Shows
Host as GuestDirect Marketing + Tiktok: Get Right into Your Guest's ScreensIn this engaging episode of "The Host As Guest," host Leo sits down with Jeremy Worden, co-founder of BNBCalc, seasoned short-term rental owner, and experiential travel aficionado. Jeremy shares his unique journey from launching a boat rental business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a prominent figure in the STR world, managing over 20 properties with a focus on creating unforgettable guest experiences.Key Highlights:The Accidental STR Mogul: Learn how Jeremy transitioned from boat rentals to property management, spotting investment opportunities and developing a passion for experiential hospitality.B&B Calc's...2025-07-1530 min
Host as GuestThe Unfiltered Truth of Direct Bookings: Craigslist Bookings & ChargebacksJoin us at the STR Hospitality Summit for an insightful conversation with Stacey St. John of Cozy Getaways, a full-service property management firm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Stacey shares her passion for creating memorable family vacations and the surprising joy of being a small part of someone's lifelong memories. Discover how Cozy Getaways manages 43 oceanfront properties, catering to families during the busy summer months and welcoming snowbirds from the Northeast for extended winter stays. Stacey reveals the unique revenue strategies required for longer stays and the importance of adapting to seasonal fluctuations.We dive into the...2025-06-1622 min
Host as GuestMoney's in Niches: How to Pick Your Niche and Become a Master in ItJoin us for an insightful conversation with Kyle James, CEO of Atomic Stays, at the SDR Hospitality Summit! Kyle shares his journey from managing a few properties to overseeing 175 across Colorado, emphasizing the importance of local expertise and a "act like an owner, feel like a guest" philosophy. Discover how Atomic Stays balances direct bookings with OTAs like Airbnb, Expedia, and booking.com, and their unique partnership with Marriott, offering access to a valuable clientele. Kyle dives deep into the nuances of managing properties in diverse Colorado markets, from the bustling city of Denver to the ski resort meccas...2025-05-2618 min
Host as GuestFrom Zero to 45% Repeat Guests in DB: Return Guests On Repeat with Rose TipkaUnlock the secrets to skyrocketing direct bookings and cultivating a loyal base of return guests with Rose Tipka, owner of Your Family's Place! In this information-packed episode, Rose shares her innovative strategies for building an independent hospitality brand and achieving an impressive 40% repeat guest rate – all without relying on Airbnb.Discover actionable direct booking best practices, including how to:Craft a compelling brand identity that resonates with your ideal guest.Identify and cater to a lucrative niche market (like multi-generational families).Design properties with unique amenities and accessibility features that create unforgettable experiences.Master the art of...2025-05-1935 min
Host as GuestA Case Study: Oliver Harper on Sustainable Hospitality, Service Apartments & Building with VisionIn this special case study episode, Katya Kachkovska sits down with seasoned property professional Oliver Harper, Managing Director of Harper Luxe Serviced Apartments, for an insightful conversation on building a purposeful short-term rental business rooted in sustainability, creativity, and care.With over 45 years of experience in construction, property development, and management, Oliver shares his inspiring journey—from hod carrier at 15 to managing his own property portfolio and now running beautifully restored, eco-conscious serviced apartments in Bedfordshire, UK.💡 In this episode, you'll hear about:How Oliver transitioned from construction to real estate and eventually into...2025-04-2109 min
Host as GuestHost as Guest – “Furnish It With Love” with Susan MontielIn this episode, Leo is joined by Susan Montiel, the founder and CEO of Casa Montiel Properties — a short-term and midterm rental co-hosting business that operates across the United States. Susan joined us from her current home base in Virginia, about an hour south of Washington, D.C., where she and her husband continue to live the digital nomad life while managing their growing portfolio. Susan’s journey into the short-term rental world is refreshingly relatable. She didn’t start as a real estate investor or property manager — she started as a guest. Back in 2019...2025-04-1431 min
Host as GuestCase Study: How Stay Nordic Built a Host-First Property Management Model with Torbjörn FredmanIn this case study, Katya sits down with Torbjörn Fredman, a seasoned leader in the Swedish and European travel industry. With a career that spans decades and includes high-level roles in both incoming and outgoing tourism, Torbjörn shares how his journey led him back to the short-term rental world—and how he’s building a host-first property management company with Stay Nordic.We dive into the story behind Stay Nordic’s launch, their current portfolio of around 300 properties, and why Torbjörn believes the real challenge in this space isn’t finding guests—it’s earning the tru...2025-04-0706 minHost as GuestScaling a Vacation Rental Business in CroatiaThis episode of Host as Guest was recorded live at the SCALE Eastern Europe conference in Bulgaria, where we had the chance to sit down with Boris, the CEO and founder of Sun Spolato, a property management company based in Croatia.Boris shares his journey from launching the business five years ago to now managing over 110 short-term rental properties across Croatia, including apartments, boutique rooms, and luxury villas. With a team of 10 people and a steady annual growth rate of 20 to 30 percent, Sun Spolato has become a standout name in the Croatian short-term rental market....2025-04-0412 minHost as GuestScaling a Vacation Rental Business in Croatia: How Sun Spolato Grew to 110 Properties with Quality and TransparencyThis episode of Host as Guest was recorded live at the SCALE Eastern Europe conference in Bulgaria, where we had the chance to sit down with Boris, the CEO and founder of Sun Spolato, a property management company based in Croatia.Boris shares his journey from launching the business five years ago to now managing over 110 short-term rental properties across Croatia, including apartments, boutique rooms, and luxury villas. With a team of 10 people and a steady annual growth rate of 20 to 30 percent, Sun Spolato has become a standout name in the Croatian short-term rental market....2025-03-2412 minHost as GuestScaling Short-Term Rentals with Mihaela from RentifyIn this live episode of Host as Guest, recorded at Scale Eastern Europe, we sit down with Mihaela, co-founder of Rentify. Mihaela shares her journey of turning a single small apartment into a thriving short-term rental business managing 40 properties—with a goal of reaching 100. We dive into the challenges, strategies, and insights that come with scaling a hospitality business, from property acquisition and management styles to the crucial role of cleaning staff and guest experience.Join us as we explore the unique Sofia rental market, the role of technology in ho...2025-03-1713 minHost as GuestRedefining Hospitality in Short-Term Rentals with Jodie OdlinIn this episode of Host as Guest, Leo Walton chats with Jodie Odlin, a short-term rental host and founder of the Hospitable Host community. Jodie shares how she moved beyond relying on Airbnb by building a direct booking strategy, using social media, and fostering guest loyalty. She also talks about working with local businesses, like partnering with a butcher to provide breakfast packs for guests, creating a win-win for everyone involved. Jodie reflects on how the industry has changed since COVID, with more automation, tools, and conferences than ever. While these resources can help, she warns against getting caught...2025-03-1010 min
Host as GuestElevating Hospitality with Nicole PaceIn this mini episode of Host as Guest, host Leo Walton welcomes Nicole Pace to discuss the evolving landscape of property acquisition, hospitality, and midterm rentals. Nicole shares insights on how Sojourn has grown its inventory organically through reputation and strong relationships with realtors and boutique developers in its two main markets. She highlights the importance of efficiently managing small multifamily properties and the significance of working with owners who are willing to maintain and improve their properties to meet today’s high guest expectations.Nicole explains how Sojourn evaluates potential deals, prioritizing property quality and owner co...2025-03-0310 min
Host as GuestOn saving yourself some sleep with AI: How Jodie Manages Rentals in the UK living in AustraliaWelcome to this episode of The Host as Guest, where host Leo Walton is joined by Jodie Odlin, the head of The Hospitable Hosts and founder of Tetbury Escapes. Jodie shares her fascinating journey from living in the UK’s Cotswolds to running a successful short-term rental business while now residing in Brisbane, Australia. Jodie recounts how her hosting journey began almost by accident with a single cottage listed on Airbnb. Her decision to try out the platform turned into a thriving business, sparking her move into the world of short-term rentals and expanding her portfolio to 15 pro...2025-02-2432 min
Host as GuestThe Secret Is to Do the Important Things RightIn this mini episode of Host as Guest, host Leo Walton welcomes Nicole Pace to discuss the evolving landscape of property acquisition, hospitality, and midterm rentals. Nicole shares insights on how Sojourn has grown its inventory organically through reputation and strong relationships with realtors and boutique developers in its two main markets. She highlights the importance of efficiently managing small multifamily properties and the significance of working with owners who are willing to maintain and improve their properties to meet today’s high guest expectations.Nicole explains how Sojourn evaluates potential deals, prioritizing property quality and owner co...2025-02-1712 min
Host as GuestSan Diego’s Agenda Pushes Hosts into Mid-Term RentalsIn this episode of The Host as Guest, Leo sits down with Angela Sillmon, CEO of Peacock Bungalows, to discuss her journey from corporate IT project management to building a thriving short-term and mid-term rental business. Angela scaled her portfolio from zero to 50 properties in just two years, leveraging rental arbitrage, strategic partnerships, and data-driven decision-making.Topics covered in this episode:How Angela transitioned from corporate IT and real estate flipping to short-term rentalsThe challenges and rewards of scaling from zero to 50 properties using rental arbitrageThe importance of financial analysis and data-driven decisions when expanding a...2025-02-0325 min
Host as GuestSaskia's Secret to Running 50 Self-Catering VillasI’m chatting to Saskia van der Bolt in this week's episode.Saskia owns Villa in Umbria, a property management company overseeing 50 self-catering villas in this beautiful part of Italy.We learn how Saskia fell into the industry and why she now can’t imagine doing anything else. We look at how the business has changed from when she started and why her secret to finding the best guests is still the same.We hear all about Saskia’s challenges as a one-woman business owner in Italy and pinpoint the X-factor she looks for wh...2025-01-3136 min
Host as GuestBrand Strategy for STR Business: Lessons from Vacation Rentals Brand StrategistIn this week’s episode, we chat with Lisa Roads - founder of The Holiday Property Coach - a short-term rental business and brand strategist.Find out how Lisa created property management services and a market for her rentals in Cyprus, and how that led to her current business as a holiday property coach.We also learn how she chooses and onboards new hosts and why it’s about so much more than just exchanging contracts.Would you like to get featured?We're looking for more experienced Property Managers who...2025-01-3130 min
Host as GuestUpscale Your Portfolio: Strategic Insights from Ex-Hedge Fund Manager Ben EarlyFind out how Holt manages to create profit consistently by developing commercially leased properties themselves using a team of architects and renovators.We also learn how Ben’s background as a hedge fund manager helps him manage risk and build a balanced property portfolio.His unique approach is invaluable advice for anyone thinking of scaling.There is more with Ben Earley in this week’s episode of The Host as Guest.We're looking for more experienced Property Managers who want to share their secrets, achievements, and failures. If you're a PM...2025-01-3141 min
Host as GuestOn Creating Desert Hide-Aways and Never Really WorkingIn this week’s episode, we chat with John Hildebrand, CEO and Founder of Hilde Homes and a leader in the STR community who advocates for fair regulations and sustainable successful futures for short-term rentals.Find out when he got bitten by the vacation rental bug and how his creative side and background as a photographer help him create dream getaways in the desert.We're looking for more experienced Property Managers who want to share their secrets, achievements, and failures. If you're a PM or a host or know someone willing to collaborate, email us at...2025-01-3137 min
Host as GuestBuilt a VR Business in 30 Days with HeatherIn this week’s episode, we chat with Heather Fillmore-Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Stayluxe Properties in Park City, Utah.You will hear how adversity, struggle, and loss have been the most important driving forces behind her growth and success and why 40 properties is her magic number.There is more with Heather Fillmore-Brown in this week’s episode of The Host as Guest.We're on the lookout for more experienced Property Managers who would like to share their secrets, achievements, and failures. If you're a PM or a host or know some...2025-01-3126 min
Host as GuestHumor vs Bad Reviews: Being Nice Pays Out Every TimeLauren Madewell of Ante Bellen’s Cabins in Tennessee talks about the importance of offering hospitality to guests, getting ahead of complainers and bad reviews, and using humor in guest communications.Lauren talks about the importance of offering hospitality to guests, hosts, and staff, how to get ahead of bad reviews, and using humor in guest communications.We also learn why she would never work with homeowners who might put too much strain on her staff.There is more with Lauren in this week’s episode of The Host as Guest....2025-01-3132 min
Host as GuestSTR Forever? Plan Exit Strategy NowWe chat with Dave Goodfellow from Noki Stays in Chester, UK.Dave shares how he sees his exit strategy. Hint: by buying offices in the heart of Kent, UK, and converting them into... well, enough hints already hehe. Go and listen to the episode now!Hello Host, would you like to get featured? We're looking for experienced Property Managers who want to share their secrets, achievements, and failures. If you're a PM or a host or know someone willing to collaborate, email us at press@superhog.com or tag us in the comment section....2025-01-3124 min
Host as GuestStop Scaling, Dominate LocallySteve tells us what a local STR shop does better than any STR giant and shares why he always chooses honesty over the promise of a moon on a string.Hello Host, would you like to get featured?We're looking for experienced Property Managers who want to share their secrets, achievements, and failures. If you're a PM or a host or know someone willing to collaborate, email us at press@truvi.com or tag us in the comment section.Read our blog to stay on top of the industry updates and follow us on our social media!2025-01-3118 min
Host as GuestOn Perks of Playing Your Part in CommunityIn this week’s episode, we chat with Linnie and Kyle, owners of Dwell Luxury Rentals in Flagstaff, Arizona.The power couple shares the secret to their success - consistency, a real connection with guests, and being part of the local community.We also learn how they counterbalance and complement each other and the boundaries they had to put in place to ensure the best work relationship.Hello Host, would you like to get featured? We're looking for experienced Property Managers who want to share their secrets, achievements, and failures. If you're a PM or...2025-01-3138 min
Host as GuestUse BRRR to Never Lose Money with Sarah & AnnetteLeo chats with expert hosts Annette and Sarah - the brains of Thanks for Visiting - a leading STR community and podcast about the exit strategies they create for each of their real estate units.Stay tuned and learn why you should be at least a little bit terrified of STRs, how ‘Get Rich Quick’ in this industry is simply a myth, and what to look at when purchasing real estate.There is more with Annette and Sarah in this week’s episode of Host as Guest.Follow us on Social Media2025-01-3133 min
Host as GuestCleaners Are the Backbone of Our Tech-Backed BusinessNicole Pace shares how Sojourn's cleaners and employees easily help satisfy the most exquisite guest whims and more simple requests. Keep listening to find out how Nicole has changed industries and created a 350+ listing business without dropping the quality of services.Follow us on Social Media2024-12-2340 min
Host as Guest60% of Direct Bookings in 3 Years With a Microsoft to STR Switcher Jeni TocolJoin Leo as he sits down with Jenny Tockel, the visionary founder and CEO of Salina Suites. In this episode, we delve into Jenny's journey from a tech background to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the short-term rental industry.
Discover how Jenny's passion for hospitality led her to transform her own properties into thriving short-term rentals. Learn about the challenges and triumphs she faced as she scaled her business, and gain insights into the strategies that have contributed to her success.
Jenny shares her expertise on leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance the guest...2024-12-0929 min
Host as Guest60% of Direct Bookings in 3 Years With a Microsoft to STR Switcher Jeni TocolJoin Leo as he sits down with Jenny Tockel, the visionary founder and CEO of Salina Suites. In this episode, we delve into Jenny's journey from a tech background to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the short-term rental industry.Discover how Jenny's passion for hospitality led her to transform her own properties into thriving short-term rentals. Learn about the challenges and triumphs she faced as she scaled her business, and gain insights into the strategies that have contributed to her success.Jenny shares her expertise on leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance the guest...2024-12-0429 min
Host as GuestFrom Tech Project Management to Airbnb Ambassador: Brindy’s $45K Setback to 18 Property SuccessCurious about how a project manager from a tech company became a short-term rental powerhouse? Brindy Brinkhurst shares her inspiring journey from listing her home on Airbnb in 2017 to creating a thriving business, AirBrindy. Despite losing $45,000 in bookings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brindy turned adversity into opportunity, expanding her portfolio to 18 properties with aspirations for more. Join us as Brindy reveals the joys and challenges of managing properties she loves and how her role as an Airbnb ambassador fuels her passion for coaching new hosts.Navigating the evolving world of short-term rentals, we reflect on the...2024-11-2838 min
Host as GuestDaily 5 min Standups for 5★ ReviewsBrindie Bringhurst, ex-Project Manager shares how she uses the best practices of the tech industry in Property Management to get rid of less-than-excellent reviews.
Read our blog to stay on top of the industry updates and follow us on our social media!
Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube2024-11-2238 min
Host as Guest“Killer Acquisition” Brings +25% Higher Margins says PatrykPatryk Swiatek - serial entrepreneur and founder of the VR Nation shares how he uses an unorthodox way of scaling his portfolio and getting a pleasant increase in revenue. Read our blog to stay on top of the industry updates and follow us on our social media! Instagram | LinkedIn| Facebook | YouTubeFollow us on Social Media2024-11-0533 min
Host as GuestLet Go to Grow: Smaller Portfolio & Venture Capital to Scale CheaperWhat makes Stephanie Figueros swipe left on a property? Stephanie shares the 'face-control' rules she applies when crossing listing out of her portfolio. Stay tuned to learn why a 6-bedroom house is your best bet and how to cut corners with venture capital.Read our blog to stay on top of the industry updates and follow us on our social media!Follow us on Social Media2024-10-2027 min