There comes a point in every property manager’s journey where they have to consider whether their chosen property management system is still the right fit.  For those who made a strong and well-researched choice early on, this may not be an issue, but for many, that tipping point arrives and needs to be addressed.

So, as we kick off SSTIR Crazy Month, we’re discussing a hot topic that's especially relevant for our fictional company, Stay Wise Rentals.  Over the next five weeks, we'll follow Stay Wise as they tackle various challenges and consider switching their PMS to boost efficiency and growth."

In this pivotal episode, I’m joined by David Angotti, Chief Evangelist at Guesty, who brings a wealth of knowledge about the evolution of property management systems. David’s expertise couldn’t come at a better time as we explore the critical role these systems play in scaling operations and enhancing profitability in the vacation rental industry. Today, we're setting the stage for a month-long exploration of how modern PMS can transform a business from surviving to thriving.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS595

Around this time last year, we had an idea that grew out of a LinkedIn post by Justin Ford. He had expressed his disappointment at the limited attention given to some topics at the 2023 VRMA conference and questioned how we could get more interest in the foundational elements of our business.

That was the spark for the first SSTIR Crazy month, and here we are now heading into year 2.  

In this episode, the co-founders of the Vacation Rental Formula Business School share what you’ll experience in this new and enhanced SSTIR Crazy 2025.

Joining your host Heather Bayer, is her son and business partner, Mike - both seasoned experts in the vacation rental industry. Together they bring their insights into the foundational aspects of running a successful vacation rental business - focusing on safety, sustainability, trust, insurance, and regulations. 

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS594

If you’ve ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in the vacation rental industry, you’re in for a treat.

Steve Trover has been a driving force in our industry for over 28 years, and through his company, Better Talent, he’s helped over 300 property managers refine their recruitment strategies and operations. But here’s where it gets exciting - Steve and his team are harnessing AI to transform everything from how job ads are crafted to how talent is optimized.

In this episode Heather and Steve explore how these innovations are not just streamlining operations, but also enhancing the guest and homeowner experience. It’s a conversation packed with insights, practical tips, and a glimpse into the future of AI in short-term rentals.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS593

Happy New Year! This special episode - our annual reflection on the last 12 months and a look at where we are going in 2025 - features none other than David Angotti. 

David’s been in the short-term rental world for years and has done it all - co-founding tech startups, building a successful property management company in the Smoky Mountains, and now serving as Chief Evangelist at Guesty. He’s also an incredible storyteller and someone who just gets the ins and outs of this business like few others. Having him on the show is always a treat, and I couldn’t think of a better way to set the tone for the year ahead.

In this episode, we take a look back at 2024 - what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we can carry forward. From evolving guest expectations to AI tools that can transform your business, David shares his perspective on what’s next for the vacation rental industry and how you can thrive in 2025.

• Evolving Guest Expectations: Insights into how guest expectations are shifting and what property managers can do to meet these rising standards.
• Technological Advancements: Discussion on the critical role of technology in shaping the operations and efficiency of vacation rental businesses.
• Regulatory Challenges: Overview of the regulatory landscape in 2024 and how it might affect the industry moving forward.
• Market Dynamics: Analysis of market trends, including occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADRs), and their implications for property managers.
• Actionable Strategies for 2025: David shares practical strategies to help property managers and hosts thrive in the coming year, considering the ongoing industry transformations.

• Adaptation to Market Changes: How to remain flexible and adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry to maintain competitiveness.
• Leveraging Technology: Ways to integrate and leverage new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Navigating Regulations: Strategies to effectively manage and adapt to new and existing regulations within the vacation rental sector.
• Understanding and Setting Guest Expectations: Tips on managing guest expectations to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
• Forecasting and Planning: How to use market data and trends from 2024 to better prepare for the opportunities and challenges of 2025.

Listeners can connect with David through his LinkedIn profile or explore further insights and resources at Guesty's website.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS592

2024 showed us that direct booking isn’t dead.  On the contrary, the appetite for building a strategy for independence from the OTAs is as strong as ever, if a little more challenging.  For it to be successful, there’s work involved, but for those with enthusiasm and commitment, it will be fulfilling in the long run.

Joining us in this episode is Nihal Salah, a marketing strategist with a knack for demystifying marketing strategies for businesses. With extensive experience in leveraging AI to streamline marketing efforts, Nihal offers practical insights into how vacation rental businesses can develop their niche marketing strategies into practical strengths. 

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS591

Is  Airbnb’s new co-hosting network a game-changer for property management, or a challenge for traditional operators? In this episode Heather is joined by the founder of Rental Scale-up and  Global Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs, Thibault Masson, to discuss the opportunities, threats and potential of Airbnb’s latest endeavours.

Thibault Masson  is a seasoned entrepreneur and thought leader in the short-term rental industry. With experience managing properties in Bali, Saint Barts, and now Venice, Thibault combines hands-on operational knowledge with strategic expertise. He offers unique insights into industry trends, regulatory challenges, and the evolution of property management practices, making him a trusted resource for property managers worldwide.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS590

1 in 36 children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which represents a significant increase from previous years with the prevalence of autism in the U.S. increasing by 312% since 2001.

While these are staggering statistics, they also represent an opportunity for vacation rental owners and managers to create the inclusive and safe spaces that families with autistic children need. And it doesn’t require a huge investment.

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Suzanne Hacker, the founder of Spectrum Friendly Vacations, shares her ideas on how vacation rental owners can make small yet meaningful changes to create accessible spaces for these families.

Suzanne Hacker is a vacation rental business coach and passionate advocate for inclusivity. She works with vacation rental hosts to design properties that accommodate families with autistic children. Drawing from her background in vacation rental management and her personal experiences, Suzanne offers practical advice on safety, sensory-friendly spaces, and effective marketing strategies to reach this growing niche.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS589

Is SEO dead in the short-term rental space?  According to experts, it remains a vital and evolving component of digital marketing strategies for vacation rental businesses in 2024 and beyond.  In this episode, host Heather Bayer sits down with Jill McGee from InterCoastal Net Designs (ICND) to discuss SEO strategies for vacation rental websites. Together, they explore how to optimize content, adapt to AI-driven search trends, and drive direct bookings through enhanced online visibility.

Jill is the Senior Digital Marketing Specialist at ICND, a web design and digital marketing platform for vacation rental businesses. With a strong background in content optimization, data analysis, and innovative marketing strategies, Jill helps property managers build powerful direct booking websites and compete effectively in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Her practical advice and deep industry insights make her a go-to resource for online growth in the vacation rental sector.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS588

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with her business partner and son, Mike Bayer, to explore The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Together, they discuss how these principles can be applied in vacation rental management to motivate, retain, and inspire team members.

Mike Bayer is the CEO and co-founder of the Vacation Rental Formula Business School, bringing his leadership experience from the British Army and the fire service into the short-term rental industry. With a passion for fostering strong teams and creating supportive workplaces, Mike has leveraged his expertise to help property management companies build thriving teams. His insights on workplace appreciation are drawn from both practical application and formal leadership coaching, making him an authority on creating positive work environments.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS587

Following an AHA moment at the VTSTRA Conference in Vermont in early November, where AI was mentioned in just about every presentation, this episode introduces Kate Stoermer from The CEO Host to discuss the practical uses of AI in vacation rental management, from simplifying workflows to optimizing guest experience.

Kate Stoermer, founder of The CEO Host, brings over two decades of business expertise and hands-on experience in short-term rental management to the conversation. With a background in healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, and as a founding member and President of the Michigan Short-Term Rental Alliance, Kate has been instrumental in guiding property owners through the challenges of managing and scaling short-term rental portfolios. Her consulting business focuses on empowering property managers and owners with innovative solutions, including the strategic use of AI to streamline processes and improve guest satisfaction.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS586