Best VRMA Podcasts (2026)

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Salty Dog Vacations: Building a Business Around Community Impact 29:44

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23d ago29:44

29:44

In this episode of the VRMA Arrival podcast, we sit down with Salty Dog Vacations co-owners Kymberlee Nguyen and Krista Goodrich, recent recipients of VRMA’s Community Impact Award. Based in the Daytona Beach area, Krista and Kym share how they’ve woven service into every part of their business model—from mentoring at-risk students and serving on t…

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1st of the Year Special Episode: Charging into 2026 — The Year of the Horse 54:18

5d ago54:18

54:18

Send us a message! Welcome to the 1st of the year special episode. Alex & Annie are kicking off 2026 by looking back at the moments that shaped 2025, the lessons they’re carrying forward, and the intentions guiding the year ahead. They share how the podcast evolved over the past year, including more on site recordings and conference conversations t…

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From Rocks to Remarkable: The Making of Destin Dreamers, with Arlen Busenitz 52:55

7d ago52:55

52:55

Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Arlen Busenitz to talk about his unconventional path from a Kansas farm to pastoring a small-town church, volunteering as an EMT, working with NASA through a defense contractor, and ultimately becoming CEO of Destin Dreamers. Before he was running a luxury vacation rental company on Flo…

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ALL The Ways You Can Run Promotions For Your Vacation Rental Business 36:54

14d ago36:54

36:54

In this episode Conrad and Paul talk about all of the different ways you can run promos that are not just "cutting rates lower" to drive more bookings. Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings …

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Sarah Bradford Unfiltered: Fix These Vacation Rental Mistakes Before 2026 59:25

14d ago59:25

59:25

Send us a message! In this unfiltered conversation, Sarah Bradford joins us once again to break down the most common and costly mistakes she sees vacation rental operators still making today. Drawing from more than two decades in the industry and her experience building, scaling, and ultimately selling two successful vacation rental companies, Sara…

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Multiple Vacation Rental Markets? It's Super Hard: And Here's Why.... 31:53

21d ago31:53

31:53

In this episode Conrad and Paul break down why targeting many markets at the same time is HARD (but not impossible) and explaining why this can be a harder path to success. Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect W…

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DARM 2025 Fireside Chats: What the Industry Is Finally Saying Out Loud 44:22

21d ago44:22

44:22

Send us a message! This episode was recorded live at DARM 2025, right in the middle of the event, while the conversations were still unfolding and the energy was still fresh. Alex & Annie sit down for two fireside chats with Alex Cisneros (StayTerra) and Dennis Goedheid (Casiola) to talk through what’s showing up in the industry right now, and what…

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Mobile vs Desktop Traffic Trends For 2026: Here's What To Work On 41:57

28d ago41:57

41:57

In this episode Conrad and Paul go back to an "old" topic that we often ignore: mobile vs desktop traffic, how the site works on mobile, data on Google Analytics conversions and more... Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 10…

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Reinventing the Backend: Jim Devos Debuts VRWorks 36:55

28d ago36:55

36:55

Send us a message! In this episode, we are joined by Jim DeVos, industry veteran, former co-owner of Best Beach Getaways, for the first public reveal of VR Works — the backend system he spent years building to fix the operational pain points he couldn’t ignore. Jim breaks down how VR Works evolved from an internal solution into a fully integrated p…

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The Guest-First Strategy: How Brandon Hall Built a Scalable Vacation Rental Brand 36:10

1M ago36:10

36:10

Send us a message! In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Hall, Founder and CEO of Hallson Hospitality, to explore how a guest-first philosophy can become a true engine for growth in the vacation rental industry. Brandon’s journey into hospitality began long before he managed homes. After co-founding OneHope Wine and spending 15 years growing a …

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Here's How To Level Up Your Marketing With JUST 4 Hours Per Week 1:00:55

1M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

In this episode Conrad goes solo on this audio-only version of a LIVE training on "The 4 Hour Vacation Rental Marketing Workweek". Want to get the video too? Tap the link below. Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Recording Video: YouTube Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Re…

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It’s About DARM Time: Amy Hinote Sets the Stage for This Year’s DARM Conference 56:06

1M ago56:06

56:06

Send us a message! DARM week is almost here, and we’re kicking things off with the person behind it all — Amy Hinote, Founder of VRM Intel and creator of the industry’s most conversation-packed event. In this episode, Amy gives a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming to DARM Conference 2025, from the surge of AI-driven innovation to the sessions,…

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Cautious Optimism: Key Data’s Read on the 2026 Vacation Rental Market 17:20

1M ago17:20

17:20

Melanie Brown, vice president of data insights at Key Data, joins the podcast to unpack Key Data’s Vacation Rental Industry Outlook 2026—a survey of nearly 250 US property managers that reveals what operators expect in the year ahead. According to Brown, sentiment has finally shifted toward “cautious optimism,” with most managers anticipating flat …

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Compelling Vacation Rental Marketing Messages Have Common Traits 37:11

2M ago37:11

37:11

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we break down a recent VRM Intel article from Conrad O'Connell talking all about messaging and what homeowners act on vs ignore. ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 Jamie Lane Airdna L…

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After the Applause: Real Takeaways from VRMA 2025 with Tim Rosolio, Ela Mezhiborsky, and Jessica Gillingham 53:53

2M ago53:53

53:53

Send us a message! VRMA International 2025 is in the books and if you were there, you probably felt it too: this year hit differently. More people, deeper conversations, and a sense that the vacation rental industry is entering a new chapter. But what actually stuck after the applause faded? In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Tim Rosolio, …

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What To Consider When Building A New Vacation Rental Website 40:34

2M ago40:34

40:34

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we break down the questions to ask when building a vacation rental website in 2025 and beyond. Scope, pricing, vendors to work with and a LOT more... ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 10…

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Chillin' with Dylan: How to Build a People-First Culture in a Competitive Vacation Rental Market 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie head to Florida’s scenic 30A to sit down with Dylan Bozarth, General Manager of 30A Escapes, for a real conversation about leadership, culture, and what it takes to build a team that truly lasts in the fast-paced vacation rental world. Dylan shares how his decade-long journey at 30A Escapes has shape…

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Finding Strength in the Ashes: Angie Leone’s Story of Resilience after the Lahaina Wildfires 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

Send us a message! When everything you’ve built disappears overnight, how do you begin again? In this episode, we sit down with Angela “Angie” Leone, founder of Coconut Condos in Maui, to share a story of loss, faith, and rebirth after the devastating Lahaina wildfires. Just days after finding a buyer for her thriving vacation rental company, Angie…

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The Four Part Process To Build A Guest Marketing Plan 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we come back and talk the four-part marketing for guest focused campaigns. Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings Website Facebook Page Instagram 🚀 …

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1st of the Month Bonus: Boom Founders Announce $12.7M Funding Raise, Plus Agentic AI for STR 52:12

2M ago52:12

52:12

Send us a message! Big news to kick off the month! 🚀 In this first-of-the-month bonus episode, Alex & Annie sit down with the Boom founders, Moran, Shahar, and Alon Goldboim, to talk about Boom’s recent $12.7 million funding round and what it means for the future of the short-term rental (STR) industry. The Goldboim brothers share how they built Bo…

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Is This The KEY To Getting More Bookings? 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we talk about the youth and how they are the strategy to getting more bookings by catering and designing your properties along with what Paul and Conrad look for when booking for their family. ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Cou…

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Turning Connection into Conversions: How Chalets Hygge Achieved 70% Direct Bookings with Kerri Gibson 55:07

2M ago55:07

55:07

Send us a message! In this episode, we’re joined by Kerri Gibson, CEO and Co-Founder of Chalets Hygge, a hospitality brand inspired by the Scandinavian idea of hygge — finding joy and contentment in life’s quieter moments. After years in the corporate tech world, Kerri took a much-needed step back to rediscover what truly mattered. That pause led h…

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VRMA 2025 Recap: The Hot Seat Session, Industry Trends & More! 45:37

3M ago45:37

45:37

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we recap the VRMA 2025 show! We talk all things about The Hot Seat Session, industry trends, marketing ideas and more... ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Book…

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Scaling with Soul: How Zzzing Uses AI to Keep Hospitality Human with Sab Mulligan 53:07

3M ago53:07

53:07

Send us a message! As hospitality companies race to scale, many face a difficult trade-off: grow fast or stay personal. But Zzzing, a leading hospitality brand based in Malta, is proving you can do both. In this episode, we’re joined by Sab Mulligan, Head of Teams at Zzzing, to explore how they’ve scaled rapidly by using AI not to replace the human…

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The Four Part Process To Build A Homeowner Marketing Plan 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we share our four-part framework to get a homeowner marketing plan in place. We discuss: Targeting Positioning Messaging Channels And how you can build a winning strategy in each area. ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mas…

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How Visual Storytelling Builds Stronger Vacation Rental Brands with Marissa Galle of Click Media 41:03

3M ago41:03

41:03

Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie are joined by Marissa Galle, founder of Click Media, to explore the real impact of photography, video, and social content on brand perception and booking behavior. Marissa shares how vacation rental operators can move beyond generic listings and start using visual storytelling to connect with guests,…

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The "Do's" and "Don'ts" Of Using AI With Your Vacation Rental Marketing 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

In this episode, we dive into AI at a deep level: how SHOULD you use it and NOT use it to market your vacation rental business? Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings Website Facebook Page In…

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When Scale Backfires: The Hidden Risks of Growing Too Fast with Ashley Ching of Inhaven 49:17

3M ago49:17

49:17

Send us a message! As the vacation rental industry matures, growth has become the holy grail for many property management companies. But what happens when scaling too fast starts doing more harm than good? In this episode, Ashley Ching, Founder & CEO of Inhaven, joins us to unpack her in-depth research on why many large property management companie…

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Replay: The Vacation Rental Marketing Fundamentals You Need To Have In Place 57:24

3M ago57:24

57:24

Note: this is a replay of an episode from last year! In this episode Conrad goes solo on this audio-only version of a LIVE training on "Building Your Vacation Rental Marketing Fundamentals". Want to get the video too? Tap the link below. Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Recording: Building Your Vacation Rental Marketing Fun…

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40 Years of VRMA: A New Chapter for the Industry with Anne Gardner 41:41

3M ago41:41

41:41

Send us a message! This year marks 40 years of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), a milestone that comes at a pivotal time for the industry. In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Anne Gardner, Executive Director of VRMA, to explore how the association is entering a new chapter of growth, engagement, and industry leadership. An…

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Jessica Gillingham Talks AI, Hybrid Hospitality, and What Comes Next 25:19

3M ago25:19

25:19

Jessica Gillingham—CEO of Abode Worldwide and author of “Tech-Enabled Hospitality”—joins us to map the real state of hospitality tech across short-term rentals, hotels, and multifamily. Drawing on interviews with 38 global leaders, she argues that technology’s job is simple: enable better hospitality. We dig into the mindset shift from “tech as cos…

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10 Things You Can Do To Sign More Vacation Rental Properties This Fall 33:03

3M ago33:03

33:03

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we dive into 10 actionable steps you can take now to get more homes for 2026! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings Website Facebook Page Instagram 🚀 Abou…

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The Danger of OTA Dependence: Building a Strong Direct Booking Strategy with Mark Simpson of Boostly 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Send us a message! When Airbnb changes its policies, the ripple effect can shake operators everywhere. For many, the problem is deeper than one policy update. Relying too heavily on a single platform leaves businesses vulnerable, and the cracks are starting to show. In this episode, Mark Simpson, CEO and founder of Boostly, shares why now is the ti…

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Revisiting Meta Ads vs Google Ads 41:38

4M ago41:38

41:38

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we revisit our chat on Meta Ads vs Google Ads: what we're using them now to get more bookings and more homeowners. ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings W…

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Preserving People, Culture, and Legacy: Inside Nocturne’s Acquisition Strategy with CEO, Scott Wiseman 48:32

4M ago48:32

48:32

Send us a message! What does it take to scale luxury vacation rentals while protecting the legacy of the brands that built them? In this episode, Alex & Annie welcome back Scott Wiseman, CEO of Nocturne Luxury Villas, for an inside look at how Nocturne approaches acquisitions in the luxury vacation rental space. Instead of treating acquisitions as …

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Can You Really Compete With Airbnb? Nope... 35:11

4M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we chat on Conrad's LinkedIn post "can you really compete with Airbnb" to talk strategy, marketing, goals, profits and a LOT more... NOTE: this was recorded BEFORE the Airbnb 15.5% price increase move -> non-PMS connected price increase for hosts. So we didn't mention that... ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Man…

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How Property Managers Can Offer Flexible Cancellations Without Losing Revenue – with Sasha Lawler of Roam 45:01

4M ago45:01

45:01

Send us a message! Flexible cancellation policies are no longer optional in today’s vacation rental market. Guests expect them, OTAs prioritize them, and competitors are already adapting. But for property managers, relaxed policies often feel like a direct threat to revenue and owner trust. In this episode, we talk with Sasha Lawler, CEO and Founde…

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How Are Direct Bookings Trending According To Industry Research Experts? 45:15

4M ago45:15

45:15

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we break down the Key Data Dashboard report on trends of market share by direct vs major OTAs, trends of marketing for direct bookings and a LOT more... ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing…

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How Xplorie Helps Elevate the Guest Experience Through Local Activities with Adrienne Clark & Caleb Yaryan 49:49

4M ago49:49

49:49

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Adrienne Clark (President & COO) and Caleb Yaryan (Chief Product Officer) of Xplorie, a trusted partner for vacation rental operators looking to enhance guest satisfaction while gaining a competitive edge. For nearly 30 years, Xplorie has been connecting lodging providers with local attract…

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1st of the Month Bonus: Annie’s Big Leap, Plus Tyann’s 2026 World Cup STR Plan 45:16

4M ago45:16

45:16

Send us a message! In this special first-of-the-month bonus episode, Alex & Annie sit down with a longtime friend and industry leader Tyann Marcink Hammond to talk about a timely and much-needed initiative to support host education. Tyann shares how she’s leading an effort to prepare short-term rental operators ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sta…

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Here's What Trust Building Is Needed In The Vacation Rental Industry 51:46

4M ago51:46

51:46

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we're talking all things TRUST and what stakeholders can do in the industry to build or destroy that trust. ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings Website …

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The Impact of Airbnb Policy Changes, with Dennis Schaal of Skift 45:47

4M ago45:47

45:47

Send us a message! Airbnb’s evolving policies have become one of the most pressing conversations in vacation rentals today - sparking questions, frustrations, and new realities for property managers across the industry. In this episode, Alex & Annie welcome Dennis Schaal, Founding Editor at Skift, to discuss what these changes mean for property man…

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Here's What To Look For When Selling Your Vacation Rental Business 34:14

5M ago34:14

34:14

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, we're inspired by the list from Xavier Helgesen on "what to look for when buying a business" and adapt it to the vacation rental industry. Full list credit: via Xavier Helgesen Owner operated businesses are super efficient. Owner does six jobs. You will probably spend more to professionalize. Only buy from…

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The Bossy Girl’s Guide to Thriving Through Self-Doubt with Michelle Marquis 54:36

5M ago54:36

54:36

Send us a message! What if imposter syndrome wasn’t a weakness, but a sign you’re growing? In this episode, Alex and Annie are joined by Michelle Marquis, founder of The Marquis Effect and now author of The Bossy Girl’s Guide to Leadership, which has just been released. Written for women navigating leadership and self-doubt, the book is part memoir…

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In Deep Shift: Navigating Change, Loss, and Business Growth with Valerie Gangas 33:45

5M ago33:45

33:45

Send us a message! This week, Alex & Annie sit down with Valerie Gangas, Founder & CEO of Juniper Holiday + Homes, for a conversation that blends business, design, and deep personal transformation. Valerie shares how Juniper began with a personal real estate portfolio and evolved into a thriving multi-market vacation rental management company opera…

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The MOST Important Question To Ask Before Investing In Growth (Part II) 43:33

5M ago43:33

43:33

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, the duo asks this question: what is the #1 thing holding my vacation rental company back from growth? Part II of this episode series. Go back 1 episode to find part I! ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation R…

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The MOST Important Question To Ask Before Investing In Growth (Part I) 41:05

5M ago41:05

41:05

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, the duo asks this question: what is the #1 thing holding my vacation rental company back from growth? ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101 🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings Website Facebo…

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The Cost of Progress in Vacation Rentals with John Suzuki 42:32

5M ago42:32

42:32

Send us a message! What did it take to bring vacation rentals into the mainstream and what did we lose along the way? In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we’re joined by industry veteran and Finding Better podcast host John Suzuki, who reflects on the emotional and operational toll of the tech transformation that re…

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Is Creating Content Even Worth It Anymore? A Debate 33:45

5M ago33:45

33:45

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, the guys DEBATE the content creation benefits. With AI overviews stealing a ton of your traffic, does it even make sense to take the crumbs of clicks that are left? ⭐️ Links & Show Notes Paul Manzey Conrad O'Connell Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rent…

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From Hunches to Hard Data: Why Asset Intelligence Matters When Buying STRs, with Paul Kromidas 43:08

5M ago43:08

43:08

Send us a message! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Paul Kromidas, Founder & CEO of Summer, to talk about the growing need for asset intelligence in short-term rental investing, and why gut feel is no longer enough when deciding which properties to buy. Paul shares his journey from building produ…