In this episode, we sit down with Wil Slickers - an industry legend who transformed a single podcast into Hospitality.FM, a full-fledged media company. Wil shares how he scaled his brand from a passion project into a thriving network of nearly 40 hospitality-focused podcasts.

Wil discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in building a media empire, from securing sponsorships to expanding into new content formats like video, book publishing, and event management. He also shares his insights on why podcasts alone aren’t enough - you need an entire content ecosystem to drive engagement, audience growth, and monetization.

Whether you're a hospitality professional, content creator, or entrepreneur looking to scale your brand, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on business growth, media strategy, and the future of hospitality content.

Key Topics Discussed:

1️⃣The importance of media in shaping the hospitality industry.

2️⃣How podcasting serves as a platform for industry education and networking.

3️⃣Monetization strategies for podcasters and media creators.

4️⃣ The shift from traditional hospitality marketing to digital-first strategies.

5️⃣ Wil’s personal journey and the lessons he’s learned in media entrepreneurship.

6️⃣ The future of industry conferences and the role of intimate, curated events.

7️⃣How Hospitality.FM is providing value to creators and listeners alike.

Connect with Wil:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/

Hospitality FM: https://hospitality.fm/

Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/ to learn more.

Get $50 credit and $0 onboarding fee when you sign up for Beyond, the leading dynamic pricing tool for vacation rentals: http://beyondpricing.info/alexandannie

#vacationrentals #hospitalitypodcast #hospitalitymarketing

In this special episode, Alex & Annie take you to the heart of the Track NEXT25 Conference, TravelNetSolutions' premier annual conference, held in the vibrant city of Nashville. This annual user conference brings together company representatives, executives, vendors, and customers for a blend of fun, fellowship, and educational sessions designed to maximize the value of Track software. 

Alex teamed up with Justin Panzer, VP of Marketing for TravelNet Solutions, to delve into what made this year’s conference a standout. They discuss the event's engaging format, which included inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, peer-led discussions, and insights into the latest industry innovations.

Alex & Annie also bring you exclusive conversations with industry experts, innovators, and property managers, offering insights into the latest trends, tech advancements, and strategies shaping the vacation rental industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

1️⃣ Michael Ohanian (VP of Product Management, Track) – The power of Track’s in-house Distribution Manager and how it's helping property managers optimize revenue in tough economic times.

2️⃣ Kelly McNeil (Senior Strategic Program Director, Track) – Breaking down Track’s Payments System, how it’s reducing processing fees, and making transactions seamless for property managers.

3️⃣ Lui King (Safely) & Ashley Ching (Inhaven) – A new partnership that’s innovating linen insurance to protect properties against guest-related damages.

4️⃣Rosita Hernandez (Product Manager, Track) – An exclusive look at Track’s Owner Portal revamp and mobile-first approach, improving transparency and communication for property managers and owners alike.

5️⃣ David Stephens (Lead Data Scientist, Track) – How AI and dynamic pricing are driving smarter revenue decisions in vacation rentals.

6️⃣ Daniel Leifield (Key Data) – The importance of real-time industry data and insights into what top-performing property managers are doing differently.

7️⃣Tim Schutts (VP of Sales, Track) – How Track is positioning itself to bridge the gap between vacation rentals and traditional hotels, catering to hybrid hospitality models.

Connect with our Guests:

Justin Panzer

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

Michael Ohanian

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ohanian/ 

Kelly McNeil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mcneil-18614886/ 

Rosita Hernandez

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

David Stephens

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stephens-bb54241b5/ 

Tim Schutts

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

Lui King & Safely

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lui-king/ 

Website: https://safely.com/

Ashley Ching & Inhaven

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-ching-7569a5240/ 

Website: https://inhaven.com/

Daniel Leifeld

LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-leifeld-87a31547/⁠

Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit⁠⁠https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/⁠ ⁠ to learn more.

Get $50 credit and $0 onboarding fee when you sign up for Beyond, the leading dynamic pricing tool for vacation rentals:⁠⁠http://beyondpricing.info/alexandannie

#TrackNEXT25 #VacationRentals #PropertyManagement

In this week’s episode, we sit down with two of the most influential voices in the short-term rental (STR) advocacy space - David Krauss, CEO & Founder of Rent Responsibly, and Alexa Nota, COO & Co-Founder.

With regulations and housing discussions at the forefront of industry challenges, Rent Responsibly is leading the charge in empowering hosts, owners, and managers to unite, educate, and advocate for fair policies. From community-building to data-driven insights, David and Alexa share how they’re working to close the information gap between policymakers and operators, ensuring that STR professionals have a seat at the table.

Key Topics Discussed:

1️⃣ Strengthening the STR community through advocacy and education.

2️⃣ Addressing policy misconceptions and affordability concerns.

3️⃣ Why hosts must engage in local and state policy discussions.

4️ Key findings from Rent Responsibly’s 130,000+ data points.

5️⃣ How state and local groups are organizing for policy impact.

6️⃣ Combating misinformation in STR regulations.

7️⃣ Why local hosts’ voices matter in regulatory decisions.

8️⃣ How hosts can partner with Chambers of Commerce & DMOs.

9️⃣ Debunking the idea that banning STRs solves housing issues.

🔟 Steps for STR owners and managers to advocate effectively.

Connect with David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-krauss/

Connect with Alexa:

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

Connect with Rent Responsibly:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rent-responsibly/

Website: https://www.rentresponsibly.org/ 

Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie 

Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/  to learn more.

#STRadvocacy #vacationrentalindustry #rentresponsibly

In this week’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Fred Boothby, CEO of Enjoy Unique Stays, to explore how he’s breaking the mold in the vacation rental industry. What started as a small side business has grown into a thriving portfolio of 140+ properties across multiple states, redefining what it means to create experiential stays that go beyond the ordinary.

Fred shares the bold strategies and innovations that have shaped his success, from crafting unique guest experiences to navigating the challenges of multi-market property management. He also dives into the hard lessons learned from industry risks like natural disasters, the power of branding and culture, and the role of technology in streamlining operations.

Whether you're a property manager, real estate investor, or hospitality enthusiast, this episode is packed with game-changing insights to help you stay ahead in an evolving industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

1️⃣ Fred’s journey to founding Enjoy Unique Stays

2️⃣ The importance of branding, culture, and team alignment in scaling a hospitality business.

3️⃣ Lessons from hurricane recovery and business resilience.

4️⃣ Fred’s hands-on experience with Streamline, Guesty, and Boom, and the role of technology in managing diverse properties

5️⃣ Why secondary and tertiary markets offer hidden opportunities

6️⃣ The rise of experiential stays in hospitality

Connect with Fred Boothby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-boothby-777096a/

Connect with Enjoy Unique Stays:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-stays-llc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_enjoyuniquestays_/?hl=en

Website: https://www.enjoyuniquestays.com/

Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie

Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/ to learn more.

#ExperientialStays #VacationRentals #HospitalityIndustry

In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we’re thrilled to welcome back Alex Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of CanMonkey. Alex joins us to share exciting updates on how his company has continued to revolutionize trash management for vacation rentals and beyond.

CanMonkey, which started as a bootstrap idea in 2018, now operates in 28 states and services over 5,000 properties across 350 cities. With innovative solutions, a gig-based workforce, and a deep understanding of industry challenges, Alex and his team are solving problems many didn’t even know had solutions.

This conversation dives deep into the evolution of CanMonkey from a simple service idea to a full-fledged logistical technology company. From their distinctive brand strategy to their ability to tackle city regulations and homeowner frustrations, Alex offers insights that are not just valuable for vacation rental operators but for any entrepreneur looking to scale a business.

Key Topics Discussed:

⚡ Can Monkey’s Origin and Growth

⚙ How Can Monkey Solves Trash Management Challenges

💡 The Role of Brand and Humor in CanMonkey’s Marketing

🤝 Navigating Regulations in Vacation Rentals

📌 The Gig Economy Workforce

💬 Expanding Services Beyond Trash Curb Management

🎯 Looking Ahead to 2025

⭐ Advice for Entrepreneurs

Connect with Alex:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-alexander-shapiro-74b47259/

Connect with CanMonkey:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canmonkeyinc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canmonkeyinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanMonkey

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCha6rByeYqvhNrTbA5fwUPg 

#WasteManagementSolutions

#VacationRentalTech

#PropertyManagementInnovation

It's a milestone moment for Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals as we celebrate our 200th episode together with some of the most brilliant and influential podcasters in the vacation rental industry. To make this occasion extra special, Amber Hurdle and Travis Wilburn take over hosting duties, flipping the script by putting Alex & Annie in the guest seats.

This episode is a tribute to the journey of not just Alex & Annie but the entire podcasting community that amplifies the voices of vacation rental professionals, pioneers, and enthusiasts.

Joining the celebration are some of the industry's key influencers: Sarah and T, Wil Slickers, Tom Goodwin, Amber Hurdle, and Travis Wilburn. Together, they represent a collective history of over 1,100 episodes and more than 6 million listeners. This lively and inspiring conversation delves into the trends shaping the vacation rental industry, the origins of some of your favorite podcasts, and the transformative power of podcasting on careers and lives.

Key Topics Discussed:

🥚 The Origins of Industry Podcasts

Connect with Sarah and T:

Sarah Bradford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bradford-032129b1/

Tim Cafferty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cafferty-479b974/

Connect with Travis Wilburn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-wilburn-03057410/

Connect with Wil Slickers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/

Connect with Tom Goodwin

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

Connect with Amber Hurdle

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

Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie

Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/ to learn more.

#AlexAndAnnieat200 #vacationrentals #podcasting

In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Terry Whyte, owner of Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals and a renowned expert in vacation rental technology and operations. As one of the leading voices in the vacation rental industry, Terry dives into the evolving landscape of vacation rental software, sharing his predictions and practical insights on what’s driving innovation in the field.

From the rise of "all-in-one" solutions to the growing dominance of CRM platforms, this episode sheds light on the tools and strategies reshaping how property managers operate and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Terry also shares his firsthand experiences navigating the challenges of hurricanes, offering valuable advice on resilience, recovery, and rebuilding trust with guests.

Whether you’re a property manager, tech enthusiast, or vacation rental professional, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you stay ahead in a dynamic industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

🍃 Managing Hurricane Recovery and Restoring Guest Confidence

💡 The Rise of All-In-One Solutions in Vacation Rental Tech

⚡ CRMs as the Backbone of Modern Property Management

🤖 AI and Automation’s Impact on Vacation Rentals

🧮 Trust Accounting and Its Growing Industry Importance

💻 Content Marketing Strategies for Direct Booking Success

🚪 The Growing Competition from All-Inclusive Resorts

🔮 Short- and Long-Term Predictions for Vacation Rentals

Connect with Terry:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-whyte-4540633b/

Website: https://annamariaislandbeachrentals.com/

Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/

#vacationrentals #propertymanagement #vacationrentaltech

Welcome to the first episode of the year! What better way to kick off 2025 than with our tradition of reflecting on the past year’s highlights and setting an inspiring tone for the year ahead.

In this episode, Alex & Annie revisit the most listened-to episodes of 2024, unveil their “Words of the Year” for 2025, and outline their bold goals and exciting plans for the months to come.

Whether you’re looking to reflect on your own journey, draw inspiration for the year ahead, or stay updated on the latest trends in vacation rentals, this episode is packed with valuable insights, actionable strategies, and the motivation you need to start your year strong.

Key Topics Discussed:

💭 Reflections on 2024

🎧 Top 5 Podcast Episodes 2024

✨ Alex & Annie’s Words of the Year 2025

⭐ Insights on Industry Trends

🔮 Future Podcast Plans

🤝 Gratitude and Mentorship

📍 Conference Plans for 2025

#vacationrentals #newyear2025 #goalsetting

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