In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets and host of For the Love of Gatlinburg Podcast.

Tom shares insights into his family-run vacation rental business in Gatlinburg, which has been a beloved destination for over 50 years. We dive into his journey of preserving the essence of Gatlinburg through his podcast and discuss how it celebrates the community's rich heritage and unique stories.

Tom also gives an update on Mountain Laurel Chalets, including the lessons learned from a recent business acquisition and how they’ve grown their portfolio while staying true to their brand’s values.

From creating meaningful guest experiences to forming deep community ties, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone in the vacation rental or hospitality industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

💭 The Vision for For the Love of Gatlinburg

✨ Mountain Laurel Chalets: A Family Legacy

🎯 Challenges and Insights from Acquiring Another Company

⭐ The Importance of Guest Experiences

⚡ Marketing and Branding Strategies

🤝 Community and Industry Collaboration

💡 The Role of Hospitality in Fostering Connection

📍 Future Goals and Inspirations

Connect with Tom Goodwin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/

Website: https://www.mtnlaurelchalets.com/

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.

Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

#VacationRentals #ShortTermRentals #Gatlinburg

In this special throwback episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Amber Hurdle, CEO and founder of Employer Brand Central. Originally aired around this time last year, this episode marks a pivotal moment for Alex & Annie as they navigated career transitions and personal growth. Amber’s wisdom, energy, and insights set the tone for what was to come, not just for the hosts, but for countless listeners.

Amber reflects on the importance of building strong personal and employer brands, overcoming self-doubt, and unlocking potential by “getting out of your own way.” With actionable advice and heartfelt stories, this episode will resonate with anyone standing at the edge of a new beginning or deep in the trenches of change.

Whether you’re rethinking your career, building your personal brand, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to guide you forward.

Key Topics Discussed:

🔨 Building Personal and Employer Brands

🗺 Navigating Career Transitions

🔥 Confidence and Personal Power

🧹 Cleaning Out Your “Friend Closet”

🤝 The Role of Authenticity

⭐ Leadership and Empowerment

💡 Reflections and Lessons Learned

Connect with Amber:

Website: https://www.employerbrandcentral.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle/

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.

Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

#PersonalBranding #EmployerBranding #CareerTransitions

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back John Hildebrand, founder of Hilde Homes and a leading advocate in the short-term rental industry. From his early days as a property manager to becoming a leading voice in vacation rental advocacy and education, John shares his inspiring journey with authenticity, humor, and valuable insights.

With firsthand experience navigating the challenges of hosting, John highlights the vital role of advocacy in driving positive change for operators, guests, and local governments. He discusses how grassroots efforts, statewide coalitions, and collaboration with groups like Rent Responsibly are helping to elevate the industry’s standards while fostering more balanced and fair regulations.

Key Topics Discussed:

🐣 The evolution and impact of Airbnb’s Co-Host Experience.

✨ Why diversifying your booking channels is critical for long-term success.

🍃 The critical role of advocacy in addressing regulatory challenges.

🙌 Building statewide coalitions to create sustainable solutions for hosts and communities.

📢 How small-scale operators can find their voice and make an impact.

🤝 John’s collaboration with Rent Responsibly to educate and empower hosts.

⭐ Bridging gaps between operators and local governments through open dialogue.

🔔 The importance of noise monitoring, safety measures, and compliance for professionalizing the industry.

Connect with John

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhildebrandphoto/

Website: https://hildehomes.com/

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.

Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

#vacationrentals #STRregulations #vacationrentaladvocacy

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Declan McGonigal, the dynamic owner-operator of My Beach Vacation Rentals, based in North Myrtle Beach. Declan’s story is one of grit, growth, and ingenuity, as he shares how he went from managing just two properties to overseeing a thriving portfolio of 70 vacation rentals in just a few years.

Declan opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way, from the early challenges of starting his business to the strategies that helped him scale successfully. He shares how realtor referrals and local meetups powered his growth, the role of technology in streamlining operations, and the importance of building a strong team.

Whether you’re a seasoned property manager or just starting out in the vacation rental industry, Declan’s journey offers invaluable insights and actionable advice.

Key Topics Discussed:

⚡ Transitioning from engineering to vacation rentals

📢 Using realtor referrals to grow a portfolio

🎯 Choosing and evolving a tech stack

🙌 Building and managing a strong team

💡 Benefits of community involvement with the Chamber of Commerce

📊 Plans for scaling to 250 properties

🎧 Insights from Declan’s podcast, STR Unlocked

Connect with Declan:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-mcgonigal/⁠

Website: ⁠https://mybeachrentals.com/⁠

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.

Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

#VacationRentals

#PropertyManagement

#BusinessGrowth

Register at https://vrdarm.com/registration/ and get $200 off when you use the promo code alexannieVIP

In this exciting episode, we are joined by the dynamic Amy Hinote, founder of the Vacation Rental Data and Revenue Management Conference (DARM). Amy shares her vision for DARM 2024, revealing exciting details about the venue, agenda, and the groundbreaking educational sessions planned for property managers and industry professionals.

Tune in to learn about innovative strategies for revenue and marketing integration, the role of AI in the evolving tech landscape, and how to master direct booking strategies for long-term growth.

Whether you're a seasoned attendee or new to DARM, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Key Topics Discussed:

🎯 The Vision for DARM 2024

⭐ Revolutionizing Revenue and Marketing Strategies

⚡ Tech Innovation and Challenges

📊 Industry Insights and Trends

💡 DARM’s Signature Battleground Competition

🤝 Building Connections and Community

Connect with Amy:

LinkedIn:

DARM Website:

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers. 

Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

#DARM #DARM2024 #VacationRentals

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Turk, founder of Tangy Management, a vacation rental management company known for its unique hotel-inspired approach to hospitality. With over 24 years of experience in luxury hotels, Steve brings a fresh perspective to the vacation rental industry, blending high standards from the hotel world with the flexibility of short-term rentals. Steve shares the story of how he shifted from a career in luxury hotels to founding Tangy Management, and the unique value his team brings to the vacation rental market.

Steve also discusses his journey as the host of Hospitality Mentor podcast, which he started as a way to connect with industry leaders and share insights about careers in hospitality. From this, he has grown a vibrant community and organized popular networking events. Steve opens up about the challenges of managing vacation rentals in competitive markets like Miami, adapting to market shifts, and the importance of building community among guests and property owners alike.

Key Topics Discussed:

🚪 Steve’s Background in Luxury Hotels

🐣 Founding Tangy Management

🎙 Launching The Hospitality Mentor Podcast

✨ Event Organizing and Community Building

⚡ Innovative Approaches to Guest Experience

💡 Expansion Plans & Market Challenges

Whether you're a seasoned property manager or just curious about the evolving landscape of vacation rentals, Steve's insights into the business and his innovative projects are sure to inspire.

Connect with Steve:

LinkedIn

Website

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers. 

Claim this offer here: ⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

#LuxuryVacationRentals #HospitalityStandards #BotiqueBrand

This week, we’re coming to you live from the heart of Florence, Italy, where Alex & Annie attended Scale Italia 2024! In this special on-the-ground episode, we bring you a dynamic mash-up of conversations with some of the most influential figures in the vacation rental and property management industries. Hear firsthand perspectives from Italy’s vibrant conference floor, where the future of global property management, tech trends, and regulatory changes in the short-term rental space were top of mind.

From unique regulatory hurdles in Italy to the latest advancements in AI and PMS technology, this episode captures the pulse of Europe’s growing vacation rental market. Join us as we sit down with conference organizers, tech innovators, and industry leaders to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing property managers worldwide.

Key Topics Discussed:

🏛 European Insights and Hospitality: Alex and Annie share their experiences at Scale Italia, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere, local hospitality, and the refreshing international focus of the event.

📜 Navigating Italian Regulations: Cristiana Carpini, CEO of Tara Home Consulting and Event Director for Scale Italia, discusses Italy’s complex regulatory landscape and her efforts in advocating for vacation rentals, particularly in regions like Florence that pose challenges to short-term rentals.

💻 Technology and AI Transformation: Alon Goldboim from Boom delves into the ways his company is leveraging AI to streamline operations for property managers, creating integrated ecosystems that replace fragmented systems.

🤝 Building Community and Sustainable Business Practices: Bob Garner from Envirorental shares his vision for sustainability in property management, stressing the business advantages of eco-friendly practices.

🎉 The Importance of Local Events in a Global Context: John An of Tech Tape and Marcus Rader from Hostaway emphasize the benefits of Scale Italia, which brings together local markets and international leaders to foster innovation and expansion.

Featured Guests:

Cristiana Carpini - CEO, Tara Home Consulting, and Event Director for Scale Italia

Richard Vaughton - Industry Expert, Member of the Board for Boom

Alon Goldboim - Founder & CTO, Boom

Marcus Rader - CEO, Hostaway

Deborah Labi - Founder, Have You Got

Bob Garner - Founder, Envirorental

John An - Founder, TechTape

#ScaleItalia2024 #EuropeanSTR #VacationRentals

In this special re-air of one of our most popular episodes, Alex & Annie brings together a powerhouse panel of industry experts, known as the OGs of the Panhandle. Our guests—James Olin, Steve Caron, Lino Maldonado, and Paul Wohlford—share invaluable insights from their decades-long journeys in the vacation rental industry, reflecting on where it all started, where it is now, and where it’s headed.

Episode Highlights:

The Early Days: Travel back with our panel as they recount the challenges and successes that marked their early years in vacation rentals. Hear the stories of navigating uncharted territory with passion, resilience, and a vision for the future.

The Industry Today: Explore how mergers, acquisitions, and new technologies are reshaping guest experiences and operations. Our experts discuss balancing innovation with the personal touch that defines hospitality and reveal the tech innovations that have made the biggest impact.

Looking Ahead: The conversation shifts to the future, delving into topics like potential industry standardization, the role of larger players, and the value of a boutique approach. Hear insights on how advocacy and regulatory involvement are shaping what’s next for vacation rentals.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Evolution of an Industry: Understand the milestones that have propelled the industry forward and the challenges in keeping pace with consumer and market changes.

📚 Collaboration and Community: With a focus on bridging the gap between legacy vacation rental companies and newer STR operators, the panel highlights the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and creating a strong sense of community.

Tune in for a chance to revisit this insightful episode packed with lessons, inspiration, and shared passion for the future of vacation rentals. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the show, this conversation is a must-hear!

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

Connect with Lino:

LinkedIn

Connect with Jim:

LinkedIn

Connect with Steve:

LinkedIn

In this special re-air of one of our most popular episodes, Alex & Annie revisit our insightful conversation with Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom’s remarkable journey in the vacation rental industry, from unexpected beginnings to building a brand rooted in community, continues to inspire.

Tom's Journey:

Discover how Tom's unexpected entry into the vacation rental world, through his wife's family-run business in Gatlinburg, evolved into a thriving venture. His initial 18-month commitment turned into an 11-year commitment, filled with challenges and triumphs.

Community and Branding:

Explore Tom's insights into the profound impact of community involvement and branding in the hospitality industry. Learn how his diverse background seamlessly translated into revitalizing the Mountain Laurel Chalets brand.

Looking to the Future:

Tom shares his excitement for the future, including the acquisition of a new business and plans for a local podcast. Stay tuned as he promises to keep us updated on his journey throughout the year.

Key Takeaways:

💪 Community Resilience: Witness how the Mountain Laurel Chalets community not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity, exemplified by the creation of the "Family First" program after the 2016 Gatlinburg fires.

🍀 Guest Experience Philosophy: Delve into Tom's philosophy on guest experiences and how it influences the company's reputation and customer loyalty.

🤝 Building Lasting Relationships: Uncover the significance of strong relationships with property owners, highlighted by the annual owner meetings that not only retain existing owners but attract new ones, creating a familial atmosphere within the business.

Join us in exploring more stories and insights from the vacation rental industry. Share your thoughts, subscribe, and stay engaged as we continue to learn that success is about more than just the properties we manage—it's about the relationships we build and the communities we serve.

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

Connect with Tom

LinkedIn

Website

Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners:

- Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers. 

Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠⁠

- Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal!

In this week’s episode, we welcome back Dennis Goedheid, founder and CEO of Casiola Vacation Homes. Dennis returns to share exciting updates on his company's growth, including the launch of a new franchise model. Since its inception, the franchise has rapidly expanded into key markets, including Aruba, where Casiola has seen tremendous success.

Dennis also dives into the challenges and opportunities in the vacation rental space, from navigating property management in international markets to the importance of local partnerships. He provides insight into Casiola’s unique franchise approach, which aims to create a global brand for vacation rentals, much like Marriott did for hotels.

The conversation touches on the critical issue of short-term rental regulations, with Dennis discussing his advocacy efforts in Florida and Aruba to ensure fair regulations that support both property managers and local communities.

Key Topics Discussed:

📃 Casiola Vacation Homes' growth and current portfolio

⭐ Launch and success of Casiola's franchise system

🗺 Expansion into Aruba and rapid growth in that market

💭 Importance of regulatory involvement in the vacation rental industry

📛 Florida's recent legislative challenges for short-term rentals

📢 Upcoming fundraiser at DARM to support fair regulations

🏝 Dennis's experience on Richard Branson's Necker Island

💡 Insights into Richard Branson's leadership style and business philosophy

📈 The challenges and opportunities in the vacation rental industry

🤝 Balancing profitability with social responsibility and legacy-building

Connect with Dennis:

LinkedIn

Website

#VacationRentalFranchise

#GlobalVacationRentals

#ShortTermRentalRegulations