Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast

🎟️ Join us at the STR AI Summit — June 23-24 at the Freedom Factory in Beverly, MA. Only 100 seats. Early bird: $1,497. strsecrets.com/aisummitTying your identity to your door count is the fastest way to burn out—or worse. In 2008, Rod Khleif lost $50 million. He calls it an expensive "seminar." In this episode, E sits down with Rod to discuss how he rebuilt his massive real estate portfolio by fundamentally changing his peer group and his mindset. Today, Rod's students own over 260,000 units, and he has fed more than 160,000 children through his Tiny Hands Foundation. He breaks down the massive demographic shift he calls the "Silver Tsunami"—why the demand for senior housing is about to explode, and how his team is acquiring assisted living facilities for $40,000 a door. He also shares a massive wake-up call regarding Artificial Intelligence, explaining exactly how his own marketing team is using Claude AI to replace 95% of their manual workload. Connect with Rod Khleif:Website: http://Rodkhleif.comPodcast: Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate InvestingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rod_khleif/Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecrets

Join us at The STR AI Summit is June 23-24 at the Freedom Factory in Beverly, MA. 100 seats only. Grab your ticket: https://www.strsecrets.com/aisummitMost STR operators have built a great lifestyle business. But here's the hard truth: only 1 in 10 businesses will ever successfully sell. The rest close and walk away with nothing.In this Portfolio Clinic training, Mike Sjogren breaks down exactly how STR management companies are valued — and what operators need to start doing right now to build a business with a real exit strategy. He walks through the EBITDA formula, the exact valuation metrics used by C2G Advisors (the top M&A firm in the STR industry), why rental arbitrage and co-hosting businesses get little to no value from buyers, and why private equity has been quietly acquiring STR management companies since 2022.He also introduces the Freedom Collective — STR Secrets' own roll-up model designed to give operators a share of the upside instead of selling to private equity at a discount. And he breaks down how AI agents can automate an entire acquisition pipeline from property data scraping to sales call booking.Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecrets

She thought it had to be one or the other.Career or kids. No middle ground.Then her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at three years old.And everything changed.Jane Ng left corporate America to care for her daughter full time. Her daughter survived — but was left with a brain injury that means she will never be fully independent. Jane will care for her for the rest of her life.So going back to a W2 was never an option.Instead she found real estate. Then short term rentals. Then co-hosting. Then a coaching business helping other moms do the same thing.Today she owns 4 STRs, co-hosts 11 properties, runs a coaching business — and is home every single day for her kids.Here's what she shared in this episode:→ How she bought her first out-of-state property for $50K while parked on the side of a road in New Orleans→ Why STRs are one of the most powerful tax savings tools for stay-at-home parents→ How she built a team that runs the whole operation — with just one weekly check-in call→ How she structures her week so she is never tied to her phone→ The mindset shift that stopped her from quitting when things got hard→ How she uses AI to find her next STR market before she even talks to a realtor→ Why hospitality — not just for guests but for cleaners, neighbors, and vendors — is her #1 secretThis episode is for every mom who thinks she has to choose.She doesn't.Connect with Jane:Instagram: @theinvestingmomYouTube: @theinvestingmomConnect with us:Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-book STR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsTimestamps:0:00 - Intro4:10 - Introducing Jane Ng: The Investing Mom4:42 - How Jane's Daughter's Diagnosis Changed Her Life Forever6:21 - Why Going Back to a W2 Was Never an Option7:03 - Parked on the Side of a Road in New Orleans: The Moment Everything Changed8:20 - From Long-Term Rentals to STRs: The 1031 Exchange That Started It All9:18 - Why Her Daughter's Illness Made Her Braver in Business11:39 - The Middle Ground: How STRs Let Her Be a Mom and an Operator13:28 - The Identity Guilt That Holds Moms Back — and How to Get Past It15:10 - Her Morning Routine: Up at 5:30, Kids First, Business Second18:01 - Portfolio Overview: 4 Owned STRs, 11 Co-Hosted Properties, 3 Businesses18:25 - Why the STR Tax Loophole Is a Game Changer for Stay-at-Home Parents20:32 - How Co-Hosting Started: She Said No 6 Times Before Saying Yes22:06 - How She Built Her Social Presence as a Self-Described Introvert25:49 - How She Manages Everything: VA Structure, Weekly Check-Ins and Time Blocking28:07 - How She Structures Her Week to Never Feel Tied to Her Phone31:07 - Start Small: How to Build Good Habits Without Overwhelming Yourself36:46 - How She Uses AI to Find Her Next STR Market39:19 - Her #1 Secret to STR Success: Hospitality for Everyone

📲 Connect with STR Secrets:Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsApply to work with us: https://strsecrets.com/applySTR Secrets Podcast: https://strsecrets.com/podcastMost luxury STR owners write that electric bill every month without ever knowing what's causing it. David VanWert did the same thing — until he built a platform to fix it.In this episode, E and Chris sit down with David VanWert, founder of Umbra and owner of seven STR cabins in the Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Lakes. David built Umbra after spending years watching energy costs silently destroy the profitability of high-end vacation rentals — and after realizing no existing solution was built for the STR world.In this episode David covers:- What Umbra does: smart power monitoring and automation built specifically for large luxury STRs- How Umbra integrates with your PMS to automatically cut power when guests check out- Real results: 45% reduction in electricity cost per night, $620 saved in one month on one property, 30% lower bill YoY- How silent system failures — clogged AC units, water leaks, tripped breakers — get caught before they become emergencies- Why electricity costs in the Smoky Mountains regularly hit $2,000-$3,000 per cabin in winter — and how to stop that- How David scaled to seven properties in under five years using second home loans, cost segregation studies, and the STR tax loophole- Why the STR tax play — not cash flow — is the real opportunity for high-income earners buying right now- David's full AI workflow: how he rebuilt his entire business from the ground up using Claude- How he cut a 100-hour design project down to under 20 hours with AI- Why he believes operators have a 4-6 year window to get ahead of AI before things get "weird"- The time study method: how to audit every 15-minute block of your day and identify what AI can automate- What happens to property managers and co-hosts when AI agents handle all communications, scheduling, and pricing- David's #1 secret to STR success: tenacityThis is a rare conversation — equal parts operations, tech, and honest truth about where this industry is headed.---About David VanWert:David VanWert is the founder of Umbra, a power-monitoring and automation platform built specifically for large luxury short-term rentals. He owns seven cabins — six in the Smoky Mountains and one in Mammoth Lakes — and built Umbra after experiencing firsthand how much energy waste and property risk goes undetected in high-end vacation rentals. His background is in technology and design, and he now splits his time between operating his own portfolio and helping other owners and property managers answer one simple question: what's running right now, and should it be?Connect with David and Umbra:Website: umbra-energy.comInstagram: @umbraenergyFacebook: Umbra EnergyTimestamps:0:00 - Intro1:22 - Introducing David VanWert and Umbra5:28 - E's Michelin Restaurant Story: Service Is Black and White, Hospitality Is Color9:06 - What Is Umbra and Why Did David Build It?10:58 - The Real Cost of Running a Luxury STR: $2,000-$3,000 Electric Bills in the Smokies12:49 - How Umbra Works: Smart Power Automation Tied to Your PMS14:34 - Real Results: 45% Reduction, $620 Saved in One Month16:37 - How Umbra Catches Silent Failures Before They Become Emergencies18:34 - David's Background: From High-End Home Automation to STR Investor20:26 - How David Scaled to Seven Properties in Under Five Years21:58 - The STR Tax Play: Why High-Income Earners Should Be Buying Right Now24:30 - Is the STR Market Still Worth It? What David Is Seeing Today27:46 - How David Rebuilt His Entire Workflow Using Claude and AI33:25 - From 100 Hours to 20: How AI Changed His Design Business40:13 - The 4-6 Year Window: Why You Need to Get Ahead of AI Right Now43:11 - What Happens to Property Managers When AI Handles Everything?45:00 - Where to Start With AI If You Have No Tech Background47:26 - David's #1 Secret to STR Success: Tenacity

As of April 15th, Airbnb moved every host to a 15.5% host-only fee.If you haven't updated your pricing yet — your next booking will pay you less than you expect.Btw you can grab the spreadsheet from here : https://www.strsecrets.com/airbnbfeeAlso, if you want to talk to us directly: http://strsecrets.com/implementIn this training Mike covers:- What the Airbnb fee change actually means: 15.5% host-only fee applies to nightly rate, cleaning fee, resort fee, pet fee — everything- Why the split fee showing back up in your account is a bug — not a reversal- The exact price increase you need to make: 18.34% minimum for direct owners- How co-hosts and property managers need to handle this differently — and why checking the listing owner's account first matters- The fee change spreadsheet walkthrough — how to model the right scenario for your business (comment FEE CHANGE to get it)- How to split the channel fee with your homeowner so nobody loses- How to track your Airbnb algorithm ranking after raising prices using Rank Breeze- Why five-star properties make 18% more in RevPAR than 4.7-star properties — and how that matters more right now- How Mike's portfolio is pacing 130% of June goals and 120% of July goals — and why- Why now is the time to get on Vrbo — Mike is seeing 10% more bookings YoY from Vrbo this year- How to retarget past guests with text messages and automated campaigns to offset any Airbnb drop- Listing optimization basics: why your first five photos, your copy, and your reviews are your most valuable assets right nowThis is the most important training for STR operators this month.📲 Connect with STR Secrets:STR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsApply to work with us: https://strsecrets.com/applySTR Secrets Podcast: https://strsecrets.com/podcastTimestamps:0:00 - What Just Happened: Airbnb's Fee Change Explained1:16 - The Split Fee Is Not Back — It Was a Bug2:23 - What 15.5% Host-Only Fee Actually Means for Your Payout3:04 - Step 1: Increase Your Airbnb Pricing by 18.34% Right Now4:27 - Step 2: Track Your Algorithm Ranking After Raising Prices5:44 - How to Check and Confirm Your Fee Setting in Airbnb8:21 - The Fee Change Spreadsheet Walkthrough12:30 - How to Split the Channel Fee With Your Homeowner14:26 - What Co-Hosts and Property Managers Need to Do Differently15:12 - How to Make Pricing Changes Inside Your PMS16:03 - Testing Price Increases: 15% vs 18% vs 25% — What We've Seen18:01 - The Airbnb Algorithm: What Actually Moves Your Ranking18:25 - Five-Star Properties Make 18% More in RevPAR19:48 - Virtual Stays, Friends and Family Reviews and Algorithm Boosts20:15 - Mike's Portfolio Is Pacing 130% of June Goals — Here's Why21:03 - Get on Vrbo: Mike Is Up 10% YoY From Vrbo This Year22:15 - Retarget Past Guests With Text Campaigns Right Now23:45 - Listing Optimization Basics: Photos, Copy and Reviews24:07 - Action Steps and Where to Get the Spreadsheet

Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsE just got back from the Unreasonable Hospitality Summit in Nashville — and this solo episode is his full recap.Will Guidara wrote Unreasonable Hospitality during COVID. He took Eleven Madison Park from a nice restaurant to the #1 restaurant in the world — the only restaurant to ever go from one Michelin star to three in a single year.His philosophy: service is what you do for people. Hospitality is how you make them feel.In this episode E breaks down the biggest lessons from the summit — how to systematize hospitality so your team delivers it consistently, why hiring the person over the resume matters more than you think, how to build a culture of praise and feedback that makes teams want to grow, and why the magic moments your guests remember are never accidental.He also tackles the AI question head on: the answer is not cutting your team — it is repurposing them to create more human moments in a world where genuine connection is becoming a scarce resource.The episode closes with the question Will Guidara asked the room that E says called him to greatness: "What would you attempt to do if you knew you couldn't fail?"Get the book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraNew book: Unreasonable Hospitality Field Guide (released April 28, 2026)Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecrets

If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/implementIf you want to join our weekly free training:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsMost property managers and co-hosts pitch homeowners on management fees.Mike Reilly pitches them on $100,000 in tax savings. And it closes more deals than anything else.In this Portfolio Clinic training, Mike breaks down the STR tax loophole — why it works, who qualifies, and exactly how to use it to attract high-income homeowners and win management contracts.This is not investment or tax advice. But it is the most powerful conversation you can have with a prospective homeowner — and most co-hosts and property managers are never having it.In this training Mike covers:- Why taxes are the #1 expense for every high-income W2 earner and business owner- How a doctor making $375K in California goes from a $145K tax bill to a $47K tax bill — with one STR- What a cost segregation study is and how it accelerates depreciation in year one- The two requirements to qualify for the STR loophole: 7-day average stay and 100+ hours of material participation- Why 90% of CPAs don't know this loophole exists — and how to help your homeowner educate theirs- The exact conversation flow to have with prospective and new homeowners- How Mike charges a $20-25K consulting and design fee upfront — then takes over management in year two- Real results: one homeowner got $80K back this year, another got $60K last year- How to structure the deal so the homeowner qualifies AND you get the management contract- What to do with a cost segregation study if the homeowner wants to be fully passive- How to handle depreciation recapture and when to recommend a 1031 exchangeThis is one of the highest-leverage strategies a co-host or property manager can learn right now.Want help implementing this in your business?Go to: https://strsecrets.com/implement📲 Connect with STR Secrets:Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsApply to work with us: https://strsecrets.com/applySTR Secrets Podcast: https://strsecrets.com/podcastTimestamps:0:00 - Why Taxes Are Your Homeowner's Biggest Expense3:20 - The Math: How a Doctor Paying $145K in Taxes Can Change Everything With One STR6:00 - What Is a Cost Segregation Study and Why Every Homeowner Needs One8:30 - How Much Can You Depreciate in Year One? (The 25% Rule)10:00 - The Two Tests to Qualify for the STR Loophole12:00 - Running the Numbers: From $145K Tax Bill to $47K With One Property14:30 - The Exact Conversation to Have With Every Prospective Homeowner16:30 - How to Charge a Consulting Fee and Design Fee Upfront18:00 - Real Results: $80K Back This Year, $60K Last Year19:30 - What If the Homeowner Wants to Be Fully Passive?21:00 - Depreciation Recapture and When to Recommend a 1031 Exchange22:00 - Q&A: Cost Seg on an Existing Property, Passive Losses and More

In 2016, Cara and Mark Truckey lost their 14-month-old son. He never woke up at daycare.Most couples don't survive a loss like that. Instead, it became the moment that changed everything.In this episode, E and Chris sit down with Cara and Mark Truckey — two STR Secrets boardroom alumni who have built a real estate portfolio of 65+ units across Wisconsin and Florida while raising three kids and running multiple businesses.This is one of the most honest and human conversations we have had on this show.In this episode Cara and Mark cover:- How losing their son reshaped their entire perspective on time, work, and money- How Cara quit her hospital job in 2020 and Mark quit his plumbing W-2 in 2021- How they went from a few house flips to 65+ rental units across two states- Their first STR — a lake property in Wisconsin they bought by accident- Why Mark struggled with delegation for years — and the 80/20 rule that broke the pattern- How to find the right people for the right seats — and why belief in the vision matters more than skills- How Cara transitioned into Savvy Realty as a top agent in the Tampa Clearwater market- What actually keeps a husband and wife business partnership aligned- The daily habit that is their real superpower — and has nothing to do with business- How to change your identity before the results show up- Mark's upcoming $130 million capital campaign for a K-12 school in Wisconsin- Cara's goal: 40 STRs under management in Florida by end of 2027- Their #1 secrets to success: courage and fighting past limiting beliefsIf you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/applyIf you want to join our weekly free training:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsConnect with Cara: Instagram: www.instagram.com/caratruckeyFacebook: www.facebook.com/caratruckeySavvy Realty: www.savvy.realty/caraTimestamps:0:00 - Highlights1:00 - Introducing Cara and Mark Truckey5:05 - Their Story: Growing Up in Wisconsin and Losing Their Son in 20167:32 - How Grief Changed Their Relationship With Time and Money9:03 - How They Built the Portfolio: Flips, BRRRs and Their First Accidental STR10:21 - How They Split the Business: Cara on Sales, Mark on Construction11:56 - Building the Team: Florida and Wisconsin Operations14:11 - Mark's Delegation Journey: The 80/20 Rule That Changed Everything16:48 - Right People in the Right Seats: Why Belief in the Vision Matters Most18:24 - Identity First: You Have to Become the Person Before the Results Show Up21:33 - How to Actually Change Your Identity — Not Just Understand It24:28 - Why Being Part of a Mastermind Has Always Been Their Edge25:25 - Running a Business With Your Spouse — What Actually Works26:47 - Spiritual Alignment: The Foundation That Kept Them Together Through Tragedy27:23 - The Matthew McConaughey Analogy: You Won't Always Walk Side by Side32:21 - How Cara Made the Decision to Join Savvy Realty35:00 - Their Real Superpower: Health, Accountability and Alignment38:27 - What's Next: Mark's $130M School Campaign and Cara's Management Goals42:23 - Their #1 Secrets to STR Success

If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/applyIf you want to join our weekly free training:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsEvery time a past guest books your property again through Airbnb — Airbnb takes the fee. Again. Repeat guests generate over $1 billion in revenue for Airbnb annually. And most STR operators are doing nothing to capture that themselves.In this Portfolio Clinic session, Mike Reilly breaks down the direct booking system he uses across his 30-property portfolio — and reviews a real direct booking website live with a community member.He walks through how to collect guest info from every Airbnb and Vrbo stay, how to build a 12-touch text and email funnel that brings guests back without the OTA in the middle, and how to incentivize your team to close direct bookings on your behalf. He also covers the occupancy tax process most operators get wrong, why your contact list is a business asset that increases your company's exit value, and what actually makes a direct booking website convert.If you are still relying 80-100% on Airbnb for bookings — this is the training that changes that.Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsTimestamps:0:00 - Why Airbnb Makes $1 Billion From Your Repeat Guests2:27 - Why You Can't Build a Business on Someone Else's Land4:36 - How Airbnb's Fee Change Impacted Revenue (And What to Do)7:05 - Occupancy Tax: The Mistake That Could Cost You a Six-Figure Bill9:23 - Live Website Review: Lori's Direct Booking Site13:43 - What Makes a Direct Booking Website Actually Convert19:53 - How to Collect Guest Info From Every Airbnb and Vrbo Stay21:15 - The QR Code Exit Strategy That Drives Direct Bookings21:35 - The 12-Touch Text and Email Funnel for Repeat Guests24:34 - Why Mike Pays His Team $50 Per Direct Booking Closed25:41 - Two Social Posts a Week — Done by Your Team, Not You27:32 - How a 3,000-Contact CRM Protects You If Airbnb Shuts You Down31:07 - Why Direct Bookings Increase Your Company's Exit Valuation33:54 - Action Items and Closing Thoughts

If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/applyIf you want to join our weekly free training:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsMost STR operators don't think about regulation until it's already too late.Julie pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in short-term rental regulation and why hosts can’t afford to stay invisible. From local politics to nationwide advocacy, this episode is a wake-up call for operators who think regulation is someone else’s problem.Here's what we covered:• How Julie went from accidental host to industry advocate• Why anti-STR arguments often hide deeper community concerns• The biggest mistake hosts make when regulations start changing• Why advocacy is not charity, but a real business investment• How small hosts can contribute without becoming full-time activists• What the Right to Rent Collaborative is building for the future of the industryGuest Bio:Julie Marks is Executive Director of the Right to Rent Collaborative (R2RC), a national initiative supporting state and local short-term rental associations in building advocacy capacity, legal readiness, and sustainable funding infrastructure. An association founder and industry advocate, Julie works at the intersection of national strategy and local execution, helping communities organize and engage effectively with policymakers.Julie founded the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance (VTSTRA) in 2021 and served on the Vacation Rental Management Association’s Government Affairs Council from 2022 to 2024. She operates Homestead Hospitality in Vermont and manages rental properties in Vermont and Washington.Connect with Guest:[email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/juliemarksvt/https://www.instagram.com/vtstra/https://www.instagram.com/r2rcollaborative/Timestamps:0:00 - Intro8:01 - Introducing Julie Marks8:28 - How Julie Accidentally Became an STR Advocate10:00 - From Op-Ed to Statewide Alliance: The Vermont Story11:26 - Why the Same Fight Is Happening in Every Market12:23 - What Communities Are Really Upset About (It's Not What You Think)16:19 - The Hard Truth: What STRs Have Genuinely Changed18:34 - Why "It Won't Happen in My Market" Is a Dangerous Assumption21:16 - How to Get Involved Without Going to Every City Hall Meeting23:35 - What the Right to Rent Collaborative Does and How It Works26:17 - "I'm Too Small to Matter" — Julie's Response28:21 - The $2 Per Booking Model: Your Business Insurance Policy29:08 - Why This Is a Branding Opportunity, Not Just an Obligation35:52 - How to Start a Local Association From Scratch38:23 - Where to Find Julie and Get Connected39:36 - Julie's #1 Secret to STR Success

If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/applyIf you want to join our weekly free training:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsThis one is different.At our last STR acquisitions event at the Freedom Factory in Beverly, MA, we did something we'd never done before.We filled a hat with real homeowner objections — things operators hear every day — and had four coaches handle them live on stage in front of 50 operators.No prep. No script. No safety net.Coaches Mike Reilly, Dave, Darryl, and E took turns handling objections like "your fees are too high," "you're not local," "I don't want to be locked in," and "I want to take advantage of the STR tax loophole." Each coach handled them differently — because that's the point. There is no single right answer. There's the answer that fits your voice.This is an hour of live, unfiltered STR sales training recorded in the room. If you're growing a property management or cohosting business, this episode will change how you handle objections.Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecrets

If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids, talk to us: http://strsecrets.com/applyIf you want us to review your listing, org chart, pricing or anything related to STR business, join here:➡ https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsMost STR companies obsess over guest reviews.Blue Gems obsesses over owner profitability.And they grew to 180 properties under management doing it.In this episode, recorded live at the Freedom Factory in Beverly, MA, E and Chris sits down with Aidan Groll — co-founder of Blue Gems Management, one of Florida's fastest-growing STR companies. Aidan and his partner JB manage 180+ properties across Orlando and Clearwater Beach with a 36-person team — and grew almost entirely through organic relationships, not paid ads.In this episode Aidan breaks down:- How he went from a corporate accounting job to buying his first duplex in March 2020- How a 400 sq ft backyard ADU made $50K in its first year and convinced him to go all in on STRs- Why Blue Gems puts owners 70% over guests — and how they pitch that to new clients- Their full org chart at 180 units: 14 in maintenance, 7 in guest experience, 3 in sales and more- Why they do ALL maintenance in-house — and why speed was the deciding factor- How they automated 70% of guest communication with AI in the last year- Their 7-day contract-to-live-listing goal and how they hit it consistently- How they choose markets based on regulatory stability — not just cash flow- Why they shut down their podcast and social media for 2+ years to focus on growth- Their plan to reach 350-400 units through acquisitions of smaller operators- The Valley of Disappointment — and why most people quit right before it gets good- Aidan's #1 secret to STR success: patienceThis is a masterclass in building a real, scalable STR management business.---About Aidan Groll:Aidan Groll is the co-founder of Blue Gems Management, an Orlando-based vacation rental management company that has grown to oversee 180+ properties across Florida. Originally a real estate investor with a background in corporate accounting, Aidan and his business partner JB pivoted to short-term rentals in late 2021 — building their own management infrastructure before opening to third-party clients in early 2023. Since then, Blue Gems has scaled to a 36-person team with full in-house maintenance operations, serving property owners across Orlando and Clearwater Beach.Time Stamps:0:00 - intro0:54 - Introducing Aidan Groll and Blue Gems Management1:28 - What Blue Gems Does Differently (Owner-First Philosophy)4:14 - The Real Cost of Building This Business5:08 - Aidan's Origin Story: From Accounting Job to House Hacking in 20207:54 - The $50K ADU That Changed Everything9:10 - Scaling to 180 Properties: How Blue Gems Grew Without Paid Ads10:46 - The Contrarian Take: Why They Don't Chase 5-Star Reviews13:46 - How to Pitch the Owner-First Model to New Clients18:26 - Inside the Org Chart: 36 People, 180 Properties20:08 - Why They Do All Maintenance In-House25:38 - How AI Automated 70% of Guest Communication29:54 - From Signed Contract to Live Listing in 7 Days31:18 - How to Choose Markets Based on Regulatory Stability36:49 - Why Aidan Is Selling His Portfolio to Bet on the Management Company40:41 - The Real Cost of Building This Business43:59 - The Future: 350+ Units and Acquiring Smaller Operators47:15 - Aidan's #1 Secret to STR SuccessConnect with Aidan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidangroll/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-grollEmail: [email protected]📲 Connect with STR Secrets:Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsSTR Secrets Podcast: https://strsecrets.com/podcast

Resources mentioned in this episode are available at: strsecrets.com/clinic If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/applyIf you want to join these live trainings:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsThis is the first episode of the STR Portfolio Clinic. A brand new series where me and Mike Sjogren pull up real STR listings on screen and diagnose what's working and what's not. Live. In front of everyone. No filter.This episode is all about listings.We reviewed two real Airbnb properties from operators who volunteered to put their listings on the hot seat.First up is a brand new beach cottage in Oak Island, North Carolina. Second row from the ocean. Clean listing. But nobody's clicking on it. We broke down why and gave the owner a full game plan on the spot.Then we pulled up a riverfront property in Murphy, North Carolina. Fly fishing right off the deck. Beautiful area. Went an entire summer with zero bookings. It took about 10 seconds to see what was wrong.We also break down the ALE framework which stands for amenities, location, and experiences. This is the framework behind how we build listings across 30+ properties that generated over $5M in bookings last year.If your listing has been sitting or your bookings have slowed down, this episode will show you exactly what to fix and in what order.Want your listing or business reviewed on a future episode? Drop CLINIC in our DMsTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - What is the Portfolio Clinic0:55 - The ALE Framework: Amenities, Location, Experiences4:17 - Listing Review #1: Beach Cottage in Oak Island, NC5:09 - Photo feedback: It's clean but it's too white6:31 - How to use AI for sunset and lifestyle shots7:15 - Staging amenities: Reilly's beach property example8:41 - Who's your avatar and why it changes your photos9:12 - Sjogren: The wizard room hero image strategy10:33 - Using ChatGPT to create twilight shots11:38 - Interior updates vs working with what you have12:47 - Getting five star reviews on a new listing13:52 - The combined listing strategy for side by side properties16:58 - Aerial shot hack to show both properties17:48 - Listing Review #2: Riverfront A-Frame in Murphy, NC18:16 - Sjogren's first reaction: "I don't love this first photo"19:04 - Andy's story: Zero bookings since launch19:56 - Why you need to relaunch dead listings20:35 - Phone photos are killing your listing21:24 - What lifestyle photos this property actually needs22:47 - Comp analysis: What top properties in Murphy look like25:02 - Brutal feedback: The photos make it look dark and dated26:35 - Staging the deck and outdoor space28:41 - The game plan: Photos, relaunch, pricing, reviews29:42 - The Airbnb new listing push and why Andy missed it30:09 - Small changes that pay for themselves in one night30:47 - Insurance and liability for offering amenities33:23 - Bonus: Quick review of Christie's listing35:40 - What's coming next and the Freedom Factory event

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTIONMost people end Q1 the same way they started it.Behind on goals. Ahead on excuses.In this solo episode, E breaks down why that happens — and what to actually do about it before Q2 starts.This isn't a motivational pep talk.It's a direct, honest look at the real reason you keep self-sabotaging — even when you know exactly what you need to do.In this episode, E covers:- Why the brain doesn't perceive time as time — and what that means for how you're living- Tony Robbins' 3 S's framework: State → Story → Systems (and why you're skipping the first two)- The 5 core wounds that create self-sabotage: rejection, abandonment, humiliation, betrayal, and injustice- The difference between being self-centered vs. self-aware — and why it changes everything- The belief thermostat: why you always reduce yourself back to what you think you're worth- 3 questions to ask yourself right now as you close out Q1- The one question E asks himself that "terrifies the shit out of him" — and keeps him movingIf the year hasn't gone the way you planned — this episode is the reset you need.📲 Connect with STR Secrets:Free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsApply to work with us: https://strsecrets.com/applySTR Secrets Podcast: https://strsecrets.com/podcastTimestamps:0:00 - Intro2:09 - Q1 Check-In: Are You Still Holding Your Standards?3:57 - Why Time Feels Like It's Running Away (The Science of Memory Markers)6:13 - Stop Just Learning — Start Experimenting7:13 - Tony Robbins' 3 S's: State, Story, and Systems9:23 - Why Mindset Work Alone Keeps Failing You9:47 - The 5 Core Wounds Behind Every Self-Sabotage Pattern11:23 - How Your Brain's 3 Layers Are Keeping You Stuck13:38 - Self-Centered vs. Self-Aware: The Shift That Changes Everything15:37 - The Belief Thermostat: Why You Keep Reducing Yourself17:05 - Your Honest Q1 Review: Facts Only, No Stories18:38 - 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Q2 Starts20:33 - Nobody Is Coming to Save You22:56 - "Is This the Final Version of You?"

If you want to increase your revenue, automate your day to day operations and spend more time with your kids: http://strsecrets.com/applyCheck out our free 6 step course: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookIf you want to join these live trainings:https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsIf your listings aren't getting booked right now — don't panic and drop your prices.In this week's Thursday training, Mike Reilly sits down with Maryann Wahhab, revenue management expert and STR operator across 6 states, to break down exactly what's working right now to get booked at the rates you want.Maryann went from college basketball coach to full-time STR revenue manager — and now helps operators stop leaving money on the table in soft markets.In this episode, Mike and Maryann cover:- Why your slow bookings are probably a listing problem — not a pricing problem- The booking window zones every operator needs to understand (and how to price each one)- How Mike went 30% up year over year on Vrbo with one simple OTA trick- The "booking velocity" metric Maryann tracks at 7, 15, and 30-day marks- How a listing went from page 6 to page 2 on Airbnb in one week- Why virtual stays are a game changer for dead listings- The full listing re-optimization playbook for properties with no bookings in 30+ days- How to use Airbnb's rule sets and length-of-stay discounts to capture more revenue in slow seasonThis is the training your listings need right now.---🎙️ About Maryann Wahhab:Maryann is a revenue management expert and STR operator managing properties across 6 states. A former Division I basketball coach, she left the game in 2023 to manage properties full-time — and now helps STR operators maximize revenue in any market condition.---Timecodes:0:00 - Why Your Listings Aren't Getting Booked Right Now2:30 - Meet Maryann Wahhab: From Basketball Coach to STR Expert6:00 - How to Read Your Market Before You Touch Your Prices10:00 - Booking Window Zones Explained (And How to Price Each One)15:30 - Booking Velocity: The Metric That Tells You When to Act20:00 - How to Play the Airbnb and Vrbo Algorithm Game25:30 - The OTA Trick That Got Mike 30% Up Year Over Year on Vrbo30:00 - Virtual Stays and How to Reinvigorate a Dead Listing36:00 - The Full Re-Optimization Playbook for Struggling Listings41:30 - Length-of-Stay Discounts and Airbnb Rule Sets in Slow Season46:00 - How to Differentiate Your Listing So You're Never in a Price War

Connect with Sean:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sean_bakhtiari/Check out Seacoast 2 Summit: https://www.seacoast2summit.comCheck out our free 6-step course for scaling STR operators: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsWhat happens when a corporate finance guy from Boston decides he's done working for someone else — and bets on short-term rentals?Sean Bakhtiari is the co-founder of Seacoast 2 Summit Vacation Rentals and The Bakhtiari Group, a top-performing real estate sales team across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. As an active STR investor, his work sits at the intersection of real estate, hospitality, and investment strategy throughout New England.After 9 years in Boston's financial district, Sean bought his first STR. Then a second. Then started building a management company.At 12 properties, he hit a wall. He was good at business development and client relationships. But systems, operations, and scale? Not his strengths. That's when a serendipitous call from Chris changed everything.Today, Sean and Chris co-run Seacoast to Summit Vacation Rentals — managing 120+ properties across the New Hampshire seacoast, lakes and mountains region, and North Shore of Massachusetts. Almost entirely on referrals, with virtually no paid marketing.In this episode, Sean and Chris pull back the curtain on:- How they identified each other as the right partner (and what 3 things you need to align on before you sign anything)- Sean's "help first, never sell" philosophy — and why it's responsible for most of their growth- Why they've said no to 10+ deals in the last 3 months (and why that's the right call)- The two fears they stay up at night thinking about as they scale- How to delegate without feeling like you're losing control- What it takes to keep your team culture intact as you grow- Why boutique hotels might be the next frontier for this businessThis is a rare episode — a founder bringing on his business partner and pulling off the veil on how a real, values-driven STR company actually works at scale.---Timestamps:0:00 - Introducing Sean Bakhtiari: Chris's Business Partner2:45 - How Sean Went From Corporate Finance to STR Management6:30 - Building Seacoast to Summit: From 12 to 120 Properties10:15 - How Sean and Chris Found Each Other (The Serendipitous Call)15:00 - The 3 Things You Must Align On Before Partnering18:30 - The "Help First" Sales Mindset That Built the Business23:00 - Why They Said No to 10 Deals in 3 Months27:00 - The Two Fears They Have About Growing Too Fast32:30 - How to Delegate Without Losing Control37:00 - Keeping Team Culture Intact at Scale42:00 - What the Future Looks Like: Boutique Hotels and Brand Building46:00 - Sean's #1 Secret to STR Success

Connect with Jeremiah: Instagram: @jeremiahkwatson Business: www.affluentvacays.comCheck out our free 6 step course: https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookSTR Secrets FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsHe did everything people told him to do.Got clean. Went to college. Got a good job. Made good money.And he was still unhappy.In this episode, we talk with Jeremiah Watson. Jeremiah just quit his corporate job. He now runs an 18-property cohosting business in Los Angeles. He is the 73rd person to leave their job through STR Secrets.Here's what you'll learn:→ How Jeremiah went from addiction and jail to building a real business → Why he lost $50K his first year — and what he changed → How he got his first cohosting deal with one cold call → The small team that runs his business today → His goal: 66 properties by the end of 2026This is what actually doing the work looks like.Timestamps:00:00 - Who Is Jeremiah Watson?03:12 - From Addiction and Jail to Turning His Life Around08:11 - Why He Chased the Corporate Dream11:36 - He Tried STRs and Lost $50K in Year One13:16 - How He Found Cohosting and Got His First Deal16:36 - How He Grew From 1 to 18 Properties19:11 - His Team and How the Business Runs Today21:27 - His Big Goal: 66 Properties by End of 202622:45 - What to Do If You Have a Job and No Time27:06 - How to Balance Drive With Gratitude31:57 - Why This Business Is About More Than Money

Scaling a short-term rental company isn’t just about getting more properties.It’s about building the team that can support the growth.In this episode, Chris and E sit down with Alex Hall — talent advisor and leadership strategist — to break down the real challenges STR operators face when building teams.From job clarity and org structure to burnout, hiring, and leadership development, Alex shares the frameworks that help operators scale from a handful of listings to a real company.If you're trying to grow beyond the stage where you do everything yourself, this episode is a masterclass in leadership and people management.Inside this episode:• Why most STR companies don’t actually know who reports to who• The biggest hiring mistake operators make while scaling• How to structure a team from 10 to 100+ listings• Why burnout happens during fast growth• The leadership habits that retain great talent• When to introduce equity or long-term incentivesIf you want a real business — not just a portfolio of properties — it starts with leadership.Guest Bio:Alex Hall is the founder of Valinor Talent Solutions, where he serves as a fractional HR executive helping growing companies build strong people strategies, leadership development, and scalable teams. With over a decade of experience in talent and organizational development, he partners with businesses to create high-performing workplaces. Alex works with short-term rentals to develop their talent strategy so they can focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful design, strong systems, and hospitality-driven service.Guest Contacts:[email protected] FREE Access to our 6 STEP course:https://www.strsecrets.com/podcastTimestamps:00:00 – Why Most Teams Don’t Know Their Role02:00 – Success, Identity, and Leadership Growth04:30 – Introducing Alex Hall: Talent Advisor for STR Operators07:25 – When STR Businesses Actually Need HR Support09:20 – The 3 Levels of Team Structure as You Scale12:40 – The Most Common Hiring Problems in STR Companies14:00 – Why Job Clarity and Accountability Are Missing17:10 – The 33% Rule: When Leaders Outgrow Their Team20:05 – Burnout Signals Every Operator Should Watch23:20 – Building Org Structures for 10–100 Listings26:00 – Why Systems Matter More Than Org Charts27:00 – How Great Leaders Reward and Motivate Teams30:00 – Equity vs Performance Bonuses for Key Employees33:00 – The 3 Rules of Leadership: Clear, Kind, Respectful36:10 – Leadership Lessons for First-Time Founders39:50 – AI’s Role in Future STR Operations42:40 – Final Advice for Building a Great STR Team

Want the resources mentioned in the training?Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/mikereillync/Follow this link for the Free training:https://level.strsecrets.com/pc-bookYou want to grow a property management business, you will eventually hit the same wall:You become the person slowing things down.In this video, I share the exact playbook we built before hiring our first salesperson.Inside this training you’ll learn:• The perfect type of property we target• The exact type of homeowner we want to work with• The biggest problems Airbnb owners face today• How we show our value to sign new clients• The "UI Method" for finding struggling Airbnb properties• The exact numbers and goals we set for our sales team• The best ways we find and talk to new owners• Our step-by-step sales process and first phone calls• What happens right after an owner signs with usIf you want to grow your company to 30, 40, or 50+ properties, you need a sales plan that works every single time.This episode shows you exactly how we built ours.Subscribe for new weekly videos ➡️ https://bit.ly/2Nrn4XOTimestamps:00:00 – Why You Need a Sales Plan01:12 – The 4 Steps of Our Sales Playbook02:10 – Finding the Perfect Property03:05 – The Perfect Homeowner04:18 – Problems Airbnb Owners Face05:45 – Creating a Strong Offer07:00 – Why You Need a CRM Software08:50 – Sales Goals and Numbers to Track10:20 – The Experiment: 120 Calls in 6 Weeks11:35 – Our Sales Win Rates12:18 – How to Find Leads: The UI Method13:30 – Using Referrals and Partners14:05 – Direct Mail and Ads15:05 – Running Facebook Ads for Leads16:10 – Our Sales Process17:20 – The First Call and Asking Questions18:15 – Handling Owner Concerns19:05 – Bringing on a New Owner20:00 – Weekly Sales Tracking21:10 – Hiring and Testing a SalespersonConnect with us on other social media platforms:STR Secrets FB group ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecretsMichael Sjogren FB Page ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/theAirbnbGuyInstagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/miike.sjogrenLinkedin ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesjogren

He built a “sexy” real estate portfolio in the early 2000s…Then 2008 hit.Reserves drained.Assets liquidated.Eventually — bankruptcy.Most investors never come back from that.In this episode, Jon St. Leger breaks down:• What the 2008 crash really felt like• Why he keeps his portfolio at 33% LTV• How to prepare for the next recession• What “Equity Manifestation” actually means• How he turned a 20-room motel into a 47-key boutique hotel• Why delayed gratification builds real wealth• The blue-collar advantage most people ignoreJon now owns 13+ short-term rentals, long-term rentals, and is breaking ground on a beachfront boutique hotel in the Outer Banks.If you’re serious about building generational wealth in real estate — this one is different.Follow Jon on Instagram: @jon_boy14 Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/TimeStamps:00:00 – Equity Manifestation & The $100M Vision02:00 – Identity, Mindset & Future Self Thinking05:30 – From Blue Collar Beginnings to Construction Company09:45 – Building a Portfolio… Then 2008 Hit12:30 – The Mental Toll of Bankruptcy14:45 – Lessons From the Crash: Reserves & Exit Strategies17:00 – Why He Keeps 33% Loan-to-Value19:00 – Not Overleveraging in Growth Cycles21:30 – From STR Portfolio to Boutique Hotel Developer24:00 – Turning a 20-Room Motel into 47 Keys27:00 – Getting Town Buy-In & Emotional Attachment30:00 – Leading Teams & Maintaining Morale32:30 – The Power of Delayed Gratification35:00 – Return on Sweat Equity (R.O.S.E.)37:00 – Blue Collar Wealth Strategy39:00 – The $100M Real Estate Target41:00 – Where Opportunity Lives & Final Advice

2026 is going to separate serious operators from everyone else.Supply is rising.Middle-class travel is tightening.Occupancy is projected to decline.Rates are compressing.If your Airbnb still looks like 2024… you're in trouble.In this training, I break down my full 4-step photography system:– What to upgrade BEFORE hiring a photographer– How to properly interview lifestyle photographers– What to do on photo day to maximize impact– How we use AI to write captions and enhance photos– How we organize everything inside our operating systemIf you’re scaling a property management or co-hosting business, this is not optional anymore.Timestamps:00:00 – Why 2026 Will Be Harder for STR Operators02:12 – Supply Is Rising, Occupancy Is Falling (The Reality Check)03:30 – Step 1: Refresh Before You Photograph06:10 – Using ROI Analysis to Justify Property Upgrades09:20 – Real Estate vs Lifestyle Photography (Huge Difference)12:05 – What Elite STR Photos Actually Look Like16:00 – How to Properly Interview a Photographer19:10 – Photo Day Execution: Staging That Converts22:15 – Organizing Photos for Scalable Operations25:00 – Using AI to Write Captions for Every Photo27:00 – Editing & Enhancing Photos with AI29:15 – The Freedom Operating System Explained32:00 – How to Scale Photography Across Multiple Listings34:15 – Mastermind, CRM, and 2026 Growth Strategy36:50 – Final Advice: Upgrade or Get Left BehindGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most entrepreneurs think they need better strategy.They don’t.In this Boardroom recap from the Freedom Factory, we unpack the real reasons businesses stall — and it’s not systems.It’s people, identity, and the state you operate from.Inside this episode:• Why most business bottlenecks are solved by the right “who”• The difference between hiring people and developing talent• W2 vs 1099 mistakes operators make• Why State → Story → Strategy is the real order of success• The 4 archetypes running your decisions (Warrior, Magician, Lover, Sovereign)• Why high performers get stuck in Warrior mode• How seasonality applies to your business and your life• Why kindness to yourself is a competitive advantageIf you feel like something is holding you back… this episode will hit.Timestamps:00:00 – Boardroom at the Freedom Factory Recap02:15 – From Cooked Books to 80,000 Meals a Week04:10 – Visionaries Get Small When Stuck in Operations05:45 – The “Right Who” Solves Most Bottlenecks07:50 – Building Talent Structure (Not Just Hiring)10:40 – W2 vs 1099: What Operators Must Understand12:20 – The 3 S’s of Breakthrough: State > Story > Strategy15:05 – The 4 Archetypes Running Your Life18:30 – Warrior Mode & The Seasonality of Growth21:10 – Kindness, Presence & The Power of AwarenessGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Vivian Yip went from corporate burnout at Apple to building a thriving midterm rental portfolio and property management company.In this episode, she breaks down how she pivoted during the pandemic, why most investors don’t have enough grit, and how mastering calendar discipline can completely transform your rental income.We dive into:• Why community changes everything in real estate• The biggest mistake STR hosts make when pivoting to midterm rentals• Calendar discipline and how to control guest behavior• How to use data tools like PriceLabs the right way• Building multiple income streams without burning out• Protecting your time while scaling a real estate businessIf you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or uncertain about the next step in your rental business — this episode will challenge you to think differently.Timecodes:00:00 – Intro03:12 – Why Community Is a Competitive Advantage05:00 – The Power of Grit in Business07:02 – Vivian’s Real Estate Journey (2004–2018 Gap Explained)09:56 – Corporate Burnout at Apple & Transferable Skills13:05 – Why Most Investors Pivot Too Fast16:48 – Why Midterm Rentals Make More Strategic Sense21:41 – The Calendar Discipline Most Hosts Ignore25:31 – Transitioning from STR to MTR the Smart Way30:29 – Why Vivian Built Her Own Platform35:07 – Building Teams Without Burning Out38:10 – Setting Boundaries & Protecting Your Time42:05 – The 80% Confidence Rule (Just Do It)Guest Bio:Vivian Yip started investing in 2004 but took her journey more seriously after being inspired by a hotel owner she met at a random airport encounter in Chicago. She and her husband started to flip houses in 2018 and ended up making enough to afford to keep the real estate. She always dreamed of leaving the corporate world, so she used her steady paycheck at Apple to support their real estate goals. In 2019, she started her first short-term rental and was forced to pivot in 2020 with the pandemic. Now she runs multiple businesses focused on short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, and corporate housing, and she coaches others on the strategy behind securing profitable leases from Airbnb and beyond.Guest Link:Instagram.com/[email protected] FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most STR hosts misunderstand influencer marketing — and it’s costing them bookings.In this episode, Madison Rifkin breaks down what actually works when partnering with content creators, why follower count is a useless metric, and how STR operators should think about social media as a long-term control channel — not a quick ROI play.We also go deeper into founder identity, building brands that can be sold, and the mistakes operators make when they tie everything to themselves.If you want more direct bookings, stronger brand trust, and a business that isn’t dependent on Airbnb alone, this episode is required listening.Inside the episode: • Why follower count doesn’t matter anymore• How to vet influencers the right way• The real way to think about ROI from content creators• Why social media is your only true control channel• Content ideas that work even without a “viral” property• Founder identity mistakes that kill exits• How to build a brand that survives without youTimestamps:00:00 – Why Influencer Marketing Is Broken for Most STR Hosts03:20 – Madison’s Journey Building Mount and Entering STRs06:40 – Why Follower Count Is a Terrible Metric10:10 – How to Vet Influencers Based on Brand Alignment13:30 – The Truth About ROI in Influencer Marketing17:10 – Why Social Media Is a Control Channel, Not an Ad20:00 – Content That Works Without a “Viral” Property23:10 – Founder Identity and Why It Hurts Exits26:30 – Building a Brand That Isn’t Tied to You30:45 – Lessons From Selling a Company and Starting the Next ChapterGuest Bio:Madison Rifkin is the Founder and CEO of Mount where she finds the world's best hidden gems. She connects STR hosts and local businesses to local influencers and travel content creators so travelers can discover these hidden gems. She’s rooted in the Short Term Rental Industry where she’s won the Rising Star Award in 2022 and 2023.Guest links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-rifkin-23037712a/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Success in STR isn’t about age, capital, or the model you choose — it’s about conviction.In this episode, we sit down with Hayley Anderson, a 22-year-old operator already on her second business, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and leadership traits that actually drive growth. From failing early to building confidence through reps, this conversation goes far beyond arbitrage or co-hosting.If you want to scale your business — or your life — this episode will challenge how you think about comfort, confidence, and commitment.Inside the episode:• Why conviction matters more than experience• How confidence is built through reps and failure• The leadership habit that quietly builds culture• Why comfort is the enemy of growth• Learning to bet on yourself before results show up• Applying mindset across business, relationships, and lifeTimestamps:00:00 – Intro04:20 – Hayley’s Early Hustle and Second Business at 2208:10 – Confidence Is Built Through Reps, Not Motivation12:30 – Failing Early Without Letting It Define You16:40 – Comfort vs Growth: The Tradeoff Most Avoid20:15 – Leadership Starts With Small Cultural Habits24:35 – Betting on Yourself Before Results Show Up29:00 – Applying Mindset Across Business and Life33:40 – Why Age, Model, and Capital Matter Less Than Belief38:10 – The One Trait That Predicts Long-Term SuccessGuest Bio:Hailie Maarie Anderson is a 22 year old short term rental host operating over 70 rentals across three markets, all run 100% remotely through a blend of technology and teams.While scaling her own portfolio, she has taken the stage at industry events to share her systems and insights, and has successfully coached over 1,300 individuals to start and scale their own short term rental businesses. Hailie’s mission is to be a leading voice for those who want to build and live an unconventional life, one without limits!Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/hailiemaarie/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hailiemaariehttps://youtube.com/@hailiemaarie?si=3qCgG6OPXqwZTgU2https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailie-maarie-4b20a5276/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The STR market isn’t crashing — it’s recalibrating.In this episode, we break down AirDNA’s 2026 outlook and translate the data into real, tactical decisions for hosts and property managers. Demand is softening, supply is shifting, and average properties are losing ground — but operators who adapt will win.This is a data-backed walkthrough of what’s changing, why it matters, and exactly what to do next.If you want the Training on how you should look at increasing your pricing so that you are not making 15 to 18% less than you were a year over year just click the link and DM "FEE".https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T035&utm_content=FEEInside this episode:• What AirDNA’s 2026 data actually says about demand and supply• Why average properties will lose occupancy and revenue• The markets and property types positioned to outperform• How to talk homeowners into smart upgrades (with ROI)• Why property managers are pulling ahead of solo hosts• Using AI and systems to protect reviews and prevent burnout00:00 – What the 2026 STR Outlook Means for Hosts & Property Managers03:30 – Why STR Supply Has Flattened (And Why That Matters)06:10 – Demand Is Softening: The Economic Reality Hosts Must Accept09:15 – Average Properties Will Lose Occupancy in 202612:00 – Why Larger, Luxury Properties Are Winning Again15:00 – Shedding Low-Performing Properties to Refocus Growth18:20 – Coastal & Urban Markets: Where Smart Money Is Moving21:00 – How to Sell Homeowners on Strategic Property Upgrades24:30 – Property Managers vs Solo Hosts: The Performance Gap27:40 – AI, Systems, and the Only Way to Scale Without Burning OutGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Scaling isn’t a systems problem — it’s a leadership problem.In this episode, we break down what actually changes when you go from being a solo operator to leading a real team. From earning respect instead of demanding it, to building systems that support people (not suffocate them), this conversation unpacks the leadership shifts required to scale without chaos.If you’re growing doors, people, or partnerships — this episode will change how you think about leadership.Inside the episode:• The two ways leaders earn respect (and why only one works)• Why supporting team members’ goals makes you more valuable• How ego quietly slows down growth• Leading teams through systems, not micromanagement• What it really takes to earn buy-in as a leader• Why consistency beats motivation when scaling00:00 – The Two Ways Leaders Show Up (Title vs Example)04:10 – Why Supporting Team Growth Makes You More Valuable08:05 – From Solo Operator to Leading People12:30 – Letting Go of Ego to Scale Faster16:05 – Earning Respect Without Authority20:10 – Using Systems to Reduce Team Burnout24:05 – Aligning Company Goals With Personal Goals28:00 – Consistency Over Motivation in Leadership32:10 – Scaling Teams Without Losing Culture36:20 – The Leadership Standard That Sustains Long-Term GrowthGuest Bio:Ryan Leake, originally from Mill Valley, CA, moved to Austin, TX in 2023, where he left corporate America and founded Host Del Casa, a short-term rental management company.After successfully building the business, Host Del Casa merged with Five Star Vacation Home Rentals (FSVHR), where Ryan now serves as a Managing Partner for the #1 luxury short-term rental management company in Central Texas - managing 60+ luxury short-term rental properties across Austin and San Antonio.In addition to his role at FSVHR, Ryan became a coach and consultant for STR Secrets, the leading short-term rental business coaching program, where he helped operators overcome self-limiting beliefs and build profitable, lifestyle-driven STR businesses.Today, Ryan continues to coach and mentor new short-term rental operators, share insights as a thought leader in the space, and prioritize a life designed around freedom, impact, and balance.Guest Link:www.instagram.com/itsaleakeryan-leake.comfivestarvhr.comGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most operators think better tech will fix their problems. It won’t.In this episode, Frank Bosi (Hostfully) joins the show to unpack the real challenges STR leaders face as they scale—pressure, decision fatigue, emotional weight, and the constant tension between automation and hospitality.Drawing from years inside luxury hotels like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, Frank breaks down what most operators get wrong about tech stacks, leadership, hiring, and guest experience—and how to build systems that create confidence instead of doubt.Inside this episode:Why tech stack decisions are emotional, not logicalHow disconnected tools quietly create leadership stressThe difference between automating tasks vs removing hospitalityWhat luxury hotels get right about training and consistencyWhy leaders must absorb pressure instead of passing it downHow to hire people who protect your brand when you’re not watchingThis is a must-listen for any STR operator building a team, scaling systems, or feeling the weight of leadership.00:01 – Why Tech Stack Decisions Are Emotional, Not Logical03:45 – Automation vs Hospitality: Where Operators Go Too Far07:10 – The Weight of Leadership Most People Aren’t Ready For11:00 – Why Disconnected Tools Create Doubt and Stress15:20 – Lessons STR Operators Can Steal From Luxury Hotels19:10 – Why Leaders Can’t Have “Bad Days” Publicly23:30 – Hiring People Who Protect Your Brand When You’re Not There27:40 – Training, Standards, and Why Consistency Beats Luxury31:50 – Using Tech to Create Confidence, Not Complexity36:40 – The Real Role of a Leader in Scaling STR OperationsGuest Bio:Frank Bosi is the Senior Director of Partnerships at Hostfully, a leading platform supporting short-term rental operators around the world. He drives strategic relationships across the STR ecosystem; working with technology partners, influencers, coaches & thought leaders to help property managers scale and deliver great guest experiences.Frank also actively contributes to industry conversations through webinars, events and podcasts (such as this) designed to help operators grow smarter, faster, and more profitably.Outside of work, Frank prioritizes faith, fitness, and family; spending his free time with his wife and kids, training CrossFit, and staying focused on overall wellbeing.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/frank_bosi/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your goals aren’t failing — your calendar is.In this episode, E and Chris break down why most people start the year motivated… then quietly drift back into old patterns. The problem isn’t strategy, tools, or ambition — it’s misalignment between who you say you want to become and how you actually spend your time.This conversation dives deep into identity, courage, time audits, consistency, and the hidden habits that either compound your growth or quietly sabotage it.Inside this episode:Why your calendar tells the truth about your real prioritiesThe “perfect week” exercise that exposes misalignment fastWhy every new level requires letting go of your old identityHow fear, comfort, and ego silently slow your progressThe power of small, consistent actions over big intentionsWhy courage often means saying “no,” not “yes”If you’ve ever felt busy but stuck — this episode will hit home.00:00 – Why New Year Motivation Dies Faster Than You Expect02:05 – The Reality Check: When Goals Collide With Real Life04:20 – The Calendar Test: Do Your Actions Match Your Goals?07:40 – Designing Your “Perfect Week” (And What It Exposes)10:55 – Your Dreams Are Expensive — Here’s the True Cost14:30 – Killing the Old Version of Yourself to Level Up17:55 – Faith vs Fear: Making Decisions Without Freezing21:30 – Small Habits That Quietly Compound Massive Change25:10 – Letting Go of Ego to Create Space for Growth29:05 – Enjoyment, Consistency, and Becoming Your Best SelfGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The STR game has changed—and most operators haven’t caught up.In this episode, we break down what actually separates top-performing short-term rentals from the ones stuck in the middle. From design and amenities to operations, leadership, and systems—this is a real look at how elite STR businesses are built and sustained in hyper-competitive markets.This isn’t theory. It’s what’s working right now.Inside this episode:- Why “good enough” STRs are getting crushed- The amenity arms race (and how to win without wasting money)- What guests notice that most hosts completely miss- How ops and hospitality matter more than design long-term- Why disciplined systems protect profit—even in down years- The leadership mindset required to scale without chaosIf you want longevity in this industry, this episode is required listening.00:06:15 – Becoming “The Guy” in a Hyper-Competitive STR Market07:45 – Why Copying Competitors Is a Losing Strategy09:15 – The New Minimum Standard for STR Design & Amenities11:40 – Why Half-Upgraded Properties Always Underperform18:50 – The Amenity Arms Race: What Actually Moves Revenue20:00 – When Design Stops Mattering and Ops Take Over26:10 – Building Teams and Systems That Don’t Break Under Stress30:45 – Leadership Lessons from Military and STR Operations34:05 – How Efficiency Protects Profit in Down Revenue Years39:35 – The Long-Term STR Play: Scale, Discipline, and LongevityGuest Bio:Shane O’Connor is the CEO & Founder of Alchemy Real Estate & Alchemy Hosting. Alchemy is based in Tampa, FL, building a portfolio of Short-Term Rental assets primarily focused in Central Florida. By delivering vertically integrated, top-tier service from beginning to end in the investment process, Alchemy has grown from a single property (and single employee) to 11 properties & a team of four in less than a year. In that same time, Alchemy will have also delivered more than $3M in closed real estate deals for its clients.By the end of 2022, it is Shane’s goal to have a blended Direct Ownership & Co Hosting portfolio of 30 properties centered in Florida, to then begin expanding to other markets. Shane is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served as an Officer in the U.S. Navy for 9 years. He received an M.S. Degree in Real Estate from the University of Florida. He runs the company with his brother, Captain Devin O’Connor, who is an active duty Marine Corps helicopter pilot in addition to being the Director of Operations for Alchemy.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/oc_dreams19/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most people don’t fail because they lack discipline — they fail because they’re trying to grow without changing who they are.In this episode, Chris and E break down why goals alone don’t create change, how identity drives momentum, and the real reason most people stall out by February. This is a deep, practical conversation on discipline, accountability, emotionalized goals, and how to build habits that actually stick.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite “doing all the right things,” this episode will reframe how you think about growth — personally and professionally.Inside this episode:• Why identity matters more than motivation• How emotionalized goals create automatic discipline• The “never two days in a row” rule that builds momentum• Why most people sabotage themselves without realizing it• How to design accountability that actually works• Turning small daily actions into long-term transformation👉 If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s setting big goals this year — and subscribe for more real conversations on growth, leadership, and execution.00:00 – Why the Point of a Goal Is Growth, Not the Outcome02:05 – Identity vs Outcomes: The Real Way to Set Goals04:20 – Emotionalizing Goals to Create Immediate Action06:10 – Going Deeper on “Why” Using the Seven Layers Exercise08:35 – Shifting from “I Have To” to “I Get To”10:15 – Building Momentum with Small, Non-Sexy Wins12:40 – Vision First: Thinking Big Enough for the Next Level15:05 – Quarterly Sprints and the Power of the 12-Week Year17:40 – Time Blocking Life, Family, and Business (In That Order)20:30 – Accountability, Never Missing Twice, and Staying in MotionGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most entrepreneurs focus on tactics — but the real breakthroughs happen internally first.In this episode, Stacey St. John breaks down how self-awareness, intuition, mindset, and values-driven leadership shape long-term success in business and life. From recognizing limiting beliefs to building aligned teams and managing energy, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level motivation.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or pulled in too many directions — this episode explains why and what to do about it.Inside this conversation:How intuition and body awareness guide better decisionsWhy identity drives action (and keeps people stuck)The difference between excitement and misalignmentHow to hire and lead based on values, not resumesPractical mindset tools to reset stress and overwhelmWhy self-image and internal stories affect performanceHow high performers accept feedback without ego00:00 – Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck (It’s Not Strategy)03:45 – Introducing Stacey & Why Mindset Drives Everything07:20 – Front Pocket vs Back Pocket Decisions Explained10:50 – Learning to Trust Intuition Without Second-Guessing14:30 – Energy, Stress, and Showing Up as a Leader on Bad Days18:10 – Building the Right Team: Values Over Skills22:40 – Why Misaligned Hires Quietly Kill Momentum27:05 – Identity Shifts Required to Reach the Next Level31:20 – Rewriting Internal Stories That Limit Growth35:50 – Integrating Mindset Work Into Daily Business LifeGuest Bio:Stacey St. John is a visionary real estate entrepreneur who is reshaping the short-term rental industry for women on Airbnb. She founded the Female Short-Term Rental Investors Facebook Group, The STR Sisterhood, and The Short-Term Rental Virtual Summit for Women. Stacey began her short-term rental journey on Airbnb in 2020; she quickly realized the industry’s potential and the opportunity to empower women through real estate investing to help them create successful, profitable “Airbnb businesses.” She has since built a 7-figure portfolio and left her corporate career to focus on her mission. Stacey is a strong advocate for women in business and is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive industry. She is a frequent speaker at short-term rental and Airbnb industry events and is a regular contributor to industry publications.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/stacey_st.john/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

AI isn’t a tool anymore — it’s infrastructure.In this episode, Chris and E sit down with Shahar Goldboim, founder of BOOM, to break down how AI is fundamentally changing short-term rental operations, exits, and scale.From selling a property management company to building tech that replaces broken workflows, this conversation dives deep into why fragmented tools are failing and why operators who don’t adapt will fall behind.Inside this episode:Why “tech-enabled” STR businesses still failThe biggest mistakes operators make when exitingWhy one company can’t do funds, PM, design, and tech wellHow AI eliminates 80% of guest communication (without killing hospitality)Why fragmented STR software stacks are breaking opsHow AI becomes the new infrastructure for scale00:00 – Why Solving Everything Breaks Most Tech-Enabled STR Companies03:05 – “Business as a Service” vs Traditional STR Software Stacks06:20 – From Operator to Platform Builder: Shahar’s Real Estate Path10:10 – Why Tech-Enabled PMs Fail Without Focus14:30 – The Hidden Cost of Fragmented PMS + Tools18:05 – Why AI Fails Without Full Operational Data22:40 – How AI Can Eliminate 80% of Guest Communication27:15 – The Real Bottleneck: Scaling Ops, Not Software32:10 – Why All-in-One STR Platforms Are the Future38:20 – The Direction of AI, Automation, and STR BusinessesGuest Bio:Shahar Goldboim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Boom, the world’s first Autonomous Property Management System (AiPMS)—a platform redefining how real estate assets are operated through AI. Before founding Boom, he built DesignedVR, a hospitality management company overseeing more than $150 million in assets. This extensive experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the intricate, day-to-day challenges property operators face.Throughout his career, Goldboim has been involved in hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate transactions as an investor and broker, and has deployed over $50 million in syndication funds. That deep operational and financial experience shaped his belief that the future of property management lies in automation, intelligence, and human-centered design.Today, Boom merges hospitality, real estate, and AI to help operators around the world manage smarter, scale faster, and unlock the full potential of their assets.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your STR isn’t underperforming by accident — it’s underperforming because of decisions.In this episode, Chris and E sit down with Mark Lumpkin from STR Cribs, the company behind 500+ STR setups, to break down the real reasons properties fail and what the best operators do differently.If you’re buying, designing, furnishing, or managing STRs — this is a masterclass in thinking like a pro instead of an amateur.Inside this episode:• The biggest mistakes investors make when buying or furnishing STRs• Why “more amenities” isn’t the answer — strategic amenities are• How to work with (and filter out) bad owners• The 80/20 rule for projects, clients, and portfolio performance• Why elite STR teams operate like “SEAL Team 6”• How culture, tension, and standards lead to scale• The future of STR Cribs and Mark’s next business movesGuest Bio:Mark Lumpkin helps investors set up highly profitable STRs all over the country.00:00 – How STR Cribs Started & Grew to 500+ Setups00:04:45 – Why High-Net-Worth Investors Still Make Rookie Mistakes00:09:10 – The Amenities Strategy That Actually Drives Bookings00:13:55 – Institutional Investors vs Mom-and-Pop Operators00:18:25 – The Problem With Owners Who Want to “Test It First”00:22:40 – The 80/20 Rule, Pumpkin Planning & Firing Bad Clients00:27:05 – Sniper vs Machine Gun: How to Focus Your Time as an Operator00:31:30 – The STR Cribs Hiring Philosophy: SEAL Team 600:36:15 – Creating a High-Performance Culture Through Healthy Tension00:41:50 – What’s Next for STR Cribs & Mark’s Personal VisionGuest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lumpkin-84b173142/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your business can’t outgrow the identity you’re stuck in.In this episode, Bernie Cesareo reveals the mindset and identity shifts that transformed his life, his confidence, and his STR businesses — from shrinking portfolios to scaling multiple companies with clarity and purpose.This episode breaks down the real reason most hosts stay stuck, how to think and act like a CEO, and the inner work required to grow a business that matches the life you want.Inside this episode:• The identity upgrade that changed Bernie’s life• How self-image controls your STR results• Why talking about your vision attracts the right people• The shift from operator → leader → CEO• How Bernie built multiple businesses by delegating• Why gratitude, belief, and clarity fuel massive growth00:01:12 – Bernie’s Big Mindset Shift: Stop Doing Everything Yourself00:04:07 – “Assume the Wish Fulfilled”: Rewriting Your Identity00:08:10 – Manifesting the Dream Jeep: Breaking 30 Years of Beliefs00:11:20 – Running Multiple STR Businesses Through Identity Upgrades00:14:36 – Lifestyle Freedom: Why Bernie Never Misses His Son’s Games00:17:00 – The Elder-Care Village Vision: Thinking Bigger Than STR00:20:12 – From Player to Coach to CEO: Letting Go of Control00:24:18 – Correcting Systems, Not People: Real Leadership00:28:55 – How Speaking Your Vision Attracts the Right Opportunities00:33:42 – Gratitude, Belief, and the Identity That Builds Your FutureGuest Bio:Bernie Cesareo and his wife Courtney started the company by turning a long-term rental in their hometown into a short-term rental and doing everything themselves from guest support to cleaning and maintenance. Happily surprised with the success and popularity of this property, they decided to turn this side hustle into a primary business. They loved providing quality accommodations and creating great value for their guests and felt they could do this on a larger scale. They started growing the business by becoming co-hosts for other property owners and have added team members to help make everything run smoothly. After several years, they have a team of 8 that manages anywhere from 20-40 properties.Guest Link:https://eaglestays.com/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The arbitrage era is cracking — fast. With Sonder filing bankruptcy and operators across the country getting crushed by fixed leases, the truth is clear: the STR model you choose determines whether you scale… or sink.In this episode, we break down why arbitrage is failing, what Sonder’s collapse teaches every host, and why co-hosting remains the most profitable, low-risk, scalable model in 2025 and beyond.Inside this episode: • Why arbitrage collapses under pressure • The hidden costs operators never calculate • Why co-hosting produces higher margins with lower risk • How boutique operators beat centralized “big brand” models • What the fastest-growing hosts are doing differently • The shift every STR operator must make in 2025Message me to get a free resource and see how the program could fit your goals.Click the link below:https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T034&utm_content=RESOURCE00:01:00 – The Real Cost of Arbitrage: Leases, Debt & Cash Burn00:02:30 – Why Arbitrage Margins Collapse in Today’s Market00:03:45 – Co-Hosting vs. Arbitrage: The Risk Difference00:05:10 – Arbitrage at Scale Becomes a Cash-Flow Death Trap00:06:15 – Real Examples of Small Operators Losing Money00:07:10 – The Tiny Margin of Error That Kills Arbitrage Deals00:08:30 – Why Co-Hosting Wins: Low CAC, High Lifetime Value00:10:20 – How Operators Are Scaling Co-Hosting With $0 Spend00:12:20 – Centralized vs. Local: Why Guest Experience Matters00:15:00 – Why Arbitrage Can’t Keep Up With Industry Changes00:17:00 – The Bankruptcy Wave: Small Operators Getting Hit00:18:30 – How to Pivot Out of Arbitrage Before It’s Too Late00:20:10 – What a Healthy Co-Hosting/PM Business Looks Like00:22:00 – No Get-Rich-Quick: The Reality of STR SuccessGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

In this episode, Chris and E sit down with the founder of Vintory to uncover the real reason PMs fail, what the top managers are doing differently, and how to build a predictable machine for owner acquisition.Whether you're starting with 5 doors or aiming for 500, Brooke breaks down the playbook that actually works.Inside this episode:• Why most PMs never break past 50–100 properties• The REAL reason owner acquisition is so difficult• Brooke’s formula for predictable PM growth• Why marketing is now non-negotiable for property managers• What the top PMs are doing differently• How the industry is shifting — and where the opportunity is00:02:11 – Brooke’s Story: How He Scaled to 500 Properties 00:06:34 – Why Most Property Managers Plateau at 50–100 Doors 00:09:58 – Owner Acquisition: The Hardest Part of PM Growth 00:13:22 – Why Homeowners Don’t Convert (And What They Really Want) 00:17:45 – The Data Behind Fast-Growing PM Companies 00:21:18 – Why Marketing Is No Longer Optional for PMs 00:25:40 – Building a Real Sales Pipeline for Property Management 00:30:12 – Brooke’s Predictable Growth Formula Explained 00:34:49 – Industry Shifts: Consolidation, Competition, and Opportunity 00:38:27 – The Future of PM Growth (And How to Win the Next Wave)Guest Bio:Brooke Pfautz is one of the industry's foremost experts in growing vacation rental inventory. He literally wrote the book on inventory growth – and it’s already a three-category Amazon bestseller. Brooke got his start in the industry in 2007 when he co-founded Vantage Resort Realty in Ocean City, MD, and took an idea on a napkin to more than 500 properties in just five years. After a successful exit, he went on to grow inventory for other major vacation rental brands as a Chief Business Development Officer in multiple destinations. Most recently, as an executive at a leading vacation rental software company, he saw first-hand through MasterMind groups that he launched and facilitated what worked and what didn’t for the 20 largest and most successful companies in the country. Today, Brooke leads Vintory, the first and only CRM & Sales and Marketing Automation Platform designed exclusively for Vacation Rental Managers to grow their inventory. At Vintory, a team of over 50 growth experts is laser-focused on one thing: helping VRMs hit or exceed their inventory growth goals.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/vintoryhq/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your STR business is worth more than you think—if you build it the right way.In this episode, we break down the difference between operators who burn out… and operators who build real companies that survive, scale, and eventually sell for life-changing money.We also cover the hard lessons from companies that grew too fast, collapsed, or went bankrupt—and how to avoid their mistakes.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why your STR business already has real enterprise value• What happens if everything lives in your head (and how to fix it)• The operational mistakes that bankrupted a fast-growing STR company• How to build systems that survive without you• What buyers REALLY look for in an STR business• The path to a 7–8 figure STR exitIf you want help building an STR business that actually runs without you — and is worth something one day — click the link below:https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T033&utm_content=STRS00:01:41 - Sonder going bankrupt00:03:15 - talking about exits / long hold / vision00:05:09 - private equity, Blackstone, KKR, etc.00:06:47 - Vacasa, hyper-local focus, selling to PE00:08:47 - SOP playbook, fear of death, what happens if you’re gone00:10:20 - CEO role, brand, numbers, game plan00:12:00 - not as easy as it looks, 70% with PMs 20+ units00:13:19 - PE criteria, churn, “can somebody else run my business?”00:14:55 - Built to Sell, books, contracts, “you not being the system”Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The STR industry is shifting — and this episode marks the beginning of a new era.Recorded LIVE inside the brand-new Freedom Factory, Mike, E., Chris, and Reilly break down the mindset, seasons, strategy, and direction that will define the next 5 years of short-term rentals… and your future in it.• The story behind building the Freedom Factory• Mike’s “origin moment” and how it shaped everything• The dark seasons every entrepreneur must push through• Why property management will create more millionaires than arbitrage• The new PM roll-up and what it means for exits• How STR Secrets is evolving with 3 new shows & deeper curriculum00:01:41 – The Freedom Factory: How This All Started 00:04:52 – Mike’s Full Circle Moment at the Old Staples Desk 00:08:35 – The “Dark Seasons” of Entrepreneurship 00:12:48 – The Four Phases of Growth Every Operator Goes Through 00:16:55 – Chris’s Story: Going Broke to Buying His First STR 00:20:33 – Riley’s Risk: Payroll on a Credit Card & Buying His First Property 00:24:40 – The Identity Shift Needed to Enter Your Next Season 00:28:53 – Why Property Management Will Create More Millionaires 00:32:41 – The PM Roll-Up & Hotel Fund Vision 00:37:58 – The New Era of STR Secrets: Three Shows + Bigger Vision Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

AI isn’t the threat — it’s the opportunity most hosts are ignoring.In this episode, we walk through how top operators are using AI and automation to scale smarter, simplify operations, and outpace the competition.• How AI is transforming pricing, operations, and marketing• The biggest mistake hosts make when “trying” automation• Tools that save hours per week without losing the human touch• Why your business model must evolve in 2025• The new advantage: data-driven decision-makingGet the full AI Automation Playbook at strsecrets.com/ai00:00:18 – Why AI Is the Next Big Shift in STR 00:02:12 – What Hosts Get Wrong About Automation 00:05:09 – The Tools Replacing Busywork in STR Operations 00:08:47 – How AI Enhances the Guest Experience 00:11:38 – Dynamic Pricing and Predictive Data in Action 00:15:22 – Building Systems That Learn While You Scale 00:19:10 – How to Combine AI With a Human Team 00:23:38 – Avoiding the “Set It and Forget It” Trap 00:27:41 – The STR Playbook for 2025 and Beyond 00:30:52 – Final Take: Use AI Before It Uses You Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your life is driven by one of two things: desire or fear.In this episode, we break down how to stop making decisions from lack, step into an identity-led mindset, and actually create the conditions for growth.• Desire vs. paradigm: the two voices in your head• How to make decisions from faith, not fear• The identity → behavior → reality chain• Why discipline is just choosing desire repeatedly• What to do when growth feels uncomfortable• How your environment can hold you back00:00:00 – Desire vs Fear: The Two Lenses00:00:12 – Paradigm = Fear and Lack00:01:44 – Choosing to Live From Desire00:03:08 – The Identity → Behavior → Reality Flow00:05:06 – Why Your Current Behavior Matches Your Identity00:06:49 – Discipline = Making Desire-Based Decisions00:08:05 – Asking: “Is This from Desire or Fear?”00:10:12 – Growth Requires Discomfort00:13:24 – Fear Speaks Louder Than Desire (At First)00:16:22 – Growth Is Continuous If You Keep Choosing ItGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

You can’t scale if you’re the cleaner, the guest texter, the bookkeeper, and the ops manager.This episode breaks down exactly when to hire, who to hire first, how to onboard them, and how to keep them executing so you can grow your STR business instead of babysitting it.• When it’s actually time to hire (not too early, not too late)• Who your first hire should be in an STR business• Sample VA schedule for guest communications• How to onboard using SOPs instead of winging it• What to pay and where to find VAs• The weekly meeting rhythm that keeps them accountableWant to Grab the Hiring and Onboarding Templates?Just click the link below and DM us "VA".Link: https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T031&utm_content=VA00:00:04 – When to Hire Your First Person00:00:29 – Signs You’re Doing a 40–60 Hour Week00:03:52 – Operator First or Sales First?00:10:07 – Sample STR VA Schedule (Guest Comms)00:10:24 – What to Pay and What They Do00:17:42 – Onboarding With SOPs, Not Vibes00:17:52 – Weekly Meetings and Task Lists00:18:56 – Growing Their Responsibilities Over Time00:28:03 – Where to Find VAs 00:28:43 – Use Our Hiring & Onboarding TemplatesGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

You didn’t start an STR business to be a full-time cleaner, guest texter, or firefighter.This episode breaks down how most hosts trap themselves in operations — and how to build systems that finally let you step out and scale up.• Why “hustle” kills long-term growth• The systems that keep your business running without you• How to delegate without losing control• Why buying back your time is your real ROI• A blueprint to turn chaos into clarityIf you’re tired of putting out fires and want your STR to finally run smoothly,go to strsecrets.com/ops00:00:12 – Why Every STR Needs an Operating System 00:04:28 – Automating Guest and Team Communication 00:08:17 – Tracking Operations Like a Real Business 00:11:45 – How to Build Repeatable Systems That Scale 00:15:33 – Managing 100+ Units Without Losing Control 00:19:58 – Training Teams to Operate Like Owners 00:24:40 – Optimizing Listings for Efficiency and ROI 00:29:25 – The Data Metrics Every Operator Should Track 00:33:54 – Using Tech and SOPs to Eliminate Chaos 00:38:42 – The Future of STR Businesses Runs on SystemsGuest Bio:Michael Dinwiddie is a real estate investor, Airbnb Superhost, and leader in hospitality operation who combines short-term rental management experience with a background in product marketing and customer experience design. As the founder of Togethere Vacation Rentals, Michael manages premium short-term rentals and boutique hotels across Washington State, helping owners increase profitability while creating meaningful guest experiences.He also built Hospitality HQ, an operating system and training platform that equips hosts and managers with the tools, automations, and processes needed to scale efficiently. Michael’s work bridges the gap between hospitality and technology—bringing professional systems to help scale the next generation of short-term rental entrepreneurs.Guest Link:instagram.com/michael.dinwiddie/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The latest Airbnb updates are already shaking the market.From the new pricing structure to changes in visibility and payout logic, this episode breaks down what’s changed — and how hosts can respond before profits vanish.We cover:• Airbnb’s latest Q4 update and what it really means• Why “Buy Now, Pay Later” hurts your revenue• The 18% gap between guest and host payout• How the algorithm update affects your bookings• The steps to protect your listing performance right nowWant to track and protect your profits after the new Airbnb updates?Just click the link below and DM us "AIRBNB" to get the exact spreadsheet Reilly shared.https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T030&utm_content=AIRBNB00:01:14 – The “Buy Now, Pay Later” Effect on Host Payouts00:02:08 – Hidden Revenue Gaps in Airbnb’s Host Fee Changes00:04:42 – What the Data Says About Visibility and Bookings00:06:10 – How to Read and Use the Airbnb Spreadsheet00:08:55 – Revenue Management Tips for the New Update00:11:24 – Why Some Homeowners Will Lose More Than Others00:14:58 – Understanding PM Revenue and Homeowner Splits00:15:24 – Airbnb Host-Only Fee Changes Explained00:16:01 – Channel Fee Split: How Airbnb Is Changing Payments00:17:42 – The Real Fix: Adjusting Pricing to Protect Profit00:19:33 – Why Transparency and Strategy Now Matter More Than Ever00:21:14 – Recap: The Future of STR Hosting After These UpdatesGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Airbnb just rolled out updates that change everything for hosts.From hidden pricing shifts to the new “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature — this episode breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes and how it impacts your bottom line.• Airbnb’s latest update — and what it really means for hosts• The 18% pricing gap no one saw coming• Why “Buy Now, Pay Later” could destroy your cash flow• How to protect your listings from revenue loss• The survival strategy hosts need for 202500:02:15 – The Buy Now, Pay Later Trap 00:04:50 – Why Airbnb’s Update Is Dangerous for Hosts 00:06:30 – How Guest Cancellations Can Bankrupt Your Month 00:10:22 – The Real Impact of Airbnb’s Policy Changes 00:14:18 – Protecting Your Listings With Better Pricing Strategy 00:18:45 – Revenue Management: How to Fight Back 00:23:10 – Why Market Compression Is Crippling Small Hosts 00:27:40 – The STR Survival Plan for 2025 Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Everyone wants a piece of the global STR market — but most will lose money doing it.Fabio Moro reveals the brutal truths of running short-term rentals in Italy, and what it really takes to survive in a shifting STR landscape.• Why most foreign investors get crushed in Italy• The systems you must have to manage remotely• What happens when the STR gold rush slows down• How to protect your properties from market shifts• Lessons from building a sustainable business, not a gamble00:01:11 – How Fabio Started Investing in Italy From Abroad00:03:45 – Finding and Trusting the Right Local Partners00:06:20 – Turning Old Properties Into Luxury Short-Term Rentals00:09:42 – Why Italy Is a Hidden Gem for STR Investing00:12:55 – The Real Costs of Renovating in a Foreign Market00:16:28 – Remote Management Systems That Actually Work00:20:12 – Designing Guest Experiences That Command Higher Rates00:23:40 – Due Diligence and Financial Discipline in STR Investing00:28:10 – Scaling With Intent: Quality Over Quantity00:32:02 – The End Goal: Freedom, Culture, and Sustainable GrowthGuest Bio:Formerly a Partner at a major commodity trading firm with ventures spanning the US and Asia, Fabio now channels his international experience into developing distinctive villas and hospitality projects in Italy, guided by a vision of understated luxury, design and local authenticityGuest Link:casaroverella.itpalazzosanvito.itGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Sief Khafagi didn’t just build a business—he built a standard.In this episode, he reveals how leadership, culture, and vision turned TechVestor into one of the most respected brands in STR investing.• How leadership shapes the future of the STR industry• Building a culture that scales with integrity and precision• Setting new standards for quality and operations• Why great teams outperform any market cycle• The mindset shift every STR leader needs to make00:03:22 – The Real Problem: Bad Operators Drag the Industry Down00:07:40 – Leadership and Vision: Believing Before Anyone Else Does00:11:56 – Building High-Trust Teams That Scale00:15:38 – Culture Over Everything: The Real Competitive Advantage00:20:25 – Systems That Outlast the Founder00:25:44 – The Truth About Scaling: Leadership vs. Management00:30:57 – How TechVestor Blends Tech and Real Estate to Win00:35:46 – The Future of STR Leadership and Industry Standards00:40:38 – Legacy Leadership: Culture, Vision, and Setting the Bar HigherGuest Bio:Sief Khafagi is an ex-techie turned real estate investor who has helped thousands diversify into real estate. Today, he’s the founder of Techvestor, one of the first institutional-grade and backed STR portfolios. With their vertically integrated advantages across acquisitions, renovation, design, management, and more, Techvestor is the leader in short-term rentals as an asset class. Backed by in-house technology, one of the deepest talent benches in the industry, and most recently, institutional backing, they're on a path to 500+ owned STRs over the coming years.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/siefkhafagi/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most Airbnb listings are costing hosts thousands—because they’re built wrong.In this breakdown, we show you exactly how to rebuild your listing from the ground up to rank higher, convert faster, and stand out in a crowded market.• The step-by-step to create a perfect, profit-ready listing• The mistakes 90% of hosts make in titles and descriptions• How to fix your visuals and brand in minutes• What data says about click-through and conversions• The system top hosts use to stay booked year-roundWant to make your Listing Perfect? Grab the FREE Guide.Click the link below and DM us "OPTIMIZE"https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T029&utm_content=OPTIMIZE00:00:56 – Creating the Perfect Listing: What Goes Into It00:03:39 – The Listing Description Framework (Step-by-Step)00:05:34 – Lifestyle Photos That Drive Bookings00:09:16 – Photo Strategy: Location, Amenities, Experience00:13:24 – Use Captions to Boost Click-Through Rate00:14:24 – The Big Description Mistake: Paragraphs vs Bullets00:21:44 – Are You Actually Optimized? The Search-to-Listing Check00:24:03 – KPIs to Optimize Your Listing (Property Refresh Cadence)00:25:30 – Test Photos for Higher Conversions & CTR00:26:57 – Build Your Direct-Booking Brand (After You Dominate Airbnb)Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://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 episode, Mike Reilly breaks down exactly how he closed a co-hosting deal in just 13 days—from the first call to signing the contract. He shares the sales process, the assets he used, and even gives away the templates that sealed the deal.• How to pitch revenue expectations with confidence• The $10K guarantee that beat out competitors• Proposal + deal analyzer templates revealed• How to handle homeowners on the phone• Closing tactics to avoid being ghosted• The 13-day timeline broken down step by stepWant the ACTUAL Step by Step Training? Just click the link below.https://go.strsecrets.com/watch-strs-vacasa?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T028&utm_content=StepByStep2