What happens when two operators build a business with real standards, real personality, and zero tolerance for disrespect?
In this episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Krista Goodrich and Kymberlee Nguyen, the duo behind Salty Dog Vacations, to talk about what it really takes to build a vacation rental company that guests remember and a team that is proud to be part of it.
They share how Salty Dog grew from early investing decisions in Daytona Beach into a full-scale operation, and how their approach to branding goes beyond design choices. It shows up in the details, the guest experience, and the way they protect their people.
The conversation also expands into Krista’s work in local advocacy and zoning, their broader mission to help more women build wealth through real estate, and how their community has grown through retreats and education.
Episode Chapters:
08:20 How local rules, zoning, and community involvement shape what it takes to operate responsibly
15:07 Building a brand guests remember: personality, pet-friendly touches, and guest joy
19:37 Krista’s “Boss Lady Investor” work, and why real estate education needs to feel accessible
25:00 How retreats and community experiences can become part of a bigger platform, not just a side project
33:32 What it looks like to build a company culture where your team feels protected and respected
35:44 The moment they fired an owner, and why that decision mattered for the business long term
40:25 Why consistency matters more than “cute ideas,” especially once you are scaling
If you’re trying to build a stronger guest experience and a business that holds up as you grow, this one’s worth a listen.
Connect with Kym & Krista:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-goodrich-2823198/
Podcast: https://www.thebossladyinvestor.com/
Website: https://mysaltydogvacation.com/
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