Best Xplorie Podcasts (2025)

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How Xplorie Helps Elevate the Guest Experience Through Local Activities with Adrienne Clark & Caleb Yaryan 49:49

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24d ago49:49

49:49

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Adrienne Clark (President & COO) and Caleb Yaryan (Chief Product Officer) of Xplorie, a trusted partner for vacation rental operators looking to enhance guest satisfaction while gaining a competitive edge. For nearly 30 years, Xplorie has been connecting lodging providers with local attract…

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The Danger of OTA Dependence: Building a Strong Direct Booking Strategy with Mark Simpson of Boostly 50:55

7h ago50:55

50:55

Send us a message! When Airbnb changes its policies, the ripple effect can shake operators everywhere. For many, the problem is deeper than one policy update. Relying too heavily on a single platform leaves businesses vulnerable, and the cracks are starting to show. In this episode, Mark Simpson, CEO and founder of Boostly, shares why now is the ti…

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Preserving People, Culture, and Legacy: Inside Nocturne’s Acquisition Strategy with CEO, Scott Wiseman 48:32

7d ago48:32

48:32

Send us a message! What does it take to scale luxury vacation rentals while protecting the legacy of the brands that built them? In this episode, Alex & Annie welcome back Scott Wiseman, CEO of Nocturne Luxury Villas, for an inside look at how Nocturne approaches acquisitions in the luxury vacation rental space. Instead of treating acquisitions as …

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How Property Managers Can Offer Flexible Cancellations Without Losing Revenue – with Sasha Lawler of Roam 45:01

14d ago45:01

45:01

Send us a message! Flexible cancellation policies are no longer optional in today’s vacation rental market. Guests expect them, OTAs prioritize them, and competitors are already adapting. But for property managers, relaxed policies often feel like a direct threat to revenue and owner trust. In this episode, we talk with Sasha Lawler, CEO and Founde…

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1st of the Month Bonus: Annie’s Big Leap, Plus Tyann’s 2026 World Cup STR Plan 45:16

23d ago45:16

45:16

Send us a message! In this special first-of-the-month bonus episode, Alex & Annie sit down with a longtime friend and industry leader Tyann Marcink Hammond to talk about a timely and much-needed initiative to support host education. Tyann shares how she’s leading an effort to prepare short-term rental operators ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sta…

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The Impact of Airbnb Policy Changes, with Dennis Schaal of Skift 45:47

28d ago45:47

45:47

Send us a message! Airbnb’s evolving policies have become one of the most pressing conversations in vacation rentals today - sparking questions, frustrations, and new realities for property managers across the industry. In this episode, Alex & Annie welcome Dennis Schaal, Founding Editor at Skift, to discuss what these changes mean for property man…

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The Bossy Girl’s Guide to Thriving Through Self-Doubt with Michelle Marquis 54:36

1M ago54:36

54:36

Send us a message! What if imposter syndrome wasn’t a weakness, but a sign you’re growing? In this episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Michelle Marquis, founder of The Marquis Effect and now author of The Bossy Girl’s Guide to Leadership, which has just been released. Written for women navigating leadership and self-doubt, the book is part memoir…

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In Deep Shift: Navigating Change, Loss, and Business Growth with Valerie Gangas 33:45

1M ago33:45

33:45

Send us a message! This week, Alex & Annie sit down with Valerie Gangas, Founder & CEO of Juniper Holiday + Homes, for a conversation that blends business, design, and deep personal transformation. Valerie shares how Juniper began with a personal real estate portfolio and evolved into a thriving multi-market vacation rental management company opera…

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The Cost of Progress in Vacation Rentals with John Suzuki 42:32

2M ago42:32

42:32

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 re…

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From Hunches to Hard Data: Why Asset Intelligence Matters When Buying STRs, with Paul Kromidas 43:08

2M ago43:08

43:08

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 produ…

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From Booking to Checkout: How SuiteOp Streamlines Guest Experience and Operations with Simon Seroussi 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

Send us a message! In this episode, we’re joined by Simon Seroussi, Co-Founder of SuiteOp, a guest experience and operations platform built by operators, for operators. With a background in both hospitality tech and short-term rental management, Simon shares how SuiteOp was born from firsthand experience growing a 400-unit portfolio and the operati…

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How to Make Your Vacation Rental More Accessible with Lorraine Woodward 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

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 s…

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From Turnaways to Takeaways: Monetizing Referrals through "Have You Got", with Deborah Labi 53:55

3M ago53:55

53:55

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 i…

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Listing Isn’t Enough: How NextPax Powers Smarter Vacation Rental Distribution with Lennart Kok 56:40

3M ago56:40

56:40

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 …

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Introducing StakeholdersVR: Built by Operators and Backed by Vision, with Lino Maldonado and Brady Stump 48:50

3M ago48:50

48:50

Send us a message! In our first of the month bonus episode, we’re joined by two well-known names in the vacation rental industry: Lino Maldonado and Brady Stump, co-founders of the newly launched StakeholdersVR. You’ve probably heard early buzz about this exciting new venture, and today, Lino and Brady are here to tell us what it’s really all about…

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How Franchising Offers a Scalable Path to STR Success - with Patrick Stewart of Grand Welcome 52:51

3M ago52:51

52:51

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 franch…

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Live from the VRMA Executive Summit: Big Energy, Bold Conversations, and Lots of Fun! 35:43

3M ago35:43

35:43

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 th…

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From FIFA to Host Planet: James Varley’s Journey to Empowering STR Hosts 43:15

4M ago43:15

43:15

Send us a message! When media veteran James Varley stepped away from a decade-long career working on the FIFA World Cup, he had no idea that a single Airbnb stay would spark his next chapter: empowering short-term rental hosts through education. In this episode, James joins us to share how that experience and the glaring lack of accessible resource…

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Behind the Brand: How Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is Driving Partner Success 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

Send us a message! What happens when one of the world’s most trusted hotel brands steps into the vacation rental space? In this episode, we’re joined by Jane Gavin (Senior Director of Brand Marketing & Guest Experience) and Keven Wishard (Senior Director of Global & Continent Operations) from Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. With decades of hospi…

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Rewriting the Rules: Orlie Benjamin on Building Lasoh for a Better Guest Experience 54:17

4M ago54:17

54:17

Send us a message! In our first-of-the-month bonus episode, we are joined by Orlie Benjamin, founder and CEO of Lasoh, a marketing technology platform designed to help vacation rental operators own their guest relationships and drive direct revenue. Lasoh provides a branded digital guest portal and integrated CRM that allows operators to engage wit…

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Show Me the Money! Matt Gurley Shares Lynnbrook's Approach to Payments, Profits, & Fraud Prevention 47:45

4M ago47:45

47:45

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 Lynn…

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DesignedVR & Casiola Announce a Game-Changing Partnership in STR 32:50

4M ago32:50

32:50

Send us a message! In this episode, we sit down with two industry powerhouses: Dennis Goedheid, CEO of Casiola, and Shahar Goldboim, CEO of Boom and founder of DesignedVR, to unpack the story behind their groundbreaking new partnership. As the vacation rental industry continues to mature, operators are finding new ways to grow that prioritize susta…

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Are We in a Travel Recession? AirDNA’s Jamie Lane Decodes the 2025 Market 47:48

5M ago47:48

47:48

Send us a message! Is the short-term rental industry on the edge of a travel recession, or just entering a new phase of normalization? In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane joins us to explain what the data is revealing about the 2025 market. With demand softening among budget trave…

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Rebel in a Gown: Breaking the Rules We Never Agreed To - with Shelley Brown 52:50

5M ago52:50

52:50

Send us a message! In this empowering episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, Shelley Brown joins us to talk about how breaking outdated expectations and embracing your weird can lead to more authentic leadership and a deeper sense of belonging. As the original "Rebel in a Gown," Shelley brings her signature blend of authentici…

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Live from VRNation: Unpacking The Real Story 43:34

5M ago43:34

43:34

Send us a message! Alex & Annie bring you behind the scenes at VRNation 2025 to explore direct booking strategies, industry growth, tech innovation, and the evolving role of associations in vacation rentals. Recorded live in Austin, Texas, this special bonus episode captures real-time insights from the conference floor. Alex & Annie had on-the-spot…

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Inside Booking.com’s Strategy to Become the Best Partner for Property Managers - with Ian Ackland 44:56

5M ago44:56

44:56

Send us a message! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we’re joined by Ian Ackland, Managing Director of the Americas at Booking.com, for a candid look at how one of the world's largest travel platforms is evolving its approach to better serve property managers. With more than 30 years in the travel industry and ove…

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Here Goes Nothin’ – Matt Landau on Leading with Connection 58:47

5M ago58:47

58:47

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, Matt Landau returns to the show to share one of the most personal and transformational shifts of his career — a journey from building systems and scaling success to rediscovering the power of human connection. Long known as a community builder and founder of VRMB, Matt opens up about the moment everything …

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Behind the PMS: Meet TravelNet Solutions New CEO Boogie Wittenburg 48:44

5M ago48:44

48:44

Send us a message! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Boogie Wittenburg, the new CEO of TravelNet Solutions, makers of Track PMS. With a background in mission-critical technology powering global brands, Boogie brings a fresh, people-first perspective to the vacation rental tech space. Building on t…

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How Beyond is Redefining Revenue Management for Property Managers — with CEO, Julie Brinkman 42:00

6M ago42:00

42:00

Send us a message! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, to explore how the company is transforming the way property managers approach pricing and profitability. From dynamic pricing to market intelligence, Beyond has become a vital tool for short-term rental professiona…

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Saying No to Say Yes: Brittany Blackman’s Path from Burnout to Self-Discovery 41:52

6M ago41:52

41:52

Send us a message! In this soul-stirring episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Brittany Blackman, former vacation rental business owner turned leadership coach and founder of Discover Freedom. Brittany gets real about what it took to walk away from the business she built and loved, after realizing that outwar…

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The OG Women of Vacation Rentals: Honoring the Trailblazers that Shaped the Future of the Industry 1:06:34

6M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Send us a message! In this special episode, Alex & Annie sit down with the original queens of vacation rentals: three powerhouse women who helped shape the industry from the ground up. Meet Jeanne Dailey (Founder & CEO, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties), Valerie Hawkins (Co-Owner & CEO, Perdido Key Realty), and Audrey Miller (Co-Founder & CFO, Cotta…

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Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: How Jason Gann of Beyond Pricing Used Humor & Authenticity to Build his Personal Brand 48:24

6M ago48:24

48:24

Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Jason Gann, a well-established figure in vacation rentals who has carved out a unique path as both a sales executive and an emerging comedic talent. Jason takes us through his fascinating career journey - from selling hair-cutting shears to stepping into the world of vacation rental tec…

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The New Standard: Why Smart Guest Screening is Essential for Short-Term Rentals with Ela Mezhiborsky of Autohost 38:13

7M ago38:13

38:13

Send us a message! As the hospitality industry evolves, guest screening and verification have become essential components of a safe and seamless guest experience. In this episode, we sit down with Ela Mezhiborsky, President and Co-Founder of AutoHost, to explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the way hotels and short-term rental operators…

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Breaking News: The Women’s Summit 2025 Announced – Exclusive Details with Amy Hinote! 15:25

7M ago15:25

15:25

Send us a message! We’ve got BIG news to share! In this special bonus episode, we welcome back industry powerhouse Amy Hinote to reveal all the exciting details about the 2025 Women’s Summit! What better time to celebrate this announcement than during International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025? This global day of recognition honors the achievements…

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One Industry, One Mission: The Power of Partnership Between VRMA & VR Nation 46:44

7M ago46:44

46:44

Send us a message! In this episode, we are joined by some of the most influential leaders in the vacation rental industry. From VRMA (Vacation Rental Management Association), we welcome Executive Director Anne Gardner and Chair of the Board of Directors Jodi Refosco. Representing VR Nation, we have President Matt Tisdall and Executive Director Heid…

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VRBO’s Strategy for 2025 & Beyond: Exclusive Interview with Tim Rosolio 43:50

7M ago43:50

43:50

Send us a message! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, to discuss VRBO’s vision for 2025 and beyond. Tim shares insights on VRBO’s evolving strategy, including how the platform has transformed since its transition from Hom…

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Building a Podcast Empire: How Wil Slickers Scaled Hospitality.FM into a Media Company 53:49

7M ago53:49

53:49

Send us a message! In this episode, we sit down with Wil Slickers - an industry legend who transformed a single podcast into Hospitality.FM, a full-fledged media company. Wil shares how he scaled his brand from a passion project into a thriving network of nearly 40 hospitality-focused podcasts. Wil discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in buil…

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LIVE from Nashville: Key Takeaways from Track NEXT 25 – Innovation, Insights, and Industry Shifts 46:41

8M ago46:41

46:41

Send us a message! In this special episode, Alex & Annie take you to the heart of the Track NEXT25 Conference, TravelNetSolutions' premier annual conference, held in the vibrant city of Nashville. This annual user conference brings together company representatives, executives, vendors, and customers for a blend of fun, fellowship, and educational s…

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How Rent Responsibly is Closing the Information Gap in STR Regulations – with Founders David Krauss & Alexa Nota 45:26

8M ago45:26

45:26

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we sit down with two of the most influential voices in the short-term rental (STR) advocacy space - David Krauss, CEO & Founder of Rent Responsibly, and Alexa Nota, COO & Co-Founder. With regulations and housing discussions at the forefront of industry challenges, Rent Responsibly is leading the charge in …

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Breaking the Mold: How Fred Boothby’s Bold Business Model is Shaking Up the Industry 44:14

8M ago44:14

44:14

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Fred Boothby, CEO of Enjoy Unique Stays, to explore how he’s breaking the mold in the vacation rental industry. What started as a small side business has grown into a thriving portfolio of 140+ properties across multiple states, redefining what it means to create experiential s…

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Making Trash Fun (Again!) with CanMonkey CEO, Alex Shapiro 42:42

8M ago42:42

42:42

Send us a message! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we’re thrilled to welcome back Alex Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of CanMonkey. Alex joins us to share exciting updates on how his company has continued to revolutionize trash management for vacation rentals and beyond. CanMonkey, which started as a bootstrap idea…

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Podcasting the Podcasters: Celebrating Our 200th Episode 48:10

8M ago48:10

48:10

Send us a message! It's a milestone moment for Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals as we celebrate our 200th episode together with some of the most brilliant and influential podcasters in the vacation rental industry. To make this occasion extra special, Amber Hurdle and Travis Wilburn take over hosting duties, flipping the script by p…

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Vacation Rental Tech: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in 2025 42:24

9M ago42:24

42:24

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Terry Whyte, owner of Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals and a renowned expert in vacation rental technology and operations. As one of the leading voices in the vacation rental industry, Terry dives into the evolving landscape of vacation rental software, sharing his prediction…

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1st of the Year Bonus Episode: Alex & Annie Reflect on 2024 and Set Intentions for 2025 30:43

9M ago30:43

30:43

Send us a message! Welcome to the first episode of the year! What better way to kick off 2025 than with our tradition of reflecting on the past year’s highlights and setting an inspiring tone for the year ahead. In this episode, Alex & Annie revisit the most listened-to episodes of 2024, unveil their “Words of the Year” for 2025, and outline their …

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For the Love of Gatlinburg: How Tom Goodwin Uses Storytelling to Preserve a Destination’s Heart and Soul 49:32

9M ago49:32

49:32

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets and host of For the Love of Gatlinburg Podcast. Tom shares insights into his family-run vacation rental business in Gatlinburg, which has been a beloved destination for over 50 years. We dive into his journey of preserving the essen…

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From the Vault: Get Out of Your Own Way and Step into Your Power, with Amber Hurdle, CEO of Employer Brand Central 53:18

10M ago53:18

53:18

Send us a message! In this special throwback episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Amber Hurdle, CEO and founder of Employer Brand Central. Originally aired around this time last year, this episode marks a pivotal moment for Alex & Annie as they navigated career transitions and personal growth. Amber’s wisdom, energy, and insights set th…

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Driving Change Through Advocacy in the Vacation Rental Industry with John Hildebrand 44:34

10M ago44:34

44:34

Send us a message! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back John Hildebrand, founder of Hilde Homes and a leading advocate in the short-term rental industry. From his early days as a property manager to becoming a leading voice in vacation rental advocacy and education, John shares his inspiring journey with authenticity, humor, and valuable insig…

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From 2 to 70: Declan McGonigal’s Blueprint for Vacation Rental Success 41:54

10M ago41:54

41:54

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we sit down with Declan McGonigal, the dynamic owner-operator of My Beach Vacation Rentals, based in North Myrtle Beach. Declan’s story is one of grit, growth, and ingenuity, as he shares how he went from managing just two properties to overseeing a thriving portfolio of 70 vacation rentals in just a few y…

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It’s About DARM Time: Amy Hinote Previews the Industry’s Biggest Event 51:46

10M ago51:46

51:46

Send us a message! Register at https://vrdarm.com/registration/ and get $200 off when you use the promo code alexannieVIP In this exciting episode, we are joined by the dynamic Amy Hinote, founder of the Vacation Rental Data and Revenue Management Conference (DARM). Amy shares her vision for DARM 2024, revealing exciting details about the venue, ag…

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Building a Boutique Brand: How Steve Turk Brings Hotel Standards to Vacation Rentals 51:57

11M ago51:57

51:57

Send us a message! In this episode, we sit down with Steve Turk, founder of Tangy Management, a vacation rental management company known for its unique hotel-inspired approach to hospitality. With over 24 years of experience in luxury hotels, Steve brings a fresh perspective to the vacation rental industry, blending high standards from the hotel wo…