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Fran Maier, the Founder & CEO of BabyQuip and Co-Founder of Match.com, joins the show to share her journey from starting the 1st online dating site to creating the #1 baby gear rental service for traveling families. Hear how to keep your business simple, how to build a business powered by moms, how BabyQuip started partnering with Vrbo, how to define your ideal customer avatar, and the best things to do in Santa Fe. Connect with Fran at BabyQuip.com and on LinkedIn
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Fran: I've been the one who came in and looked at [ideas] and said, ‘Oh, I can do something with this.Traveling with babies can be a daunting task. From packing bulky gear to ensuring cleanliness and safety, parents often find themselves overwhelmed. BabyQuip, led by CEO and founder Fran Maier, provides a simple, effective solution. BabyQuip connects traveling families with local providers of baby gear, offering a trusted marketplace for renting everything from cribs to strollers.Fran shared how her experience as a mother and Airbnb host inspired BabyQuip. “I did not want to buy, store, clean, take care of baby gear for guests,” she explained. Her entrepreneurial instincts led her to harness the gig economy, creating opportunities for over 3,000 providers—mostly moms—who deliver, set up, and clean the rented gear. “We're a marketplace, like Turo or Airbnb. We really harness the energy and dedication of our providers,” she added.This innovative model addresses a significant need in the $3 trillion U.S. travel industry. Parents flying with children no longer need to lug heavy gear or worry about availability at their destination. Fran noted, “It's an acute need, because it's something you need at a specific time in a specific place.”The company's success is evident. BabyQuip now operates in 28 countries, recently partnered with Vrbo, and has earned a Good Housekeeping award for innovative travel solutions. This year, the company expects to fulfill over 120,000 orders and even achieved profitability in Q3.BabyQuip is poised for further growth, with plans to expand into mobility equipment and international markets. To fuel this expansion, Fran is raising capital on StartEngine via a regulated crowdfunding campaign. “I have a brand that customers love. Crowdfunding lets me invite them to be part of the journey,” she explained.By addressing a real pain point for families and leveraging the gig economy, BabyQuip is redefining the travel experience for parents everywhere.tl;dr:BabyQuip solves the hassle of traveling with baby gear by connecting families to local providers.The company operates in 28 countries and has fulfilled over 120,000 orders this year alone.BabyQuip recently partnered with Vrbo and won a Good Housekeeping award for travel innovation.Fran Maier is raising capital on StartEngine to fund expansion into mobility and international markets.Fran's superpower is her visionary instinct for building trusted brands that solve real problems.How to Develop Visionary Instinct As a SuperpowerFran's superpower is her ability to “see things and get it” instinctively. She described how her entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by her knack for identifying potential in ideas and turning them into trusted brands. As Fran explained, “I've been the one who came in and looked at [ideas] and said, ‘Oh, I can do something with this.'” Her marketing background and experience enable her to see how businesses can grow, make an impact, and solve real problems for people.Fran's visionary instinct was on full display when she co-founded Match.com in the mid-1990s. At the time, the internet was in its infancy, and many doubted its potential. Fran, however, immediately recognized its transformative possibilities. “When I first saw the internet, I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is going to change everything,'” she recalled. She joined Match to build a trusted brand, foreseeing the massive societal shift toward online dating that would follow.Tips for Developing Visionary Instinct:Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to your instincts when evaluating new ideas or opportunities.Immerse Yourself in Trends: Stay informed about industry shifts and emerging technologies to spot opportunities early.Practice Pattern Recognition: Look for recurring themes or challenges in your field that you can address.Build on Experience: Leverage knowledge from past successes and failures to inform your decisions.Think Big: Envision not just the product but the larger impact and scale it can achieve.By following Fran's example and advice, you can make visionary instinct a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileFran Maier (she/her):CEO and Co-Founder, BabyQuipAbout BabyQuip: BabyQuip is the leading global marketplace for renting baby gear, beach gear, pet gear, and mobility equipment—helping travelers avoid the hassle of hauling bulky items and enabling more families to travel with ease. With 3,000+ vetted Quality Providers across more than 2,000 locations and 22,000 zip codes, BabyQuip is the only scaled, trusted brand in this category.We have now fulfilled 300,000+ reservations, maintain a world-class 94 NPS, and achieved Summer 2025 profitability in our core U.S. rentals business. Our marketplace take rate is 31%, among the highest in consumer marketplaces.Website: babyquip.comLinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/company/babyquipCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/BabyQuipTwitter Handle: @ProjectDrawdown Instagram Handle: @babyquip Other URL: startengine.com/offering/babyquipBiographical Information: BabyQuip is led by Fran Maier, an award-winning serial entrepreneur and category creator. Fran co-founded Match.com—helping define online dating—and later served as the long-time CEO of TRUSTe (now TrustArc) privacy technology provider, where she led its nonprofit-to-for-profit transformation and raised significant venture funding. Fran has been widely recognized for her leadership, including being named to Forbes 50 Over 50. Her expertise in building trusted consumer platforms and scaling marketplaces is central to BabyQuip's success and defensible position.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/franmaierPersonal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/fran.maierSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, and SuperGreen Live. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, December 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern / 5:00 PM Pacific, will bring together four mission-driven founders—Fran Maier (BabyQuip), Farooq Zama (CureValue), Andrei Evulet (Jetoptera), and Erin Martin (Pump For Joy)—as they present their companies live to a national audience on e360tv, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Hosted by Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., this special broadcast showcases entrepreneurs raising capital to solve real-world problems across family travel, healthcare access, disaster response aviation, and maternal health. Viewers are encouraged to watch the live pitches and then continue the experience by joining the Private Investor Session immediately following the broadcast, where attendees can engage directly with founders, ask deeper questions, and explore their active investment offerings in a focused, off-air environment. Whether you are an active investor or simply interested in the future of mission-driven innovation, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness purpose-driven companies in action and connect with them directly after the show.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern, will feature Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., leading a session on “Designing a Winning Marketing Strategy for Your Investment Offering.” Drawing on his deep experience in impact crowdfunding and investment storytelling, Devin will break down the essential elements of building a marketing strategy that attracts, engages, and converts potential investors. Participants will learn how to identify and reach the right audience, craft messages that build trust, and develop a promotional plan that supports sustained momentum throughout a raise. Whether you're preparing for your first regulated investment crowdfunding campaign or looking to strengthen an ongoing one, this SuperCrowdHour will provide the insights and practical frameworks you need to elevate your offering and boost investor participation.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Tired of paying high OTA commissions? This week, we're diving deep into the power of direct bookings for your short-term rentals and boutique hotels. Learn how to increase profits, build guest loyalty, and protect your listings—all without getting kicked off Airbnb or VRBO. Discover strategies that top hosts use to win repeat guests and take control of their business. Discover how to set up your direct booking site in under 10 minutes Learn which types of properties benefit the most from direct bookings Tips to safely promote your site without OTA penalties Tools & tricks to capture guest emails for repeat bookings Real talk on what actually works (and doesn't) with social media marketing Direct bookings are more than a trend—they're your path to long-term success and sustainability. Start small, stay consistent, and take back control of your rental income. If this episode helped you, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a fellow host! Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/
Mastering Short-Term Rental Investments: Insider Tips with Kenny Bedwell | REIGN Podcast Welcome back to the Real Estate Investor Growth Network (REIGN) Podcast, hosted by Jen Josey! In this episode, we welcome short-term rental expert and data-driven investor Kenny Bedwell. Kenny reveals how he transitioned from a corporate career at Citibank to building a thriving real estate portfolio focused on short-term rentals and vacation properties. Discover proven strategies for finding off-market deals, identifying the most profitable short-term rental markets, and maximizing your rental income. Kenny discusses the importance of niche investing, selecting the right amenities for Airbnb and VRBO properties, and using data analytics to boost your returns. You'll also learn how to avoid the most common mistakes made by new short-term rental investors, the difference between forced appreciation and cash flow, and why reviews are critical for STR success. Whether you're a new real estate investor or looking to scale your short-term rental business, this episode is packed with actionable tips on property management, market research, and leveraging consulting resources like STR Insights. Don't miss Kenny's personal advice for achieving your real estate goals! 00:00 – Real Estate Investor Growth Network (REIGN) Podcast introduction, short-term rental investing overview 01:02 – How to find off-market real estate deals, lead generation strategies 03:15 – Guest intro: Kenny Bedwell, short-term rental specialist, Airbnb investing 04:38 – Kenny's real estate investing journey, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship 08:01 – Maximizing short-term rental income, property performance optimization 09:50 – How to identify profitable short-term rental markets, market research tips 26:52 – Essential amenities for Airbnb, VRBO, and vacation rental properties 31:20 – Pros and cons of boutique hotels vs. short-term rentals 34:53 – Forced appreciation strategies vs. short-term rental cash flow 35:56 – Common rookie mistakes in short-term rental investing, risk management 41:43 – The importance of guest reviews and reputation management in STRs 48:56 – STR Insights, consulting services for short-term rental investors 54:56 – Kenny's personal goals, success advice for real estate entrepreneurs KENNY BEDWELL is a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur known for helping high-income professionals identify and acquire short-term rental properties that generate strong cash flow. With over eight years of experience in market analysis and deal structuring, he has guided more than 300 clients toward investments that consistently deliver impressive returns. Kenny's heavy data-driven experience and knowledge stem from his time at CitiBank, where he worked for several years as a data analyst in the Equities Market. This foundation has shaped his analytical approach to real estate, enabling him to uncover high-performing opportunities others often miss. Beyond investing, Kenny is the host of Cash Flow Positive, a top-ranked podcast that reached #30 in iTunes' Entrepreneur category and #85 among all U.S. business podcasts. Through his podcast, coaching, and speaking engagements, he shares proven strategies for spotting opportunities, leveraging data, and optimizing property performance. Kenny's straightforward, results-driven approach empowers investors to act with confidence—whether closing their first deal or scaling a portfolio. His mission is clear: to help others achieve financial freedom through real estate while avoiding the costly mistakes he's seen many investors make. To learn more about Jen Josey, visit https://www.therealjenjosey.com/ To join REIGN, visit https://www.reignmastermind.com/ Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey's Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby Interested in growing your rental portfolio with Jen as your coach? Check out Rental Property Pro: https://rentalproppro.com/booking?am_id=reign
In this episode of Superhost Down Under, Ray and Silvia talk with Meredith Cowley, founder of Custom BNB Hosting, about what it really takes to build and run a short term rental management business across Australia's east coast. Meredith shares her journey from working in frontline child protection as a social worker to becoming a property investor and host. A stage four breast cancer diagnosis forced her to rethink what she wanted from life and created the space to start a business that aligned more closely with her values and lifestyle. Today she manages a portfolio of around 35 properties across Melbourne, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay. The conversation dives into co hosting models, the leasing or arbitrage model, guest expectations, owner psychology and the reality of operating a 24/7 hospitality business. Meredith also explains how Custom BNB Hosting uses multiple platforms and local hosting professionals to deliver a consistent guest experience and solid returns for owners. In this episode, we discuss: Listing on multiple platforms and how Custom BNB Hosting balances Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Marriott and direct bookings. Meredith's personal story, including her cancer diagnosis and the decision to move from social work into property and hosting. The leasing model: how renting properties and then listing them on Airbnb works in practice and when it makes sense. How co hosts and local hosting professionals support operations across different cities while Meredith is based in Queensland. Cleaners, checklists, photos and the ongoing challenge of maintaining standards that keep reviews and ratings high. How Custom BNB Hosting onboards new owners, sets expectations and structures its commission and pricing model. Guest expectations, value for money and why styling, amenities and experience now matter more than ever. Emerging trends in the short term rental space, including automation, AI tools and changing regulations. If you are a new host, a property investor or someone considering working with a professional management company, this episode offers a practical and honest look at what works, what is hard and how to think about building a sustainable short term rental business in Australia.
In this week's episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor delivers the top headlines from around the county. Kankakee officials announced stricter enforcement of snow-route parking regulations this winter, emphasizing towing for vehicles blocking priority streets once snowfall reaches two inches. Illinois residents will see lower Thanksgiving costs this year as turkey prices fall more than 16 percent, bringing the average cost of a classic dinner for 10 down to $49.20 statewide. Manteno approved a new short-term rental ordinance for Airbnb and VRBO hosts, removing several proposed requirements and omitting a 5% hotel tax while strengthening tools to address problem properties. The Relay for Life of Kankakee County fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising more than $255,000 for cancer research and patient support programs. Finally, the Illinois Commerce Commission reduced Nicor Gas's proposed rate hike by nearly half, lowering its profit rate and expanding protections for low-income customers.Send us a textSupport the show
Send us a message!VRMA International 2025 is in the books and if you were there, you probably felt it too: this year hit differently.More people, deeper conversations, and a sense that the vacation rental industry is entering a new chapter. But what actually stuck after the applause faded?In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Tim Rosolio, Ela Mezhiborsky, and Jessica Gillingham to reflect on what stood out most, not just from the sessions, but from the conversations around the show. From global distribution shifts and OTA quality standards to how AI is reshaping operations, trust, and discoverability, this is a candid look at what's changing and what it means for property managers on the ground.We discuss:1️⃣ The state of global distribution with Tim Rosolio2️⃣ Trust, verification, and real-world AI risks with Ela Mezhiborsky3️⃣ Marketing visibility and the future of discoverability with Jessica GillinghamWhether you joined the crowd in Vegas or followed along from afar, this conversation will catch you up on the bigger picture.Connect with Tim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rosolio-434b2a98/ Connect with Ela:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elamezhiborsky/ Connect with Jessica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagillingham/ Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value).
For the final episode in this special Future of Travel series, I sat down with someone who has quietly shaped more of the vacation rental industry than almost anyone working in it today: Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partner Success at Expedia Group. If you've ever wondered how VRBO evolved from a subscription classifieds site to a global e-commerce engine—or what the next decade of supply, demand, and distribution will actually look like—this is the conversation insiders will be talking about. Tim has spent the better part of a decade helping lead VRBO through some of the most dramatic shifts the category has ever seen: the end of inquiry-based booking, the rise of instant book, the professionalization of hosts, the explosion of supply post-2020, and now, the dawn of a new era where quality, trust, and distribution matter more than raw inventory. In this conversation, we get into: When vacation rentals truly went mainstream Why Vrbo is prioritizing quality over raw supply The rise of branded portfolios and social-led demand Expedia Group's distribution advantage How One Key changes the funnel The real take on OTAs vs. direct Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rosolio-434b2a98/ Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/ Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.
Ever wonder how Airbnb, Vrbo, and dynamic pricing tools actually decide what your nightly rate should be? In this episode, we break down the real data sources behind those pricing recommendations — from market demand signals and booking windows to competitor performance, seasonality, and algorithmic trends. When you understand how platforms think, you can finally stop guessing and start pricing with confidence.Whether you're self-managing or scaling, getting your pricing right is one of the fastest ways to boost your revenue without adding extra work. If you'd like help with your pricing strategy or you're looking for a reliable co-host who treats your property like a business, I'd love to work with you.
WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS: https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp Is it decision time for Todd McLellan and Steve Yzerman in Hockeytown? Tune in as we start by discussing Todd McLellan's comments about how Nate Danielson's arrival could help the Detroit Red Wings make some decisions on some players: who those players could be, what this means for the likes of Rasmussen, Berggren, Soderblom, Compher, & others, and what kind of moves could follow. Also, a further dive into what has changed in the Detroit Red Wings game plan that has not only the bottom 6, but also the likes of Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, & other key players not scoring (5:40). Next, a look at the jumbled lines as Emmitt Finnie moves down with Patrick Kane, and Marco Kasper joins Nate Danielson, and the Seider - Edvinsson pair stays together as Chiarot stays with Sandin-Pellikka (25:20). After that, we discuss Marco Kasper's "sophomore slump" and what has changed in his game (36:15) before jumping into NHL news: Slovakian Olympic jerseys & Italian facilities concerns, Celebrini, Bedard, & Caufield on the outs for Team Canada and USA, & lots more (46:50) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:00:00) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Banff Vacation Rental - AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1452965978844590141 VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/cottage-rental/p20166303 Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb
We gave PadSplit a try — and what happened next completely changed how we look at real estate, From short-term rentals to mid-term and now shared housing, the game is evolving fast. In this episode of Live, Let, Thrive, Myka and Steve dive deep into the pros, cons, and wild stories from managing PadSplits, Airbnb headaches, and the future of long-term investing.
One decision you may be working on right now is where to stay during holiday or spring travel. Clark has some key advice if you're considering AirBnB or VRBO. And - tomorrow is Veteran's Day. Clark shares advice and special warnings for those who have served our country. Airbnb & VRBO - New Rules: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Veterans Day: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: Oops, You Broke Something at an Airbnb. What Now? Clark Howard's New Airbnb Rule to You Need To Follow 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps Google Flights Launches New Tool for Finding Cheap Airfare Military and Veterans Guide: Free Resources for Your Finances-Clark.com Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search Want to support veterans? 4 tips for finding good charities Veterans and caregivers: Recognize VA benefits overpayment scams How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2025 Cash Back Credit Card Calculator - Clark Howard Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS: https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp Nate Danielson has made his NHL debut, but unfortunately the Detroit Red Wings are also going through a big scoring drought... Tune in as we open by discussing the Red Wings' 4-1 loss to Panarin and the New York Rangers, including Patrick Kane's return, Jonathan Quick outplaying Cam Talbot, no offense from Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, Marco Kasper, or the rest of Detroit's top players, and more as McLellan's squad had a disappointing return to Hockeytown (3:55). Next, Nate Danielson being called up & how Todd McLellan & Steve Yzerman are sending a message to the likes of Michael Rasmussen and other bottom 6 players (11:55), before a breakdown of the loss to Connor Bedard & the Chicago Blackhawks: Larkin, Raymond, & Simon Edvinsson connecting for the only goal, terrible penalty kill and power play, & an overall lack of scoring (14:15). We then discuss the scoring drought overall and why the defense behind Seider & Edvinsson is good but the offense is struggling, and how the bottom 6 offer no support when the rest of the team goes cold (23:25). After that, a look at what may be causing the special teams to struggle, and John Gibson's tough start to his Detroit Red Wings career (44:40), before jumping into a look at what Nate Danielson being called up means for his career, what's next, how he compares to Marco Kasper, and what this means for Yzerman's roster choices (52:25). Finally, positive Hockeytown news as Max Plante and Trey Augustine are dominating the NCAA (1:00:15), & NHL news including Binnington, Jordan Kyrou trade thoughts, & NHL pipeline changes (1:02:25) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:13:30) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! Go to KoffeeKult.com and use code WWP for 15% off your order! #ad This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Banff Vacation Rental - AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1452965978844590141 VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/cottage-rental/p20166303 Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb
Greg Schulze has spent more than two decades helping build one of the most influential companies in modern travel — Expedia Group. But here's the thing about Greg — he doesn't talk like a corporate executive. He talks like a traveler. He's lived and worked all over the world. He named his dog Kaya after a coconut jam he discovered while living in Southeast Asia. And he still lights up when describing what it feels like to walk through an airport on the cusp of somewhere new. Greg's career has spanned from American Airlines in the early 2000s to leading Expedia Group's global commercial strategy today — a period that's seen the birth of OTAs, the rise of mobile, and now, the dawn of the AI-powered traveler. In this episode, Greg and I explore: How Expedia has evolved from a dot-com upstart to a travel empire spanning Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. What he's learned from 20 years of guiding one of the most complex, global marketplaces in the world. The real story behind Expedia's relationship with independent operators — and what “partner forward” actually means. How the tension between discovery and control will define the next decade of travel planning. And why he believes the future of OTAs will be built not on ads or algorithms — but on trust, clarity, and flexibility. Greg's a global citizen in the truest sense of the word — deeply thoughtful about the human side of technology and the emotional heartbeat of travel itself. This conversation is the second episode in my new Behind the Stays series, The Future of Travel, recorded live at EXPLORE Connect in Austin, Texas — a gathering of the world's top vacation rental operators and hospitality leaders. If you care about where the industry is headed — and how the people behind its biggest brands are thinking about discovery, booking, and guest experience in the years ahead — this is a must-listen. Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregschulze/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/ Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.
In this week's episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor recaps the top local headlines from around Kankakee County. The popular New York City Deli is expanding to a second location in downtown Kankakee, with plans to open in spring 2026 following a $345,000 renovation supported by a city TIF incentive. Kankakee Community College announced its upcoming “Explore KCC Day,” inviting prospective students to learn about academic programs, financial aid, and campus life. In Bourbonnais, village trustees approved the purchase of a 2.19-acre parcel from Olivet Nazarene University to further development plans near The Grove. Manteno officials are weighing a proposal to apply the village's 5% hotel tax to short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo, potentially generating new tourism revenue. And finally, the March 2026 primary ballot is taking shape, with multiple contested county board races and a challenge to County Clerk Dan Hendrickson for the first time since 2018.Send us a textSupport the show
WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS: https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp The Detroit Red Wings have wrapped up their road trip, and they're returning to Hockeytown with a winning record. Tune in as we open by discussing Todd McLellan's squad's shootout win over Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks, including Lucas Raymond's excellent goal from Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider's first of the season from Simon Edvinsson and Alex DeBrincat, Nedeljkovic and Talbot battling strong, & more (4:40). After that, a recap of the 1-0 loss to Jack Eichel's Vegas Golden Kinghts, including John Gibson's progressive improvement, the offense suffering a bit without Patrick Kane, what's ahead for the Red Wings, and how Cam Talbot & John Gibson have stacked up so far for the Red Wings this season (12:40). Next, a look at Moritz Seider's dominant season and the recognition he's getting from across NHL media (27:00), how Todd McLellan and Trent Yawney's improved penalty kill has turned things around for Steve Yzerman's Detroit Red Wings (38:25), and finally a look at dominant prospects like Max Plante, Eddie Genborg, Dmitri Buchelnikov, and Sebastian Cossa across the world of hockey in the Red Wings pipeline (44:30). All of that and lots more before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (48:55) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! Go to KoffeeKult.com and use code WWP for 15% off your order! #ad This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Banff Vacation Rental - AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1452965978844590141 VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/cottage-rental/p20166303 Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb
Want to learn more about Vodyssey or start your STR journey. Book a call here:https://meetings.hubspot.com/vodysseystrategysession/booknow?utm_source=vodysseycom&uuid=80fb7859-b8f4-40d1-a31d-15a5caa687b7FOLLOW US:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16XJMvMbVo/https://www.instagram.com/vodysseyshawnmoorehttps://www.facebook.com/vodysseyshawnmoore/https://www.linkedin.com/company/str-financial-freedomhttps://www.tiktok.com/@vodysseyshawnmoore
This week on Good Morning Hospitality, Brandreth Canaley, Jamie Lane, and Michael Goldin unpack three big stories shaping travel. Has Airbnb hit its ceiling as growth slows and regulations tighten? Why are luxury all-inclusives becoming the go-to for high-end travelers? And how is Vrbo's new “Loved by Guests” program using trust and transparency to win over travelers? From platforms to guest experience, the GMH crew breaks down what these shifts reveal about where hospitality is headed next. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Welcome back to Behind the Stays, presented by Journey. This episode kicks off a special series on the future of travel — conversations recorded live in Austin, Texas, at Expedia Group's EXPLORE Connect — a gathering that brought together some of the most powerful voices in travel tech alongside the top owners and operators of vacation rental management companies from around the world. I sat down with several of Expedia's most influential leaders — the folks guiding brands like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo — to unpack how they're reimagining discovery, bookings, and experiences in an AI-powered world. In this first conversation, I chat with Larry Plawsky, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vrbo. And get this — this was actually Larry's first-ever podcast interview. Larry's a brand builder who's spent his career rooting for the underdog — from helping revive Old Spice back in the day to scaling massive two-sided marketplaces like Ticketmaster. And now, he's leading Vrbo into its next chapter within the Expedia Group ecosystem. We dive deep into: How Vrbo plans to take on Airbnb by doubling down on trust and quality — not just scale. The single biggest opportunity Larry sees to increase traveler confidence when booking a home. How Expedia's integrated network of brands — from Hotels.com to One Key — gives Vrbo a unique competitive edge. And how AI is already reshaping discovery on Vrbo — from smart sorting and review summaries to a vision of what travel planning could look like when chat-based search meets marketplace precision. Larry's thoughtful, humble, and sharp — a rare mix of brand soul and analytical rigor — and in this conversation, you'll hear exactly how one of the most iconic names in alternative accommodations plans to redefine trust and loyalty in the years ahead. So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy this special conversation with Larry Plawsky, SVP and General Manager of Vrbo, right here on Behind the Stays. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.
BabyQuip helps families travel lighter by delivering clean, vetted baby gear—like cribs, car seats, and strollers—right to your hotel or vacation rental. CEO Fran Maier (co-founder of Match.com) shares how the company hit its first profitable quarter and keeps growing through strong word of mouth and a new Vrbo partnership that puts BabyQuip in front of more travelers. The team is also expanding beyond baby gear into beach, pet, and mobility equipment under the GoQuip brand to serve seniors and people with disabilities. We dig into how the marketplace works (trusted local providers, insurance, and safety standards), why partnerships are the biggest growth lever, and where BabyQuip is headed next—including selective international expansion and deeper integrations with travel platforms. Chapters00:00 Why BabyQuip (and why now)01:00 Fran's track record & revenue trajectory02:19 Profitability & Q3 inflection03:33 Vrbo partnership—scope & impact04:55 Beyond baby: beach, pet & GoQuip mobility05:55 Growth mix: organic/direct ≈ 68%06:45 Marketplace unit economics (take rate, churn, AOV)08:06 International & airport/car-seat opportunities09:12 Provider network, insurance, safety moats10:30 Capital plan: $3M to scale partnerships & GoQuip11:40 Big-picture TAM and long-term scale targets13:00 Closing & how to invest
Platform promotions are everywhere right now, but are they actually helping your short-term rental business, or just draining your profits? In this episode, we dig into the truth behind Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com discounts, uncovering how they work and how you can use them strategically without sacrificing revenue. Learn how to stand out in search results without slashing your nightly rate. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How Airbnb's early bird, last-minute, and length-of-stay discounts really impact visibility • The "new listing" discount every OTA is pushing—and whether you should use it • Why dynamic pricing tools miss these promotions and how to avoid double discounts • Booking.com's loyalty Genius Program and how it compares to Airbnb or VRBO • A pro hack using PMS channel markups to gain visibility without lowering your prices If you've been unsure about whether OTA discounts are worth it, this episode brings clarity and strategy. Learn how to work the system—without letting it work you. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and check the links below for free tools to help you scale your rental income the smart way. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/
This week's Wealth Formula Podcast features an interview with a tax attorney. While I'm not a tax professional myself, I want to drill down on something we touched on briefly that is incredibly relevant to many of you: the so-called short-term rental loophole. If I were a high-earning W-2 wage earner, this would be at the top of my list to implement—and I know many of you are already doing it. The short-term rental loophole is one of those quirks in the tax code that most people don't even know exists, but once you do, it can be a total game-changer. Here's why. Normally, when you buy a rental property, depreciation losses can't offset your W-2 income. They're considered passive, and they stay stuck in that bucket. But short-term rentals—Airbnb, VRBO, whatever—work differently. If the average stay is seven days or less and you materially participate, the IRS doesn't classify it as passive. It becomes an active business. That means the paper losses you generate can offset your ordinary income, even from your day job. Normally, you'd need a real estate professional status to get that benefit. This is the one situation where you don't. So let's walk through how it works. When you buy a residential property, the IRS requires you to depreciate the structure—the walls, roof, foundation—over 27½ years. On a million-dollar property, that's about $36,000 a year. It's a slow drip. A cost segregation study changes that. Instead of treating the property as one block of concrete and wood, it carves out the parts that don't last 27 years. Furniture, carpet, appliances, cabinets, and even ceiling fans—those are considered 5-year property. In other words, you can depreciate them much faster. Now add bonus depreciation. Instead of spreading those 5-year assets out over five years, the current rules let you write off most of them all at once in year one. Here's the example. You buy a $1,000,000 short-term rental and finance it at 70 percent loan-to-value. That means you put in $300,000 cash and borrow $700,000. A cost seg often shows about 30 percent of the property—roughly $300,000—is 5-year personal property. Thanks to bonus depreciation, you deduct that entire $300,000 immediately. So you put in $300,000 cash, and you got a $300,000 paper loss in the same year. In practical terms, you just deducted your entire down payment against your taxable income. This is what real estate professionals do all the time and why they often end up with no tax liability at all. In this case, it works for you as a W2 wage earner. And for that reason, I think its one of the most powerful tools out there for high paid professionals that is grossly underutilized. Remember, the biggest expense for most people is the amount of tax they pay—especially W2 wage earners. This strategy lets you use money you would otherwise pay the IRS to build a cash-flowing asset for yourself. Listen to this week's Wealth Formula Podcast to learn other ways to legally pay less tax!
What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas this time. Jamie Lane and Scott Sage are back from the VRMA conference with powerful insights shaping the future of short-term rentals—from the rise of AI tools to why “national is dead and local is king.” They unpack the data behind what's really driving property manager success today—and what's holding others back.In this episode, Jamie reveals new AirDNA research showing a major divide between top-performing property managers and the rest: those with review scores above 4.7 are keeping clients, while those below are losing nearly a quarter of their portfolio. They also explore why small, hyper-local co-hosts are thriving while national brands stall, and how a well-designed loyalty program can win repeat guests without relying on Airbnb or Vrbo.Later, they dig into the latest STR data—muted summer demand, shifting guest behavior, and the surprising 40% surge in New Year's bookings driven by holiday timing. Plus: a PSA every host using a PMS on Airbnb needs to hear before October 27th. Key Takeaways AI is already transforming hosting: Innovative tools are boosting communication scores and guest experiences, even before Airbnb or Vrbo roll out their own versions.The 4.7 Rule: Property managers with review scores below 4.7 now face double the churn rate (24%) of top performers—quality is retention.Local > National: Hyper-local operators managing 6–20 properties are growing fastest, proving proximity and personal touch beat big-brand scale.DIY Loyalty Works: Local managers can build profitable loyalty programs that attract repeat guests—no need to wait for OTA initiatives.Holiday & Market Insights: Expect strong end-of-year demand, a 40% New Year's Eve surge, and higher bookings in World Cup host cities next summer.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE
Today, we talk about how the Airbnb at the Holler Hub became a real revenue stream — what's working, what isn't, and what we've learned along the way. If you've ever thought about turning a space on your property into income, this one's for you. We'll also cover our usual Monday segments. Featured Event Farm to Table Dinner Friday, November 15 Basecamp Lodge, Lancaster, TN Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a full-course dinner sourced entirely from Tennessee farms. Real, local food, cooked from scratch, and shared in community. Sponsors AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN – Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. StrongRootsResources.com – Homestead design, consulting, and high-quality plants to help you build resilient systems that last. LFTN Stocking Exchange Time is running out to sign up! We'll assign your Secret Stocking Santa on November 1, so don't miss out on this fun community tradition. Sign Up Here Tales from the Prepper Pantry Lambs came in, lambs went out! Processing and rotation are in full swing. Time to harvest the sweet potatoes. The restackening of the firewood has begun — getting ready for cold weather. Starting to tap into the canned goods, especially green beans. Made powdered sugar from regular sugar after realizing I forgot to buy it. Frugality Tip I like a little lemon juice in my water. Some of those bottles pour out like a waterfall, which is wasteful and makes something I do not want to drink. So this is a hack and a tip in one. The cap from Worcestershire sauce bottles fits on a lot of other things, including every lemon juice bottle I have purchased. So keep the lids that help you regulate the amount of "stuff" coming out of a bottle so you do not end up wasting product. Happy savings y'all ~Margo Operation Independence The Airbnb has been renting well since we got back from SRF! It's great to see the Basecamp space generate steady revenue while serving the broader Holler Hub vision. Main Topic: Airbnb Revenue Stream – Lessons Learned Every property should have a purpose, not just be a payment. Turning Space Into a System The Airbnb wasn't about renting space — it was about keeping the Basecamp Lodge working for the mission. Formerly a long-term rental ($1,600/month). Now a flexible, short-term system that: Generates income when not used for training. Brings new people into the Holler Hub community. Connects us to potential partners and collaborators. Tools like Airbnb and VRBO open us to audiences beyond LFTN, expanding both reach and opportunity. What's Working Booked every available weekend in October by opening to tourists during fall travel season. Earned ~$650 in October while still hosting events — a deliberate tradeoff between revenue and flexibility. Low cleaning fee + clear expectations → relaxed guests and repeat visitors. Purposefully low nightly rate to earn initial 5-star reviews and build credibility. Making meaningful connections with guests — one couple with 10 glampers in California, another moving to Tennessee for homesteading. Where It Got Messy One guest left it a wreck → 8 hours of cleanup. Result: added language about cleaning expectations. Next step: keep a vacuum for pet-friendly stays. “Clean beats new every time.” Set boundaries early: check-out policies, no parties, pet rules. Pricing & Positioning Set nightly rate (~$100) based on $3,000/month gross goal if fully booked. Kept pricing low to reflect the space (one usable bedroom, not remodeled). Using Airbnb's automated pricing to test how it behaves during peak season. Cleaning service quote revealed current pricing barely covers costs — future plan to add modest cleaning fee. Focus remains on mission-aligned guests first, not just volume bookings. Systems That Keep It Running Reset takes 45–60 minutes; double linens to avoid bottlenecks. Pet stays add 1 hour for vacuuming and extra laundry. Critical practice: always start cleaning immediately after checkout to stay ready for last-minute bookings. Personal touch: greet guests, tell the Holler Hub story, collect feedback, and build relationships. How to Apply It Don't build the Taj-Ma-Rental — start minimum viable and test. Clean trumps new every time. The biggest mindset shift: being comfortable letting strangers on your land. Most people with bad intentions aren't paying hundreds to sleep in your barn. Reality Check Short-term rentals aren't easy money there's always time involved: Responding to messages, building a guidebook, handling maintenance. Be available when problems arise — or you'll hate the process. The fast reset is key: handle the “yucky” stuff early so it never piles up. What's Next Goal: book events at Basecamp that aren't led by you — already in the works. Next expansion: a miner's cabin/tent rental to diversify the property's offerings. Each step builds toward the broader Holler Hub vision — systems that connect people, sustain the land, and generate reliable income. Every property should have a purpose, not just a payment. Make it a great week. Make it a great week. GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link
If your calendar looks emptier than usual this October, you're not alone. 2025 has been one of the toughest years for short-term rental owners in recent memory — occupancy rates are down across nearly every market.In this episode, I break down exactly why bookings have slowed and what you can do right now to protect your cash flow, attract bookings, and stay profitable through the storm.I cover:✅ The real data behind October's drop in demand✅ Why price cuts alone won't fix your occupancy problem✅ How to audit your listing and stand out in an oversupplied market✅ Smarter ways to run promos, reduce fees, and increase value perception✅ The mindset every serious host needs to survive this market cycleWhether you manage one property or fifty, this episode will help you adjust, adapt, and thrive when others panic.
Today in Dear Jordana we get a special voice message from Alan in Roseville, the importance of marrying a chivalrous man, and more as Dear Jordana answers your tough questions!
If you've ever wondered how to profit from real estate without jumping through short-term rental hoops, this episode is for you. CEO of Furnish Finder, Jeff Hurst, shares how midterm rentals are solving affordability and regulatory issues—and why they're becoming one of the hottest trends in housing. Get ready to rethink your rental strategy. • Discover how Furnish Finder is quietly dominating the 30+ day rental space—more listings than Airbnb for monthly stays! • Why midterm rentals are booming—and what tenant types are driving demand in 2025. • Jeff Hurst's insider take on why Airbnb-style platforms miss the mark on midterm stays. • How to scale profitably with less turnover, more stability, and fewer regulations. • Pro tips to price and manage midterm rentals like a pro (and avoid costly gaps). If you're serious about sustainable rental income in today's economy, this episode is a must-listen. Jeff brings deep insight from years at Expedia and VRBO, now focused on the booming midterm rental space. Share this episode, leave a review, and stay tuned for more expert strategies. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/
DuPage County could soon expand its rental rules to include short-term stays like those offered on Airbnb and Vrbo.
DuPage County could soon expand its rental rules to include short-term stays like those offered on Airbnb and Vrbo.
DuPage County could soon expand its rental rules to include short-term stays like those offered on Airbnb and Vrbo.
Today we're talking about Airbnb, VRBO and the dark side of the whole short term rental industry as a whole. This is The Dark Side of Airbnb: Terrifying Vacation Rental Stories
Delta posted record Q3 revenue on strong premium demand and loyalty growth, with profit up 11% and American Express co-brand proceeds up 12%, a sharp turnaround after tariff uncertainty earlier in the year led it to pull 2025 guidance. Hotels.com launched “Save Your Way,” letting Expedia Group OneKey members take instant discounts or bank rewards for later across Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo—a simple, flexible perk proving especially popular with business travelers. The Michelin Guide expanded its hotel “key” ratings beyond major gateways, awarding 1,000+ properties based on design, service, personality, value, and location, though some in luxury hospitality see the move as late amid award fatigue. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
The vacation rental landscape is evolving fast — and Vrbo's taking bold steps to redefine what “success” means in this new era. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, to explore how Vrbo is prioritizing quality over quantity, building stronger demand through Expedia's massive network, and integrating cutting-edge AI tools to improve the booking journey for guests and hosts alike.Tim shares an inside look at Vrbo's journey from HomeAway's early subscription days to today's global platform, explaining how the industry's supply boom has reshaped what travelers expect — and what property managers need to deliver. From AI-powered review summaries to the “One Key” loyalty program bridging hotels and vacation rentals, this conversation unpacks the biggest levers shaping the next phase of STR growth.Whether you're managing one property or a thousand, you'll walk away with insights to future-proof your business in an increasingly competitive market.Don't miss this one — it's packed with an insider's perspective you won't find anywhere else. Key Takeaways
Your retreat venue can make or break your entire event—so how do you choose the right one, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure a five-star experience for your guests? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I'm joined by Shannon Jamail, founder of Retreat Ranch, therapist, retreat mentor, and host of The Retreat Leader's Podcast. Shannon owns a 46-acre retreat property in Texas and has hosted transformational retreats for over a decade. She shares her insider knowledge—both as a venue owner and as a retreat leader—on exactly what to consider before signing that venue contract. This is a must-listen for first-time and seasoned retreat hosts alike.
Airbnb's shifting fee structure is shaking hosts, but the real issue goes deeper—pricing psychology, guest behavior, and knowing your market.In this episode, Thibault shares actionable strategies that hosts can use to protect margins, win more bookings, and scale smarter.• Why Airbnb's new fee model has hosts freaking out• How to price for what guests see (not what you keep)• Tools like PriceLabs—and why they're useless without context• How European vs. U.S. guests think about fees differently• When to simplify pricing and present “one clean price”• The principles of occupancy, demand, and market alignment00:05:12 – 3 Pricing Foundations Every Host Must Know00:07:02 – Why Hosts Are Freaking Out About Airbnb Fees00:08:22 – The Real Reason Airbnb Changed Its Fees00:09:15 – The Only Price That Matters to Guests00:10:24 – Why “One Clean Price” Converts Better00:11:50 – Airbnb vs. Vrbo vs. Booking.com Costs Compared00:12:09 – How Airbnb Went From Host-Friendly to Guest-First00:24:50 – Are More Bookings Always Better?00:25:04 – AI + Pricing Strategy: Where the Future Is Headed00:25:22 – Who Owns Mistakes—You or the Machine?Guest Bio:Thibault Masson is the Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs. His short-term rental journey started as a villa owner in Bali and St. Barts, which gave him firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges of hosting. That passion for hospitality later brought him to Booking.com, where he worked on vacation rental strategy at a global scale, and inspired him to launch Rental Scale-Up as a platform for industry knowledge-sharing. Today at PriceLabs, Thibault brings together his experience as a host, tech marketer, and industry advocate to help property managers worldwide grow through smarter pricing and revenue management.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibaultmassonGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Airbnb's shifting fee structure is shaking hosts, but the real issue goes deeper—pricing psychology, guest behavior, and knowing your market.In this episode, Thibault shares actionable strategies that hosts can use to protect margins, win more bookings, and scale smarter.• Why Airbnb's new fee model has hosts freaking out• How to price for what guests see (not what you keep)• Tools like PriceLabs—and why they're useless without context• How European vs. U.S. guests think about fees differently• When to simplify pricing and present “one clean price”• The principles of occupancy, demand, and market alignment00:05:12 – 3 Pricing Foundations Every Host Must Know00:07:02 – Why Hosts Are Freaking Out About Airbnb Fees00:08:22 – The Real Reason Airbnb Changed Its Fees00:09:15 – The Only Price That Matters to Guests00:10:24 – Why “One Clean Price” Converts Better00:11:50 – Airbnb vs. Vrbo vs. Booking.com Costs Compared00:12:09 – How Airbnb Went From Host-Friendly to Guest-First00:24:50 – Are More Bookings Always Better?00:25:04 – AI + Pricing Strategy: Where the Future Is Headed00:25:22 – Who Owns Mistakes—You or the Machine?Guest Bio:Thibault Masson is the Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs. His short-term rental journey started as a villa owner in Bali and St. Barts, which gave him firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges of hosting. That passion for hospitality later brought him to Booking.com, where he worked on vacation rental strategy at a global scale, and inspired him to launch Rental Scale-Up as a platform for industry knowledge-sharing. Today at PriceLabs, Thibault brings together his experience as a host, tech marketer, and industry advocate to help property managers worldwide grow through smarter pricing and revenue management.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibaultmassonGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
In this bold and thought-provoking episode, Heather sits down with Humphrey Bowles, the founder of Truvi and who has adopted the term "digital sharecropping" within the short-term rental industry. Together, they explore the illusion of entrepreneurship in the short-term rental world - especially when you build your business entirely on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. Humphrey shares the powerful analogy behind digital sharecropping and breaks down what it really means to build a business you don't own. If you've ever questioned who really controls your guest relationships, your reviews, or even your ability to operate, this episode will hit home. From psychological burnout to platform dependency, from trust to true entrepreneurship, this is a conversation that every host and manager needs to hear.
We explore how Vrbo is deepening its integration within Expedia by expanding distribution, tying vacation rentals into the One Key loyalty program, and testing AI-powered reviews to meet global demand, while Hospitable takes a different path by raising $1.5 million from its own customers and employees to fuel AI innovation, platform reliability, and sustainable growth in short-term rental management.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.
Join Kyle Matthews as he welcomes Jeff Hurst, President and CEO of Furnished Finder, to the Matthews Mentality Podcast. In this insightful conversation, Jeff delves into the nuances of wealth, happiness, and the evolving landscape of flexible housing. Drawing from his extensive career in the travel and real estate industries, including leadership roles at Expedia and VRBO, Jeff shares invaluable lessons on career growth, financial discipline, and the future of midterm rentals. The episode offers a wealth of advice for both aspiring real estate investors and young professionals, including the importance of hard work, relationship-building, and taking calculated risks. Don't miss this episode packed with practical tips and inspirational stories!
Another day, another masterclass in awkward honesty courtesy of The Rizzuto Show. This week, the crew dives into the eternal mystery: how the hell do you actually know if someone's into you? Spoiler: apparently it involves secret triangles with your eyes, unnecessary elbow touching, and maybe staring at lips like a weirdo?! But the real highlight? Lern hits us with a story about her mom letting one rip right in front of her at a girl's weekend — and not the “oops, blame the chair squeak” kind. Nope, the kind that makes you reconsider ever making eye contact with your parent again. Listen now and prepare to be blown away… hopefully not the same way Lern was. Show Notes: Who won the Pick'em Challenge this week between the Rizz Show and the 101ESPN's Fast Lane? Moon's weekend review of Las Vegas. Lern's weekend review of Salem Mass. King Scott's weekend review being knighted by the Hives at White Castle. VRBO guest ‘permanently injured' by cockroach feces in coffee, lawsuit claims Six Flags St. Louis has 'no plans to close,' company says “That's so outta pocket”: Florida A&M band announcer Joe Bullard sparks outrage over calling Alabama State's Honey Beez “the new Face of Ozempic” Mother-of-two left with a broken neck after huge YAWN: 'I had a 50/50 chance of survival' Texas high school teacher shamelessly tells students she fed ‘ailing' kitten to class snake ‘Bio-baiting' is the latest toxic dating trend fooling singles: ‘Erodes trust' We Asked Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials And Zoomers How To Flirt. Their Answers Were Surprising. Follow The Rizzuto Show @rizzshow on all your favorite social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more. Connect with The Rizzuto Show online at 1057thepoint.com/rizzSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Good Morning Hospitality, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane sit down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Partner Success at Vrbo, to unpack how Expedia Group's new distribution strategy is reshaping opportunities for vacation rental operators. From expanded visibility across Expedia platforms to the rollout of One Key, Merchant of Record, and new AI-driven features, the conversation explores what hosts and managers can expect as Vrbo integrates deeper into Expedia's ecosystem. We also cover how urban markets may benefit, what loyalty means for vacation rentals, and whether guest-uploaded photos and review summaries will help—or hurt—operators. This episode is brought to you by Guesty! Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Airbnb's new 15% fee structure has left property managers, cohosts, and homeowners asking the same question: who's really paying?In this episode, finance expert Ben Coons breaks down the numbers behind gross vs. net commission models—and what you must do to protect your margins.• Gross vs. net commission explained in plain English• How Airbnb's fee hits managers vs. homeowners• Why this change is different from Vrbo and Booking.com• Pricing adjustments to avoid eating the new fee• Commission stacking and where your money really goes• How to communicate fee changes to homeowners clearly• Key takeaways to stay profitable under the new systemCo-hosts and homeowners: want the real numbers on Airbnb's 15% fee? Click the link and DM us “SPREADSHEET” and we'll send you the file.Link: https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T027&utm_content=Spreadsheet00:04:30 – Example Scenarios: Who Really Pays the Fee00:07:00 – Comparing Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com00:11:30 – Impact on Gross Model Operators00:14:00 – Impact on Net Model Operators00:18:30 – The Homeowner's Point of View00:23:30 – Commission Stacking: The Hidden Cost00:26:00 – Pricing Adjustments to Stay Profitable00:29:00 – How to Communicate Fee Changes to Homeowners00:32:00 – Key Takeaways: Run the Numbers & Adapt EarlyGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Airbnb's new 15% fee structure has left property managers, cohosts, and homeowners asking the same question: who's really paying?In this episode, finance expert Ben Coons breaks down the numbers behind gross vs. net commission models—and what you must do to protect your margins.• Gross vs. net commission explained in plain English• How Airbnb's fee hits managers vs. homeowners• Why this change is different from Vrbo and Booking.com• Pricing adjustments to avoid eating the new fee• Commission stacking and where your money really goes• How to communicate fee changes to homeowners clearly• Key takeaways to stay profitable under the new systemCo-hosts and homeowners: want the real numbers on Airbnb's 15% fee? Click the link and DM us “SPREADSHEET” and we'll send you the file.Link: https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T027&utm_content=Spreadsheet00:04:30 – Example Scenarios: Who Really Pays the Fee00:07:00 – Comparing Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com00:11:30 – Impact on Gross Model Operators00:14:00 – Impact on Net Model Operators00:18:30 – The Homeowner's Point of View00:23:30 – Commission Stacking: The Hidden Cost00:26:00 – Pricing Adjustments to Stay Profitable00:29:00 – How to Communicate Fee Changes to Homeowners00:32:00 – Key Takeaways: Run the Numbers & Adapt EarlyGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/
Likefolio's Andy Swan shares sentiment data around Airbnb (ABNB), arguing that it is “lagging peers and under pressure.” The novelty has “worn off” for Airbnb and it has a “long way to go before any sort of turnaround is complete,” he adds. Fees, inconsistent experiences, and other factors are pushing travelers to hotels, while rivals like Vrbo take market share.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
In this week's episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, for a candid Q&A where we answer your questions! I asked my Instagram followers on my IG Story to submit their biggest questions, and together we're covering it all: faith, marriage, parenting, grandparenting, finances, business, and even menopause. If you've ever wondered what life, marriage, and faith look like behind the scenes for us, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, honest reflections, and even a laugh or two. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: Why did Zane convert to Catholicism? Do Catholics really believe it's Jesus plus works that save you? What's the pricing on our family's VRBO? Looking back, what would we do differently in our marriage? What did we do well? How did we navigate and nurture our marriage with little kids? What's it like stepping into grandparenthood? How do we handle arguments (and what has changed over the years)? What keeps a husband happy day-to-day? How do you find a trusted financial advisor? What's the best way to retire when you own a business with a partner? How can you encourage strong relationships with adult children? How can a husband support his wife through menopause? What does a “perfect marriage” really look like? LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Retreat at Marble Valley officially launches this weekend! Once it's live, I'll update the show notes with a direct link so you can check it out and book your stay. In the meantime, be sure to follow along on Instagram @retreatatmarblevalley for updates and a first look at all the details. The Spirit of Wealth Preservation by Ken Polk Outfit Details: Necklace: The Pearl Source White Baroque Freshwater Pearl Necklace - Use code JAMIE15 for a special discount! Dress: Brochu Walker's Kate Crepe Belted Dress ZANE'S LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK A WEALTH MANAGER 1. How do you get paid, and what is your total compensation structure? 2. Are you a fiduciary at all times, and how do you ensure my interests come first? 3. What is your investment philosophy, and how do you tailor it to someone in my stage of life, goals, and risk tolerance? 4. What does your ideal client look like, and how many clients like me do you currently serve? 5. How do you measure success for clients, and what reporting/communication can I expect? 6. What resources, team members, or specialists will I have access to beyond you? 7. Can you share a story of how you helped a client navigate a major market downturn or significant life transition? WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube Jamie & Zane: Impactful Quotes We Love & Live By Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube
Where have all the benches gone? Deputy Opinion Editor Mark Lasswell reflects on the causes and consequences of the “defensive architecture” replacing seating in public spaces. Plus, contributing columnist Rick Reilly shares just how hard it's become to find an Airbnb or VRBO that doesn't feel like the inside of a Target.Additional reading by our columnists:Mark Lasswell: This punctuation mark is semi-dead. People have thoughts.Rick Reilly: I have decided never to go outside againSubscribe to The Washington Post here.
This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're answering Renee's question about buying a property that's already operating as a short-term rental—and what to do about the future bookings that come with it.If you've ever considered purchasing an “active STR,” you'll quickly find out there's a lot more to it than inheriting a calendar full of reservations. Sarah and Annette explain why listings follow the host (not the property), what that means for your ability to transfer bookings, and the negotiations you'll need to have with the seller before closing.You'll learn:Why STR listings and reviews don't automatically transfer with a property sale.How to negotiate booking transfers, co-hosting arrangements, or guest rebookings.The tax, payout, and guest experience factors you need to consider.How to involve OTAs (Airbnb, VRBO) in a booking transition.Why getting everything in writing is non-negotiable.If you're thinking about buying a short-term rental, this episode will help you navigate the booking handoff process and avoid the pitfalls that can derail a smooth transition.Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!
Think buying a short-term rental is the fast track to homeownership? In this episode, David Sidoni unpacks the real math behind Airbnb investing — and why it might be the wrong move if you're still renting.With affordability at an all-time low, many first-time homebuyers are exploring creative ways to get into real estate. One trend gaining popularity: buying a short-term rental like an Airbnb in a cheaper market instead of purchasing a primary residence. But in this brutally honest episode, David Sidoni reveals why that plan could backfire.David breaks down the 2025 short-term rental landscape, explaining how increased competition, regulations, and declining profits have changed the game. More importantly, he highlights the financial risks renters take when they try to become investors before becoming homeowners.This episode dives into the math, the mindset, and the myths — showing you why owning your own home first is the smartest play. If you're tempted by Airbnb hype, you need to hear this before making a costly mistake.Quote: "The golden goose of Airbnb is losing its feathers and turning into a turkey super quick."Highlights:Why short-term rental investing isn't what it used to be in 2025The financial danger of skipping rent replacementHow tax laws, maintenance, and financing make STRs riskier than they lookA breakdown of real costs vs. projected incomeWhat first-time buyers should do instead of chasing Airbnb profitsConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
Emily and Shane are in Tahoe at a beautiful Vrbo! They’re giving the latest updates on the gruesome Idaho murders, the Menendez brother’s potential release and Blake Lively’s withdrawn subpoenas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.