect with Furnish Finder 00:40:00 - Ultimate Secret: #1 Tip for Short Term Rental Success 00:45:00 - Smart Hack: How Hosts Save Money by Reverse-Engineering Airbnb Guest Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hurst-atxGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In Episode 50 of the Vintory Podcast, Brooke Pfautz connects with Andy Newman, founder & CEO of Newman Hospitality, to explore his unconventional journey from finance to short-term rentals—and the top 10 mistakes that shaped his path.After spending 28 years as a portfolio manager, a vacation through Europe in 2012 introduced Andy to Airbnb—not just as a guest, but as an opportunity. What began as a favor for friends and family quickly evolved into a thriving business. Just 18 months later, Andy launched Newman Hospitality in 2014.Now, with a deep focus on helping investors integrate STR strategies into their portfolios, Andy combines financial acumen with real-world hosting experience to drive scalable success. In this episode, he reflects on the missteps, mindset shifts, and operational lessons that helped him evolve from a solo host to a strategic industry leader.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsAndy NewmanNewman HospitalityBrooke Pfautz

Vacation rentals are up 12% year-over-year, while hotel performance weakens. We break down what the Skift Travel Health Index says about 2025's shifting accommodation trends—and what it means for STR hosts and operators worldwide.Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business?Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Boostly and join the discussion:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to know more about us? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay informed and ahead of the curve with the latest insights and analysis.

Send us a message!This week, we're joined by Deborah Labi, a seasoned hospitality professional and the founder of Have You Got, a verified global guest referral network designed to help independent property managers expand their reach and maximize revenue without sacrificing the personal touch that sets them apart.With two decades of experience in the industry, Deborah understands the frustration of turning away great guests, whether due to lack of availability or location. That challenge led to the creation of Have You Got, a platform that enables property managers to remain helpful, visible, and profitable even when they can't host the guest themselves. Through verified referrals, Have You Got turns missed bookings into meaningful opportunities for both managers and travelers.In this episode, we dive into:1️⃣ How Have You Got turns guest referrals into passive income2️⃣ Why verified managers and guest-first design build lasting trust3️⃣ Smart ways to use referral links to capture missed bookings4️⃣ How simple videos can strengthen guest loyalty5️⃣ Why collaboration, not consolidation, is key to reducing OTA dependenceWe also discuss the importance of transparency, collaboration, and brand-building in a market where travelers are increasingly craving trusted, local experiences.Connect with Deborah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-labi-a7566a2b/ Website: https://www.thehaveyougot.network/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get a free market assessment from Track with 3 to 5 actionable insights tailored to your business. (valued at $400)You will meet one-on-one with an expert to help evaluate your market, identify opportunities, and build a strategy to help you stand out.

In this episode, we're joined by Alex Husner AND Chad Blankenship to talk all things growth, marketing vs ops, revenue, pricing, brand building, consulting services for VRMs and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellChad BlankenshipAlex HusnerAlex & Annie PodcastDirectly Alex

What if your best-performing Airbnb was sitting just a mile away—and you almost missed it? In this episode, we talk with Jeremy Beland, a real estate investor who made the leap from wholesaling to building a killer short-term rental portfolio in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He shares how one overlooked pocket became home to his top-performing property—and why hyper-local strategy matters more than most people realize. Jeremy and his wife pull back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in the Airbnb space. From rehabbing a rundown house to creating a five-star guest experience, they walk through the messy, unglamorous, and essential parts of running short-term rentals like a real business. Whether you're already hosting or just thinking about it, this one's packed with real-world advice, hard-earned lessons, and a few laughs along the way. Things we discussed in this episode: Jeremy's shift from off-market deals to short-term rentals Why location—down to a one-mile radius—matters The real challenges of furnishing from scratch Building a strong local cleaning and maintenance team Treating STRs like a business, not a side hustle Smart guest screening to protect your property How reviews impact long-term success Jeremy's REI Freedom program on off-market strategies Long-term wealth potential of STR investments The hospitality mindset behind a top-tier Airbnb Get in touch with Jeremy: Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-beland-164b8913/ Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/795700988329071/media Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jeremybeland_/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbInvestment #RealEstateSuccess #PropertyInvesting #STRStrategy #OffMarketDeals #AirbnbTips #RealEstateCoaching #PassiveIncome #PropertyManagement Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

This week on Thanks for Visiting, we're joined by hospitality entrepreneur Taylor Gates, whose journey from renting out rooms in Charleston to founding multiple thriving hospitality ventures is anything but ordinary. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into Stay Duvet, a premier property management company focused on elevating the guest experience through hotel-quality standards and operations. Taylor also founded Fluffy, a commercial laundry and housekeeping service that supports his mission to raise the bar in short-term rentals.In this episode, Taylor walks us through:How he went from giving golf cart tours to managing 200+ propertiesThe surprising ROI of clean bedding and intentional linensWhat he looks for when hiring housekeeping teamsWhy every host should be staying in their own propertyThe systems and values that keep his team aligned and guests coming backWhether you're managing one unit or scaling your business, this episode is packed with insight, transparency, and practical tips from someone who truly lives and breathes hospitality.Stay Duvet – Taylor's luxury short-term rental management companyFluffy – Commercial laundry and housekeeping service built for STRsMinoan – A platform for hosts to source and showcase shoppable furnishings for their STRsMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Send us a message!Many short-term rental operators think that getting listed on Airbnb or Vrbo is enough. But in today's competitive landscape, basic distribution is no longer enough to stand out or to sustain growth.In this episode, we're joined by Lennart Kok, VP of Distribution and Marketing at NextPax, to explore what smarter vacation rental distribution really looks like. With a background at Hilton, Booking.com, and now NextPax, Lennart brings rare insight into where distribution often breaks down and how smarter OTA connectivity can solve problems most property managers don't even realize they have.From easier OTA connections to built-in AI that helps improve listing quality and speeds up onboarding, Lennart shares how NextPax is helping managers get more done with less effort.Key Topics Discussed:1️⃣ What it means to be a preferred OTA partner and how that status benefits operators2️⃣ How stronger OTA integrations improve messaging, reviews, payments, and visibility3️⃣  OTA features that many managers miss because their PMS doesn't fully support them 4️⃣ Ways to boost performance with smarter cancellation policies, promotions, and geo-targeted pricing5️⃣ How AI inside platforms like NextPax enhances listings, photos, translations, and support6️⃣ New opportunities to reach corporate and international travelers through GDS distributionIf you've been relying on just one or two channels or haven't updated your distribution strategy in years, this episode is a must listen.

What if your real estate business was designed to serve your life — not run it? In this episode, we chat with Fouad Bazzi, a former banker who left the corporate world to build a thriving short-term rental business centered around freedom, family, and purpose. He shares how he scaled his operations, mentors the next generation (including his own kids), and shifted from chasing work-life balance to creating true work-life unity. This isn't just about real estate — it's about building a values-driven business that aligns with the life you want. Whether you're an investor or just curious about the space, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Hit play and get ready to rethink success. Things we discussed in this episode: Fouad's shift from banking to STR for time and financial freedom Goal-driven real estate strategies over social media trends Rebranding from Crescent Retreats to The Owner Hosts Involving family in staging and business learning Building a global team with specialized virtual assistants Health and fitness as pillars of entrepreneurial success STR Cohort: action-based consulting and peer learning Embracing “work-life unity” over balance Tax strategies and real estate for high-income earners Creating sellable, legacy-driven businesses Get in touch with Fouad: Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/foubazzi/ Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fouad-bazzi-4415973/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fouadbazzi.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #OpportunityZones #ShortTermRentals #EntrepreneurLife #FamilyBusiness #FinancialFreedom #AirbnbHost #BusinessMindset #PropertyManagement #EntrepreneurialFamily #WealthBuilding Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

Welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! Today's guest is Stephen Petasky, CEO and Founder of The Luxus Group. For the past 17 years, Steve and his team have helped deliver over 20,000 luxury vacations across North and Central America, the Caribbean, and Tuscany. Steve shares how The Luxus Group creates a high-end, consistent travel experience and works with global luxury brands to deliver real value.Whether you're a real estate investor, a vacation rental owner, or just love traveling in style, this episode gives you real insights into the future of luxury travel and hospitality. In this episode, we chat about… How It Started: The personal story that led to building a luxury vacation rental business, before Airbnb. Solving Inconsistency: How The Luxus Group delivers hotel-level standards in vacation homes. Syndication Strategy: Using early investments to buy high-end properties and offer better experiences. Luxury Tiers Explained: What “accessible luxury” vs. “ultra-luxury” means in today's rental market. Regulations Impact: How short-term rental laws in places like Las Vegas and Maui affect property owners. Professional Management Wins: Why expert property management leads to higher income and fewer headaches. Key Takeaways Demand for Certainty: There's a strong need for consistent, hotel-like experiences in vacation rentals. Luxus Group tackles the inconsistency found in major platforms by enforcing strict brand standards, from linens to kitchen amenities, boosting customer loyalty and repeat bookings. Professional Management Benefits: Self-managing rentals can lead to pitfalls in a changing market. In contrast, expert property management by Luxus Group uses revenue optimization strategies and thorough property care to protect assets and can generate 10-40% or even up to 50-60% higher revenue. Regulations Create Opportunity: Increasing short-term rental rules in places like Las Vegas and Maui reduce overall supply. For legally compliant properties, this shift can drive higher revenues and property values, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local regulations.   Resources from Stephen      LinkedIn | The Luxus Group   Resources from Mike and Nichole      Gateway Private Equity Group |  Nic's guide   

Send us a message!Is your short-term rental business growing, or just getting harder to manage?In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Stewart, CEO of Grand Welcome, to explore how franchising offers property managers a scalable and sustainable path to success in today's competitive STR market.Grand Welcome is one of the fastest-growing franchise-based vacation rental management companies in the U.S. The brand provides local operators with the tools, systems, and support they need to grow efficiently while delivering exceptional guest experiences and building strong homeowner relationships.With a background in fashion retail franchising, Patrick shares how those same principles of consistency, structure, and support can transform how short term rental rental businesses operate. At Grand Welcome, his mission is to help local operators grow profitably, simplify their operations, and build a business they enjoy running.Key Topics Discussed:1️⃣ Why franchising is a smart strategy for scaling in the vacation rental industry2️⃣ How Grand Welcome reduces operational load in guest services, pricing, and tech decisions3️⃣ Ways the model supports both new and experienced operators4️⃣ Approaches to navigating regulation, owner demands, and market shifts5️⃣ The role of shared best practices and peer collaboration in franchise success6️⃣ Grand Welcome's current trajectory and upcoming international expansionWhether managing 20 properties or 200, this episode offers a new perspective on what it means to scale. With the right partner, growth becomes more strategic, more profitable, and far less overwhelming.Connect with Patrick & Grand Welcome:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickstewartceo/ Website: https://www.grandwelcomefranchise.com/Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Go live with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy by August 4, 2025, and receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Status for one year, 36000 bonus points, and a marketing feature on a Homes & Villas marketing channel after you launch:https://partners.homes-and-villas.marriott.com/s/event-property-managers-contact-us?ev=AApod25 Get a free Growth Hack Review and P&L Evaluation when you mention “Alex & Annie” during your discovery call with the Grand Welcome team:https://calendly.com/jessica-singer-grandwelcome/intro#vacationrentals #franchisebusiness   #propertymanagement 

What if your next real estate deal could help you eliminate capital gains taxes—while building a thriving short-term rental business? In this episode, tax strategist Ashley Tison dives into the powerful world of Opportunity Zones and how investors can use them to unlock huge tax advantages. These zones aren't just distressed areas—they include beachfront properties, university towns, and booming urban districts. Ashley explains how to transform a property in an Opportunity Zone, count even furniture and equipment as improvements, and potentially walk away from the investment completely tax-free after 10 years. But there's a deadline: you'll need a capital gain by December 31, 2026, and an active business within the zone. Whether you're eyeing a downtown mixed-use building or a waterfront rental community, this episode shows how to invest with strategy, purpose, and serious long-term upside. Things we discussed in this episode: Opportunity Zones: Created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Defer and Eliminate Capital Gains by Holding for 10 Years Short-Term Rentals Qualify—Including Furnishings and Equipment Act Fast: Final Investment Deadline is December 31, 2026 University Areas Offer Prime OZ Investment Potential You Must Actively Operate a Business—Not Just Use Personally Mixed-Use Buildings Are Ideal for OZ Strategies Meet the ‘Substantial Improvement' Rule to Qualify Use SBA Loans to Fund Mixed-Use OZ Projects Invest Gains from Stocks, Real Estate, or Other Appreciated Assets Get in touch with Ashley: Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ozpros Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ozproscom/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ozpros.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #OpportunityZones #ShortTermRentals #TaxStrategy #WealthBuilding #TaxSavings #PropertyInvestment #AirbnbInvesting #PassiveIncome #InvestmentTips Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

In this conversation, John Harcar interviews Jessica Elgin, a seasoned real estate investor and agent, about the emerging asset class of resort residences. Jessica shares her journey from a physics degree to becoming a successful investor, emphasizing the importance of research and market trends. She explains the differences between resort residences and traditional vacation rentals or timeshares, highlighting the benefits of ownership and management. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of real estate investing and the potential for growth in this new sector. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Send Bidemi a Text Message!In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde takes a policy-oriented look at reports of hidden cameras, unauthorized key copies leading to break-ins, cyberstalking of guests, and other criminal acts at vacation rental properties, and how major platforms have responded.Support the show

Send us a message!In this week's episode, we're taking you back to Miami Beach for a special look at one of the most talked-about events in the industry this year, the 2025 VRMA Executive Summit.It's been a few weeks since the event, but the insights we gathered still feel just as relevant. Alex & Annie bring you candid interviews with some of the brightest and most respected voices in the vacation rental industry to talk through the wins, the growing pains, and the ideas shaping how we lead and grow in this business.Featuring interviews with:Tom Goodwin – CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets, on co-chairing the summit, uniting vendors and PMs, and leading with intention.Rachel Alday – Co-founder of Abode Luxury Rentals, reflecting on curating content that builds stronger industry conversations.Sarah Bradford – Industry veteran, educator, and consultant, sharing candid “diary entries” from her 20-year career, and the lessons behind them.Valerie Gangas – Founder & CEO of Juniper Holiday + Homes, on fast growth, partnerships, and the power of mentorship.Patrick Stewart – CEO of Grand Welcome, explaining how franchising can help operators scale smart and reclaim their time.Steve Trover – CEO of Better Talent, discussing frontline hiring challenges, team dynamics, and how to embrace AI without fear.Jeff Iloulian – Founder of HostGPO, highlighting how smart procurement systems are helping operators work more efficiently at scale.Whether you were in the room or just hearing the buzz, this episode captures the vibe, vision, and voices that makes this year's VRMA Executive Summit the best one yet!Go live with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy by August 4, 2025, and receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Status for one year, 36000 bonus points, and a marketing feature on a Homes & Villas marketing channel after you launch:https://partners.homes-and-villas.marriott.com/s/event-property-managers-contact-us?ev=AApod25Get a free Growth Hack Review and P&L Evaluation when you mention “Alex & Annie” during your discovery call with the Grand Welcome team:https://calendly.com/jessica-singer-grandwelcome/intro#vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #VRMAexecutivesummit2025

What does it take to turn a small real estate side hustle into a global corporate housing empire? In this episode, we sit down with Ken and Gary Brown—founders of Furnished Quarters—to explore their incredible journey from NYC real estate investors to international leaders in corporate housing. With roots in their family's furniture business and a knack for strategic growth, the Brown brothers transformed a few furnished apartments in Manhattan into 1,000+ units worldwide. They break down how corporate housing fills a unique niche between hotels and Airbnb—offering professionals fully furnished apartments for 30 days or longer—and explain what truly sets their approach apart when it comes to design, guest experience, and client retention. From navigating post-COVID market shifts to scaling operations across continents, Ken and Gary share hard-earned insights that every entrepreneur in hospitality, real estate, or short-term rentals needs to hear. Whether you're new to the space or ready to scale, this episode is packed with lessons in adaptability, service, and smart growth. Things we discussed in this episode: Fully furnished apartments for 30+ day stays. Founded in the 1980s by brothers Gary and Ken Brown. Rooted in real estate and family furniture expertise. Serves corporate relocations, interns, and families in transition. COVID-19 reshaped demand for space and flexibility. Properties in business hubs and family-friendly neighborhoods. 24/7 high-touch customer service and quick issue resolution. Operates 1,000+ units across multiple countries. Neutral, locally-inspired interior design for broad appeal. Keys to scaling: great people, flexibility, and consistent service. Get in touch with Ken and Gary: Linkedin Ken - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-brown-89555035/ Linkedin Gary - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-brown-b324512/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.furnishedquarters.com/meet-the-team #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #HospitalityTrends #BusinessTravel #PropertyManagement #FurnishedQuarters #RealEstateStrategy #TravelAccommodations #EntrepreneurialJourney Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros Podcast, host Mike Stansberry interviews Adam Denney, a seasoned real estate investor. Adam shares his journey from a young shoe salesman to a successful real estate investor, detailing his early experiences, challenges faced during the 2008 crash, and innovative strategies in vacation rentals. He discusses his current focus in the Charleston market, emphasizing creative financing and problem-solving in real estate transactions. Adam also highlights the importance of building a sustainable business model and offers insights into his unique approach to real estate investing.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

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In this episode, we chat with Shawn Moore of Vodessey on picking the right properties, spending on guest experience, and why the top investors love using property managers...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellVodesseyShawn MooreVacation Rental Revolution PodcastWhat the Hell Is a Lifestyle Asset?: How To Build Lifestyle & Financial Freedom Investing In Vacation Homes

What does it take to grow from managing one small rental to overseeing 40+ short-term properties in just seven years? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Steeg, a short-term rental entrepreneur who's built a thriving business across Boston's North Shore. His journey is nothing short of inspiring—from starting with a modest two-family property to managing a diverse and growing portfolio. Alex shares how his early career in residential advising unexpectedly prepared him for the world of property management. Alongside his wife Rachel, he began with traditional long-term rentals before discovering the game-changing potential of short-term stays—unlocking significantly higher cash flow and more flexibility. Today, Alex manages everything from cozy studios to expansive 22-acre estates, and he's in the middle of renovating a 10-unit inn in Ipswich. He dives into the strategies that helped him scale, the lessons learned along the way, and how intentional planning and adaptability have fueled his success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your own STR business, this episode is packed with real-world insights and inspiration. Things we discussed in this episode: Alex Steeg's career transition from seminary and residential advising to short-term rental management The founding of Shoreway Management by Alex and his wife Rachel, growing to over 40 properties Their strategic approach to real estate investing, starting with a two-family property in 2018 The game-changing impact of short-term rentals on their cash flow and business growth Alex's recent purchase and renovation of the 10-unit Ipswich Inn, managing a complex commercial property renovation The importance of complementary skills in a spouse-run business, with Rachel handling operations and Alex focusing on client relations Their geographical focus on managing properties along Boston's North Shore, including towns like Marblehead, Salem, and Gloucester Being named a top-rated short-term rental management company by AirDNA The challenges and benefits of working together as a married couple in a business Their involvement with Smart Stay coaching and helping other aspiring real estate investors and short-term rental operators Get in touch with Alex: Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/alex.steeg86/ Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexsteeg/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shorewaymgmt.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbManagement #EntrepreneurJourney #PropertyInvestment #BostonRealEstate #BusinessCouple #RentalManagement #SmartStayCoaching #RealEstateSuccess Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

Connect with Stephen here: https://www.instagram.com/stephenpetasky/

In this insightful conversation, I welcome back digital marketing expert Conrad O'Connell, founder of BuildUp Bookings, to talk about the dramatic shifts in how people are finding, booking, and experiencing vacation rentals. It's been nearly a decade since our first conversation, and we've both been on quite the journey -personally and professionally. Conrad shares what's changed (including growing his family and his business) and what's stayed consistent in the ever-evolving digital landscape. We talk about how Google's AI-powered search is impacting SEO, how paid ads are gaining traction again, and what content strategies still work in 2025. If you've ever felt confused about where to put your marketing dollars - or how to write content that still gets found - this episode is packed with clarity. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS614

In this episode, we chat with North Carolina's very own Caleb Hannon on all things growth, scaling a business, partnerships, AI, local hospitality vs service and a LOT more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellCaleb HannonStay Lake Norman

Want to turn your vacation rental into an unforgettable adventure that guests can't stop talking about? In this episode of the SmartStay Show, we sit down with Rachel DeSantis — the mastermind behind QR Clue, a groundbreaking in-home escape game that transforms ordinary short-term rentals into immersive, puzzle-filled experiences! Imagine your guests stepping into a thrilling story where they solve clever puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and win prizes — all through simple, strategically placed QR codes. Rachel shares how this innovative concept not only makes stays wildly fun but also skyrockets your five-star reviews and booking rates. With quick three-minute setups and fully customizable storylines, QR Clue offers a fresh, tech-savvy way to stand out in a crowded rental market and create lasting memories for your guests. If you're a host looking to boost your rental's appeal and provide an experience guests rave about, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss. Press play and discover how storytelling and technology can literally change the game for your short-term rental business! Things we discussed in this episode: Transforms vacation rentals into escape room-style adventures. Guests scan hidden QR codes to solve puzzles and follow a storyline. Takes 2–3 hours to complete; guests can pause and resume anytime. Setup takes just 3 minutes with a ready-to-go kit for cleaners. Hosts can promote it in listings to attract more bookings. Collects guest names and emails at game start. Leads to more five-star reviews and detailed feedback. Seasonal themes like Halloween and Christmas coming soon. Featured at VR Nation in April with a live demo. Designed to create unforgettable stays with minimal effort for hosts. Get in touch with Rachel: Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/qrclue/ Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/getqrclue/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.qrclue.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #QRClue #ShortTermRental #AirbnbExperience #TravelTech #HostTips #VacationRental #GuestExperience #EscapeRoom #HospitalityInnovation #STRMarketing Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with her son and business partner, Mike Bayer, to discuss the essential role of an "AI Ambassador" in vacation rental businesses. Together, they explore why nominating a dedicated AI advocate can unlock efficiencies, reduce burnout, and help teams fully embrace the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. In this conversation Heather and Mike talk about why companies must move from passive awareness to active implementation. The best way to do this is to empower someone within their business to lead the AI charge and they explain the steps to get this underway. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS613

Send us a message!In this week's episode, we're joined by Matt Gurley, Director of Sales and Partner Integrations at the Lynnbrook Group, for a deep dive into the payment side of vacation rentals that most property managers overlook until it's too late.From fraud prevention to faster checkouts to smarter cash flow tools, Matt breaks down how Lynnbrook is simplifying payment processing and helping operators keep more of what they earn. With a career that started in the OTA integration trenches and evolved into leading-edge fintech, Matt brings a unique perspective on why vacation rental companies need more than just a generic payment provider.If you've ever dealt with chargebacks, payout delays, or struggled with reconciling your books, this one's for you.Key Topics Discussed:1️⃣ Why payment processing is more than just a backend task in vacation rentals2️⃣ Common blind spots property managers face when it comes to fraud and chargebacks3️⃣ How modern checkout options like Apple Pay, Pay Later, and Venmo are shaping guest expectations4️⃣ What property managers can do to protect profits and streamline payouts5️⃣ The importance of industry-specific tools for high-risk booking scenarios6️⃣ Lessons learned from OTAs, hurricanes, and helping PMs stay financially stable7️⃣ What operators should ask when choosing a payment partner8️⃣ The real cost of ignoring risk and complianceConnect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gurley-74688592/ Website: https://www.lynnbrookgroup.com/ Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠Get a free Growth Hack Review and P&L Evaluation when you mention “Alex & Annie” during your discovery call with the Grand Welcome team: https://calendly.com/jessica-singer-grandwelcome/intro#vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #paymentprocessing

Feeling “equity rich” but still cash strapped? You're not alone—and there's a smarter way to break free. In this eye-opening episode, We sit down with Certified Financial Planner Alan Franks to explore how real estate investors can unlock hidden capital, boost returns, and build lasting wealth. Alan shares powerful strategies for using tools like home equity lines of credit and securities-based lending to access cash without selling off valuable assets. He also sheds light on how the post-COVID real estate market has shifted—and how savvy investors are adapting. With clarity, humor, and real-world examples, Alan unpacks complex financial concepts and shows how to take advantage of tax-saving opportunities, diversify your portfolio, and rethink the way you use leverage. Whether you're managing multiple short-term rentals or just starting out, this episode will help you think bigger, plan smarter, and make your money work harder. It's the conversation every real estate investor needs—but probably never had. Ready to reimagine your investment strategy? Hit play and discover what's possible. Things we discussed in this episode: Use HELOCs to access cash for investment opportunities. Diversify across real estate and traditional assets. Borrow against securities to unlock investment capital. Leverage tax benefits like bonus depreciation and RE pro status. Adapt to STR shifts post-COVID in supply and demand. Prioritize appreciation, even with low initial cash flow. Use credit lines to scale real estate portfolios. Plan for high rates and increased competition. Factor opportunity cost into investment decisions. Balance investments across real estate, retirement, and taxable accounts. Get in touch with Alan: LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanfranks/ Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frankly_financial/ Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.empowered-money.com/ #SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #WealthBuilding #FinancialPlanning #ShortTermRentals #InvestmentStrategy #PassiveIncome #RealEstateWealth #FinancialFreedom #PropertyInvestment #TaxAdvantages Follow Us! Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show! Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide. SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM SmartStay Show is part of⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠, a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry, from Food + Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate Law, and so much more!

In this conversation, Dylan Silver interviews Jon Bell, a successful realtor from Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Jon shares his journey from bartending to becoming a top-selling realtor, emphasizing the importance of networking, adaptability, and learning from failures. He discusses his transition to full-time real estate, his experiences with investing and flipping houses, and managing multiple ventures, including vacation rentals. Jon offers valuable insights for aspiring real estate professionals, highlighting the significance of commitment and continuous improvement.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------