When it comes to growing a short-term rental business, many operators rely on online travel agencies (OTAs) or job boards. But Owen Johnson, took a different route through Direct Bookings.

In this episode of Booked Solid, Gil dives into Owen's unconventional approach to direct bookings, where the focus is on building systems and loyalty that don’t depend on third-party platforms. Owen shares his journey of growing a thriving remote team, mastering pricing automation, and crafting a seamless guest experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

🌐 Connect with Owen Johnson

📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠
📞 Phone: (425) 516-7928
📸 IG: ⁠@northwestpads⁠
🌐 Website: ⁠www.nwpads.com

When most people think about real estate agents, they picture the transaction — the showing, the contract, the close. But for Tyler Coon, it’s just the beginning.

On this episode of Booked Solid, Gil sits down with Tyler, founder of Savvy Realty, a nationwide real estate team laser-focused on helping investors buy (and succeed with) short-term rentals. What sets Tyler apart isn’t just his knowledge of STR markets or his deep portfolio of investor clients — it’s how he turns a real estate purchase into a launchpad for long-term profitability.

This conversation goes beyond the sale — into operations, trust-building, design strategy, and the critical role of direct bookings from day one.

🌐 Connect with Tyler Coon

• 📍 Savvy STR Agents on Facebook

• 📸 @savvy.realty on Instagram

• 👤 Tyler Coon on Facebook

• 📧 Email: [email protected]

In this week’s episode of Booked Solid Show, formerly Direct Booking Simplified, we sat down with Paul Anderson—also known as The Social Media Hotelier. Paul is a marketing strategist specializing in leveraging Instagram to drive direct bookings for short-term accommodation businesses.

As a retired guest house owner, international bestselling author, and expert in consumer psychology, Paul transforms complex marketing concepts into actionable strategies tailored for hosts. Known for his practical insights and engaging delivery (and yes—his now-iconic orange beanie), Paul helps hosts cut through the noise and turn lookers into bookers with ease.

Paul's journey—and his proven framework—offers a timely reminder: social media isn’t about going viral. It’s about showing up, consistently, for the guest you actually want to host.

Want to reach out or follow along with Paul’s latest content?

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 💬 WhatsApp: Chat with Paul
• 📸 Instagram: @thesocialmediahotelier
• 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/thesocialmediahotelier
• 🌐 Website: thesocialmediahotelier.com

And Oh, Before I forget - Paul is offering 30% off Instabooked exclusively for our listeners and subscribers.
🎁 Use code CRAFTED at checkout:
👉 thesocialmediahotelier.com/instabooked

In our latest Booked Solid podcast episode, we sat down with Zachary Humphrey, a registered nurse who turned his passion for real estate into a thriving short-term rental business. Zach isn’t just any investor—he’s built his portfolio from the ground up, balancing a demanding W2 job with his growing STR empire, and learning some hard but valuable lessons along the way.

From rental arbitrage to ground-up A-frame construction in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, Zach’s journey is packed with insights—especially when it comes to why direct bookings are the key to long-term success.

Follow Zach’s Journey

Stay up to date with Zach’s projects and investment journey:

• Instagram: @bluegrassrentalsofEKY

• YouTube: Zachary Humphrey

“If you’re expecting direct bookings to work overnight, you’ll be disappointed. But if you treat it like building a real business, you’ll see long-term success.”

Parker, a powerhouse in the short-term rental space. Not only does she self-manage 12 properties across Tennessee and Florida, generating over a million dollars in annual revenue, but she’s also a seasoned mortgage expert. As the founder of Wealth Builders Mortgage Group, she specializes in helping short-term rental investors navigate financing options to scale their portfolios.

This conversation dives deep into Parker’s unique approach to hosting, financing strategies, and her growing focus on direct bookings.

Follow Parker's Socials Here ⤵️

• Email
• Calendly
• Wealth Builders Mortgage
• Instagram
• Facebook

“Most people never let a goal become an obsession. They have an idea, it becomes a want, and when the first plan doesn’t work, they abandon it instead of adjusting the plan.”
Emanuele Pani, known as "E" in the short-term rental community, is the co-host of the STR Secrets Podcast and a coach specializing in co-hosting and boutique hotels. He shared how shifting his mindset allowed him to build a highly successful direct booking strategy. While many hosts rely on Airbnb and other OTAs, E emphasized that true financial freedom comes from owning your own booking channels. 
The key? Building long-term relationships and serving others first. 
His philosophy? Your mindset dictates your success, and achieving financial growth starts with internal transformation.

Follow E Here ⤵️

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Spotify

Madeleine Raiford is the founder of MHM Luxury Properties, a boutique short-term rental company that has scaled to seven figures while maintaining high profitability and time freedom. She also runs a mastermind community at MRH Education, helping hosts start and optimize their rental businesses. Before diving into short-term rentals, she was a COO in the high-security identification industry. Her experience in branding, operations, and hospitality has shaped her unique approach to direct bookings.

Madeleine shared even more strategies, from navigating local regulations to maximizing profitability. Don’t miss out this 51st episode special of Direct Booking Simplified, now rebranded to Booked Solid.

"Madeleine’s Elevate Your STR Workshop"

If you’re looking to increase profitability in your short-term rental business, Madeleine is hosting a live workshop and training from March 3rd to 6th at 11:00 AM -12:00 PM EST via Zoom.

The event is ticketed, with general admission including access to replays until the Sunday after, and VIP tickets granting 60 days of access to the recordings. Be ready to take your properties from surviving to thriving in your highly competitive market in just 4 days! 

Register Here: madeleineraifordholland.com/elevate 

Follow Madeleine Here ⤵️

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website

Mike is the co-founder of The Hideaways and Build Your Hideaway, where he specializes in helping hosts maximize revenue through unique short-term rental builds. With a background in digital marketing, Mike has scaled from 0 to 19 properties in just three years, mastering the art of market research, design differentiation, and direct bookings along the way.

In this episode of Direct Bookings Simplified, Mike shares his strategies for building a strong short-term rental business that isn’t solely reliant on OTAs like Airbnb. If you’re looking for practical insights on how to strengthen your direct booking pipeline, this one’s for you.

Follow Mike Here ⤵️

• Facebook
• Instagram
• E-mail
• Website
• Book an appointment

Heather Bayer is a pioneer in the short-term rental industry, with over two decades of experience. She founded and ran a successful property management company overseeing 200+ properties before selling it in 2022. Now a full-time coach, consultant, and educator, Heather shares her deep knowledge of vacation rental best practices through her platform, Vacation Rental Formula.

With a strong focus on trust, responsibility, and hospitality, she helps hosts and property managers refine their operations, improve guest experiences, and drive more direct bookings.

Follow Heather on heatherbayer.com &Instagram

On this episode of Direct Booking Simplified, we sat down with Jodie, the Founder of Hospitable Hosts - a multi author book. She is also a property manager originally from Australia who built a thriving short-term rental business in the UK—all while managing it remotely from the other side of the world. Jodie shared her journey, the challenges of scaling a direct booking business, and why hospitality should always come first.

Follow Jodie Here ⤵️