Blog

June 18, 2025

Introducing Stakeholders VR: Built by Operators and Backed by Vision, with Lino Maldonado and Brady Stump

In our first-of-the-month bonus episode, we’re joined by Brady Stump and Lino Maldonado, two of the co-founders of StakeholdersVR, a new venture that is gaining momentum among respected vacation rental operators across the country. Stakeholde…

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June 18, 2025

How Franchising Offers a Scalable Path to STR Success - with Patrick Stewart of Grand Welcome

For many short-term rental (STR) operators, growth can feel like a double-edged sword. As the portfolio expands, so do the demands. There are more guest issues to manage, more tech decisions to make, and more owner relationships to maintain. Eventua…

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June 11, 2025

From FIFA to Host Planet: James Varley’s Journey to Empowering STR Hosts

After a 10-year career at the  FIFA World Cup in Qatar, James Varley found himself stepping into a very different world of short-term rentals. What started as a personal decision to invest in a holiday let quickly revealed something much bigger…

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June 4, 2025

Behind the Brand: How Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is Driving Partner Success

In this week’s episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jane Gavin and Keven Wishard from Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, a platform that’s redefining what it means to d…

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May 28, 2025

Rewriting the Rules: Orlie Benjamin on Building Lasoh for a Better Guest Experience

In our June 2025 first-of-the-month bonus episode, we sat down with Orlie Benjamin, founder and CEO of Lasoh, to talk about guest relationships, revenue strategy, and the shift vacation rental operators must make to stay competitive in today’s…

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May 21, 2025

DesignedVR & Casiola Announces a Game-Changing Partnership in STR

In an industry where scale often comes at the cost of control, the newly announced partnership between DesignedVR and Casiola offers a refreshing alternative. In our latest episode, we sat down with Shahar Goldboim, founder of DesignedVR and Boom, …

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May 14, 2025

Are We in a Travel Recession? AirDNA’s Jamie Lane Breaks Down the 2025 STR Market

Booking windows are shrinking. Budget travelers are pulling back. And property managers are asking the same question: Are we heading into a travel recession? In this week’s episode, we sat down with Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, for …

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May 7, 2025

Rebel in a Gown: Breaking the Rules We Never Agreed To - with Shelley Brown

There are seasons when life slows down. Sometimes you choose it, other times it chooses you. For Shelley Brown, that moment came after a serious spinal injury. She could no longer walk, work, or rely on the habits and routines that once gave her a s…

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May 1, 2025

Inside Booking.com's Strategy to Become the Best Partner for Vacation Rental Managers

In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, Ian Ackland, Managing Director of the Americas at Booking.com, shares how the platform is evolving to better support property managers in today’s complex short-term renta…

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April 30, 2025

Here Goes Nothin: Matt Landau on Leading with Connection

In our latest episode, we welcome back Matt Landau, founder of VRMB and Here Goes Nothin, for one of his most personal and transformative conversations yet. After years of leading conversations in the vacation rental industry, Matt experienced a re…

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April 23, 2025

Behind the PMS: Meet TravelNet Solutions' New CEO Boogie Wittenburg

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Boogie Wittenburg, the CEO of TravelNet Solutions, makers of Track PMS. With over two decades of experience in mission-critical technology, Boogie brings a people-first mindset to an already well-establ…

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April 16, 2025

How Beyond is Redefining Revenue Management for Property Managers — with CEO, Julie Brinkman

In an industry shaped by seasonality, shifting demand, and rapid growth, property managers are looking for reliable solutions that help them stay competitive. In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we speak with Jul…

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April 9, 2025

Saying No to Say Yes: Brittany Blackman’s Path from Burnout to Self-Discovery

In the fast-paced world of vacation rentals, it’s easy to believe that hustle is the only path to success. But what happens when that hustle starts costing more than it gives? In our latest episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacati…

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April 2, 2025

The OG Women of Vacation Rentals: Honoring the Trailblazers that Shaped the Future of the Industry

In an industry that’s evolved rapidly in the last few decades, it’s easy to forget that vacation rentals weren’t always a tech-powered, data-driven business. Before booking engines, dynamic pricing tools, and automated check-ins, t…

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March 26, 2025

Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: How Jason Gann of Beyond Pricing Used Humor & Authenticity to Build his Personal Brand

In our latest episode, we’re joined by a guest who has not only made a name for himself in the vacation rental industry, but has also brought something truly unique to the table: humor, vulnerability, and an authentic personal brand. Meet Jas…

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March 12, 2025

The New Standard: Why Smart Guest Screening is Essential for Short-Term Rentals with Ela Mezhiborsky of Autohost

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and one of the most critical shifts happening today is in guest screening and verification. What was once an optional safeguard is now a non-negotiable standard for hotels and short-term rental operators…

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March 5, 2025

One Industry, One Mission: The Power of Partnership Between VRMA & VR Nation

The vacation rental industry is evolving rapidly, and collaboration has never been more important. In our episode this week, we welcome industry leaders from VRMA (Vacation Rental Management Association) and VR Nation to discuss how their partnershi…

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Feb. 26, 2025

VRBO’s Strategy for 2025 & Beyond: Exclusive Interview with Tim Rosolio

The vacation rental industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a deep understanding of changing market dynamics, technology, and traveler expectations. In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Tim Rosolio, VP …

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Feb. 19, 2025

LIVE from Nashville: Key Takeaways from Track NEXT 25 – Innovation, Insights, and Industry Shifts

The vacation rental industry is evolving rapidly, and Track NEXT25, TravelNet Solutions’ premier annual conference, provided a platform for industry leaders, property managers, and technology innovators to explore the latest advancements, chal…

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Feb. 10, 2025

How Rent Responsibly is Closing the Information Gap in STR Regulations - with Founders David Krauss & Alexa Nota

Short-term rental (STR) regulations are becoming more complex, leaving many operators struggling to stay compliant while protecting their businesses. In this episode, we sit down with David Krauss and Alexa Nota, co-founders of Rent Responsibly, to …

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Feb. 3, 2025

Breaking the Mold: How Fred Boothby’s Bold Business Model is Shaking Up the Vacation Rental Industry

The vacation rental industry is constantly evolving, and Fred Boothby, CEO of Enjoy Unique Stays, is leading the way with a fresh approach to experiential stays. In our latest episode, Fred shared his journey from accidental host to industry innovat…

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Dec. 23, 2024

For the Love of Gatlinburg: How Tom Goodwin Uses Storytelling to Preserve a Destination’s Heart and Soul

In our latest episode, we welcome back Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets and host of the For the Love of Gatlinburg podcast. Tom shares valuable insights into the art of hospitality, the power of storytelling, and the challenges of managin…

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Dec. 10, 2024

Driving Change Through Advocacy in the Vacation Rental Industry with John Hildebrand

The vacation rental industry is evolving rapidly, bringing opportunities and challenges. As regulations tighten and community concerns rise, advocacy has become essential for ensuring a sustainable future. In our latest episode, John Hildebrand, fou…

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Nov. 20, 2024

Building a Boutique Brand: How Steve Turk Brings Hotel Standards to Vacation Rentals

In our latest episode, we sit down with Steve Turk, founder of Tangy Management and host of The Hospitality Mentor podcast. Steve shares how his 24 years in luxury hotels have shaped his approach to vacation rental management and why guest experienc…

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