Shows
The Vacation Rental ShowBuilding Your Property Management Sales Funnel with Annie Holcombe of NextPaxIn this episode of The Vacation Rental Show, host Lynell Gordon speaks with Annie Holcombe, Director of Technical Supply Partnerships at NextPax, about building sustainable property management businesses through strategic business development and mindful technology selection.What you'll learn:Why every team member should be trained in business development fundamentals to handle owner inquiries professionallyThe difference between mindful distribution and reactive channel selection based on competitor actionsHow to challenge the "90% direct booking" mythology when occupancy rates reveal growth opportunitiesThe role of authenticity and core values in building sustainable competitive advantagesMentorship strategies for new property...2025-07-2319 min
The Hospitality EdgeThe Power of Authentic Branding and Relationships with Annie Holcombe | S02E04In this episode of The Hospitality Edge podcast, we engage in a thoughtful conversation with Annie Holcombe, Director of Technical Supply Partnerships at NextPax. Dive into the concept of the "hospitality gene" as Annie shares her insights on what it means to be genuinely hospitable and authentic in building strong industry relationships.
Drawing from her extensive experience in property management and work with major brands like Expedia and Marriott, Annie reveals the key strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.
What You'll Learn:
The concept of the "hospitality gene" and its impact...2024-09-0747 min
Behind the StaysThe Future of Vacation Rentals: Annie Holcombe on OTAs, Loyalty Programs, and Industry ChallengesMeet Annie Holcombe, a seasoned hospitality industry expert with a passion for vacation rentals and an impressive track record at major travel tech companies.
Annie's journey in the vacation rental industry is nothing short of inspiring. Starting from property management, she moved on to pivotal roles at Expedia and Homes and Villas by Marriott, gaining invaluable insights into the world of travel and hospitality.
In this episode, Annie dives into the current state of the industry, emphasizing the importance of standardization and safety in vacation rentals. She shares her thoughts on how new entrants can...2024-06-111h 05
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsTech Innovations in Vacation Rentals with Direct Software CEO, Wes SmitheSend us a message!In this episode of "Alex & Annie: the Real Women of Vacation Rentals," hosts Alex and Annie dive into the world of vacation and RV rental software with special guest Wes Smithe, the co-founder, CEO, and chairman of Direct Software. Join them as they explore Direct's evolution, innovations in direct booking, and Wes' entrepreneurial journey.Direct Software's Impact:Wes Smithe introduces Direct Software, a vertical SaaS platform revolutionizing asset management, booking, and back-office operations for rental managers. Learn about their direct integrations with leading channels like Airbnb and VRBO, their...2024-04-1038 min
Tuesday's ThanksEpisode 96 - Annie HolcombeIn this episode, Brian is joined by Annie Holcombe, Director of Technical Partnerships at Nextpax. Founded
in 2006 by Erik Engel, Nextpax has seen rapid growth to become a leading channel manager specializing in providing seamless, two-way connections between
property management systems and distribution channels worldwide. In addition to this role, Annie is a cohost of the popular podcast: Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals. Tune in to hear who Annie Thanks for helping her along the way.
2024-04-0936 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Annie’s Next Big Leap, plus Spring Happenings & UpdatesSend us a message!Welcome 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.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 RentalsOur 1st Celebrity Interview with World Renowned Speaker, Entrepreneur & Author David MeltzerSend us a message!Welcome to "Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals"! In this insightful episode, we sit down with powerhouse celebrity entrepreneur and personal development leader, David Meltzer. David reveals his profound journey and practical strategies for finding clarity, purpose, and unlimited potential.Learn the power of meditation to elevate your mindset, plus the value of a "be interested, not interesting" approach that will reshape how you live and lead.Key Takeaways:🧘♀️ The Power of Meditation: David discusses how meditation has been instrumental in gaining clarity and awaren...2024-03-2031 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Spring News, Updates & Insights from the Desks of Alex & AnnieSend us a message!Join 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 boo...2024-03-0129 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsFrom Vision to Triumph: Unpacking Hostfully's Growth Story with CEO, Margot SchmorakSend us a message!Join Alex, Annie, and special guest Margot Schmorak in this episode of "Alex & Annie, the real women of Vacation Rentals," as they explore the captivating journey of Hostfully over the past year and the crucial aspects of building a supportive community for women in the vacation rental industry. Listen as Margot shares her experiences in a powerful group, emphasizing the importance of mutual support, advice-sharing, and mentorship for women navigating both personal and professional challenges.Margot Unveils Hostfully's Triumphs:In an exclusive interview, Margot shares behind-the-scenes insights into Hostfully's...2024-02-2147 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsJen Ford’s Journey to Creating Work-Life Balance through Meaningful Career ChoicesSend us a message!In this episode of "Alex & Annie, The Real Women of Vacation Rentals," hosts Alex & Annie welcome back and dive deep into the extraordinary journey of Jen Ford, a trailblazer in the vacation rental industry. Join us as we uncover the highs, lows, and unexpected turns that shaped her remarkable career.Jen's Evolution in the Vacation Rental Industry:Jen shares her transition from the fast-paced world of high tech to becoming a finance executive at HomeAway, and her decision to take some time off from the industry after Turnkey Vacation R...2024-02-0738 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 StudioSend us a message!In 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...2024-02-0130 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsStreamline Your Vacation Rental Turnover Process with Turno: An Interview with the Founder, Assaf KarmonSend us a message!Join Alex and Annie in this exciting episode of "Alex and Annie, The Real Women of Vacation Rentals," as they sit down with Assaf Karmon, the CEO and founder of Turno. Discover Assaf's journey from being an Airbnb host to creating a revolutionary platform that transforms the vacation rental turnover process.Assaf's Journey:Assaf opens up about his struggles managing cleaning and turnovers as a host, leading to the birth of Turno. The hosts delve into the challenges hosts face in finding reliable cleaners and how Turno's marketplace...2024-01-1029 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsSpotlight on Exceptional Property Managers: LIVE with 30A Beach GirlsSend us a message!In 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...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 2024Send us a message!In 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 2023:2024-01-0132 min
Direct Booking Success PodcastBreaking Barriers and Building Connections: Annie Holcombe on the Value of Mentorship in Vacation RentalsIn a twist of fate, Annie Holcombe's journey in the vacation rental industry began unexpectedly, as she found herself working at a hotel front desk while recovering from knee surgery. Little did she know that this serendipitous turn would ignite a lifelong passion for hospitality. But what challenges did Annie face along the way? And how did she overcome them to become a respected figure in the vacation rental community? Stay tuned as we dive into Annie's inspiring story of perseverance, mentorship, and the unexpected path that led her to success.“I think there has been a no...2023-12-1137 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBridging the Gap Between the STR World and Vacation Rentals with Stacey St. JohnSend us a message!🎙️ Today we're in for a treat as we chat with the fantastic Stacey St. John, a powerhouse in short-term rentals and a great friend of Alex and Annie. From crunching real estate numbers to running a buzzing property management firm, Stacey's got stories that'll make you nod in agreement and maybe chuckle a bit.Stacey's Journey into Short-Term Rentals:In this episode, Stacey shares her inspiring transition from long-term real estate to short-term rentals amidst the challenges of COVID-19. She unveils the strategic decisions behind this shift, emphasizing the i...2023-11-2946 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsRevving up for DARM with Rebecca Ballart & Ben ColemanSend us a message!In this engaging episode of Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals we are joined once again by Ben Coleman, the visionary founder of Rev and Research, alongside the Chief Operating Officer, Rebecca Ballart.Rev and Research revolutionizes the vacation rental industry with their 100% done-for-you revenue management services. Beyond standard rate adjustments, the team, driven by a passion for data and numbers, conducts a comprehensive analysis of clients' businesses. From revenue discussions to sales budgets and overarching goals, their unique bottom-up approach has halved owner attrition in the first y...2023-11-2450 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsRevving up for DARM with Rebecca Ballart & Ben ColemanIn this engaging episode of Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals we are joined once again by Ben Coleman, the visionary founder of Rev and Research, alongside the Chief Operating Officer, Rebecca Ballart.Rev and Research revolutionizes the vacation rental industry with their 100% done-for-you revenue management services. Beyond standard rate adjustments, the team, driven by a passion for data and numbers, conducts a comprehensive analysis of clients' businesses. From revenue discussions to sales budgets and overarching goals, their unique bottom-up approach has halved owner attrition in the first year. With a team of industry l...2023-11-2151 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe A-Ha Moment: 2 Year Flashback to Where it All BeganSend us a message!Welcome 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 R...2023-11-0347 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThrowback Episode: Building a Start-up in a Grown-up Organization, with Homes & Villas VP Jennifer HsiehSend us a message!Hey listeners, it’s throwback time! Today we’re looking back at a very special episode from 2022 with Jennifer Hsieh, VP of Homes & Villas by Marriott. Here’s a fun fact: Annie had just completed her final interview for the position of Director of Business Development with Jenny just moments before we recorded this episode. A lot has changed since we first started this podcast, and it’s fun to reflect on past episodes to see how far we’ve come; individually, collectively, personally and professionally. We are SO grateful for...2023-09-2756 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe Importance of Diversification with the Founder & CEO of Newman Hospitality, Andy NewmanSend us a message!Today joining Alex & Annie is Andy Newman, Founder & CEO of Newman Hospitality - a company that connects Real Estate Investors with high income short-term rental opportunities. Newman Hospitality operates in South Florida, Northern Virginia and Indiana, which at first glance might seem like an inefficient mix of locations, but as it turns out this very approach has given Newman Hospitality the chance to avoid the huge risk factor and seasonal woes of having all of your eggs in one geographical basket. Andy mentions that this strategy blossomed from his banking background...2023-08-0950 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsExploring New Air Sensor Technology with the CMO of WYND, Dora DuSend us a message!In this episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Dora Du, CMO of WYND - venture-backed startup that has built proprietary sensor technology that helps homeowners take control of the air in their properties. Their first use case is a product line that monitors and improves in-door air quality, and more recently they’ve released a new product that detects noise and smoke.WYND was founded by MIT engineers and scientists, with their first focus being to create products for the residential market. During COVID, they ventured into the vacation rental sp...2023-08-0225 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Simon Says - The Airbnb Bubble has BURSTSend us a message!On the August 1st of the Month Bonus Episode, Alex & Annie welcome the return of Simon Lehmann - CEO and Co-Founder of AJL Atelier, a boutique consultancy that specializes in the international private accommodation and vacation rental industry. The topic of today is the shifting landscape of the short term rental industry, and what the current situation is in different STR hotspots around the world.Simon has a 360 view of the global vacation rental market, as both his consultancy and the clients he serves operate around the world. One of his...2023-08-0140 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsThe Journey is the Destination: How Mike Reinman Sold to Vacasa, then Opened 2 Casago LocationsSend us a message!In 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...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 ShapiroSend us a message!In 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.Be...2023-07-1939 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsHow to Explain Changes in Revenue and Bookings to Your HomeownersSend us a message!In this episode, Alex & Annie are joined by a panel of experts to help guide you on a pressing topic - How to Explain Changes in Revenue and Bookings to Your Homeowners.2023 is not turning out to be as profitable as expected for vacation rental managers, and naturally this is causing quite a bit of turmoil for property managers, especially those who got into the business during the golden years of 2020-2022.That’s why today's Revenue Roundtable features Ben Coleman - Founder of Rev & Research, Vanessa Hu...2023-07-0547 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Alex & AnnieSend us a message!Welcome 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...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 CollectionSend us a message!In 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 rela...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 RentalsHarnessing HostGPO to Simplify Purchasing for Vacation Rentals, with CEO Jeff IloulianSend us a message!Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jeff Iloulian, the CEO of HostGPO, a game-changing buying group for short-term rentals. Discover Jeff's remarkable journey from lawyer to successful vacation rental operator. He founded HostGPO to solve the challenge of sourcing high quality, affordable products for vacation rentals. By leveraging collective buying power, HostGPO transforms the industry, making it easier for operators to access top-notch products at discounted rates.In this episode, discover how HostGPO helps vacation rental owners save money in the long run by sourcing durable, commercial-grade furniture. We explore...2023-06-1450 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsPaid, Earned & Owned Media Strategies with Adam Stoker, CEO of Relic AgencySend us a message!Join us for an insightful conversation with Adam Stoker, president and CEO of Relic Agency and guru in the world of tourism and destination marketing (DMO/CVBs/Chamber of Commerce). Discover how he stumbled into the tourism industry, built an 8-year relationship with the Cedar City, Utah Tourism Bureau, started the Destination Marketing Podcast and is now one of the largest DMO agencies in the country. In this engaging episode, we discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, including the importance of building strong relationships with local stakeholders and v...2023-06-0752 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Making Advocacy FUN Again! With Tiffany EdwardsSend us a message!Welcome to another first of the month bonus episode where it’s all about advocacy and legislative issues with Tiffany Edwards, a strategic consultant specializing in short-term vacation rental organizations. Tiffany's expertise spans across various markets, assisting in navigating STVR regulations, state legislation, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots campaigns. Her remarkable achievements include receiving the 2021 VRMA President's Award for her exceptional work in reopening STVRs post-COVID and raising advocacy funding to over $1.5 million for the organization.In this episode, Tiffany delves into the current state of vacation rental advocacy. She shares her ex...2023-06-0141 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsScaling a Global Vacation Rental Brand with Casago Partner Ryan DameIn this compelling episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Ryan Dame, a seasoned leader in the vacation rental and hospitality industry. As a Partner at Casago and Good Neighbor Tech, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. What does it take to excel in a multi-market operation and how important is financial literacy for vacation rental operators? Tune in Now!Join us as we delve into his insights on excelling in a multi-market situation, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the intricacies of franchising at Casago. Additionally, Ryan sheds light...2023-05-3150 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBreaking News: Amy Hinote is BACK! 2023 DARM & Women's Conference Coming in DecemberSend us a message!Welcome to a special episode where we have the privilege of sitting down with Amy Hinote, the founder and editor-in-chief of VRM Intel Magazine, an industry leading trusted source of news, information, and resources for those in the professionally managed vacation rental industry. Drawing from her extensive background in finance and over 15 years of experience in the field, Hinote offers insights on the evolving landscape of the vacation rental industry and the upcoming fifth annual Data and Revenue Management Conference and the 2023 Vacation Rental Women's Summit in December.Join...2023-05-2643 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsUnveiling the Secrets of High-End Concierge Service for Vacation Rentals with Kristin BrownSend us a message!In our latest episode, we sit down with Kristin Brown CEO of Concishare, a prominent lifestyle concierge management company to explore high-end concierge service for vacation rentals. What does it take to provide a seamless experience and create an atmosphere of total relaxation for your guests? And what is the right mindset and strategies needed to excel in this space?Join us for an insightful conversation with Kristin as we explore the world of hotel-level concierge service tailored for vacation rentals. Discover her guests' most frequently utilized service, the intricacies of l...2023-05-2437 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsProperty Management for Long and Short Term Rentals: Challenges and Strategies With Craig StevensSend us a message!Craig is a financial expert, author, and speaker who founded Shore Term Rentals, a short-term rental and property management company in New Jersey. With over 25 years of experience, he started acquiring multifamily apartment buildings in 2014, grew to 9 complexes worth $6M+, and developed a property management company to manage several of his personal properties.In this episode, Craig shares how he’s leveraging his background in finance to effectively run his property management business. Craig delves deep into the unique landscape of managing properties at the Jersey Shore, the ways in which sh...2023-05-1732 min
The Vacation Rental ShowThe Misinterpretation of Distribution Channels with Annie Holcombe, Director of Business Development for the US & Canada at Marriott Homes & VillasIn this episode of How We Grow: The Vacation Rental Show, host Lynell Gordon is joined by Annie Holcombe, Director of Business Development for the US & Canada at Marriott Homes & Villas.Join them as they:Discuss why you should be wary of relying too much on third-party distribution channelsDebate whether or not customer acquisition is more important than customer retentionExplain why you should always do your research on propertiesAnnie Holcombe is a deeply knowledgeable expert in the vacation rental industry with over thirty years of experience under her belt. She is the Director of Business...2023-05-1621 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsAdvocating for Short Term Rentals with Dana LubnerSend us a message!This is a must-see episode: Today, we are joined by Dana Lubner, Director of Community Development at Rent Responsibly and host of the podcast "How to Save Your Vacation Rental Business." With a background in marketing and advertising, Dana fell in love with the short-term rental industry while working with her brother's company, Effortless Rental Group. However, her real passion emerged when she witnessed the industry's need for advocacy and education. As a founding member of Mile High Hosts, Denver's short-term rental community, Dana has organized events such as the Good Neighbor Summit...2023-05-0339 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals1st of the Month Bonus Episode: Mergers, Acquisitions & Consolidations…Oh My! With Simon LehmannSend us a message!Simon Lehmann is back for our May 1st of the Month Bonus Episode! As one of the world’s foremost experts on short-term rentals and vacation rentals, Simon is always first to spot emerging trends in our industry. In this episode, we delve into the current state of acquisitions within vacation rentals and how the economy is influencing these deals, along with what companies should be thinking about if they’re considering selling. Join us to gain valuable insights into the world of vacation rentals and learn how to navigate its chang...2023-05-0139 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsImplementing EOS to Enhance Efficiencies, with Matt DurretteSend us a message!Here’s an episode you won’t want to miss: We talk to Matt Durrette, Founder and CEO of Cozi Vacation Rentals, about their journey to success.Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg, Cozi is a premier 24/7 provider of property management and marketing services for its owners and a provider of unforgettable experiences for its guests. Originally founding the business out of Baltimore, MD, in 2014, Matt was able to grow his managed portfolio in this downtown market to 100 homes from 2014 to 2019 while working full-time for Northrop Grumman as a Gl...2023-04-2650 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals2023 Update: Markets, Revenue, Bookings & More with Melanie Brown of Key DataSend us a message!For today’s episode, we talk to Melanie Brown. Melanie is the Director of Data and Analytics at Key Data, the leading analytics and benchmarking company for the vacation rental industry. Melanie has a strong background in data-driven decision-making. She is excited to help property managers and destinations around the world better understand their data. Key Data is the leading provider of trusted, real-time short-term rental market data around the world. Key Data Dashboard was created BY property managers FOR property managers. They offer an ensemble of business intelligence (BI) tools th...2023-04-1942 min
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation RentalsBreaking News: Key Data Dashboard and Rev & Research Form New PartnershipSend us a message!In 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 par...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 TanzifSend us a message!In 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 de...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 GoudSend us a message!In 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...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 MooreSend us a message!In 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 cu...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 BusinessSend us a message!In 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 tha...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 DonoghueSend us a message!In 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 bu...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