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The STR Sisterhood

Stacey St. John

Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too!
On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!

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  • 28 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 43 min
  • English

Episodes 28

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  • Yesterday · 42 min

    Multiply Yourself with AI: Building a Smarter Short-Term Rental Business with Ana Shapiro

    What if AI could help you grow your short-term rental business without removing the very thing that makes hospitality feel human? In this episode of the STR Sisterhood, I’m joined by Ana Shapiro, a real estate investor with nearly two decades of experience and the founder of Chillin Away, a collection of family-friendly short-term rentals designed around connection, comfort, and creating memorable experiences. After years of managing the moving pieces that come with short-term rentals, Ana realized something important: the biggest limitation in her business wasn’t the properties, the capital, or even demand. It was that everything depended on her brain. That realization changed the way she thought about AI. Instead of using it simply as another tool—or trying to automate herself out of the business—Ana began building specialized AI agents to support different functions like revenue management, operations, guest experience, marketing, and financial intelligence. In this episode, we talk about: Why short-term rentals are anything but passive when you’re the one operating them How Ana uses AI to multiply herself rather than replace herself Turning the knowledge in your head into systems that can support different areas of your business Why AI still needs guardrails, quality checks, and human judgment Using “useful AI” to solve real operational problems and surface issues before they become bigger ones Protecting the human side of hospitality while using AI to remove unnecessary chaos Why the systems behind your property are what create consistency, scalability, and growth without burnout Because the goal isn’t to automate every single thing you do. Hospitality still requires judgment. It requires taste. It requires understanding the people who are trusting you with their vacations, celebrations, families, and time away. Ana’s approach is a reminder that technology should create more room for those things—not replace them. Use AI to remove the chaos. Keep the heart. And create more space to lead the business instead of carrying every part of it inside your head. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:50] A short introduction about our guest Ana Shapiro, and her background in real estate, transition from long-term to short-term rentals, and how she built Chilling Away [04:28] The reality behind the idea of “passive income” in short-term rentals and why operating an STR requires active involvement [06:17] Ana explains the operational differences between long-term and short-term rentals, from guest touchpoints and pricing to the systems required behind the scenes [08:14] Ana shares the turning point that led her to use AI not to replace herself, but to multiply herself and distribute her thinking across different areas of the business [11:00] How Ana trains AI to think more like she does, the tools she uses, and how brainstorming can evolve into actual systems, implementation plans, and workflows [14:31] The realities and risks of building AI agents, including the importance of guardrails, quality checks, human approval, and learning from automation that goes too far [19:00] How Ana is training AI agents to take over repetitive tasks and give her more time to focus on growth [21:24] Ana shares the parts of hospitality she believes should remain human—including judgment, taste, and understanding what guests should feel—and why AI should remove chaos rather than the heart of the business [22:52] Ana explains how AI helps her see where her time is going and focus on what the business actually needs [25:24] Ana explains how she uses weekly strategy time and AI to make smarter pricing and marketing decisions [27:43] Where hosts can begin using AI in their own businesses—from organizing the day and monitoring cleaners to financial intelligence, branding, market insights, and direct bookings [29:37] Ana explains how she wants AI to connect more of her business and guest data to create smarter opportunities [31:11] Ana’s words of wisdom to encourage hosts to start small with AI and train it to work the way they want [32:07] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “It is not about just doing more. It's about building smarter with purpose in a way that helps us support the life that we want to live.” “I’m not looking for AI to replace myself. I’m using AI to multiply myself.” “It's so important as a business owner to surround yourself with people that are smarter than you in multiple areas.” “I don’t want AI to remove the heart of the business. I want it to help me remove the chaos.” “Owning a property is not the same as building a business.” “Stop confusing motion with progress.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chillinaway/ LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-shapiro/ Website : https://chillinaway.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • October 6 · 42 min

    Start Before You’re Ready: Building a Short-Term Rental Business Around the Life You Want with Laura Sides

    What if the goal of real estate investing isn’t simply to own more properties—but to create a life you actually enjoy? In this episode of the STR Sisterhood, I’m joined by Laura Sides, a former middle school science teacher turned stay-at-home mom, real estate investor, house flipper, and short-term rental host. Laura’s journey into real estate began in 2021 after realizing there was another way to think about money—one where she could put her money to work instead of working for every dollar. What followed was a journey of saying yes to opportunities, learning as she went, flipping properties, and eventually owning two short-term rentals. And one of Laura’s biggest lessons? You don’t have to know everything before you start. In this episode, we talk about: Shifting from a scarcity mindset to thinking differently about money and investing How Laura used profits from house flipping to fund her first short-term rental Why she eventually walked away from a large property management company and began self-managing How the right systems, automation, and consistent cleaners made hosting far easier than she expected Looking beyond financial ROI to consider the return on your time, energy, and enjoyment Building a real estate business around the life and experiences you want for your family Laura’s story is also a reminder that growth doesn’t have to mean constantly acquiring more properties. Sometimes growth looks like knowing what deserves your attention. Staying in the lane you’re good at. Creating systems that give you back your time. And using what you’ve built to create experiences for the people you love. You can build for cash flow. You can build for lifestyle. You can build something that gives your family opportunities you once thought were years away. And you don’t need every answer before taking the first step. As Laura says, surround yourself with people who know more than you, put the right systems in place, and start before you’re ready. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:41] A short introduction about our guest Laura Sides, her journey from middle school science teacher, to real estate investor, house flipper and short-term rental host [04:04] The scarcity mindset around money we grew up with and how learning to think beyond simply saving and living within their means changed the way they approached investing [06:14] How flipping houses led Laura into short-term rentals and how profits from her first flip helped fund the purchase and renovation of her Bethany Beach property [08:49] We compare our experiences hiring large property management companies and the loss of control we experienced around cleanliness, communication, and the guest experience [12:28] Laura shares why she eventually decided to self-manage and how taking control of the property led to significantly better reviews and revenue [13:32] Why self-managing a short-term rental can be much easier than expected when you have the right framework, systems, automations, and focus on guest experience [16:47] Laura breaks down the systems and technology she uses to simplify her hosting business and manage properties from a distance [17:55] Why relying solely on Airbnb can leave a short-term rental business vulnerable and the value of diversifying with direct bookings [19:31] The value of digital guidebooks for creating a more professional, streamlined guest experience [21:26] Laura shares how she protects her bandwidth by focusing on what matters most and creating a life that prioritizes family over constant growth [25:27] Laura redefines ROI by looking beyond money to your return on time, effort, energy, and enjoyment—and choosing opportunities that actually support the life you want [27:29] Laura shares why she loves flipping condos, what makes them efficient and predictable investments, and how strong HOA, neighbor, and property manager relationships can reduce risk and uncover new opportunities [36:30] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “How do we put this money to work, and how can we also enjoy our life while we're doing it?” ““What is your ROI—which is your return on your investment—but also the return on your time?” “Honing in on what you're good at, but also what you enjoy doing, and you can do really well, staying in that lane, then just optimizing those systems to make that opportunity the best that it can be.” “Start before you’re ready.” “The best thing you can do is take that first step and just keep going.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/lauraflipslife/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • September 29 · 48 min

    The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Hospitality with Daniella Morganelli

    What if becoming a better host has less to do with knowing every strategy—and more to do with understanding people? In this episode of the STR Sisterhood, I’m joined by Daniella Morganelli, a school counselor, former property manager, and Airbnb host who has been in the short-term rental space since 2018. Daniella brings a unique perspective to hospitality because so much of her professional life has centered around people—understanding their emotions, navigating conflict, solving problems, and learning to meet people where they are. And those skills translate beautifully into hosting. We dive into emotional intelligence—being aware of your own emotions, beliefs, and perspectives while recognizing that the person on the other side of a situation may experience it very differently. In this episode, we talk about: What emotional intelligence looks like in short-term rental hospitality Why meeting guests where they are can completely change how you handle difficult situations Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes before reacting to a conflict The difference between solving a problem for someone and working through it with them Why great hospitality means accommodating guests—within reason Recognizing when being a people pleaser can lead to being too accommodating How self-awareness can make you a stronger communicator, host, and business owner Because the truth is, guests aren’t always showing up relaxed and carefree. Travel can be stressful. People have different expectations, preferences, and ways of communicating—and sometimes that stress comes out as a complaint. That doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything. But it does mean there’s tremendous value in slowing down long enough to understand what’s really happening before you respond. Sometimes the better question isn’t, “Who’s right?” It’s, “How can we work through this?” And that small shift can help you handle challenging conversations with more clarity, create a better experience for your guests, and become a more confident host along the way. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:47] A short introduction about our guest Daniella Morganelli, and how her passion for hospitality evolved from property management into a short-term rental and travel-focused business [05:41] Daniella shares the operational realities of hosting strangers in her backyard pool through Swimply, including last-minute bookings, towels, amenities, and setting boundaries [07:36] Daniella explains how her background in property management and school counseling has taught her to meet people where they are and navigate guest emotions [11:00] How emotional intelligence can help short-term rental hosts better understand themselves, their guests, and the conflicts that come with hospitality [14:35] Daniella explains how emotional intelligence can help hosts diffuse guest frustrations by focusing on solutions, accommodation, and giving guests space [17:40] Daniella shares how emotional intelligence, hospitality, and a desire to help others shape the way she approaches her many businesses [23:12] How Daniella learned to prioritize self-care while balancing motherhood, a full-time career, and multiple hospitality businesses [28:03] Daniella shares how travel, Disney, and hospitality have become a meaningful part of her life and the way she creates memories with her family [31:15] Daniela shares how entrepreneurship transformed her confidence and taught her to trust herself [38:06] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Understanding your own self helps you understand other people too.” “I'm glad that I have taken all the risks that I have because it's helped build my confidence and my self esteem.” “My light, my confidence, my ability to have a positive outlook can shine through that plexiglass, but the negativity never penetrates me.” “You can have a beautifully designed space when it's not operated well, it is not going to go so well. But design plus the operations, I really feel are super important.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crimsoncocoachalet/ https://www.instagram.com/dmtravelvibes Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/VacaVibesinD5/ https://www.facebook.com/DMTravelVibes/ https://www.facebook.com/morganellibabe/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • September 22 · 51 min

    When Life Changes Everything: Rebuilding, Resilience & Short-Term Rentals with Kristen Sluiter

    What happens when life takes you somewhere you never expected—and asks you to build something new from what’s left? In this episode of the STR Sisterhood, I’m joined by Kristen Sluiter, a former educator, writer, and short-term rental owner whose journey into real estate began when she unexpectedly became the caregiver for her parents. This conversation goes much deeper than short-term rentals. Kristen shares openly about caregiving, grief, losing her parents and brother, and rebuilding after a devastating house fire. Through all of it, she’s discovered something powerful about herself: she’s capable of handling far more than she once realized. And that perspective has shaped the way she approaches her business, too. In this episode, we talk about: How an unexpected season of caregiving led Kristen into real estate and eventually short-term rentals Navigating grief, loss, and major life transitions Rebuilding after a house fire—and how the literal process of rebuilding became part of healing Why difficult seasons don’t define who you are What to do when your STR business leaves you exhausted and overwhelmed Why hospitality doesn’t mean you have to make everyone happy Setting clear boundaries with guests and sticking to them, even when it feels uncomfortable Trusting yourself to handle the unexpected One of Kristen’s simplest pieces of advice may also be the one you need most: Keep going. When you’re in the middle of something difficult, it can feel like this is simply how life—or your business—is going to feel forever. But it won’t. You can have hard days. You can admit when you’re overwhelmed. You can set boundaries. You can make mistakes and deal with the unexpected without allowing any of those things to define you. And perhaps most importantly, you can remind yourself of something Kristen’s parents instilled in her: There’s nothing you can’t do—but you don’t have to do it all. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:15] A short introduction about our guest Kristen Sluiter and how she got into the short term rental space [04:03] Kristen opens up about caregiving, grief, and the unexpected beauty she found in being present for her mom’s final moments [12:00] Kristen explains how her parents’ love of travel, her connection to hospitality, and her experience with grief inspired her to turn a family property into a short-term rental [15:41] How a 20-acre property evolved into an off-grid short-term rental and how Kristen used creativity, persistence, and available resources to make it work [24:23] Kristen explains how her perspective shifted from simply sharing a unique property to treating her short-term rental as a true hospitality business [29:40] Kristen shares the three biggest challenges of operating an off-grid short-term rental, from managing utilities to setting guest expectations and maintaining a remote property [34:00] Kristen explains how local relationships and word-of-mouth helped her build a reliable team for her remote, off-grid property [35:13] How surviving a devastating house fire changed Kristen’s perspective on resilience, possessions, anger, and what she is capable of rebuilding [41:51] Kristen encourages women to keep going, embrace difficult moments, and remember that what happens to them does not define who they are [46:51] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “You could be as prepared as you want to be, but you're not really going to learn it until you do it.” “Keep going. You can't know what you don't know. There's something about you, that for whatever reason this thing happened.” “If you feel like you need to cry, curl up in a ball and cry. Do it. We're gonna be better off because of it.” “You don't have to bend over backwards to make somebody happy.” “There's nothing you can't do, but you don't have to do it all.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/vansby_theriver/ https://www.instagram.com/polebridge_penny/ Proudly Sponsored by Pricelabs! Mobile Link: https://hello.pricelabs.co/mobile-app/ Stacey’s Affiliate Link: https://pricelabs.co/users/sign_up?referral=STRSISTER Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • September 15 · 37 min

    Stop Waiting for Perfect: Building a Short-Term Rental Design Business with Ramya Mehta

    What if you stopped waiting until everything was perfect before taking the next step? In this episode of the STR Sisterhood, I’m joined by Ramya Mehta, founder of Yellow Tulip Designs, short-term rental interior designer, corporate product manager, and mom. Ramya’s journey into STR design began by helping family members with their properties. By the second project, she was hooked—and realized that many of the skills she had developed in product management could translate beautifully into short-term rental design. We talk about how prioritization, communication, understanding the customer journey, and focusing on what delivers the most value can shape not only a successful design project, but a better guest experience. Ramya also gets candid about something so many of us struggle with: perfectionism. When launching her business, she initially felt like she needed everything—from her logo and colors to her Instagram—to be completely figured out before she could start. Her mentor gave her a much-needed reminder: you don’t need all of that. You can just start. In this episode, we discuss: Turning the skills you already have into new opportunities Designing with the guest experience in mind Moving forward despite perfectionism and fear Balancing a career, motherhood, and a growing business Communicating effectively with clients and guests Using AI as a tool in the design process Why mentors, community, and support matter One of the biggest reminders from my conversation with Ramya is simple: you don’t have to know exactly how everything will work out before you begin. It’s easy to let the “what ifs” keep you stuck—especially when you’re stepping into something new. But every challenge you work through becomes evidence that you’re capable of handling the next one. So if you’ve been waiting until you feel completely ready, have every detail figured out, or know exactly what comes next, this episode is your invitation to take the next thoughtful step anyway. You can learn as you go. You can adjust along the way. And, as Ramya reminds us, you’ll figure it out. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:49] A short introduction about our guest Ramya Mehta and what sparked her interest in short-term rental design [03:50] Ramya explains how her career as a product manager directly influences her approach to designing memorable short-term rental experiences [06:35] How designing Ramya’s family's second short-term rental gave her the confidence to turn her passion into a business [07:59] Ramya opens up about overcoming perfectionism and learning to put herself out there before everything felt ready [10:37] Ramya shares how personal loss, purpose, and creating value help her push through fear and uncertainty [14:54] How ruthless prioritization helps Ramya balance motherhood, a corporate career, and growing her design business [19:07] Ramya highlights how strong communication from her corporate career has become a foundation for her design business [21:38] Ramya explains how AI has transformed her design process by helping her create data-backed strategies and visualize client concepts [25:25] How mentorship and community have helped Ramya confidently navigate a new industry and continue growing [28:14] Ramya reflects on how stepping beyond the corporate world allowed her creativity to become a new career path [28:49] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “I'm putting myself in the shoes of a guest to see how I can elevate their experience, how I can provide, make them feel that this was the right decision that they took to book that property.” “You don't have to have all that. Just go ahead and start it.” “You just have to live your life and do what you want to do and do good.” “If something doesn't provide significant value in my life, it's not worth my time.” “Just ask. The worst thing that's going to happen is they'll say no, but if you don't ask, you're not going to get it.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yellowtulipdesigns/ Website : https://www.yellowtulipdesigns.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • September 8 · 21 min

    The One System Your Airbnb Business Is Missing

    Your PMS Runs Your Bookings. This Runs Your Business. What happens when one HOA rule changes and nobody writes it down? In this episode of The STR Sisterhood, I tell you about the family who spent an entire week of their Myrtle Beach vacation parking two miles from the condo — and why that story has almost nothing to do with the team member who answered the message. Most of us are running our short-term rental businesses out of our own memory, and we've been calling that a discipline problem when it was never anything but a structure problem. Your property management system was built to run your bookings. It was never built to hold your door codes, your vendor history, your HOA rules, or the fact that the same toilet has run three times this year. This episode is about building the other half — the part that runs your business — while you still only have one property and it only takes an afternoon. We talk about: Why answering from memory will always beat looking it up, and what that costs you The difference between what your PMS is for and what it was never designed to do (and why this applies even if you don't have a PMS) The three areas a one-property owner actually needs, and the portfolio-operator systems you can safely ignore for now Why your maintenance log becomes evidence, not a to-do list, about six months in The one rule that makes the whole thing work: sole source of truth, not main source of truth A stale code I found in my own files while making this episode, and why I decided to tell you about it Grab the free Scatter Audit: https://bit.ly/4y8wFqL We're building this together live on September 9–10 inside the STR Sisterhood - check out more details here: STRsisterhood.com HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:01] Welcome to another episode of the STR Sisterhood as I share how one small HOA parking rule change created a major guest problem—and exposed a bigger issue in my business [03:30] Why scattered business information can leave hosts as the only source of truth [05:40] I explain why your PMS can manage your bookings without actually being the place where your business lives [08:48] The first of the three essential areas every host needs in their business command center: Your Property Information [10:10] The Second Essential Area Every Host Needs in a Simple Business Command Center: Your People [11:01] The third essential area of a business command center: Your History [11:57] I challenge the common mindset of, "I only have one property, so I'll set this up when I actually need it." [13:43] The second half of the Myrtle Beach parking story and I explain why one source of truth matters [16:55] I walk through my free Scatter Audit worksheet and show hosts how to identify exactly where their business information is currently living [18:08] Join me inside the STR Sisterhood on September 9 and 10 as we build your business command center together—live, so you actually use it Golden Nuggets: “"How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” "Your memory is a source of truth that goes out of date without ever telling you." "That number isn't evidence that you're disorganized. It's what year one of a real business honestly looks like." "The second the real answer is harder to reach than the remembered one, people stop reaching." "The fix isn't trying harder to remember. It's building a place where the current answer is easier to find than the old one." Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • September 1 · 25 min

    200 Episodes Later: The Biggest Lessons About Short-Term Rental Success with Stacey St. John

    Have you ever looked at someone else’s business and wondered if they know something you don’t? After 200 episodes of the STR Sisterhood, I’ve had the privilege of talking with women from just about every background imaginable—teachers, nurses, corporate executives, stay-at-home moms, military spouses, and women building businesses of every size. And I’ve learned something I didn’t expect. There is no secret blueprint. The women building extraordinary businesses don’t have everything figured out. They’ve simply learned to make thoughtful decisions, take action before they feel completely ready, and keep moving toward the lives they actually want. So, for this very special 200th episode—which also happens to fall on my birthday—I’m sharing four of the biggest lessons these women have taught me. In this episode, I talk about: Why confidence is often the result of taking action, not something you need before you begin Why success isn’t about building the biggest business—it’s about building the right business for the life you want Why information alone isn’t enough and the people you surround yourself with can change what you believe is possible How systems, delegation, and intentional decisions can help your business create freedom instead of quietly taking it away After 200 conversations, one lesson stands above the rest: Your business is the vehicle. The life you’re creating is the destination. So if you’ve been waiting until you know enough, feel confident enough, or have everything figured out, this episode is your reminder that you don’t need to become someone different before you begin. Take the next thoughtful step. Learn as you go. Surround yourself with people who believe in what you’re building. Because an extraordinary life doesn’t require you to be extraordinary first. It starts when you decide to begin. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:00] Welcome to the 200th STR Sisterhood podcast episode and I share the four biggest lessons I’ve learned from hundreds of women who stopped waiting to build the lives they wanted [04:08] Lesson Number 1: Extraordinary women stop waiting for permission and start taking action before they feel completely ready [09:40] Lesson Number 2: Success isn't about building the biggest business. It's about building the right one. [13:23] Lesson Number 3: Information doesn't change lives; people do. – It’s about the power of relationships, mentorship, and community in creating transformation. [17:58] Lesson Number 4: Build a business that gives you your life back. – Your business should support your life. It should never replace it. [19:49] The true meaning of success and why the goal isn’t building the biggest business—it’s building a life that feels deeply aligned with what matters most Golden Nuggets: ““Be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” “Extraordinary women stop waiting for permission.” “The women who build extraordinary lives aren't the women who have everything figured out before they begin-they're the women who decide to begin before they have everything figured out.” “Confidence is the reward for action.” “Success isn't about building the biggest business. It's about building the right one.” “Information alone doesn't change lives; other people do.” “Your business should support your life. It should never replace it.” “The women I admire most aren't the women with the biggest portfolios. They aren't the women making the most money. They're the women who never forgot why they started.” “You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. You don't have to become someone else before you deserve success. You don't have to build the biggest business to build a beautiful life. You simply have to take the next step, because somewhere out there is a future version of you.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • August 25 · 54 min

    Back to Basics: What Really Makes a Great Short-Term Rental Host with Jodie Odlin

    There’s no shortage of information about short-term rentals. Podcasts. YouTube videos. Facebook groups. AI. Courses. Conferences. Tools. Software. In fact, sometimes there’s so much information that figuring out what you actually need to do next becomes the hard part. And if you’re a newer host, it can leave you wondering whether you’re really ready to do this at all. In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend Jodie Odlin, short-term rental host, hospitality professional, and creator of the Hospitable Hosts book series, to talk about what actually makes someone a great host — and spoiler alert: it isn’t having every piece of technology, every fancy amenity, or every system perfectly dialed in. Sometimes, you need to get back to basics. We talk about the difference between simply owning a short-term rental and truly understanding hospitality, why more information doesn’t necessarily create better hosts, and how to turn what you’re learning into action instead of allowing it to become another source of overwhelm. Jodie also shares one of the biggest mistakes she made in her own STR business — waiting years to collect guest email addresses — and why building relationships with your guests beyond the OTAs matters. And because this is a conversation between Jodie and me, we somehow take a rather unexpected detour into… beekeeping. 🐝 Yes. Beekeeping. But even that conversation brings us right back to one of the biggest themes of this episode: you don’t have to know everything before you begin. You learn. You ask questions. You find people who are ahead of you. And then you take action. We also talk about the power of being in the room with other hosts, the upcoming STR Hospitality Summit, burnout in our industry, and the advice Jodie carries with her when business — or life — feels particularly hard. If you’ve been consuming ALL the information but still find yourself wondering what you should actually be doing next, this conversation is for you. Join the STR Hospitality Summit: https://theglobalhospitalitycollective.com/summit HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:08] A short introduction about our guest Jodie Odlin and how her hospitality background inspired her to educate short-term rental hosts through storytelling [06:19] Jodie explains the difference between simply owning a short-term rental and truly understanding hospitality [10:54] Jodie shares why more information can overwhelm hosts instead of making them better—and why going back to the basics matters [15:39] The hard lesson that taught Jodie to stop relying entirely on OTAs and start building direct guest relationships [20:12] Jodie shares the unexpected story of how she became a beekeeper after volunteering to learn from a woman whose husband had recently passed away and left behind a beehive [25:33] Jodie draws a clear distinction between having access to information and actually being educated [28:20] Jodie highlights how sharing what you know can help others, no matter where you are in your hosting journey [33:05] How connecting with other hosts creates practical learning, fresh ideas, and space to recharge [36:15] Jodie gives listeners a closer look at what to expect from the STR Hospitality Summit, emphasizing that the event is designed to combine practical education, connection, fun, and wellness [41:50] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Not everyone understands hospitality, and I think you don't have to. It's not all about the property. It's how you make the guest feel.” “If you set it up for success by letting the guests know, set the expectations before the guests arrive in the correct way, then you're going to have a very successful stay with your guests.” “By truly caring for the guests, caring about their experience inside of our property, and also being super communicative with them and treating them like they're a friend that wins hands down over any coffee bar or waffle bar.” “There's no point listening to this stuff or just reading the information and then not taking action with it.” “Sharing one nugget of information can be dramatically helpful for someone who is just starting out.” “Being in the same room with other people is a way to really enhance all the magic that can happen just by again empowering someone with education or encouragement.” “Just go for it, and just take one day at a time.” “Everything happens for a reason. Good or bad, there is an opportunity for us to learn from an experience.” Let’s Connect: Website : theglobalhospitalitycollective.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • August 18 · 45 min

    From Tax Wake-Up Call to STR Portfolio: Building Wealth Through Real Estate with Traci Capraro

    Have you ever had a single conversation completely change the way you think about money, work, and what’s possible for your future? Most professionals assume building wealth through real estate requires starting early, having perfect market timing, or making zero mistakes along the way. In this episode, I sit down with Traci Capraro, a tech sales leader, single mom of two, and founder of Take a TraCation. We’re unpacking how one unexpected tax appointment with her CPA became the catalyst for buying her first oceanfront beach condo, building a geographically diversified portfolio, and scaling a thriving co-hosting business across the Carolinas. We talk about: Transforming a tax obligation into real estate equity after her CPA gave her a wake-up call, leading to her first short-term rental purchase in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Navigating the messy realities of a "failed BRRRR," from managing high interest rates and HOA assessments to learning how to evaluate properties based on strict data rather than emotion. Mitigating coastal seasonality by intentionally diversifying into the mountains of North Carolina, successfully refinancing a college-town cabin within twelve months to fund further growth. Converting personal project documentation on social media into a co-hosting business, deploying a robust tech stack—including management platforms, PriceLabs, and Turno—to deliver five-star guest experiences. Re-engineering personal mindset through podcasts, books, and focused goal-setting, creating a resilient business model that models financial independence and entrepreneurship for her teenage sons. Traci pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of balancing a demanding tech career with active real estate investing and co-hosting. You’ll hear how she navigated difficult client conversations, established firm vendor standards, and built a diversified portfolio that smooths out year-round cash flow while protecting her Superhost status and her sanity. If you’re wondering if it's too late to start investing, how to bounce forward after early missteps, or how to build a business that leaves a lasting legacy for your family, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to drop perfectionism and start leading your life and business with intention. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:46] A short introduction about our guest Traci Capraro and how a career in tech sales and single motherhood led her to build a growing co-hosting business [02:16] Traci’s tax surprise turns a tech career into a real estate investment journey across beach and mountain markets [04:57] How a simple conversation with Traci’s CPA opened her eyes to the possibilities of real estate investing and completely changed the direction of her financial future [07:35] Traci reveals how choosing lifestyle-driven investments helped her build a diversified short-term rental portfolio [09:07] Traci shares the lessons she learned from her first real estate investment, which she describes as a failed BRRRR project [13:56] How Traci’s first short-term rental and the right systems opened the door to her first co-hosting client [17:10] Traci opens up about the doubts and challenges that come with building a business, admitting that moments of uncertainty still happen—even as she continues to grow [20:12] Why choosing the right co-hosting clients has become essential to protecting Traci’s business and reputation [23:35] Traci highlights why strong cleaning systems, communication, and backup plans are critical to delivering a consistent guest experience [27:28] Traci reflects on how real estate investing and entrepreneurship transformed her mindset around wealth and what’s possible [29:55] Traci shares how personal growth, positive influences, and involving her children have shaped her entrepreneurial journey [36:39] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Having a diversified portfolio is a way to protect ourselves from risk.” “One of the smartest things I ever did was invest in a coaching program because that coaching program taught me how to create the foundation, technology, and operations.” “If I had to start over again, I would do co-hosting in a heartbeat.” “Pumpkin planning is you pulling clients out of your business that are no longer a fit that may be costing you effort, energy, resources, so that you can go and find a right fit client for you.” “Look in the mirror and be your biggest cheerleader instead of your biggest critic.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/takeatracation/ Website : https://takeatracation.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • August 11 · 45 min

    From England to Texas: How Joanna Woods Built a Purpose-Driven STR Business Across Continents

    How do you turn one of the hardest seasons of your life into the catalyst for a hospitality business that changes not just your family’s future, but your guests’ experience too? In this episode, I sit down with Joanna Woods, a British short-term rental host and co-host who manages properties in Grapevine, Texas, all the way from her home an hour north of Liverpool. We talk about: Navigating a life-altering family shift when her son became a wheelchair user, discovering wheelchair motocross (WCMX), and purchasing a home in Grapevine, Texas, to support his international athletic competitions. Reinvesting property cash flow into high-impact experiential amenities—like transforming an acre of land to include a game barn, outdoor cinema, pool table, and cowboy pool. Managing transatlantic operations by building an elite local team and creating a family "shift pattern" to ensure 24/7 guest support despite a six-hour time difference. Leveraging the Airbnb co-host network to scale, optimizing listings by restricting calendars to three-month windows, and actively analyzing daily search and pricing data. Using AI to mine guest reviews for exact phrasing, updating property copy to speak directly to both human guests and search algorithms, and making data-driven pricing adjustments during seven-day booking windows. Joanna pulls back the curtain on how she transitioned from seeing a property as a way to cover family travel bills to operating a high-performing hospitality brand. You'll hear how she balances market metrics with heart-led hospitality, constantly refining her listings to address missing guest needs while building a business that gives her family total flexibility. If you are a high-achieving professional wondering how to turn personal adversity into a thriving hospitality enterprise and manage operations remotely without losing quality, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to drop perfectionism and start leading your life and business with intention. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:56] A short introduction about our guest Joanna Woods, shares how an unexpected family journey led her from long-term rentals in the UK to discovering short-term rentals in Texas [05:40] Joanna recounts the whirlwind journey of launching her first U.S. short-term rental while supporting her son's wheelchair motocross world championship competition [08:28] Joanna reveals what made her fall in love with hospitality after launching her first short-term rental [10:44] How Joanna’s family manages overseas short-term rental operations across time zones with strong systems and a trusted local team [13:10] Joanna explains how co-hosting created a path to grow her short-term rental business without traditional financing options [15:16] Why co-hosting became the ideal path for growing her short-term rental business without the financial pressure of property management [17:44] Joanna shares how saying yes to an unexpected opportunity helped her land her first co-hosting clients from across the world [20:24] How Joanna maintained Airbnb visibility and optimized a part-time vacation rental impacted by owner stays [23:06] Joanna and I discuss how small listing updates, guest feedback, and AI analysis can transform Airbnb performance [27:44] Why AI requires human oversight, clear instructions, and careful review when used in short-term rentals [29:31] Joanna shares how tracking revenue, conversion metrics, and Airbnb insights helped her make smarter pricing decisions and maximize property performance [33:05] Joanna shares how she balances pricing data, market experience, and intuition when making revenue management decisions [36:03] Joanna shares the mindset shift that transformed her from someone who simply listed properties on Airbnb into a true hospitality business owner [39:55] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Co-hosting is a wonderful way for folks who want to grow their portfolio and grow their experience and expand their team.” “If I had to start over again, I would absolutely move into co-hosting first because as a property manager, I didn't realize early on how cash intensive the property management business is.” “Whether you tell yourself you can or you can't, you're right. So let's tell ourselves we can.” “We can all benefit by hearing someone else's story.” Let’s Connect: Website : https://www.pathfindervacations.co/ Facebook : www.facebook.com/p/Pathfinder-Vacations-LLC-100095005793929/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/pathfindervacationsllc/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • August 4 · 44 min

    When Growth Stops Serving You: The STR Pivot That Changed Everything with Leah Yuhasz

    How do you know when it’s time to stop pushing through and finally pivot—even when everything you’ve built looks successful from the outside? Most professionals assume scaling is a one-way street and that stepping back means giving up. In this episode, I sit down with Leah Yuhasz, a former nurse, mom, real estate agent, and short-term rental operator from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. We’re unpacking what it really looks like to scale a management business, hit a personal breaking point, and intentionally choose a new season that puts family and sanity first. We talk about: Transitioning from a high-stakes nursing career into real estate, leveraging cost segregation and bonus depreciation tax strategies to scale a portfolio across Destin, Panama City Beach, and Asheville. The operational shift from managing personal assets to handling client properties using management software like Hospitable and OwnerRez to streamline guest communication and owner relations. Facing the invisible emotional load of property management—nonstop guest messages, constant maintenance logistics, and the silent strain it puts on a marriage and family life. Unwinding a business with intention by transitioning clients to trusted boutique managers, selling a primary investment asset, and utilizing house hacking along Florida's Emerald Coast to maintain wealth creation with far less friction. Navigating the psychological aftermath of a business pivot, including overcoming the impulse to constantly produce and learning how to reclaim personal energy without feeling guilty. Leah pulls back the curtain on the moment she realized her growing business was pulling her away from being present with her kids. You'll hear how she and her husband shifted their entire strategy away from high-volume operations and toward a sustainable, family-first model that honors their long-term wealth goals without sacrificing their daily peace. If you are a high-achiever wondering how to step off the hamster wheel of endless growth, realign your business with your true priorities, and make a courageous pivot, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to drop perfectionism and start leading your life and business with intention. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:59] A short introduction about our guest Leah Yuhasz, and shares how early motherhood, financial curiosity, and exposure to investing conversations go her into short-term rentals [05:49] Leah explains how one investment property became the foundation for a short-term rental management business [10:09] Leah walks through how her portfolio expanded from managing her own arbitrage property and one additional owner relationship into a 10-property management portfolio [13:22] The hidden pressure that comes with managing multiple properties and the challenge of balancing high standards, business growth, and personal relationships [20:41] Leah shares the moment she realized she needed to slow down and rethink how she wanted to grow [23:43] Leah opens up about the difficult decision to step away from her management company after years of growth [28:08] Leah reflects on the emotional adjustment of life after stepping away from her management business [30:11] Leah shares how her pivot created space to be more present for her family while continuing to serve others in a new way [31:28] How stepping away from daily property management helped Leah transform years of short-term rental experience into a new opportunity to serve investors [35:00] Leah shares her advice for anyone who is questioning whether it is time to make a change in their business or personal life [35:31] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Working with your spouse is very different from raising a family with your spouse, or being married to your spouse.” “To grow carefully is to do yourself and your property owners a favor.” “When we're giving other people our energy and we're not able to recharge ourselves, we're draining our own battery, and eventually it's going to give out.” “You're having to pivot, that's not failing at all, that's simply making a change. So many people look at pivoting as failure.” “I look at pivoting as a beautiful thing. It's an opportunity for us to, to change and also to grow and stretch in different ways, and oftentimes to recharge as well.” Let’s Connect: Website : https://www.savvy.realty/meet-the-team Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/leah.yuhasz/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • July 28 · 44 min

    From Zero STR Experience to 27 Properties: Building a Co-Hosting Business with Maddie Malik

    How do you go from having zero experience in short-term rentals to running a thriving, 27-property co-hosting business built almost entirely on word of mouth? Most people assume they need years of corporate hospitality experience before they can successfully scale. In this episode, I’m joined by Maddie Malik of Nomad Vacation Rentals. We’re digging into how she went from brand-new and admittedly clueless to becoming the go-to co-host in her Greensboro, North Carolina market—simply by being honest, obsessed with learning, and relentlessly committed to high standards. We talk about: Starting a co-hosting career before feeling "ready," leveraging an initial opportunity with an owner's two properties to learn the business entirely through real-world trial and error. Identifying the professional gap for high-touch operators in local markets, and turning a relentless focus on guest satisfaction and property condition into a powerful organic referral engine. Building a lean, specialized internal team—including an administrator, a systems-focused operations manager, and two dedicated quality inspectors who audit cleanings to catch maintenance issues before guests arrive. Structuring a simple back-office ecosystem using Hostaway for owner statements alongside basic expense-tracking tools, prioritizing functional systems over operational over-engineering. Embracing the operational chaos of peak-season crises, like mid-summer AC failures, as a direct mechanism for expanding personal problem-solving thresholds and building resilience. Maddie pulls back the curtain on the mindset shift required to transition from "helping out" a friend to running a multi-property family enterprise. You'll hear how she established strict client boundaries—learning to charge appropriately for renovation management, and confidently saying no to misaligned owners who don't share her exact property standards. If you are a high-achieving professional wondering how to break into the short-term rental industry from scratch and build a respected brand through sheer execution and honesty, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to drop perfectionism and start leading your life and business with intention. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:28] A short introduction about our guest Maddie Malik, and what it was like getting her very first client while openly admitting she had no prior experience in short-term rentals [05:03] Maddie recalls the moment she realized co-hosting was solving a real need in her market and could become a sustainable business [06:52] Maddie attributes her early business growth to a relentless commitment to learning, improving, and delivering exceptional service [08:58] How continuous learning, personal accountability, and a growth mindset have fueled Maddie’s expansion to 27 properties [10:58] Maddie shares that fear and overwhelm have been a consistent part of growing her co-hosting business, learned to view discomfort as a sign that she is expanding her capabilities [17:20] Maddie talks about her systems, team structure, and quality control processes that support her growth to managing 27 properties [20:42] Maddie shares the referral-driven growth strategy that helped her build a 27-property co-hosting portfolio [22:45] The importance of financial transparency and evolving systems as her co-hosting business grows [29:24] How staying motivated as an entrepreneur comes from recognizing that Maddie’s work impacts real people who rely on her [31:27] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “You have to want that growth.” “There is no growth in comfort. If you are comfortable, you're not growing.” “It's okay to sit and not know, and then go learn what you can.” Let’s Connect: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MadelaineMalik Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nomad.elaine/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • July 21 · 11 min

    The Hardest Business Decision I’ve Made This Year with Stacey St. John

    What do you do when something in your business is still making money, still getting attention, and still looks like a success from the outside… but deep down, you know it’s no longer the right fit for where you’re headed? In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the hardest business decisions I’ve made recently: retiring the STR Virtual Summit for Women. On paper, it was working. But the more I looked at what my audience actually needed, the more I realized the summit wasn’t the best vehicle to help women in this industry create real momentum. It was delivering a ton of information—but not enough implementation. And if you’ve ever bought a course, joined a summit, or downloaded the freebie only to never fully use it… you know exactly what I mean. In this episode, I’m sharing: why I chose to walk away from something that looked successful from the outside how I knew it was time to stop offering more information and start creating more implementation the three questions I’ve been using to evaluate whether something in my business still deserves a place what it looks like to strategically prune offers, projects, or commitments that are pulling focus from your bigger goals how I’m rebuilding the STR Sisterhood around a simpler, more actionable model with monthly challenges, focused trainings, and live support I’m also sharing the thought process behind the new pricing model and why I intentionally wanted the most hands-on, implementation-focused option to be the easiest one to say yes to. If you’ve been holding onto a property, a service, a marketing strategy, or even a business model that technically “works” but doesn’t feel aligned anymore, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to make smart pivots, clear out what’s no longer serving your next level, and build a business that actually supports the life you want to live—not just one that looks good on paper. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:01] My decision to retire the STR Virtual Summit for Women and embrace a new direction for serving the community [01:21] Why courageous pivots require letting go of what no longer serves your mission [02:23] I share the real reason behind my decision to retire the STR Virtual Summit for Women, and it comes back to the women I created it for [03:31] The difficult realization that the biggest barrier was never a lack of information—it was the ability to actually implement what was being learned [04:22] The concept of Strategic Pruning as the lesson I want listeners to carry with them beyond this episode [05:34] My three questions for identifying what to eliminate and refocusing your business priorities [06:04] My vision for rebuilding the STR Sisterhood into a year-round community focused on action, connection, and meaningful growth [07:16] I share the boundary I’m putting in place as I reshape the STR Sisterhood and my commitment to creating a hands-on STR Sisterhood experience for women [08:49] My reassurance that the STR Sisterhood community remains open while my deeper support shifts toward women ready to take action Golden Nuggets: “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” “Having to pivot does not mean you have failed; it means you're paying attention. Real failure isn't changing course. Real failure is staying loyal to something that has quietly stopped working just because you're afraid of what people will think if you let it go.” “Letting go of something good, so something better has room to grow, has a name. It's called Strategic Pruning, and it's one of the hardest disciplines there is for a high achieving woman to practice.” “A good thing that pulls your focus is more dangerous than a bad thing you could easily walk away from.” “Pruning what you love is not failing, it is how you make room for what comes next.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • July 14 · 49 min

    How Branding and Marketing Turn Ordinary STRs into Premium Listings with Ali Haney

    How do you turn what feels like an “ordinary” property into a brand that guests connect with, remember, and actively choose over everyone else’s? In this episode, I’m joined by branding and marketing strategist Ali Haney. We’re unpacking how she transitioned from a long-term rental disaster into remote short-term rental management across multiple states, eventually blending her photography background with her hospitality experience to help hosts build true brand equity. We talk about: Flipping perceived property weaknesses into powerful market differentiators, like turning a Gatlinburg cabin's lack of internet into an intentional, off-the-grid romantic reset complete with analog experiences. Building a foundational brand strategy from scratch by defining core messaging pillars, identifying a hyper-specific guest avatar, and establishing values that serve as concrete criteria for hiring and firing your team. Utilizing ChatGPT and AirDNA as a market research "cheat code" to analyze competitor specs, summarize guest review trends, and spot high-impact amenities missing in your local market. Designing property features around guest origin data, such as installing an EV charger at a Catskills rental specifically to attract higher-income, eco-conscious travelers driving up from the city. Executing a deep property rebrand that goes beyond a logo tweak, using your brand strategy as a daily filter for social content, listing updates, and team briefs to eliminate decision fatigue. Ali pulls back the curtain on how to use your brand strategy as the literal backbone of your guest experience and long-term business scaling. You’ll hear how to shift your mindset to view marketing as structured testing and learning rather than a verdict on your worth, allowing you to "do it scared" and out-position your competition. If you are a short-term rental / Airbnb host wondering how to stop competing on price alone and start engineering an unforgettable hospitality brand that commands premium rates, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to drop perfectionism and start leading your life and business with intention. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:07] A short introduction about our guest Ali Haney, and how she got into the world of short-term rentals [03:12] Ali talks about using branding strategy to move beyond photography and create marketing that connects with ideal guests [06:50] Ali explains how defining a property's personality and turning perceived limitations into unique selling points creates a memorable brand that attracts the right guests [09:32] How identifying a property's natural differentiators helps build a stronger and more memorable brand [10:49] Ali shares how operators can decide between separate property brands or a unified brand strategy when managing multiple listings across different markets [12:39] Ali outlines portfolio-level values as the foundation for aligning multiple property brands while preserving each listing’s individuality [15:40] Ali defines brand strategy as the foundational framework that aligns mission, guest targeting, differentiation, and messaging to guide every part of a short-term rental business [21:14] How the core value of excellence creates clear operational boundaries and simplifies decision-making across hospitality and property management [24:33] Ali highlights branding as a profit-driven strategy that turns one-time OTA guests into repeat direct bookings while improving long-term ROI [27:51] Ali frames rebranding as a full strategic reset that goes beyond visuals to ensure alignment between guest targeting, design, and business goals [30:16] Ali distinguishes between legacy brands and STR assets while outlining when rebranding makes sense and how to use guest data to guide the decision [32:52] How competitor and review analysis can uncover actionable differentiators that directly shape STR brand strategy and guest experience design [34:56] Ali reframes STR marketing as a data-driven cycle of testing and learning, separating performance outcomes from personal identity to support better decision-making [37:31] Ali shares how short-term rental owners can begin building a brand strategy by using existing performance data and evaluating properties through a differentiation-first mindset [40:07] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “You're giving the house essentially a personality, so that people can start to feel like they know that property before they even step foot into it.” “We took what she thought was a weakness and instead tailored the entire property's brand and made it their superpower.” “If we don't have a strategy that we want to enact within our business and we just build pretty things on top of it, it's probably going to fall down at some point.” “Create an experience that people want to return to, because it's much easier to nurture a client or a guest that already trusts you, versus having to consistently acquire new ones.” “If we just take a small step each and every day, and we do that scared, that is still a huge amount of progress over six months time, nine months time, 12 months time.” Let’s Connect: Website : https://brandandmarket.co/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • July 7 · 52 min

    Why She Left the Fortune 500 World for Hospitality with Katie Wanzer

    How do you find the courage to take on a project that feels way bigger than you—and turn it into something you’re genuinely proud of? In this episode, I sit down with Katie Wanzer, a corporate PR crisis expert turned boutique hotel operator and co-host. We’re unpacking how she transitioned from Fortune 500 communications into running an expanding boutique hotel portfolio and co-hosting company across Door County, Wisconsin. We talk about: Buying a historic motel sight unseen during a corporate crisis, only to face massive infrastructure nightmares like dry wells and lifting entire buildings off their foundations. Co-operating a growing hospitality portfolio as a four-way partnership between two couples by establishing rigid role boundaries, structured monthly board meetings, and a dedicated leadership team. Leveraging a deep background in strategic PR to pitch local media, partner with tourism bureaus, and use nostalgia to put a revived 1940s roadside motel on the map. Launching simple, community-minded marketing tactics like local food drives and media stays, while using AI tools to polish press releases and discover the unique story behind a property. Battling peak-season burnout by scheduling non-negotiable self-care blocks, utilizing tech-boundaries like the Brick app to disconnect, and leaning on a steady support system. Katie pulls back the curtain on the intense emotional realities of stepping into true hospitality leadership, including the exact moment the scale of the project hit her. You’ll hear how she and her partners divide responsibilities based on individual strengths to keep the business humming without sacrificing their personal lives. If you are a high-achieving professional wondering how to scale from a single short-term rental into a multi-property commercial hospitality brand without losing your sanity, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to face the unexpected and start leading your business with absolute resilience. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:55] A short introduction about our guest Katie Wanzer, and shares her evolution from corporate communications professional to short-term rental operator and boutique motel owner [03:58] Katie shares how purchasing and renovating a boutique motel transformed her perspective from managing rentals to building a full-scale hospitality business [08:11] How overcoming unexpected renovation setbacks strengthened her resilience and confidence as an entrepreneur [10:31] Katie shares how having partial construction experience helped—but didn’t eliminate the learning curve in large-scale hospitality renovations [12:09] Katie’s approach to overcoming overwhelm by grounding decisions in long-term vision, resilience, and support systems [14:37] Katie on navigating real estate investing and construction projects with both a spouse and business partners while maintaining alignment and boundaries [16:41] Katie outlines how a four-owner STR and boutique motel business is governed through structured meetings, defined roles, and consistent operational communication [20:38] How Katie balances hands-on short-term rental operations with seasonal support while adapting daily focus across multiple hospitality businesses [21:52] Katie describes how she uses PR to turn storytelling, nostalgia, and renovation strategy into earned media that drives early bookings and demand [29:16] How short-term rental operators can identify PR-worthy stories through community impact, relatability, and persistence in earned media strategy [34:42] Katie shares how intentional PR outreach, personalized journalist targeting, and strategic multi-channel follow-ups help turn hospitality stories into consistent earned media and sustained visibility [38:33] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Even with failures, we fail forward, right? Everything that we go through, whether positive or negative, I believe is a learning opportunity.” “Sometimes giving up a little bit of that revenue for a gain elsewhere can, can really help you long term.” “You're already everything to everyone: you’re finance, you’re accounting, you’re marketing, you’re everything. But you can't forget that you're also yourself and you have to do things for yourself, and you still have to go and do the things that make you happy.” “Nobody can advocate for you more than yourself.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/katetheinnkeeper/ Website : https://freshcoastmotel.com/ https://spruceandshoremotel.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • June 30 · 47 min

    From Medicine to STR Investing: Building a Thriving Airbnb Portfolio with Dr. Christina Kendrick

    How do you grow a thriving short-term rental portfolio, protect your family life, and still keep a demanding career from taking over your entire identity? Most professionals assume they have to choose between their career and building wealth. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christina Kendrick, a pediatric anesthesiologist turned short-term rental investor. We’re unpacking how she and her husband transitioned from accidental long-term landlords into active operators of an 11-property STR business across Sedona and Cornville, Arizona. We talk about: Hunting for properties that have sat on the MLS forever, negotiating the price down, and uncovering hidden income streams like forgotten RV pads. Using sweat equity and buying at the right price to keep fixed expenses low enough that a property only needs 10 to 12 booked nights a month to cover costs. Moving past vague rules to implement explicit, direct guest messaging after a close call with a guest's grill on a wooden deck near propane tanks. Transitioning 50 existing reservations into independent hosting profiles and scaling a portfolio through a mix of solo ownership and co-ownership with other families. Leveraging MBA marketing principles to revamp a direct booking platform, optimize for AI search, and launch email campaigns that actually convert. Christina pulls back the curtain on how she manages her time and energy while balancing medicine, an MBA program, and parenthood. You’ll hear how she applies the hospital philosophy of "only do what only you can do" to her personal life—outsourcing house cleaning and grocery shopping, and shifting her medical schedule to build a dedicated business admin day. If you are a high-achieving professional wondering how to buy back your time and build a generational family enterprise without burning out, this conversation is your blueprint. Get ready to learn how to drop perfectionism and start leading your life and business with intention. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:49] A short introduction about our guest Christina Kendrick, and she shares how a series of practical real estate decisions evolved into a self-managed short-term rental portfolio [06:37] Christina explains how disciplined risk-taking and value-add investing have shaped her real estate decision-making process [09:08] Christina reveals how overlooked properties and strong neighborhood relationships have become key drivers of her portfolio’s success [13:26] Christina discusses how proactive neighbor relationships help mitigate conflicts and support long-term short-term rental success [19:12] How delegation, role clarity, and structured time blocks allow her to balance medicine, family, education, and real estate investing [22:47] Christina’s approach to outsourcing everyday responsibilities to create more time for high-value work and personal priorities [25:58] Christina shares how lessons from her MBA program have directly influenced the way she markets and operates her short-term rental business [29:21] Christina talks about how running a short-term rental business with her husband has naturally evolved into a clear division of strengths [32:16] How Christina and her husband handle feedback between each other after real-world guest situations that expose gaps in communication and house rules [36:14] The importance of intentional communication and structured check-ins in maintaining a strong business and personal partnership while scaling together [40:19] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “You don't create wealth by saving, you create wealth by taking risks and investing.” “One of the keys to having a successful STR is having nice neighbors.” “The biggest life hack is outsourcing stuff that other people can do.” “As long as it's getting done, and nobody's getting hurt, and everything's happening the way that it should happen, it doesn't have to be perfect.” “You have to take that first step, otherwise you're going to be stuck where you are.” Let’s Connect: Website : www.stargazersedona.com Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stargazervacation Proudly sponsored by strsisterhood.steadilypartner.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • June 23 · 51 min

    The Demand Generation Strategy Every Airbnb Host Needs with Amber Knight

    Are you truly in control of the demand for your short-term rentals, or have you quietly outsourced it to the OTAs without even realizing it? Relying solely on large platforms means you don’t actually own your customer base; the hosts who master true demand generation are the ones who will thrive in the next phase of our industry. In this episode, I sit down with Amber Knight, the founder of Bookings Cloud and a seasoned veteran of vacation rental heavyweights like Vacasa, Rented, Inhabit, and LiveRez. We’re unpacking what it really means to build a direct guest acquisition engine for your properties and step into true ownership of your business. We talk about: How public booking platforms control the narrative using your listing content, and why reclaiming that control is vital for long-term business survival. Why a beautiful direct booking website means nothing if it breaks guest trust by kicking them over to an unbranded, clunky PMS engine at the final step. Utilizing true paid social ads, not just boosted posts, to feed rich property data into algorithms that match your stay with the perfect guest. Why clicks on Meta can be pennies compared to dollars on Google, why you should never put pricing in your ads, and how to automate property-level campaigns at scale. Clear guidance on when to focus strictly on guest communication versus when your portfolio size justifies a full website investment. We pull back the curtain on the messy reality of data tracking and attribution in a world of privacy laws and GA4. You’ll hear why diversifying your booking sources isn't just a quick fix for the low season, but a long-game retirement strategy that compounds over time and builds a business with real enterprise value. If you are ready to move from hoping bookings show up to intentionally creating your own demand, this conversation will give you the playbook. Get ready to stop letting other platforms dictate your revenue and start engineering your own growth. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:03] A short introduction about our guests Amber Knight, and journey from growing up around vacation rentals to building a career focused on strengthening local hospitality businesses and destination communities [04:12] Amber reflects on how intentionally building a life and business through consistent daily actions creates opportunities that once seemed out of reach [06:10] Amber explains how owning guest demand has become a critical competitive advantage as short-term rental operators can no longer rely solely on OTAs to drive bookings [10:58] Amber emphasizes that successful demand generation starts with building trust and creating a direct-booking experience that converts website visitors into guests [18:24] How demand generation moves beyond simply having a trusted website and focuses on actively driving qualified traffic to it [21:07] Amber breaks down Meta advertising as a layered system—from organic content to fully automated, property-level ads—designed to turn raw property data into targeted demand at scale [28:15] Amber explains when paid social becomes viable for STR operators based on ad spend consistency and unit economics versus OTA commissions [30:40] What are the effective Meta ads for STRs rely on high-intent, property-specific visuals and structured data feeding rather than pricing-driven creatives [33:35] Amber explains that attribution is imperfect and long-term direct booking growth should be measured through influence, pacing, and consistent investment rather than immediate ROAS results [42:16] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “It's really empowering that we each have the ability to build a business around a life that we love.” “If every day you make another step to get to the life you want, the career you want, in the place that you want, eventually you’ll get there.” “A business that is sellable does not require the owner to be in the day to day.” “You can't change what happens to you, you can change how you respond to it.” Let’s Connect: Website : www.bookingscloud.com Instagram : https://www.linkedin.com/company/bookingscloud/ Email : aknight@bookingscloud.com Proudly sponsored by PriceLabs Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • June 16 · 48 min

    Beyond Dynamic Pricing: STR Revenue Strategies with Melissa Stewart

    Is your short-term rental truly set up to cash flow, or are you just hoping the market will do the heavy lifting for you? Most hosts look at dynamic pricing as a "set it and forget it" tool, but real revenue strategy requires getting behind the wheel of your data. In this episode, I sit down with Colorado host and revenue strategist Melissa Stewart, the founder of Rev Collective. Melissa scaled from zero to four high-performing mountain cabins in under two years by combining a value-add investment blueprint with a highly intentional, data-driven revenue management strategy. We talk about: Buying distressed mountain properties for maximum negotiating power, doing a full gut rehab to build equity, and leveraging a smart refi to roll into the next deal. Moving past simple bulleted descriptions to craft narrative-driven listing copy that makes guests feel like they are walking through a storybook. What a "healthy" MPI looks like, how to recognize if you are underpriced or overpriced, and why treating dynamic pricing tools like autopilot is a massive mistake. Designing interior and exterior spaces with a strict guest avatar in mind—from luxury robes and sound machines to curated coffee and tea stations. Shifting your mindset around money as energy, shedding old financial stories, and building wealth that creates real opportunities for other women in hospitality. Melissa pulls back the curtain on how her background in accounting and data analysis gave her a unique edge in the short-term rental market. You’ll hear how she bridges the gap between high-end hospitality and cold, hard data, and how she built her company specifically to empower women hosts who love the guest experience but feel overwhelmed by numbers and tech. If you are ready to stop guessing on your pricing, master your local pacing, and inject serious intention into your operations, this conversation will completely redefine your approach to revenue. Get ready to stop relying on market luck and start commanding the rates your property deserves. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:14] A short introduction about our guests Melissa Stewart and shared her journey from exiting a business to getting into the short-term rental industry [03:06] Melissa reflects on how a background in real estate and a desire for lifestyle-driven wealth building led her and her husband into the world of short-term rentals [05:30] How strategic investing, leveraging equity, and taking bold action helped Melissa scale from one short-term rental property to four in a relatively short time [07:36] Melissa and I dive into how taking on distressed properties, embracing renovation challenges, and viewing obstacles as opportunities helped accelerate equity growth and STR success [12:31] How embracing problems, adapting quickly, and treating short-term rental hosting as a constant problem-solving business is essential for long-term success [14:36] Melissa unpacks how creating intentional five-star guest experiences, strategic branding, and emotionally driven listings became the foundation of cash-flowing STR properties at the top of the market [21:10] Melissa highlights how overlooking listing strategy after investing heavily in a property is a common mistake, and how emotional storytelling and optimization are key to turning beautiful homes into booked STRs [24:54] How STR success depends not just on design, but on operations, pricing, and listing strategy working together to drive higher nightly rates and long-term profitability [28:08] Melissa shares how her passion for entrepreneurship, wealth building, and supporting women in business ultimately led her to launch The Rev Collective [34:16] Melissa’s emphasis on active revenue management as a critical profit driver that requires strategy, oversight, and expertise beyond Pricelabs [38:15] Melissa’s guidance on using listing optimization, market pacing, and key revenue metrics to make smarter pricing decisions and improve booking performance [43:23] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Know your obstacles. That way when they come, they're opportunities.” “We cannot leave any stone unturned when it comes to positioning ourselves for getting that booking, these guests have so many options in front of them on the OTAs.” “If you're not operating well, your reviews are not going to be what you need them to be, and you're going to fall to your competition in the marketing.” “Stick to doing things that you're good at and delegate the rest.” “If your ultimate goal is to cash flow to build wealth in this real estate, you know, gig that you've got going, if that's your goal, then revenue management should be your top priority when it comes to running your business, because that's how you make your money Let’s Connect: Website : www.revcollective.co Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissastewart Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • June 9 · 47 min

    Why the STR Market Isn’t Scary: Data-Driven Investing and Opportunity with Sandy Lee

    What if the “scary” short-term rental market you keep hearing about is actually one of the best opportunities you’ll see in the next decade—especially if you’re willing to get smart with your data? Most investors are backing out due to market noise; my guest today used engineering logic to lean in and build a highly resilient portfolio. In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Sandy Lee, an engineer-turned-investor who built a multi-market STR portfolio in her 50s. We’re talking about grounding big brave moves in math rather than hype, and why right now is a powerful time to buy if you know how to stress-test a deal. We dive into: How Sandy spent eighteen months analyzing her first deal, using spreadsheets to move past analysis paralysis and into confident action. Sandy’s exact system for connecting AI directly to her property management software to run pacing analyses, build dashboards, and generate plain-language summaries twice a week. How to look beyond standard calculators to find hidden market catalysts—like shifting local regulations, nearby airport expansions, or reopening ski hills. Why pricing for momentum instead of ego out of the gate is critical in highly seasonal markets, and why professional photography remains non-negotiable. Overlooked pathways into the industry for hesitant investors, including house hacking, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and strategic co-hosting partnerships. But this isn't just about running analytics. It’s about the line between smart investing and pure speculation. We pull back the curtain on how to ensure your baseline numbers work on day one while still positioning your portfolio for massive long-term growth. You’ll hear real examples from competitive markets like Steamboat, Orange Beach, and the mountains of North Carolina, proving that data and deep local research are the ultimate risk mitigation tools. If you’ve felt hesitant to scale or buy your next property in an uncertain economy, this conversation will completely reframe your perspective. Get ready to zoom out, trust the math, and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:06] A short introduction about our guest Sandy Lee and her reflection on how a major career transition in her 50s, pushed her to explore short-term rentals [03:09] Sandy shares about the use of data and AI to build confidence and simplify decision-making in short-term rentals [05:57] Sandy and I discuss how AI has evolved beyond simply analyzing data to becoming a strategic business partner [09:44] Sandy explains why she believes now remains an attractive time to invest in short-term rentals despite recent industry challenges [11:42] Sandy and I discuss the many ways investors can build a diversified real estate portfolio, emphasizing that there is no single path to success [13:11] Sandy’s approach to finding investment “magic” beyond the data to anticipate future market growth [19:56] How to identify emerging opportunities by paying attention to large-scale developments, infrastructure projects, and long-term regional shifts that may signal future growth in a market [24:09] Sandy’s approach to balancing conservative underwriting with strategic, forward-looking real estate investment decisions [25:43] The importance of timing in real estate acquisitions is highly situational and ultimately comes down to the underlying numbers and the investor’s financial flexibility [29:54] Sandy and I discuss two critical components of a successful short-term rental launch: professional photography and strategic pricing [32:52] the importance of intentional pricing strategy at launch, particularly in the context of property management and co-hosting relationships [34:46] Sandy’s perspective on overlooked short-term rental opportunities that help investors move past fear and re-enter the market strategically [37:13] Sandy’s breakdown of the ownership and operations paths in short-term rentals, and how co-hosting creates flexible entry and exit options [39:09] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “If I start to get anxious and if things start to seem scary, I'll back down into a spreadsheet, and I'll think really hard about it, and I'll look at all of the numbers. It has got to make financial sense.” “If you don't have money to invest in property right now, starting out co-hosting is a fabulous way to get your feet wet, earn that cash flow that you can eventually invest in the real estate asset.” “Do the big scary thing that you're afraid of. I mean, that's the best piece of advice. What's the worst thing? Figure out what the worst thing that could happen is, and work yourself through it, and do it anyway.” Let’s Connect: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/strjumpstart/ Website : https://www.strjumpstart.com/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

  • June 2 · 14 min

    Airbnb Metrics That Actually Matter: Stop Guessing and Start Optimizing with Stacey St. John

    What if the real reason your Airbnb isn’t booking has nothing to do with your decor, your rate, or your “perfect guest,” and everything to do with numbers you’ve never even looked at? Most hosts guess, tweak, and stress when bookings drop. In this solo episode of the STR Sisterhood podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the exact data you need to stop guessing and start diagnosing your listing like a CEO. Inside the episode, I dive into: A recent wake-up call in my own business when my data vanished, and why turning on the Professional Hosting Tools toggle is a non-negotiable for every single host. How to understand your first-page search impression rate and your search-to-listing conversion (click rate) to ensure guests choose your door over the competition. Spotting the hidden deterrents like surprise checkout fees, incomplete photos, or aggressive house rules—that make guests click away without booking. Why cleanliness, check-in, and communication are the three category scores that can quietly drag down your performance if left unchecked. A simple, step-by-step practice to establish your baseline numbers today, choose one lever to pull this month, and review the results in 30 days. But this isn't just about staring at charts and graphs. It’s about moving out of the drama and into leadership. I walk through how to audit each of your properties individually so you can see the exact story the data is trying to tell you. You’ll hear how small, intentional adjustments to your hero photo, headline, or booking rules can radically alter your inbound demand and shift your business from a stressful side-hustle into a high-performing asset. If you’re ready to stop playing guessing games with the algorithm and start making decisions based on cold, hard facts, this framework is your playbook. Get ready to log into your dashboard and step fully into leading your business with data. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [00:00] Welcome to a data-driven STR Sisterhood podcast episode, where I open up about the frustration of empty calendars and the shift away from reactive hosting [02:21] I share a recent experience of losing access to my Airbnb insights and the urgent setting every host needs to check [03:53] How mixed property data can mislead STR hosts and why individual listing insights matter [04:43] The first Airbnb metric hosts should track: listing views and why they matter most [05:26] The importance of first page search impression rate and how it impacts Airbnb visibility and bookings [07:14] I break down click rate as a key Airbnb metric and how it reflects how often guests choose your listing over competitors [08:17] How listing-to-booking conversion rate helps Airbnb hosts diagnose what’s stopping guests from booking [09:23] Why reviews are a performance metric and how Airbnb category scores directly impact visibility and bookings [11:09] How consistent Airbnb metric tracking and community accountability turn data into clarity, confidence, and scalable growth Golden Nuggets: “You cannot improve what you don't measure.” “If nobody is seeing your property on Airbnb, nobody is booking it, that's the top of the funnel, and if it's tiny, nothing else matters.” “That's how CEOs operate. We test, we measure, we adjust.” “Knowing the numbers is one thing, sitting in a room with other women who are looking at the same levers and watching what works, that's the part that changes everything.” “You don't build this business to be buried by it. You built it to be free in it. Lead with data, not drama.” Let’s Connect: STR Success Accelerator :https://strsuccessaccelerator.com/ Proudly sponsored by Futurestay: cleanconnection.futurestay.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

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