Shows
The Long Ride HomeGrowing the Saddlebred World, One Story at a Time with Bob Griffin and Gabby GrecoIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner welcomes Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco, co-hosts of the Stable Minded podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about the people, experiences, and traditions that shape the Saddlebred community and what it will take to carry them forward.Bob reflects on his journey from a horse-crazy teenager to an established trainer and barn owner, including the mentors who helped shape his career. Gabby shares her experience growing up in the industry, becoming a professional trainer, and finding creative ways to introduce new people to horses.Together, they...
2026-10-2049 min
The Long Ride HomeOff the Cuff and On the Rail with Carson KressleyIn this episode of The Long Ride Home podcast, we are joined by Carson Kressley, Emmy Award–winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer, interior designer, New York Times best-selling author, and lifelong American Saddlebred rider whose love for the breed began when he was just 13.Long before the television career and the world of fashion, horses were already shaping Carson’s life. What started with one unforgettable encounter with a Saddlebred became a lifelong connection to the breed, the people around it, and the lessons that come with being part of the horse world.
2026-10-0659 min
The Long Ride HomeOff the Cuff and On the Rail with Carson KressleyIn this episode of The Long Ride Home podcast, we are joined by Carson Kressley, a TV personality, fashion expert, and lifelong American Saddlebred rider whose love for the breed began when he was just 13.Long before the television career and the world of fashion, horses were already shaping Carson’s life. What started with one unforgettable encounter with a Saddlebred became a lifelong connection to the breed, the people around it, and the lessons that come with being part of the horse world.Carson and Alex look back at the unexpected turns that took hi...
2026-10-0659 min
The Long Ride HomeA New Lens on Saddlebreds: Karly Morgan on Tradition, Creativity, and GrowthIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Karly Morgan, founder of Saddlethreads, for a conversation about a lifelong connection to the American Saddlebred and the creative path that eventually brought Karly back to the horse world in a new way.Through her work with Saddlethreads, Karly has become part of a growing shift in how the Saddlebred world is being seen and shared. She and Alex talk about the emotion that lives beyond the show ring, the role creativity can play in capturing it, and how photography, video, and...
2026-09-2255 min
The Long Ride HomeWhat the Saddlebred World Cannot Afford to Lose with Ellen Beard and Martha HoytIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner is joined by Ellen Beard and Martha Hoyt, two lifelong horsewomen who have spent decades teaching, training, building riding programs, and watching the American Saddlebred world evolve.Their paths through the industry have looked different, but both have seen the same changes firsthand: smaller horse show classes, fewer local barns, rising costs, and a growing need to develop the people who will carry the sport forward.Ellen and Martha reflect on the barns and programs that shaped them, the responsibility experienced horsemen have to share...
2026-09-081h 07
The Long Ride HomeFrom Horse Trainer to Equine Entrepreneur with Hannah Padgett of EquiAssistIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Hannah Padgett, founder of Phoenix Accounting and EquiAssist, to talk about the business behind the horse world and how decades spent inside the industry shaped the work she is building today.After 20 years as a horse trainer, Hannah brings a rare perspective to the challenges facing barns and equine businesses. From hiring and outdated systems to the many roles trainers are expected to juggle, she has seen firsthand where the industry could benefit from better tools and a more modern approach.Alex...
2026-08-2552 min
The Long Ride HomeComing Home to Herself: Sara Spaulding's Return to the Saddle after 22 Years AwayIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Sara Spaulding for a conversation about returning to the saddle after 22 years away and what it means to come back to something that has always felt like part of who you are.Alex and Sara share a similar path. Both stepped away from horses for decades as life, work, and other priorities took over, and both eventually found their way back to the Saddlebred world they had never completely left behind.For Sara, that return became real with “Astrology”, the young Saddlebred who...
2026-08-1158 min
The Long Ride HomeBonus Episode: Live at Blue Ridge Classic, with Andrea HarryIn this special bonus episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Chapstick’s trainer, Andrea Harry of Meraki Farm, following his show ring debut at the Blue Ridge Classic in Asheville.Recorded on-site just after an important milestone in their journey, the conversation captures Chapstick at the beginning of his career: still young, still learning, and already carrying himself as though he belongs in the ring.Alex and Andrea talk about the early stages of developing a young show horse and reflect on how far Chapstick has come since arriving at Me...
2026-08-0708 min
The Long Ride HomeHow Dr. Lauren Magee’s Daughter Inspired Her Return to the Saddle After 30 YearsLauren Magee never stopped loving horses. After nearly 30 years away from the American Saddlebred world, her daughter’s interest in riding created an unexpected path back to the saddle.In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Lauren joins Alex Husner for a conversation between two returning adult riders finding their way back after decades away. As Alex continues her own return after 26 years, she and Lauren connect over the physical challenges, mental shifts, small breakthroughs, and deep sense of gratitude that come with riding again later in life.Lauren shares how supporting her daughter gr...
2026-07-2334 min
Minute by Minut: Stories From People In Property with Nils MattissonWhy Building a Brand Beats Chasing the Algorithm, with Alex Husner👉 Discover Minut: https://www.minut.com📱 Book a demo: https://www.minut.com/contact/book-a-demoEverybody wants more direct bookings right now. Alex Husner's take, after 15 years and $25M a year in direct revenue, is the line every operator needs to hear: a direct booking is not free. There's technology, there are people to run it, and the moment you add paid media it all adds up. The real question isn't direct vs. OTA — it's what kind of business you're actually trying to build.In this episode of Minute by MÎNUT, Nils Mattisson, CEO of Mi...
2026-07-2340 minMinute by Minut: Stories From People In Property with Nils MattissonWhy Building a Brand Beats Chasing the Algorithm, with Alex Husner👉 Discover Minut: https://www.minut.com📱 Book a demo: https://www.minut.com/contact/book-a-demoEverybody wants more direct bookings right now. Alex Husner's take, after 15 years and $25M a year in direct revenue, is the line every operator needs to hear: a direct booking is not free. There's technology, there are people to run it, and the moment you add paid media it all adds up. The real question isn't direct vs. OTA — it's what kind of business you're actually trying to build.In this episode of Minute by MÎNUT, Nils Mattisson, CEO of Mi...
2026-07-2340 min
The Long Ride HomeBeyond the Blue Ribbons: Kelly Berry on the Real Side of Equestrian SportsIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex welcomes Kelly Berry, owner of KB Media Equine and creator of the docuseries Inside the InGate, for a conversation about storytelling, visibility, and the real side of equestrian sport.Kelly grew up in the hunter jumper world and built a creative career around photography, marketing, and content strategy before bringing that expertise into the equestrian space. Through KB Media Equine, she is helping tell a fuller story of horse sport. Not only the polished rounds, ribbons, and victory passes, but also the pressure, preparation, setbacks, young horses, imperfect...
2026-07-0736 min
The Long Ride HomeThe Comeback Ride: Key Waller on Legacy, Motherhood, and Returning to the Saddlebred RingIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex sits down with Key Waller for a conversation about family legacy, motherhood, and what it feels like to return to the Saddlebred show ring after 11 years away.Key grew up surrounded by American Saddlebreds at Blythewood Farms, where horses, breeding, and the show ring were part of everyday life. As a third-generation Saddlebred owner and breeder, she has always understood the beauty of the breed, along with the pressure that can come from carrying a well-known family history in the industry.For Alex, Key’s story al...
2026-06-2349 min
The Long Ride HomeThe Horsemanship Behind Every Discipline with Brody HickmanIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Brody Hickman, founder of Brody Hickman Riding Academy, for a conversation about horses, horsemanship, and the experiences that shape a rider across disciplines.Brody’s path began with Saddlebreds and Morgans, then expanded into Quarter Horses, reining, Western pleasure, and teaching. Through each chapter, one theme has stayed consistent: before riders choose a discipline, they need to understand the horse.Together, Alex and Brody talk about the value of building strong foundations, respecting the small details, and recognizing how much different corners of...
2026-06-0242 min
Finding Better PodcastEP 212 - Transitioning from a life you love to a life you love more - Alex Husner & Annie HolcombeCareer reinvention isn't about retreat — it's about betting on yourself. In this episode of Finding Better, I sit down with Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe, co-hosts of the award-winning Alex and Annie Podcast, to talk about leaving the corporate world, navigating career transition in the age of AI, and building a life you actually love.
We dig into what it really takes to reinvent your career: shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, overcoming imposter syndrome, the real power of relationships and personal branding, and how a "just-for-fun" podcast became the catalyst that changed both th...
2026-05-2553 min
The Long Ride HomeLessons from a Lifetime in Saddlebreds with Dr. Amanda O’KeefeIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex reconnects with fellow Saddlebred rider and amateur exhibitor Dr. Amanda O’Keefe for a thoughtful conversation about horses, confidence, trainer trust, and the lessons that come from a lifetime in the sport.Alex and Amanda used to ride together at Cricket Hill, and their conversation brings a shared history to the surface, from the influence of their mothers to the memories, horses, and people that shaped their early years in the Saddlebred world.They discuss how riding changes with age and experience, how confidence is built th...
2026-05-1957 min
The Long Ride HomeRebuilding the Rider: Strength, Stability & Starting Again with Jack Latorre of Equibody FitnessIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner is joined by Jack Latorre, Founder and CEO of Equibody Fitness, for a conversation about rider fitness, body awareness, and what it really takes to come back to the saddle with strength and confidence.As Alex continues her return to riding after 26 years away, she has quickly realized that remembering how to ride is only part of the journey. The body changes. Tension shows up in new places. Strength, mobility, and stability matter in ways that can directly affect the horse underneath you....
2026-05-0533 min
The Long Ride HomeWriting Her Way Back: Emma Hudelson on Sky Watch and Returning to the SaddleIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Emma Hudelson, author of Sky Watch, for a conversation about horses, writing, and the lasting pull of the American Saddlebred.Emma shares how her fascination with Sky Watch deepened after seeing footage of the legendary horse at the American Saddlebred Museum, and how that moment led her into years of research, interviews, and writing. What began as a search to better understand one of the breed’s most iconic horses became something more personal: a reflection on her own return to riding and the me...
2026-04-2146 min
The Long Ride HomeMeet My Trainer: Andrea Harry, Owner of Meraki FarmIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with her trainer, Andrea Harry, Owner of Meraki Farm, for a conversation about horsemanship, timing, and the journey that brought them together.As a key part of Alex’s return to the saddle, Andrea shares more about her own journey in the American Saddlebred world and the road that led her to become a trainer. She reflects on her early start in the industry, the horses and experiences that shaped her, and what it has meant to build her own barn and community. The...
2026-04-0827 min
Destination Discourse74: Why Aren’t DMOs and Vacation Rentals Working Together? (Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe)
In this episode of Destination Discourse, Stuart Butler and Adam Stoker are joined by Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe from the Alex & Annie Podcast for a candid conversation about the evolving relationship between DMOs and the vacation rental industry.They start with Stu’s News and a timely discussion about Google building agentic AI directly into Chrome, using travel booking as one of the headline examples. That sparks a broader conversation about how quickly AI is moving from theory to reality, what “agentic” AI actually means, and why this shift could fundamentally change how travelers research, plan, and bo...
2026-03-2652 min
The Long Ride HomeAfter 26 Years Away: Finding My Way Back to American SaddlebredsIn the very first episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner shares the deeply personal story behind her return to the American Saddlebred world after 26 years away.From her final memory of walking out of Freedom Hall at 15 years old to the moment she realized it was finally time to come back, this episode is about far more than horses. It is about identity, timing, courage, and what happens when something that shaped you never fully lets you go.Alex opens up about growing up in the Saddlebred industry, stepping away from the sport...
2026-03-2422 min
The Progress Zone® Podcast with Jody DonaldsonProgress Over Perfection: Building a Life Aligned with Purpose with Guest Alex HusnerWhat if leaving the “safe” executive job is exactly what unlocks your best work? In this episode, Alex Husner—founder of Directly Alex and co-host of the Alex & Annie Podcast—shares how she went from CMO to entrepreneur, why storytelling beats perfectionism, and how to get real buy-in as a leader. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s your green light.🎯 You’ll learn:The mindset shifts that helped Alex jump from corporate to founder:How to earn stakeholder buy-in (and keep it)Why “progress over perfection” grows brands and podcasts fasterPractical ways AI will reshape search, travel, and hospitalityA simp...
2025-11-1146 min
The Art Of HospitalityMarketing vs Operations: What Do The Best Vacation Rental Managers Do To Grow? (With Chad Blankenship & Alex Husner)In this episode, we're joined by Alex Husner AND Chad Blankenship to talk all things growth, marketing vs ops, revenue, pricing, brand building, consulting services for VRMs and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellChad BlankenshipAlex HusnerAlex & Annie PodcastDirectly Alex
2025-07-0949 min
Host Planet: Expert Insights for Short-Term RentalsVacation Rental Marketing in 2025: Trends & Tips from Alex HusnerIn this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we're joined by Alex Husner, seasoned marketing expert and co-host of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals.Alex shares a wealth of insights on why so many short-term rental businesses fall short when it comes to marketing – and what they can do to fix it. From the challenges of over-reliance on OTAs to the true cost of direct bookings, Alex unpacks actionable strategies that property managers and hosts of all sizes can start using today.Whether you're trying to bu...
2025-06-1933 min
The Accommodation Show - Hospitality Success Series!Elevate Your Guest Journey: Strategies from Industry Leader Alex HusnerI am seeing many new companies and innovations emerging at an unprecedented pace, disrupting traditional models and introducing fresh ideas.
At the recent VRMA conference in Phoenix, I was struck by the sheer number of companies, nearly two dozen, that were either new to me or that I hadn't engaged with before. From an abundance of 'book direct' platforms to the surge of businesses integrating AI as the backbone of their operations, it's clear that innovation is alive and well in our industry.
I'm excited to delve deeper into...
2024-11-0234 min
the no BS podcastThe Psychology Behind Happy Guests with Kanan Whited and Alex HusnerIn this episode of the podcast, Mateo and John chat it up with Happy Guest co-founders Alex Husner and Kanan Whited. There's something refreshing about this guest portal and the story and psychology behind the app is entertaining and fulfilling. You're gonna want to download this one.Episode Highlights:Guest Introductions: Exciting projects ahead: Alex, a returning guest, shares her excitement about new projects and life post-Casago.First-time guest Kanan Whitehead, co-founder of Happy Guest, joins the show to discuss his journey into vacation rental tech.Kanan’s Origin Story: From Am...
2024-10-1239 min
Booked Solid Show - Short Term Rental PodcastEP17 - The strategies and tactics used by large scale property management companies with Alex HusnerWelcome to this week's podcast with Alex Husner, former CMO of Condo-World, CEO of Directly Alex, and podcast host of Alex & Annie. Alex shows us how large property management companies invest in marketing and tactics smaller property managers can deploy to build their brands. She breaks down the components within her marketing flywheel.
Want to connect with Alex, find her here:
https://www.instagram.com/alexohusner/
https://www.alexandanniepodcast.com/
https://directlyalex.com/
Interested in joining happy guests? Here's Alex's referral link for...
2024-07-0359 min
The Vintory PodcastEpisode 12: Top 10 Mistakes - Alex Husner's Guide to Avoiding Vacation Rental PitfallsWelcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. Based on the Amazon best-selling book, Vacation Rental Secrets. Alex Husner lays bare the teachings of trial and error in the realm of vacation rental management—discover what to do and not to do!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsAlex HusnerDirectly AlexBrooke Pfautz 🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program.
2024-06-2843 min
Between Two HumidorsBetween Two Humidors Episode 007 > Alex HusnerA seasoned vacation rental marketing expert, Ms. Alex Husner has played a key role as CMO in two enterprise vacation rental management companies in the United States for the past 14 years. In early 2024, Alex decided to pursue her own entrepreneurial initiatives as CEO/Founder of Directly Alex LLC, a consultancy firm specializing in direct bookings and business growth strategies for vacation rental management companies. During her 13-year tenure as CMO with Condo-World, Alex spearheaded the growth of the company from 150 to 500 condos under management, driving $25M in annual revenue of which 95% came through direct marketing efforts. Alex served as...
2024-06-2754 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Annie’s Next Big Leap, plus Spring Happenings & UpdatesWelcome to our 1st of the month bonus episode. In this episode, Alex & Annie are not fooling around with April Fools' jokes; instead, they have significant announcements to share!Annie's New Role at NextPaxAnnie unveils her new role as the Director of Technical Supply for the Americas at NextPax. She discusses her responsibilities, the potential for growth in South America, and the importance of channel management in today's vacation rental landscape. Annie shares insights on NextPax's platform and strategic partnerships that ensure efficient service for property managers.Alex's Entrepreneurial Journey...
2024-04-0129 min
The Playbook With David MeltzerInsights on True Fulfillment with Alex Husner and Annie HolcombeIn today’s episode, I join forces with Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe to explore a journey of transformation, from overcoming personal and professional hurdles to embracing a life of abundance and happiness. We discuss the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and accountability, and how adopting these values has reshaped my perspective on success. Through tales of my past, insights into the power of meditation, and the significance of asking for help, we uncover the essence of true fulfillment. This conversation is a deep dive into the strategies that have propelled me towards empowering over a billion people to find th...
2024-03-2728 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Spring News, Updates & Insights from the Desks of Alex & AnnieJoin Alex & Annie with a cute participation of Chloe, newest furry member of the family, as they delve into the current vacation rental market trends. They share their insights on the fluctuating booking rates and the explosion of Airbnb listings, particularly in the Myrtle Beach area. The duo discusses the critical need for property managers to diversify their booking strategies and the importance of direct bookings as a way to build resilience in an increasingly competitive market.Key Takeaways:💼 Market Dynamics: Alex & Annie analyze the market's performance, noting the downturn in bookings for some areas and the dra...
2024-03-0129 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals3 Points for Hospitality Marketing: Alex & Jonathan Ruggles of Flip.toIn this episode, Alex had the opportunity to sit down with Jonathan Ruggles, the Director of Partnerships at Flip.to. They discuss three key points in hospitality marketing: building your digital presence on your own land, leveraging guest-generated content and audiences, and the power of being a first mover in adopting innovative strategies. Alex shares insights from her experience in the vacation rental industry, emphasizing the importance of owning data, creating authentic interactions, and staying ahead of the competition.Key Takeaways:📱 Owning Your Digital Presence: Alex highlights the significance of owning your digital assets and dat...
2024-02-2828 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Alex’s Next Big Leap, featuring David Meltzer LIVE from Blue Wire StudioIn this engaging bonus episode of "Alex & Annie, The Real Women of Vacation Rentals," hosts Alex and Annie take you on a journey through their eventful month of January. From industry conferences to unexpected encounters, they share insights, challenges, and exciting plans for Aha Moments, the podcast's parent company.Conference Chronicles: IMN and STR Virtual SummitDive into Alex and Annie's experiences at industry conferences like IMN and the STR virtual summit for women with Stacey St. John. Explore the diverse crowds, key takeaways, and the need for bridging the short-term rental (STR) and vacation...
2024-02-0130 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsLIVE from Panama City Beach: In The Trenches with Michael James as He Launches New BusinessJoin Alex and Annie in this insightful episode of "Alex and Annie, The Real Women of Vacation Rentals," recorded live from Panama City Beach, as they welcome Michael, a seasoned vacation rental expert, to discuss his journey in the industry. From starting a business with a solid plan to exiting and now embarking on a new venture with a focus on accessibility, Michael shares his wealth of knowledge and experience.Michael's Journey:Michael recounts his move to the 30A area in 2004 and the launch of his vacation rental company in 2013. He emphasizes the importance of...
2024-01-1717 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsSpotlight on Exceptional Property Managers: LIVE with 30A Beach GirlsIn the latest episode of "Alex and Annie, the Real Women of Vacation Rentals," listeners were treated to an insightful conversation with the dynamic duo of 30A Beach Girls, Hollie and Lisa. Nestled in a stunning vacation home with the aroma of a chef's creation wafting through the air, the podcast delved into the secrets behind the success of this female-led empire in the vacation rental industry.The Founding Story:Hollie unveils the fascinating journey of 30A Beach Girls, from a humble housekeeping and maintenance company to a thriving management enterprise. Discover how their...
2024-01-0320 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Celebrating a Year of Growth and Looking Ahead to 2024In this special first-of-the-month episode of 'Alex and Annie, the Real Women of Vacation Rentals,' hosts Alex and Annie take a nostalgic journey through 2023 and unveil exciting plans for the upcoming year.Book Announcement:Get ready for their upcoming book, "Connecting the Dots," where Alex and Annie delve into the biggest aha moments from their interviews with industry experts. Discover the insightful themes and lessons that will be explored in this must-read for anyone in the vacation rental sphere.Top Five Episodes of 2023:Join the hosts as they...
2024-01-0132 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsSell or Be Sold: Rebl Rentals Former CEO Reflects on Selling the Business, with Leslie SonnierIn this episode of Alex & Friends, Leslie Sonnier joins Alex for an in-person conversation set against the backdrop of Myrtle Beach. From a chance meeting three years ago in matching dresses at a conference, to reflecting on the emotional process of selling Rebl Rentals, a thriving vacation rental business in Scottsdale, Arizona, this episode is a rollercoaster of memories, lessons, and the excitement of new beginnings.Creating Memorable Experiences and Impact on Families:The conversation emphasizes the profound impact vacation rentals have on families and their cherished memories. Leslie discusses the importance of creating...
2023-12-1326 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe A-Ha Moment: 2 Year Flashback to Where it All BeganWelcome to a special flashback episode of Alex & Annie! Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the podcast, and we couldn't be more grateful for the road so far, and excited for what's to come!To celebrate, we decided to back the episode where it all started. Fun fact - the first time we tried to record it we needed 3 takes to get it right, as technology was getting the best of us.Here are the original show notes - In this inaugural episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we e...
2023-11-0347 min
The Accommodation Show - Hospitality Success Series!4,000+ properties under management - talking direct bookings! with Alex Husner from Casago
🎧 Don't forget to subscribe!
If you've ever found yourself stuck in the OTA (Online Travel Agency) hamster wheel, yearning for a way to reclaim your margins and build brand loyalty, then this episode is your golden ticket.
I’m honoured to host Alex Husner, CMO for Casago (check them out, they are doing unreal work) and an industry heavyweight in the vacation rental market, to shed light on the intricacies of direct bookings. Alex brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the show, offering actionable insights for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're managing a boutique B&B or...
2023-10-1641 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsEmbark On Your Marketing Journey with Marketing Guru, Veronica RomneyOn this episode of Alex & Annie : The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, Alex is joined by Veronica Romney, Founder of Rainmaker Residency™ and VeronicaRomney.com. Veronica is a coach of all things marketing and leadership with over 15 years of experience. She puts her marketing skills on display with the two long term rental properties and one short term rental property she owns, and her marketing efforts as a solo contributor have outperformed both agencies and management companies with her holistic understanding on what it means to effectively market both herself and her products.As both owned and so...
2023-10-1140 min
The Rainmaker PodcastHow Your Personal Brand Helps Your Company's Brand with Casago CMO Alex HusnerIn today's rapidly changing job market, it has become increasingly uncommon to encounter individuals who have dedicated an entire decade to a single company. Yet, here we are, thrilled to engage in a captivating conversation with none other than Alex Husner, a true testament to steadfast commitment and professional perseverance. In this episode, we embark on a fascinating journey through Alex's career in the vacation rental sector, delving deep into the remarkable experiences and insights that only a decade-long tenure can offer.As we unravel Alex's story, we'll gain invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs that...
2023-10-0440 min
The STR SisterhoodAirbnb Host vs. Professional Vacation Rental Manager: Insights from Alex Husner
Join me for an engaging conversation with Alex Husner, Chief Marketing Officer at Casago, co-host of the engaging Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals Podcast, and a distinguished Member of the Board of Directors at the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA).Alex shares her insights on how professional vacation rental managers operate and how it compares to the short-term rental world. She also reveals a staggering statistic on the amount of direct bookings that professional vacation rental managers achieve.We also discuss the importance of networking, creative ways to drive growth in your...
2023-10-0341 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsVacation Rental Secrets with Best Selling Author, Brooke PfautzOn this episode of Alex & Annie : The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, Alex is joined by D. Brooke Pfautz, Founder of Vintory - a company that is laser-focused on helping vacation rental managers grow their inventory. Brooke stumbled into the vacation rental space right before the global economic crisis of 2008 when he founded Vantage Resort Realty which quickly grew to 500+ properties under management and became one of the country’s largest vacation rental managers. After exiting from Vantage in 2013, Brooke held a couple of positions in the space until launching Vintroy 4 and a half years ago, and he’s now...
2023-09-2036 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe Inside Scoop Behind the VRMA, with Executive Director Kimberly MilesToday joining Alex & Annie is Kimberly Miles, Executive Director of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) - an international, professional trade association of the vacation and holiday rental property management and hospitality industries. Kimberly has been with the VRMA for 2 years, and previously had an impressive 19 year tenure at American Hotel & Lodging Association, where she advanced up to becoming their SVP of Operations.Our very own Alex Husner is also a board member of the VRMA, so on this episode Alex and Kimberly dive into highlighting the role of the Executive Board at VRMA. The 13 leaders that...
2023-08-1635 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe Journey is the Destination: How Mike Reinman Sold to Vacasa, then Opened 2 Casago LocationsIn this episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Mike Reinman, Owner of Casago Kona & Owner/GM of Casago Redwood Coast. Mike sold Redwood Coast Vacation Rentals to Vacasa at the end of 2019. After speaking with Casago CEO Steve Schwab, Mike decided to return to the industry and purchase a STR business in Kona. This is where his partnership with Casago began, and what laid the foundation for his next venture with Casago Redwood Coast.Mike started in the short-term rental industry by converting his garage into a rental space. He then managed to scale this business...
2023-07-2633 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsWe've Got 99 Problems But Trash Pickup Ain't One, with CanMonkey CEO Alex ShapiroIn this episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Alex Shapiro, CEO and Co-Founder of CanMonkey - the very first Trash-To-Curb Service that handles the waste and recycling can duties of your vacation rental properties.CanMonkey started 4 years ago with a business model that’s similar to Uber and DoorDash - employing gig economy drivers to ensure a seamless service across 13 different states. What differentiates them from Uber’s business model is that they’ve achieved profitability as a bootstrapped startup, instead of relying on funding and burning through cash.Before Alex made the decision to go...
2023-07-1939 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Alex & AnnieWelcome to Episode 101 of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals - the celebration of passing the 100-episode milestone.Today, we are joined by Ed the Ghost Host, who's interviewing us about this wonderful journey we've been on since January 2021, and passing us the microphone so we can unveil some new projects and initiatives coming your way.To start, we'd like to thank everyone who has come along for the ride - from our wonderful guests to our plentiful listeners and those who engage with us on social media.We also appreciate...
2023-07-0125 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsFrom 0 to 100 Real Quick: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Alex & Annie Podcast with The 100 CollectionIn this very special anniversary episode, Alex & Annie are joined by Travis Wilburn and Rebecca Lombardo - Co-Founders of The 100 Collection.The 100 Collection is a prestigious evaluation program that recognises exceptional vacation rentals managed by industry-leading companies committed to excellence in hospitality across a multitude of destinations.Travis and Rebecca are huge believers in the value that local brands bring to the vacation rental space and the importance of a “Doyen/Doyenne” - meaning the most well respected and knowledgeable person in their particular space - as the term relates to the absolute best local vaca...
2023-06-2843 min
Destination Marketing PodcastShort-Term Rentals and Starting a Podcast with Alex Husner and Annie HolcombeJoining the show today are the hosts of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe! Find out how a chance meeting in a hotel bathroom led to the launch of their podcast and learn some of the duo's favorite moments so far. Alex and Annie also give their insights on some of the current issues facing the short-term rental industry.
"It's going to be interesting to me to see where the industry goes in the next 18 months because I think you're going to see a lot of people that are just going...
2023-06-2744 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBreaking News: Key Data Dashboard and Rev & Research Form New PartnershipIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie feature two special guests, Jason Sprenkle, CEO of Key Data Dashboard, and Ben Coleman, President of Rev & Research. They unveil a new partnership between their two organizations to better service their co-customers. Key Data is great at helping customers visualize data, especially with the increasing use of purely automated pricing platforms, while Rev & Research excels at walking customers through the process. Ben shares how genuine care to help customers make more money and give them back their time became the driving force behind their partnership. Learn more about how...
2023-04-1422 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBreaking News: Key Data Dashboard and Rev & Research Form New PartnershipIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie feature two special guests, Jason Sprenkle, CEO of Key Data Dashboard, and Ben Coleman, President of Rev & Research. They unveil a new partnership between their two organizations to better service their co-customers. Key Data is great at helping customers visualize data, especially with the increasing use of purely automated pricing platforms, while Rev & Research excels at walking customers through the process. Ben shares how genuine care to help customers make more money and give them back their time became the driving force behind their partnership. Learn more about how t...
2023-04-1422 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsMaking Vacation Rental Security Fun Again, with Guest Ranger’s Salar TanzifIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie feature Salar Tanzif, the VP of Sales at Guest Ranger. Security has become a primary concern for both property managers and homeowners. As a result, screening guests is essential to ensure that bad actors are detected and prevented from causing harm or damage.Guest Ranger, a risk management company, offers screening services that help to detect shady backgrounds, fraudulent activities, and other red flags that could indicate a problematic guest. Salar discusses patterns of fraudulent activity, as well as the measures in place to detect and defeat them.Sa...
2023-04-1242 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsMaking Vacation Rental Security Fun Again, with Guest Ranger’s Salar TanzifIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie feature Salar Tanzif, the VP of Sales at Guest Ranger. Security has become a primary concern for both property managers and homeowners. As a result, screening guests is essential to ensure that bad actors are detected and prevented from causing harm or damage.Guest Ranger, a risk management company, offers screening services that help to detect shady backgrounds, fraudulent activities, and other red flags that could indicate a problematic guest. Salar discusses patterns of fraudulent activity, as well as the measures in place to detect and defeat them.Sa...
2023-04-1242 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsEnhancing Guest Experiences Using In-Unit Technology, with Suneel GoudIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie feature Suneel Goud, the CEO and Co-Founder of GuestView Guide, a SHARP NEC company. Suneel discusses their in-unit digital concierge designed for property managers and operators to enhance the guest's experience. GuestView Guide provides guests with everything they need to know about the property and the local area while saving time through the automation of tasks and facilitating communication. The device is customizable and comes with a management console that controls the devices centrally through cloud-based software. Aside from GuestView Guide's connection with numerous property management systems and its...
2023-04-0538 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsEnhancing Guest Experiences Using In-Unit Technology, with Suneel GoudIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie feature Suneel Goud, the CEO and Co-Founder of GuestView Guide, a SHARP NEC company. Suneel discusses their in-unit digital concierge designed for property managers and operators to enhance the guest's experience. GuestView Guide provides guests with everything they need to know about the property and the local area while saving time through the automation of tasks and facilitating communication. The device is customizable and comes with a management console that controls the devices centrally through cloud-based software. Aside from GuestView Guide's connection with numerous property management systems and its...
2023-04-0538 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus: The Real Women of Distribution, with Michelle Marquis and Vanessa MooreIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Michelle Marquis and Vanessa Moore, the Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Distribution respectively at TravelNet Solutions. Michelle talks about their Hospitality Hub which aims to consolidate the efforts of property managers and streamline operations.Vanessa's expertise is in strategic distribution and she highlights that while they maintain direct connections with channels, they focus on the 20% that serves the 80%. The idea is to be where customers are searching and to have access to the right channels that fit a property manager's current customer base.There is...
2023-04-0139 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: The Real Women of Distribution, with Michelle Marquis and Vanessa MooreIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Michelle Marquis and Vanessa Moore, the Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Distribution respectively at TravelNet Solutions. Michelle talks about their Hospitality Hub which aims to consolidate the efforts of property managers and streamline operations.Vanessa's expertise is in strategic distribution and she highlights that while they maintain direct connections with channels, they focus on the 20% that serves the 80%. The idea is to be where customers are searching and to have access to the right channels that fit a property manager's current customer base.There is...
2023-04-0139 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHello from the Other Side: Christina Thoreson Reflects on Selling Her Vacation Rental BusinessIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Christina Thoreson, who with her husband Thor, built Chattanooga Vacation Rentals into a sizable and well-run outfit in Tennessee prior to selling in 2022. Christina recalls their early struggles including not knowing how to run housekeeping and maintenance, and struggling to figure out the legal and operational aspects of the business. Christina and Thor were early adopters of technology, and although they went through a series of software changes, they had finally found the perfect tech and operational recipe in 2021 - and that’s exactly when the doors start...
2023-03-2956 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHello from the Other Side: Christina Thoreson Reflects on Selling Her Vacation Rental BusinessIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Christina Thoreson, who with her husband Thor, built Chattanooga Vacation Rentals into a sizable and well-run outfit in Tennessee prior to selling in 2022. Christina recalls their early struggles including not knowing how to run housekeeping and maintenance, and struggling to figure out the legal and operational aspects of the business. Christina and Thor were early adopters of technology, and although they went through a series of software changes, they had finally found the perfect tech and operational recipe in 2021 - and that’s exactly when the doors start...
2023-03-2956 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsLessons Learned from a Global Brand: How Sykes Cottages Scaled to 24,000 Rentals, with CEO Graham DonoghueIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Graham Donoghue, the CEO of Sykes Holidays Cottages Group. When Graham was brought on Sykes, the brand was lacking a narrative and a story. They were large and profitable but departments were siloed with no real rallying cry to drive the company forward.Today, Sykes has 25 brands in its portfolio and 24,000 properties under management in the UK and New Zealand, making the brand a major player in the vacation rental industry. One interesting thing about Sykes is its approach to acquiring businesses. They intentionally retain the...
2023-03-221h 02
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsLessons Learned from a Global Brand: How Sykes Cottages Scaled to 24,000 Rentals, with CEO Graham DonoghueIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Graham Donoghue, the CEO of Sykes Holidays Cottages Group. When Graham was brought on Sykes, the brand was lacking a narrative and a story. They were large and profitable but departments were siloed with no real rallying cry to drive the company forward.Today, Sykes has 25 brands in its portfolio and 24,000 properties under management in the UK and New Zealand, making the brand a major player in the vacation rental industry. One interesting thing about Sykes is its approach to acquiring businesses. They intentionally retain the...
2023-03-221h 02
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsIncreasing Last Minute Bookings through Flexible Availability, with Whimstay CEO David WeissSend us a message!In today’s episode, Alex and Annie chat with David Weiss, the CEO of Whimstay. He shares his background in vacation rentals and the global payments space and his journey to becoming Whimstay's CEO.David discusses how last-minute bookings are their niche and that their goal is to increase incremental bookings while offering the best deals to travelers. He talks about the initiatives they have for this year like partnering with a technology company, intelligent pricing, and expanding into Europe.Whimstay believes in flexibility and offers broad payment options, in...
2023-03-1547 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsIncreasing Last Minute Bookings through Flexible Availability, with Whimstay CEO David WeissIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie chat with David Weiss, the CEO of Whimstay. He shares his background in vacation rentals and the global payments space and his journey to becoming Whimstay's CEO.David discusses how last-minute bookings are their niche and that their goal is to increase incremental bookings while offering the best deals to travelers. He talks about the initiatives they have for this year like partnering with a technology company, intelligent pricing, and expanding into Europe.Whimstay believes in flexibility and offers broad payment options, including their patented Split Pay option, to...
2023-03-1547 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHuman Capital is the Most Important Capital, with Steve Trover, CEO of Better TalentIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Steve Trover, the Founder, and CEO of Better Talent. Knowing a person makes connecting their talents with the right jobs easier. Interestingly, Steve is also the one who brought together Annie and her current role today at Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Steve talks about the people stack and how optimizing human capital has a profound effect because it is most companies' single biggest cost. He shares how a company's integrator works with its visionary to execute the vision, as well as the difficulty in hiring for thi...
2023-03-0852 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHuman Capital is the Most Important Capital, with Steve Trover, CEO of Better TalentIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Steve Trover, the Founder, and CEO of Better Talent. Knowing a person makes connecting their talents with the right jobs easier. Interestingly, Steve is also the one who brought together Annie and her current role today at Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Steve talks about the people stack and how optimizing human capital has a profound effect because it is most companies' single biggest cost. He shares how a company's integrator works with its visionary to execute the vision, as well as the difficulty in hiring for thi...
2023-03-0852 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode, with Steve Milo and Miriam Ramsey of VtripsIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Steve Milo and Miriam Ramsey, the Founder/CEO and Regional Business Development Director of Vtrips respectively. They discuss the latest trends observed from the IMN Conference, the latest headlines from Vacasa, the new purpose-built cabins of Vtrips, fighting for smarter legislation, and organizing people in the collaborative committee of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA).Inside Current HeadlinesSteve shares his experience as a panelist at the IMN Conference which was very different from the traditional vacation rentals conferences, with a much more investor-heavy crowd. He...
2023-03-011h 04
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode, with Steve Milo and Miriam Ramsey of VtripsIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Steve Milo and Miriam Ramsey, the Founder/CEO and Regional Business Development Director of Vtrips respectively. They discuss the latest trends observed from the IMN Conference, the latest headlines from Vacasa, the new purpose-built cabins of Vtrips, fighting for smarter legislation, and organizing people in the collaborative committee of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA).Inside Current HeadlinesSteve shares his experience as a panelist at the IMN Conference which was very different from the traditional vacation rentals conferences, with a much more investor-heavy crowd. He also po...
2023-03-011h 04
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHow Mike Flaskey Sold Diamond Resorts for $1.4 BILLION Dollars to Hilton Grand VacationsElevate a Vacation Guest’s ExperienceIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Mike Flaskey, Former CEO of Diamond Resorts International and Founder of Mike Flaskey Entertainment, as he gives his second public interview since leading the sale of Diamond Resorts to Hilton Grand Vacations in June 2021.COVID profoundly affected Diamond but innovation allowed them to rebound quickly. Mike shares how they did this and how they pioneered a new way to be evaluated on multiples of EBITDA.He talks about the cutting-edge innovations that timeshare sales and marketing teams did alon...
2023-02-2242 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHow Mike Flaskey Sold Diamond Resorts for $1.4 BILLION Dollars to Hilton Grand VacationsElevate a Vacation Guest’s ExperienceIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Mike Flaskey, Former CEO of Diamond Resorts International and Founder of Mike Flaskey Entertainment, as he gives his second public interview since leading the sale of Diamond Resorts to Hilton Grand Vacations in June 2021.COVID profoundly affected Diamond but innovation allowed them to rebound quickly. Mike shares how they did this and how they pioneered a new way to be valuated on multiples of EBITDA.He talks about the cutting-edge innovations that timeshare sales and marketing teams did alongside rent...
2023-02-2242 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBreaking News: Jim Barsch Joins Got2Go as Chief Commercial OfficerBuild Strong Relationships In The Vacation Rental CommunityIn this special edition of Alex & Annie, Got2Go announces the “Mystery Guest” that has been hired to lead the company as Chief Commercial Officer. Jim Barsch needs little introduction; this experienced vacation rental technology veteran brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Got2Go team.Got2Go CEO Craig Musumeci shares their big plans for a membership model and event concerts, while Jim shares the path to get there by building strong connections. Tune in to hear more on this news...
2023-02-1732 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBreaking News: Jim Barsch Joins Got2Go as Chief Business OfficerIn this special edition of Alex & Annie, Got2Go announces the “Mystery Guest” that has been hired to lead the company as Chief Business Officer. Jim Barsch needs little introduction; this experienced vacation rental technology veteran brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Got2Go team.Got2Go CEO Craig Musumeci shares their big plans for a membership model and event concerts, while Jim shares the path to get there by building strong connections. Tune in to hear more on this news and more updates on where the company is headed next!“R...
2023-02-1732 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsRevenue Management Tips & Trends for Vacation Rentals in 2023, with Rev & ResearchIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Ben Coleman and Rebecca Ballart, Revenue Management Consultants for Rev & Research. They share the trends they observe in today's market, with the most notable being shrinking lead times.They discuss how to communicate with homeowners, manage CEO-level expectations, and organize the portfolio according to lead time. With more competition and softening demand, Ben and Rebecca suggest being proactive and using a data-driven approach to achieve growth.Find out more about Ben and Rebecca's top tips and trends for vacation rentals in th...
2023-02-1541 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsRevenue Management Tips & Trends for Vacation Rentals in 2023, with Rev & ResearchIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Ben Coleman and Rebecca Ballart, Revenue Management Consultants for Rev & Research. They share the trends they observe in today's market, with the most notable being shrinking lead times.They discuss how to communicate with homeowners, manage CEO-level expectations, and organize the portfolio according to lead time. With more competition and softening demand, Ben and Rebecca suggest being proactive and using a data-driven approach to achieve growth.Find out more about Ben and Rebecca's top tips and trends for vacation rentals in this latest episode of Alex & Annie: Th...
2023-02-1541 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsYou Can Only Be a Local in One Place, with Casago CEO Steve SchwabVALUES AND ETHICS ARE THE FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago. He shares his unintentional entry into the vacation rental industry and how working with the local community is at the core of his success. Steve also talks about Casago University, the company’s in-house training institution, and how this empowers local heroes because their success is the franchise's success too. Find out more about Steve and the owner-centric systems he created in this latest episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Va...
2023-02-0857 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsYou Can Only Be a Local in One Place, with Casago CEO Steve SchwabPrinciples, Values and Culture are the Foundation of a Successful CompanyIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago. He shares his unintentional entry into the vacation rental industry 22 years ago in Rocky Point, Mexico, and how working with the local community is at the core of his success. Steve also talks about Casago University, the company’s in-house training institution that trains all staff and franchisees on the immutable principles of vacation rentals.“REAL” TALKSteve: The Immutable Principles Of Vacation Rentals"There are only a few th...
2023-02-0857 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsLeading through Authenticity and Vulnerability, with Alex Zemianek CEO of JZ Vacation RentalsTHE KEY TO A GREAT TEAM IS AUTHENTICITYIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Alex Zemianek, the Founder and CEO of JZ Vacation Rentals. He shares how trial after trial left him broke and almost broken. However, when he allowed himself to be vulnerable with his team, they rallied behind him during their darkest days. Alex says that it was through an authentic relationship with the people who make up his team that this was even possible.Find out more about Alex and JZ Vacation Rentals in this latest episode of...
2023-01-251h 02
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsLeading through Authenticity and Vulnerability, with Alex Zemianek CEO of JZ Vacation RentalsTHE KEY TO A GREAT TEAM IS AUTHENTICITYIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Alex Zemianek, the Founder and CEO of JZ Vacation Rentals. He shares how trial after trial left him broke and almost broken. However, when he allowed himself to be vulnerable with his team, they rallied behind him during their darkest days. Alex says that it was through an authentic relationship with the people who make up his team that this was even possible.Find out more about Alex and JZ Vacation Rentals in this latest episode of Alex & Annie: The...
2023-01-251h 02
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsDACK’s Customer Experience Enhancing Solution, with Thomas SchaperIMPROVE YOUR GUEST EXPERIENCE WITH SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGYIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Thomas Schaper, the Head of Product at DACK Inc. Thomas shares his experience in creating DACK as an app that improves the guest experience and makes vacations easier. He also discusses details about DACK’s model from how it was named to how it works. Find out more about Thomas and DACK in this latest episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals.“REAL” TALKTHOMAS: FREE UP YOUR STAFF WITH AUTOMATI...
2023-01-1846 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsDACK’s Customer Experience Enhancing Solution, with Thomas SchaperIMPROVE YOUR GUEST EXPERIENCE WITH SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGYIn today’s episode, Alex and Annie welcome Thomas Schaper, the Head of Product at DACK Inc. Thomas shares his experience in creating DACK as an app that improves the guest experience and makes vacations easier. He also discusses details about DACK’s model from how it was named to how it works. Find out more about Thomas and DACK in this latest episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals. “REAL” TALKTHOMAS: FREE UP YOUR STAFF WITH AUTOMATION“If you free...
2023-01-1846 min
Unlocked by Matt LandauWriting Your Professional Story with Alex Husner of CasagoIn this episode, we take a look at big leaps, both personal and professional with Alex Husner. As the newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Casago and co-host of the popular podcast, "Alex and Annie," Alex's personal brand has flourished alongside her success in the industry. Join us as we gain insight into her journey and strategies for achieving your own professional aspirations. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, https://www.breezeway.io/vrmb the best in class property care and automations platform.
2023-01-121h 01
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsCAPTURE IT! The Value of Email Capture as a Vacation Rental Marketing Solution, with Arthur ColkerSUCCESS IN THE VACATION RENTAL SPACE ISN’T ALWAYS INTENTIONALand Arthur Colker is proof of that. Arthur is the CEO and founder of StayFi, and in this episode, discusses how he accidentally fell into the short-term rental and vacation rental space. He talks about how he helped a friend develop an independent brand, and how he saw the value in controlling and owning guests’ data. Arthur built a solution that helps managers and operators capture guest data and then monetize it through tools like email marketing and text marketing, which helps with upsells and remar...
2023-01-1149 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBehind the Success of Every Small Business is a Family, with Lauren MadewellLauren Madewell joins us today to share the story of her family's business, Auntie Belham's Cabin Rentals. The company is ran by Lauren and her sister Mallory, along with their Dad, John Madewell, who fell into vacation rentals when a relative passed away and left the business to John in 2008. The family rose to the occasion, and has grown the company into one of the most respected outfits in the Smoky Mountains with a loyal following of guests that return year after year. Topics we cover:The importance of having a close group of constituentsLauren and M...
2022-11-2355 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsFireside Chat with Airbnb Brand Ambassador, John HildebrandJohn Hildebrand of Hilde Homes joins us today for a discussion on all our favorite topics! John's company is based out of Scottsdale, AZ with properties in Arizona and California and has risen to fame as a Brand Ambassador for Airbnb. Despite having this important role with Airbnb, John's account got suspended last year - a shocking and frustrating mystery that Airbnb couldn't even explain. This incident made John realized the importance of building his own brand off the platform, and why creating his own direct booking strategy was critically important. John is President of the Scottsdale...
2022-11-1642 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsGrowing through Acquisitions & Smart Business Principles, with Scott Bunce, Cabins for You COOScott Bunce, COO of Cabins for You joins us today for a look behind the curtain of their innovative enterprise that manages properties in the Smoky Mountains and Georgia mountains, with plans to expand into the Florida Panhandle on the horizon. Scott's extensive background in hotel revenue management has made him a top choice for panels at vacation rental conferences, and in today's episode he shares his thoughts on the impact of revenue management on our industry. Inventory growth - and loss of units to real estate sales - is another main theme of this episode. Scott...
2022-11-0951 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsCelebrating One Year Anniversary of Alex & Annie Podcast: Episode 1, The A-HA MomentFlash back! On November 2, 2021, we launched the Alex & Annie Podcast with our 1st episode, The A-HA Moment. As we reflect on the past year and so many incredible memories, we thought it was fitting to revisit this episode. Yesterday on our 1st of the Month Bonus Episode, we made 2 major announcements - Alex has taken a new role as CMO for Casago, and Annie has taken a new role as Director of Business Development for Marriott Homes & Villas. It's impossible to ignore the timing of these two incredible opportunities happening at essentially the exact same time, a year to t...
2022-11-0245 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode - Simon Says: Alex & Annie's Careers are a Changin'It's the 1st of the Month! Tune in as we recap the previous month and look ahead to the next, discussing industry trends, pacing, events and more. Simon Lehmann of AJL Consulting joins us each month for "Simon Says", where we discuss the latest hot-button issue facing the vacation rental and short term rental industry. Simon Says: Alex & Annie's Careers are a Changin'Tune in for not one but TWO major announcements from Alex & Annie, which we were happy to share alongside Simon who has been a mentor and friend to each of us as...
2022-11-0145 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe Queen of Guest Experience: Tyann Marcink Hammond, Touch StayTune in for a fun look behind the curtain of this amazing gal that is changing the game for small and large vacation rental operators that want to provide an enhanced experience for their guests! Tyann wears two hats - she operates her own portfolio of properties, and at TouchStay her title is quite literally, the Queen of Guest Experience. Creating a memorable guest experience helps you build your brand and drive repeat business - don't miss this one!This episode is brought to you by Wheelhouse: The Ultimate Revenue Driving Machine. Wheelhouse...
2022-10-2658 min
Bombshell Business Podcast with Amber HurdleTake Your Vision to the Next Level with Alex Husner (149)Cue: “This Girl is On Fire,” and THEN start this episode!
Alex Husner, along with her partner in crime and our guest on episode 148, have taken the Vacation Rental Industry by storm! One of the many things I love about this Bombshell is she always operates in a spirit of continuous improvement and never settles, while taking others along with her as she elevates.
Committing to and announcing the Alex & Annie Podcast at VRMA International 2021, she and Annie took a leap of faith that paid off, and are now coming back to VRMA 2022 hosting its first ever red carpet event for t...
2022-10-2348 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsCreating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom, with Andrew McConnellAndrew McConnell joins us today for look behind his new book, Get Out of My Head: Creating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom. Known in the vacation rental world for his role as CEO of Rented, Inc., Andrew shares the most expensive rent of all: the self doubt and negativity that we allow to live rent free in our minds. In this book, Andrew shows it’s possible to achieve clarity, make good decisions, and rise in your career, by illustrating that the human mind is not unlike real estate: adopting an owner’s mindset can make all the...
2022-10-1955 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe Vacation Rental Power Couple: Lance & Elaine Stitcher of Seaside Vacations & SalesLance & Elaine Stitcher are owners and co-founders of Seaside Vacations & Sales, a premiere vacation rental management company that represents nearly 300 properties in Chincoteague Island, VA and Ocean City, MD. This power couple has grown their business rapidly in the past decade by staying focused on the fundamentals - company culture, happy homeowners, work/life balance, innovative marketing and dynamic pricing. This episode is part of our Spotlight on Exceptional Property Managers, brought to you by Wheelhouse: The Ultimate Revenue Driving Machine. Wheelhouse is offering listeners of our podcast 50% OFF your 1st 2 months...
2022-10-1258 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode - Simon Says: Human Capital is KEY to Profitability, PLUS Launch of Alex & Annie's ListIt's the 1st of the Month! Tune in as we recap the previous month and look ahead to the next, discussing industry trends, pacing, events and more. Simon Lehmann of AJL Atelier joins us each month for "Simon Says", where we discuss the latest hot-button issue facing the vacation rental and short term rental industry. Simon Says: Human Capital is KEY to ProfitabilityIn a rapidly changing business environment, companies and investors are realizing the importance of human capital in their acquisition strategies. If a particular business model doesn't work out, the rig...
2022-09-0153 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsCleaning House on Operational Tech, with Koryn Okey of BreezewayLast week we talked to Matt Loney, CEO of Xplorie about consolidations within vacation rental tech, and one of the areas he projected would consolidate was Operations software. Today, we have Koryn Okey from Breezeway to share her perspective on why operators are choosing to use an external tool like Breezeway for housekeeping & maintenance, and how they've internally consolidated several similar services into one - from messaging to checklists and vendor invoicing, Breezeway positions their value as a specialist for operators that need more than the generalist offerings of most PMS's. You'll also notice, there's a story w...
2022-08-1749 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsPredicting a Wave of Tech Consolidations, with Matt Loney, CEO of XplorieToday we're joined by Matt Loney, CEO of Xplorie, for a conversation about the current state of guest experience and tech in the vacation rental industry and what the future holds for consolidation between overlapping products. Matt predicts there will be 3 main sectors of vacation rental technology that will see consolidation: Guest Communication/Acquisition / CRMIn-room technologyOperations (housekeeping & maintenance) The influx of new technology pouring into vacation rentals has undoubtedly streamlined many aspects of the business, but take one lap around the vendor hall at a vacation rental conference and you'll quickly see the overlap between sev...
2022-08-1052 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode - Simon Says: It’s Time to Put Egos Aside to Strengthen the IndustryIt's the 1st of the Month! Tune in as we recap the previous month and look ahead to the next, discussing industry trends, pacing, events and more. Simon Lehmann of AJL Consulting joins us each month for "Simon Says", where we discuss the latest hot-button issue facing the vacation rental and short term rental industry. Simon Says..."It's Time to Put Egos Aside to Strengthen the Industry" At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which organization is doing what, so long as they are working for the betterment of the indust...
2022-08-0146 min
Women Your Mother Warned You AboutStanding In Your Brand with Alex Husner and Annie HolcombeToday’s show is incredible because you get not one but two guests who are leaders in the highly competitive travel and vacation rental market. Annie Holcombe, formerly of Expedia, and now VP of Business Development at Lexicon Travel, and Alex Husner, CMO at Condo-World. These two along with Susanna it makes three blondes today, so Gina is coming out strong to represent the redheads! Gina starts out recounting the origins of the podcast, the name, and why she started it almost four years ago. This of course leads into an amazing, organic conversation about women in business. Both th...
2022-06-1643 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: March 1, 2022Tune in on the 1st day of the month for these short and SUITE bonus episodes with Alex & Annie! In this month's episode we discuss:Booking pace and changes to traveler sentimentAlex shares her experience participating at GNEX Conference in VegasBig news of a major award!Listener spotlightsPreview of March's upcoming episodes and topics Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/u_dxzheyOaUCONTACT ALEX & ANNIEAlexandAnniePodcast.comLinkedIn | Facebook | InstagramAlex Husner - LinkedinAnnie Holcombe - LinkedinPodcast Sponsored by...
2022-03-0128 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsEpisode 1: The A-HA MomentIn this inaugural episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we explore the spark that started our journey to making this podcast. We provide a high-level overview of our industry background, and highlight two AHA moments that defined the future of our careers. Topics we cover:Who are Alex & Annie? The importance of having a good mentor Two AHA moments that defined our careersWhere will this journey take us? Vacation Rental Women’s SummitThank you for joining us and helping this become a reality. We cannot wait to bring you more exciti...
2021-11-0245 min
GuestX PodcastThe Building Blocks of Branding With Alex HusnerJoin hosts Matthew Loney and Brian Hamaoui this week on GuestX Podcast with special guest Alex Husner, Chief Marketing Officer of Condo-World Resort Properties. Alex emphasizes the foundations of branding and the importance of strong messaging and guest communication which fosters loyalty and trust in the first stages of booking a property.
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2021-09-1545 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsCAPTURE IT! The Value of Email Capture as a Vacation Rental Marketing Solution, with Arthur ColkerSUCCESS IN THE VACATION RENTAL SPACE ISN’T ALWAYS INTENTIONALand Arthur Colker is proof of that. Arthur is the CEO and founder of StayFi, and in this episode, discusses how he accidentally fell into the short-term rental and vacation rental space. He talks about how he helped a friend develop an independent brand, and how he saw the value in controlling and owning guests’ data. Arthur built a solution that helps managers and operators capture guest data and then monetize it through tools like email marketing and text marketing, which helps with upsel...
2021-01-1149 min