The Short Term Rental Playmaker

Today Joe talks to Ryan Leake who two years ago started from scratch and today manages 60+ luxury short-term rental properties, and has coached dozens of early-stage operators as they signed their next clients, built their first real systems, and gained traction in their own management businesses.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 is now a 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.To get in touch with Ryan visit his website - https://www.ryan-leake.com/Or book him for a one hour 1 on 1 consulting session at - https://www.ryan-leake.com/contact

Today Joe talks checking to see where you are at in terms of rentals and how well things went your 1st quarter of 2026. He talks about things you should be looking for, what you should be looking forward too, and how you can enter into the 2nd quarter of 2026 with a gameplan that works.If you have any questions please let them in the comments below, thank you and see you all next week!

Today Joe talks to Brian Wilfong, a real estate investor with decades of experience and knowledge in the space. The two talk about Brian's experience getting into real estate investing in the beginning, how his experiences shaped his life path, and all the things he learned along the way. We will be back next week for another amazing show. If you have any questions please leave them down below in the comments!

Today Joe talks to STR Savvy Agent Lance Wolfe about the space and treasure coast rental properties. Lance Wolfe is a Florida real estate professional specializing in short-term rental (STR) investment properties along the state’s coastal markets, from Satellite Beach to Jupiter. As an active STR owner and founder of Wolfe Vacation Rentals, a boutique co-hosting and consulting company, Lance brings hands-on experience in property management, pricing strategy, and guest experience optimization to every client engagement.He is also a member of the Build Short-Term Rental Wealth Inner Circle, an advanced investor education and networking group. This ongoing education, combined with his operational experience, allows Lance to guide investors in identifying properties with strong performance potential, reducing risk, and building long-term value through strategic short-term rental investments.BOOK A CALL WITH LANCE - https://www.savvy.realty/[email protected]  |  (772) 631-2886 

Today Joe does a solo podcast to talk about Knowing Your Why. Why did you choose this business? Why do you want to do this? Why did Joe start this business. Knowing your why can lead to a more successful outlook overall. Understanding your goals, the meaning behind each step can lead you down your path of success, and it all starts by asking a simple, Why?Please comment down below if you have any questions and we will see you next week!

What if the property management system you've been using — or overlooking — is quietly becoming the most powerful tool in the short-term rental industry?In this episode, Joe sits down with Pierre Camille Hamana, co-founder of Hospitable, to unpack how one of the STR industry's most beloved platforms got its start and where it's headed next. From its humble beginnings to a full-featured property management system trusted by thousands of hosts worldwide, Hospitable has never stopped evolving.Pierre pulls back the curtain on the new VRBO API integration, game-changing AI features, and the product roadmap that has STR operators buzzing. Whether you're a self-managing host, a co-host scaling your portfolio, or an investor looking to streamline operations, this episode is packed with insights that could transform the way you manage your properties.In this episode we cover:How Hospitable started and the vision behind itThe new VRBO API connection and what it means for your listingsHow AI is being built into the platform to save you time and moneyWhat's coming next and why serious STR operators should be paying attentionIf you're not using Hospitable yet, this episode might just change that.🔗 Learn more about Hospitable at hospitable.com

Today Joe talks to Justin Ford with Breezeway. Safety and Awareness are two things that every short term rental needs to keep in mind at all times, the safety of your guests is paramount so they can enjoy the time they spend with you and no one knows that better than Justin Ford.Justin is an International Short-Term Rental Safety Expert and the Director of Safety & Certification at Breezeway. After 13 years as a vacation rental Property Manager, 15 years as a firefighter, and four years in the US Coast Guard, Justin combined his experiences to create a niche within the short-term rental industry that did not exist: short-term rental safety. With this passion and expertise, Justin built the Breezeway Safety Program and plays a pivotal role in helping property managers and owners uphold safety standards at their rentals.If you want to know more about Breezeway visit https://www.breezeway.io/ or call 857-600-2799. 

Today Joe talks about what is happening in the industry right now, what you can do to capitalize, and the things you need to look out for. He talks about successful ideas and ventures as well as putting yourself in a position to be successful this year. If you have any questions please comment down below and we will see you guys next week with another great guest! 

Today Joe talks to Jeff Chisum with STR Home Financing. Jeff is one of the best in the industry for Loans and Financing within the rental space. He specializes in 10% down financing for vacation homes/STR properties in all 50 States. We have options from fully qualifying to bank statement loans. Additionally we have DSCR loans that are very STR friendly.Joe talks to him about loans, the best types and times for each of them, the process, and just his general advice when looking into purchasing a Vacation Home Rental.If you want to get in touch with Jeff, go to his website https://strhomefinancing.com/ or call him at 817-984-5481.

Today Joe talks to Savvy STR Agent Dashia LoCoco. They go through what got her started in the business, how she is doing now, and her outlook at the future. Dashia LoCoco is a licensed Florida Realtor and registered critical care nurse who brings a holistic approach to life and real estate investing. She calls on her precision, foresight and trusted network of local STR experts to create smooth, hands-off deals and properties that perform for her investors. Through her years as a traveling nurse, living across the U.S., she's seen city after city surge in the STR market. That experience creates a great perspective and strong belief that the hidden treasure of Jacksonville holds incredible, untapped potential for investors to build their wealth and portfolios.This is a city filled with culture, rivers, intercoastal waterways, charming neighborhoods, pristine beaches and even a countryside--that most investors have yet to discover. With downtown revitalization happening now, new businesses emerging, world-class healthcare systems expanding and the PGA tour spotlight, demand is rising quickly. And what investor doesn't want to be ahead of the game with early access to Jacksonville's growth and expansion? Dashia wants to form a lifelong partnership with her investors, while making the process seamless from start to finish. There are only a handful of cities that offer this level of potential for STRs and Jacksonville is one of them. The window of opportunity is still open-- and with Dashia guiding the way, you can build lasting wealth in a market that's just beginning to be discovered!To get in touch with Dashia email [email protected]  or call (904) 625-0546

Today Joe talks to Tom Ackley, Owner at Getaway and Stay. Tom has maintained a level of excellence that awarded him with the short term secret investor of the month honor. The two talk about Tom's experience, passions and of course Getaway and Stay. Getaway and Stay offers top-tier vacation rentals in stunning locations such as the Smoky Mountains, Door County, Green Bay, Gulf Shores and Cody. Each destination provides a unique mix of natural beauty and local attractions, ensuring a memorable getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy mountain cabin, a luxurious beach house, or a chic urban home, Getaway and Stay delivers comfort and style in America’s most desirable vacation spots. If you would like to get in touch with Tom visit https://www.getawayandstay.com/or call him at 1 (414) 387-3036. 

Today Joe talks about a vital piece of the Short Term Rental Playmaker playbook, Calendar Management. What you can do throughout Spring Break and into Summer to maximize your profits, properties and more. If you have any questions please leave a comment down below and we will catch you in the next episode!

This week Joe brings on a dear friend, Harshad Lalan. Harshad and his wife Ishita are the creative minds and passionate entrepreneurs behind two thriving ventures: 5Seasonshomestays and Ishita Interiors. This dynamic couple combines their love for design and hospitality to create exceptional experiences, both in the spaces they design and the homes they host.Harshad Lalan brings a strategic and hands-on approach to both businesses, ensuring that every project and guest experience is handled with the utmost care and precision. His expertise in management and customer service is the backbone of 5Seasonshomestays, where guests enjoy personalized stays that feel like a home away from home.Talking through his business insights, he walks us through the hands-on approach that brought his business so much success. To get in touch with Harshad please go to https://www.5seasonshomestays.com/You can also contact him by phone at 1 (828) 844-8799 or their by their business email - [email protected]

In this episode of the Short-Term Rental Playmaker Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Duffy and Shae Duffy, a powerhouse couple who are redefining what short-term rentals can look like in the Greater Branson area, specifically Omaha.Ryan and Shae aren’t just buying properties—they’re building and developing unique, experience-driven homes designed to stand out in a crowded market. From breathtaking Ozark views to creative builds like their container home, their portfolio proves that design and intentionality matter.But what makes their story truly powerful is the sacrifice behind the success.At one point, Ryan and Shae made the bold decision to move their family into a much smaller space so they could rent out their own primary home. That short-term discomfort created long-term momentum—and became the foundation for what is now a growing short-term rental empire.Today, they lead Ozark Mountain Realty Group and Ozark Mountain Vacation Rentals, helping investors build, buy, and manage high-performing STRs throughout the Ozarks.What we cover in this episode:Why building unique homes beats copying cookie-cutter STRsThe container home build and how it attracts premium guestsThe personal sacrifices that accelerated their growthHow they evaluate land, views, and locations in the OzarksTransitioning from owners to developers, Realtors, and operatorsLessons learned while scaling a vertically integrated STR businessIf you’re thinking about ground-up development, designing standout properties, or making short-term sacrifices for long-term freedom, this episode will seriously light you up.🎧 Tune in to hear how Ryan and Shae Duffy turned vision, grit, and smart risk-taking into a thriving short-term rental brand in the Ozark Mountains.

In this episode of the Short-Term Rental Playmaker Podcast, I sit down with Steve Resnick, a featured author in Hospitable Hosts Couples Edition, whose journey is a masterclass in scaling with intention.Steve started just like many hosts—owning three short-term rentals in the Ocean City area. But instead of stopping at ownership, he saw an opportunity to build something bigger. Today, Steve runs a property management company overseeing 80+ short-term rental properties called HeavenlyRez, helping other owners maximize performance while building a sustainable, systems-driven business.We dive into how Steve made the leap from owner to operator to leader, the challenges that come with rapid growth, and the mindset shifts required to scale beyond yourself.What we cover in this episode:How Steve and Kim transitioned from owning a few STRs to managing 80+ propertiesThe early mistakes he learned from when scaling a management companySystems, staffing, and processes that make large-scale operations workWhy hospitality and trust are the foundation of long-term growthAdvice for hosts who want to move from “side hustle” to real businessIf you’re a host thinking about scaling, co-hosting, or launching a property management company, this episode is packed with real-world insights from someone who’s done it the right way.

In this special episode of the Short-Term Rental Playmaker Podcast, I’m switching seats and sitting down with my wife, Jen Rohne, to share our story—the real one behind the business, the brand, and the growth.From sharing an office and figuring things out as we went, to designing and setting up short-term rentals, co-hosting properties, and building a hospitality business together, this episode is all about the big leaps we took—personally and professionally.We talk openly about how we leaned into each other’s strengths, navigated uncertainty, and made intentional decisions that allowed us to grow and scale without losing sight of our relationship. This journey wasn’t about having it all figured out—it was about trusting each other, taking action, and jumping together.As co-authors in Hospitable Hosts, this conversation reflects what we believe deeply: the strongest businesses are often built through partnership, alignment, and shared vision.What we cover in this episode:What it really looks like to build a business as a coupleThe leap from shared desk to shared visionHow design, systems, and hospitality became our growth engineUsing complementary strengths instead of competing rolesLessons we learned the hard way while scaling togetherWhy jumping together matters more than jumping fastIf you’re building a business with your spouse—or thinking about it—this episode is for you. It’s honest, reflective, and full of lessons we wish we’d known earlier.🎧 Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how we built, grew, and scaled—together.

In this episode of the Short-Term Rental Playmaker Podcast, Joe sits down with Kerri Gibson and Phillipe Gibson, the powerhouse couple behind Châlets Hygge.Based in Quebec, Canada, Kerri and Phillipe have intentionally built a hospitality portfolio that blends thoughtful design, guest experience, and strategic growth. What started as a small short-term rental operation has grown into 6 beautifully curated STRs, and most recently, the acquisition of a 17-unit boutique hotel—a massive leap that required a completely different mindset and operational approach.They also share insights from being featured contributors in the upcoming book Hospitable Hosts Couples edition, co-authored with Joe Rohne and launching February 14, 2026. The conversation dives into what it truly means to scale with intention, how to avoid growth burnout, and why hospitality—not just real estate—is the long game.

In this episode of the Short-Term Rental Playmaker Podcast, Joe sits down with Libby Ross, one half of a dynamic hosting duo alongside her husband Cody Ross.Libby and Cody are Hospitable Hosts book contributors, co-authoring alongside Joe Rohne in the upcoming release of Hospitable Hosts Couple Edition, launching February 14, 2026. Based in the Oklahoma City area, they own and cohost multiple short-term rental properties and have built a reputation for strong systems, local expertise, and hands-on hospitality.What makes their story especially compelling is how they identified a recurring pain point for hosts—trash and turnover logistics—and turned it into a dedicated trash service built specifically for short-term rental operators in their market. This episode dives into how solving your own operational problems can unlock entirely new revenue streams.  

In this episode of the Short Term Rental Playmaker Podcast, I sit down with Trish Bartley, Director of Expansion for Savvy STR Agents—and one of the most positive, abundance-driven leaders in the short-term rental real estate space.Trish shares her personal journey into the STR industry and how she intentionally developed a mindset rooted in abundance, growth, and possibility—even in a competitive market. That mindset isn’t just something she practices personally; it’s something she radiates to everyone around her, shaping culture, leadership, and long-term success.We dive into what it really takes to scale a real estate team nationally, how Savvy STR Agents is positioning itself to become the #1 short-term rental real estate agent team in the country, and why mindset is the foundation for sustainable growth.If you are interested in becoming a Savvy STR agent in your market reach out to Trish at [email protected]

Today Joe returns to talk about things that you can do to prepare for 2026 in the down season to crush the rest of 2026. Tips, Tricks, and proven results. Joe talks about it all today and gets you all ready for an amazing 2026!

Today Joe returns to talk about Investments and strategies that you can incorporate in your Short Term Rentals to maximize profits, draw in more guests, and increase your revenue in 2026!If you have any questions please leave a comment down below!

Joes sits down this week to discuss short term rental data and the STRIQ advantage. This data platform is a great way to find investment opportunities in markets across the united states. Go to strIQ: The Smartest Way To Invest In Short Term Rentals to book a call

Today Joe hosts the first Short Term Rental Playmaker podcast episode and to join him, he brought on his own revenue manager for his current properties, Emile Sakhel. Emile is one of if not the best Property Revenue managers around, CEO to his own company Host by Mira, he has worked in the industry and has been a huge part of Joe's success. If you want to get in touch with Emile, please go to www.hostbymira.com or STR Revenue Strategist https://share.google/2U8klXP4sciCk4LHP

Joe has a special announcement about the podcast and how it will look going into 2026. Do not miss this update and how the show will evolve and change going into the new year!

It has been an amazing year here at the Cohost Coach. We want to thank you all for watching and we wish you an amazing Holiday season. Tune in next time for a special message and we will see you again in 2026!

Clean Books, Clear Profits, how Jon Farber describes the perfect finish to a strong year. In this episode, Joe sits down with Jon Farber, a seasoned short-term rental expert who saw a major problem in the STR space—hosts and property managers struggling to keep their books clean and accurate. Instead of ignoring it, Jon built a bookkeeping business specifically designed for short-term rental operators.With the year coming to a close, this conversation couldn’t be more timely. Whether you’re behind on your books, unsure of your true profitability, or planning to start 2026 with clarity and confidence, this episode breaks down why bookkeeping is not optional—it’s essential.Joe and Jon dive into the biggest bookkeeping mistakes STR hosts make, how messy books can cost you in taxes and growth, and what it really means to “start fresh” financially in the new year.Follow Jon here:Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.farber.9Facebook group on bookkeeping tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/860025821084224Website:  https://www.7daybookkeeper.com/My phone number:  (877) 992-3272Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonjfarb/Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfarber1/

In this episode, Joe sits down with Merritt Harris, an STR property manager who built his business from the ground up and transformed it into a thriving luxury short-term rental management company. Merritt opens up about his journey—from taking on any client who came his way to redefining his brand, elevating his standards, and focusing solely on higher-end properties that aligned with his vision.This conversation is packed with insights for new cohosts, aspiring property managers, and anyone looking to scale the right way, without repeating common mistakes.Attached are all links to social and website thru my Popl business card. Website: meritbadgemgmt.com 

Today Joe takes an in-depth look at what makes a memorable trip. What aspects of your short term rental could use a face lift or what practices could you do to ensure your guests have a much more memorable stay. 

Today Joe takes a look forward to 2026 and looks at some upcoming trends that may be a focal point for short term rentals in the coming years. He goes over his predictions, what he is seeing now in the industry, and prepares for the coming year. 

Today Joe reflects on the lessons learned in the two previous podcasts wtih Emanuele Pani and Mike Kitko.  Talking about mindsets, learning valuable lessons, take aways from past encounters and being in the industry for three and a half years. 

Today Joe welcomes Emanuele Pani to the podcast. Emanuele of Paniproperties is a Real Estate Entrepreneur & Investor STR Expert | Co-Host STR Podcast | Realtor & Property Manager |Partner @DomuInvestments. He joins the podcast today to talk about overcoming your limited beliefs to help you raise in the marketing world. How your viewpoint can be limiting your output, and how he overcame to be where he is today.If you would like to get in touch with EmanueleInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/epani.realestate/?hl=en)Website (https://domuinvestments.com/)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanuele-pani-0b2970105/)Or schedule a property management consultation directly(https://calendly.com/epani_realestate/property-management-consultation?month=2025-11)

Joe’s first-ever in-person guest episode!Get ready for an incredible deep dive into business, mindset, and mastering your nervous system with powerhouse coach Mike Kitko. Mike is the host of the Inner Wealth Global podcast and the author of the transformational new book Inner World Outer World — a must-read for anyone ready to align success on the outside with peace on the inside.In this episode, Mike and Joe unpack what it really takes to lead, grow, and thrive in business and life. Plus, Mike shares details about his upcoming live workshop and conference, Choose Your Destiny Intensive — an immersive experience designed to help you step fully into your purpose. Grab Mike’s book and learn more about the event at the links below — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode that could change your world from the inside out.Choose Your Destiny Live Intensive Nov 14-15, 2025Amazon.com: Inner World, Outer World: Awaken to a Life of Purpose, Freedom, and Lasting Fulfillment: 9781835563809: Kitko, Mike: Books

Today Joe takes a moment to reflect and dive deep into short term rental burnout. From the daily, weekly, and monthly work to guest complaints that drive down your weeks, everyone at one point will feel some sort of burnout. Joe talks about what stress points can cause it, where they come from, and how to alleviate that burn out.

Today Joe talks about off-season amenity updates and where you should focus more on putting that money. What you should update first, what would draw in more clients, customers, and views to a particular property and more!

Today Joe takes a break from talking about Cohosting and does a dive into Real Estate and the current market. With it only being a few months to the end of the year, Joe breaks down the market and what we could potentially see in the upcoming months as well as what he is seeing today in the Real Estate world.

Today Joe talks about guest experiences. Having the guest feel at home and welcome during their trip is paramount to an overall good experience but there are many other factors that can also raise or lower their experience. Find out what those are and so much more in today's episode.

Today Joe welcomes everyone to the start of the second year of this podcast. He talks about the new Airbnb changes, what that looks like, and some potential struggles with not being able to receive phone numbers. Thank you all so much for an amazing Year 1 and we hope you continue to support as we start Year 2!

Today for Cohost Coach's One Year Anniversary episode Joe is joined by serial entrepreneur Bill Faeth. Bill has built and scaled 31 different companies, from marketing agencies and limousine services, and is now behind the #1 short-term rental (STR) brand in the industry. His success stems from a simple philosophy: Do two things better than anyone else and make those things SUPER. In real estate, Bill creates SUPER PROPERTIES, offering the best properties in the industry that provide super high returns and profits. His investment portfolio spans 5 states with $19.3m worth of properties, and he is widely sought after to manage some of the country’s most prestigious properties using his proprietary process.Bill’s recent accomplishments include a forthcoming book, 2 Extra Steps, two TV shows in development with a renowned producer, and hosting the leading sold-out STR Wealth Conference over four days with over 2,500 attendees in Nashville. His keynote lineup has featured prominent figures like Daymond John and Shawn Meaike, among many others. As a recognized business expert, Bill regularly contributes to major media outlets, including Fox and Fox Business.Learn more about Bill at https://www.billfaeth.com/Or get in touch with him at https://www.billfaeth.com/contact/

Austin joins Joe this week for the 1 year anniversary shows to discuss going from building a cohost business and wearing all the hats to partnering in a property management company and focusing all his time in his genius zone, and being able to have that work life balance for his family. 

Today Joe talks about hiring a general contractor Vs. doing all the updates yourself. He talks about the pros and cons of each situation. The risks of having a general contractor and how sometimes It just makes more sense to do the updates yourself. 

Today Joe talks about getting that first client to start your co-hosting career. He goes into the do's and don'ts. What to look out for when making that decision and meeting people to get the conversation started.  

Today Joe talks about his 1 year anniversary with the Savvy STR team and how one connection can change the course of your life. He goes over his look back at the year, how much he has accomplished, and what comes next. 

Today Joe talks about the upcoming opportunities you are going to have in your markets as back to school season comes to an end and everyone returns from their Summer vacations. Stay tuned for more amazing Cohosting content with future guests and more opportunities to build your Cohosting dream.

Today Joe brings Fran Larkin of Greetwell onto the show. Greetwell was started by Airbnb Superhosts with experience at Facebook, Google, and Pinterest. We’re bringing our knowledge of hosting and technology together to better support property managers and their guests.Our mission is to create connections within local communities, making every guest feel welcomed and every stay unforgettable. We do that by: Helping property managers succeedCreating unique experiences for guestsBuilding partnerships in local communitiesIf you want to get in touch with Fran and his team please visit www.greetwell.com or call 1 ‭(650) 414-7338.

In this episode, we dive into the cohosting experience of Justin Powell. Justin Powell is the visionary behind Seabrook VM, bringing passion, strategy, and a relentless drive to redefine what it means to co-host exceptional vacation rentals. Alongside his wife Leslie, he doesn’t just manage properties—he transforms them. With an eye for detail and a heart for hospitality, Justin has helped owners boost bookings, maximize revenue, and create unforgettable guest experiences.Get In Touch With Justin Here - linktr.ee/seabrookvmOr Call him at (217) 520-7925 to learn more about SeaBrook and all the wonderful rentals they have available.

Today Joe talks about the STR Wealth Conference and recaps the event. Hopefully you were able to attend. If not here are the key things you missed. Stay tuned for next week as we come back with a brand new Interview! 

Today Joe talks about the STR Wealth Conference. Hopefully he sees you there, but in case you couldn't make it or something come up, he goes through the Conference. What it is about, and catches you up on some of the things you may have missed.

In this episode Joe talks Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. What you need to know, how your rentals will be affected, what it means for you now that the Big Beautiful Bill has passed. 

In this episode Joe talks about the Summer season, what it looks like and what is going on. After that he prepares you for the Slow Season, things you need to do to prepare to smash your rental goals.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Leah Yuhasz—who went from working as a full-time nurse to building a thriving short-term rental business. Leah shares how she launched a six-figure co-hosting operation that allowed her to walk away from her job and step fully into real estate.Now part of the The Savvy  AgentSTR Emerald Coast team, Leah specializes in 30A and Destin, Florida, helping others break into the short-term rental game with confidence and strategy. Tune in to hear how she did it, what she’s learned, and how she’s helping others do the same on the beautiful Emerald Coast.