Have you ever dreamed of leaving your 9-to-5 and building a thriving business in short-term rentals? In this episode, I’m joined by Denise Vaughn, a dynamic entrepreneur who made the bold leap from dental hygienist to short-term rental powerhouse. 

From avoiding costly mistakes to mastering guest satisfaction, Denise reveals the key strategies that set top-performing hosts apart. She breaks down how small but impactful changes—like fresh decor and a well-stocked inventory—can significantly boost bookings and revenue.

But it’s not just about properties—Denise dives into the power of team-building, sharing how she built a strong, cohesive team that aligns with her business values. Her insights on leadership and operations will transform how you approach property management and help you create a sustainable, profitable business.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, Denise’s journey and expertise will leave you inspired and equipped to elevate your short-term rental game. Tune in now to discover the game-changing strategies that can turn your rental properties into your most profitable venture!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[00:56] A short introduction about our guest Denise Vaughn and her transition from being a dental hygienist to a short-term rental investor

[05:53] Denise shares her experience as a dental hygienist with some celebrities

[07:06] What are the biggest mistakes that investors make when it comes to the upkeep of their property

[09:33] Denise discusses the differences in how men and women approach short-term rentals

[12:07] Denise’ recommendations for maintaining properties to ensure cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and prompt upkeep to prevent issues from impacting bookings or reviews

[16:27] The importance of a mix of owner involvement and structured checklists for regular property maintenance to ensure guest satisfaction and address wear and tear 

[22:28] The importance of sharing listing photos with cleaners and inspectors to ensure consistency and help track missing or misplaced items

[26:56] Denise shares a memorable experience where she walked into a property that was essentially a "grandma's house" and not at all ready for rental 

[29:36] Denise shares her tips that helped her when having tough conversations with owners but yet not burn bridges

[31:05] How Denise manages unrealistic expectations from investors 

[34:53] How Denise found success in hiring her ideal team members and emphasizes the importance of aligning with core values for long-term, sustainable working relationships

[38:17] The importance of placing team members in the right roles by assessing their strengths, interests, and growth

[39:48] What does “being the best leader for your team” mean to Denise

[41:32] How Denise develops her leadership skills and empowers herself and others alongside her husband

[45:54] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: denisevaughnconcierge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082129156466

Instagram: https://instagram.com/denisevaughnconcierge

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Dreaming of expanding your short-term rental portfolio overseas? In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Stoddart, a seasoned Airbnb host and real estate investor with over 13 years of experience. Nikki opens up about how she built a thriving portfolio of short-term rental properties across the U.S. and is now taking her business global with an exciting expansion into France. She shares the highs and lows of scaling her business, forming successful partnerships, and navigating the complexities of international real estate.

Nikki reveals her strategies for finding the right business partners, effectively delegating with her virtual assistant team, and discovering lucrative overseas markets like the French Alps. Plus, she dives into the real estate process and financing differences between France and the U.S., giving you insider tips on how to make it all work.

If you're ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level—or even across borders—this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to fuel your next big move! Tune in and get ready to think bigger and bolder with your investments!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[00:59] A short introduction about our guest Nikki Stoddart and how she started with short-term rental space

[03:13] Nikki shares how she discovered the potential of short-term rentals and scaled her business

[06:39] How Nikki screens her guests when renting out her own home on Airbnb

[07:47] Nikki shares how her real estate investment journey evolved, including expanding into new markets and adapting to regulatory changes

[12:24] Nikki talks about her experience with business partners and the importance of establishing clear, formal agreements from the start

[14:35] Nikki shares her process of building trust and comfort with her business partner

[16:59] The importance of partnering with someone who brings more than just financial resources to the table

[18:02] Nikki shares her journey of looking beyond the U.S. for new investment opportunities due to the saturated Airbnb market and high property prices post-pandemic

[20:39] Nikki describes her process of selecting a property in France to assess potential investment opportunities

[23:04] Nikki’s experience with finding and purchasing a property and the challenges of securing financing as an American in France

[26:05] The operational challenges that Nikki faced as her property management portfolio grew and how she navigated them

[27:31] The benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant to offload tasks that don't align with your strengths or passions.

[30:57] Nikki reflects on the challenges and learning curve she faced while learning to delegate effectively

[33:48] Nikki talks about how she learned from her past mistake of not thinking big enough and being too scared to grow

[36:26] Nikki and Stacey discuss the concept of worry and how it's often unproductive 

[38:10] Nikki talks about her daughters' interest in interior design, their career paths, and her advice to have passive income through real estate for financial freedom

[39:50] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-stoddart-6a01074/

Substack: https://substack.com/@nikkistoddart

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level? In this episode, I sit down with Christina McNaught, a successful real estate investor and Realtor, who has built an impressive portfolio of 21 properties, including 5 short-term rentals and 16 managed properties.

Christina shares her journey of transitioning from long-term to short-term rentals and how she and her husband achieved over $2.5 million in gross revenue in 2024. Get to know how the strategic backyard renovations became the game-changer, which drove their bookings and revenue through the roof.

We also peel back the curtains and learn how Christina and her team pulled off this transformation, from the planning stages to the results that exceeded expectations. Discover the key factors they considered when assessing properties and how their design choices elevated the guest experience.

Christina also reveals how she’s built a thriving local community of short-term rental enthusiasts through monthly meetups and the strategies she’s used to build a strong, effective team.

This episode is filled with actionable insights and strategies to help you grow your short-term rental business. Christina's journey and success story offer valuable takeaways for both newcomers and experienced operators looking to elevate their business!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[00:58] A short introduction about our guest Christina McNaught

[02:18] Christina’s transition journey from long-term to short-term rental space

[05:35] The challenges of scaling a short-term rental portfolio and the importance of systems, structure, and the right team to grow successfully

[07:04] What are the things that Christina is looking for to assess a property that could potentially fit within her portfolio

[13:30] Christina shares the process of building a backyard pickleball court and key considerations for execution

[16:42] Christina talks about the breakdown cost, contractors, and key considerations for installing a pickleball court

[19:58] How the backyard build-out led to a massive revenue boost, increased occupancy, and a near-instant return on investment

[22:41] Christina’s approach to vibrant interior design and the bold decision to use a neon green pickleball court

[25:41] Christina explains how she tailors her approach to clients, sharing insights on backyard builds while respecting their unique goals for co-hosting

[27:07] Christina explains how she uses floor plans and apps like Cubicasa to assess and convert spaces, turning a three-bedroom into a four-bedroom

[28:51] How Christina selects your contractors and what types of things she’s looking for in finding the right folks to help her

[31:45] Christina explains how her Meetup attracts a mix of property managers, investors, co-hosts, and real estate agents, and the importance of collaboration over competition

[34:42] How Christina and her husband manage their business operations with the help of VAs to handle day-to-day tasks

[38:07] Christina’s challenges of working with her husband in a shared office space, navigating different work schedules and communication styles

[40:14] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrissy.riddle.5

Email: [email protected]

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Are you ready to break through the barriers that have been holding you back, push past limitations, and step into the next best version of yourself? If so, you won’t want to miss this! Join me and my dear friend Karey Hall as we take you behind the scenes of the highly anticipated LIVE BIG Beach Retreat!

In this episode, we share powerful, transformative moments from our previous retreat that left attendees feeling recharged, empowered, and ready to conquer their dreams. Karey and I dive into how this unique retreat blends relaxation with growth, helping you break free from stress, gain clarity, and step into your true power.

Get an exclusive sneak peek into our luxurious new international retreat location, where stunning accommodations, curated workshops, and a supportive, inspiring community await you. This is an immersive and rejuvenating experience designed to help you achieve personal transformation.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur aiming to elevate your business or someone ready for profound personal growth, this retreat is the catalyst for your next big leap. If you’re ready to say “yes” to a life-changing adventure, tune in and discover how the LIVE BIG Beach Retreat (May 12-16, 2025) can help you unlock your potential and transform your life.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity. Let the LIVE BIG Beach Retreat be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:33] A short introduction to our guest, Karey Hall, and what excites her about the upcoming Live Big Beach Retreat compared to last year’s retreat

[07:35] I share my personal experience from a past vacation, highlighting the tranquil, disturbance-free atmosphere of the upcoming beach retreat

[08:41] Karey and I highlight the adult-only, romantic resort atmosphere, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing environment

[15:14] The retreat’s transformative power, where women support each other through personal growth and vulnerability, creating life-changing experiences

[19:56] The community-building aspect of the retreat, focusing on making everyone feel included and supported, especially for introverts

[25:45] We discuss how an introvert can feel more comfortable in a small group setting, avoiding the stress of forced networking

[30:39] How the retreat's detailed planning provides attendees with schedules free them from having to guess about logistics

[33:17] The value of having professional headshots taken during the retreat, emphasizing how it helps female business owners put their best foot forward

[39:28] We talk about giving away a diamond at the retreat as a symbolic gesture of the personal transformation and clarity attendees will experience during the retreat

[42:48] The Live Big Beach Retreat sign-up process, accommodation options, and how entrepreneurs from all industries can benefit

[48:51] What is my biggest mission with The Live Big Beach Retreat

[49:49] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: www.livebigwithstacey.com/events

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Ever felt like you were meant for more—but something (maybe even yourself) was holding you back? In this episode, I sit down with my rockstar team member and dear friend, Lauryn Summerley, to pull back the curtain on my brand-new book, LIVE BIG.

I’m sharing the game-changing mindset shifts that helped me go from feeling stuck to creating a life of massive impact and success. Spoiler alert: Living BIG isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming MORE. More confident. More fearless. More unapologetically YOU.

Inside this conversation, we’ll dive into:

If you're curious about the heart and story behind LIVE BIG, this episode is where I share it all

Hit play and start your journey to LIVING BIG right now!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:45] A short introduction about Lauryn Summerly 

[03:14] The personal experiences and challenges that inspired me to write my new book, LIVE BIG

[08:13] The meaning behind the title of LIVE BIG and how it reflects my journey

[10:42] My journey to living big, from overcoming self-image struggles to embracing unshakable confidence

[13:18] How a podcast inspired my mindset journey and helped me shift negative thought patterns

[17:27] How my mindset exercises have sharpened my intuition and how this has become essential for my decision-making process

[20:14] How LIVE BIG differs from other business and mindset books for women entrepreneurs and what sets it apart

[23:47] How LIVE BIG combines powerful mindset techniques with actionable tools for living a positive, intentional life

[27:13] The 90-Day Momentum Maker and how it complements the main content of LIVE BIG

[33:48] My vision for LIVE BIG and how it can empower women who feel stuck and recognize their own capability, beauty, and limitless potential

[37:05] The power of positivity and empathy and how embracing joy internally can transform ourselves and impact others

[39:52] My advice to women who are a bit hesitant to take that first step towards “Living Big”

[45:03] The plan to expand my impact and help a broader audience thrive

[46:37] A preview of Ignite Your Impact, a free 4-hour workshop on April 4, featuring business and mindset strategies, breakout sessions, and hot seat coaching

[49:21] My advice for anyone who is thinking of writing their own book

Let’s Connect!

Pre-Order the LIVE BIG Book: https://livebigwithstacey.com/book

Website: https://livebigwithstacey.com/

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

Ignite Your Impact: https://livebigwithstacey.com/ignite-your-impact/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Want to know how to make your short-term rental stand out in an increasingly competitive market? In this episode, I sit down with Brianna Amigo, an expert in short-term rental interior design, to uncover her proven strategies for creating spaces that not only attract guests but also drive more bookings.

Brianna takes us through her journey as both a short-term rental owner and a design professional, sharing how her personal experiences have shaped her unique design philosophy. She reveals how she uses in-depth market research to make informed decisions, ensuring that each property resonates with the right guests. You'll hear about her process for sourcing the perfect products, balancing design with budget, and her approach to creating interiors that leave a lasting impression.

If you're ready to elevate your short-term rental and deliver an unforgettable guest experience that keeps people coming back, Brianna’s insights will provide you with the tools to take your business to the next level.

Tune in to hear actionable strategies, expert design tips, and the key to turning your space into a guest magnet—perfect for anyone looking to enhance their rental and increase bookings!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:54] A short introduction about our guest Brianna Amigo and her journey becoming a short-term rentals designer specialist

[04:29] Brianna shares how she specialized in short-term rental design before purchasing her own rental property

[07:48] Brianna’s advice on managing the overwhelming amount of packaging when setting up a short-term rental

[09:01] How Brianna ensures accurate online product selection for short-term rental design when it comes to color and quality

[10:19] Brianna explains how research is crucial to creating a property that stands out in a saturated market

[13:17] Brianna discusses the time and effort required for someone to do their own market research if they want to design their property

[17:18] How Brianna transforms data insights into actionable design strategies for short-term rental properties

[20:04] Brianna talks about how she balances contrasting preferences when it comes to design between clients

[25:05] Brianna shares insights on budgeting for short-term rental design and managing differing opinions with varying expectations

[26:59] Brianna’s favorite sources for design materials and her approach to sourcing furniture for short-term rental properties

[30:51] Brianna highlights styling as an essential element in a kitchen design, emphasizing unique, personal touches that elevate the space

[33:49] Brianna emphasizes the importance of creating cozy and functional family spaces in short-term rental designs

[37:49] The importance of using data to inform outdoor space design when it comes to amenities that can drive bookings

[40:04] Brianna shares the importance of having a separate amenity budget to cover these larger investments in outdoor features

[41:18] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

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

Website: https://briannamicheleinteriors.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Ever wondered what it takes to scale and manage large vacation rentals successfully? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Herlein, a real estate investor who mastered the art of hosting large groups and turning big properties into thriving short-term rentals.

Kim shares the strategies that helped her expand her portfolio, from acquiring and designing properties that cater to large groups to optimizing operations for efficiency. She dives into the challenges of managing high-occupancy rentals, keeping guest experiences seamless, and ensuring top-tier cleanliness despite high turnover. Plus, she reveals her secrets to building a loyal customer base and staying ahead in the competitive vacation rental market.

If you're looking to scale your short-term rental business or break into large-group hosting, Kim’s insights will give you the tools and inspiration to take your rentals to the next level. Don’t miss this expert-packed conversation!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:18] A short introduction about our guest Kim Herrlein

[03:06] How Kim started in short-term rental industry and scaling her first property

[03:54] Kim shares the planning and renovation of expanding a four-bedroom house into 10 bedrooms

[05:19] Kim explains how personal experience and a prime Coachella location drove her investment decision

[06:24] How Kim gradually expanded a four-bedroom home to 10 to maximize its rental potential

[08:06] Kim shares how she expanded to 14 properties across five regions, adapting designs and learning how guest needs differ by location

[10:20] Kim highlights the importance of market timing to sell properties at their peak value

[13:25] Kim talks about new owners' unrealistic expectations, the evolution of property management, and using tech and VAs to stay ahead

[17:52] How Kim manages and overcomes the challenges of managing large vacation properties

[23:55] Kim talks about the challenges of turnovers for large vacation rental properties and maintaining cleaning standards

[27:04] What Kim looks for when hiring a host and the qualities and systems she values to ensure a great guest experience

[30:32] How Kim manages guest communications for large groups to ensure a seamless experience

[33:47] Kim talks about the challenges of securing repeat bookings for large-group vacation rentals

[37:00] Kim highlights the biggest lesson she has learned in hosting large groups of people

[39:29] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: https://purveyorsofleisure.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Curious about how to use a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate? This episode is a must-listen! I sat down with Sheila Dickinson, a former federal government employee who turned a chance encounter with short-term rentals into a thriving business across multiple states.

Sheila takes us through her incredible journey—from accidentally stepping into the vacation rental world to strategically using her self-directed IRA to grow her real estate portfolio. She shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the strategies that helped her succeed.

Get insights into her unique approach to property management, her passion for design, and the importance of building a strong community. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, Sheila’s story will equip you with the knowledge and motivation to scale your own short-term rental business.

Don't miss this insightful conversation—it just might change the way you think about real estate investing!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:46] A short introduction about our guest Sheila Dickinson and how she got started in the world of short-term rentals 

[06:25] Sheila’s growth path from two to nine short-term rentals using diverse financing strategies

[08:47] Sheila’s experience co-investing in real estate with her son and how it shaped his path into flipping properties

[12:29] Navigating real estate investing with Sheila’s husband and the challenges and rewards of working together as a couple

[15:48] Sheila’s insights on building a support network in the short-term rental community

[21:35] Sheila explains the self-directed IRA and the benefits and challenges of using it for real estate investments

[27:11] How Sheila educated herself on self-directed IRAs and real estate investing

[29:12] What are the biggest surprises Sheila encountered in growing her real estate portfolio

[34:30] How Sheila’s goals have changed over the years while growing her real estate portfolio

[39:42] Sheila’s favorite thing about having or being in short term-rental industry

[42:40] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

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

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

Website: https://escapesbysheila.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Have you dreamed of starting a short-term rental business but felt overwhelmed by local rules and restrictions? Get inspired by the story of one couple who refused to let city ordinances stop them from building their short-term rental business in a popular Texas destination.

In this episode, Trudy Cox shares how they faced challenges from vacation rental bans and how they convinced the city to pass an ordinance allowing vacation rentals, paving the way for their success.

Trudy gives us a look into their thoughtfully designed properties, sharing how she and her husband built and created their first three homes. She explains how they manage operations, attract guests, and maintain positive relationships with neighbors. Trudy also walks us through her daily operations, inspection process, and cleaning system, including how she effectively manages her cleaning team.

Whether you're an experienced investor or dreaming of your first short-term rental, this episode is filled with valuable insights on perseverance, strategy, and creativity. Listen now to learn how this couple overcame the odds and turned their dream into a thriving business!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:20] A short introduction about our guest Trudy Cox 

[02:48] What got Judy started in short-term rental space

[04:29] The biggest challenges that Judy faced doing ground up construction and how they’ve overcome them

[05:29] How Jessica and her husband tackled short-term rental regulations challenges in Arlington

[07:59] Trudy shares how her husband’s relentless efforts helped shape short-term rental regulations

[10:15] Trudy's husband's strategic research to influence short-term rental regulations

[13:20] Trudy talks about his  husband's ongoing involvement in city policy and advocacy for short-term rentals

[15:07] How Trudy and her husband built and designed their first three short-term rental homes

[19:59] How Trudy manages operations and drive traffic to their short-term rentals

[22:03] Trudy’'s positive experience with their neighbors and the beneficial impact of short-term rentals on the neighborhood

[23:44] Trudy talks about their day to day operations and her inspection process

[28:25] Trudy's cleaning process and how she manages her cleaning team

[32:20] Trudy’s advice for newcomers to the short-term rental space

[34:41] Overcoming doubts and challenges in the growth of a short-term rental business

[37:46] Navigating challenges in the building process, specifically related to hiring contractors

[40:20] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: arlingtonvacationrentals.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Ready to take control of your future and build a profitable business without owning property? Jessica Katz’s rental arbitrage story will leave you speechless!

After a crushing setback in her medical career, Jessica made the bold decision to reinvent her life. That’s when she discovered the game-changing power of rental arbitrage—and built a thriving short-term rental empire from the ground up.

In this episode, Jessica pulls back the curtain on her hustle, sharing how she secures properties, creates jaw-dropping spaces, and stacks up serious profits. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as she reveals how she faced 77 “no’s” before landing her first deal.

Jessica’s journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. She opens up about the gritty reality of working with apartment complexes, the critical importance of a backup plan, and the mindset shifts that transformed her business. Her resilience and passion are downright contagious. Don’t miss this insider’s look at how she built a 24-unit portfolio from scratch—and how you can walk away with a blueprint for success and the fire to level up your rental arbitrage game!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:03] An introduction about our guest Jessica Katz and how she discovered rental arbitrage

[11:13] How did Jessica manage stress and find stability during uncertainty

[17:51] Jessica’s rental arbitrage journey and how she overcame initial challenges

[23:29] What strategies did Jessica use to land her first arbitrage deal

[25:43] Jessica’s journey in landing her first arbitrage deal

[28:15] Jessica describes how she targeted apartment complexes as part of her arbitrage strategy

[30:03] Jessica’s take on apartment complexes versus for single family homes arbitrage

[34:24] Jessica’s approach to investing in upgrades and furniture for properties she doesn’t own

[37:22] How Jessica allocates budget for furnishing properties and ensures competitive edge

[40:17] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: https://jk2properties.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!