Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast

In this episode, Cody is joined by Nick Bonniksen, Director of Kiln St. George, to talk about the transformative power of sports, resilience, and the dynamic hospitality industry. Originally on the path to a professional baseball career, Nick’s journey took a sharp turn after sports injuries forced him to rethink his future. With no Plan B, Nick started at the front desk of a Marriott and quickly rose through the ranks, proving that determination can turn entry-level beginnings into something extraordinary.

After working in various roles—including Front Desk Manager, Sales Director, and even night auditor during the challenging COVID period—Nick continued to grow. His next move took him to Utah’s Best Vacation Rentals as Sales Director and eventually Regional Manager, where he doubled the company’s revenue. Recognized for his success, he was recruited back to Marriott as General Manager of Wyndgate St. George, where he led the location to a remarkable global ranking of #4 in just three years.

Now at Kiln, a thriving coworking community, Nick hopes to bolster the business ecosystem in Southern Utah. Cody and Nick discuss how his sports background shaped his leadership, how he tackled obstacles, and his goals for Kiln’s latest location in St. George. This episode is filled with insights on the value of perseverance and the rapid growth possible in the hospitality industry with the right mindset.

Connect w/Nick:
Website: https://kiln.com/communities/st-george/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bonniksen-37280b178/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbonniksen/
Email: [email protected]

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In this insightful episode, Cody sits down with John Bianchi, the Founder of STR Search, a data-driven mastermind behind over $70M in Airbnb investments across the country. John has successfully helped clients acquire more than 150 cash-flowing Airbnbs, all with a 100% success rate. When he's not analyzing data, John enjoys spending time with his newborn daughter.

This episode dives into the world of Airbnb investing, focusing on how to use data to make smarter decisions and avoid analysis paralysis. John explains how to forecast the annual revenue of potential Airbnb properties and offers tips on identifying the best Airbnb markets for your investment. He also breaks down how to determine which amenities will increase your revenue, and how to safeguard your Airbnb investment during a recession.

Additional topics include building a buy box for your next Airbnb, getting the most out of your investment, and the fundamentals of Airbnb data. John also reveals his “Airbnb Business Blueprint,” offering a step-by-step guide to starting your own Airbnb business from scratch.

Key questions John answers in this episode include:

• How to beat a looming recession with your Airbnb business?
• Why do most Airbnbs fail?
• What is the biggest mistake people make when getting into Airbnbs?
• How do you give back?

This episode is packed with actionable insights for both seasoned investors and those just getting started in the Airbnb space.

Connect w/John: 
Website: https://strsearch.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theairbnbdataguy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/584067645599343
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bianchi-245608a6/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHnwvtvqsfFG2S1d5x5B4HQ

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In this exciting episode, Cody is joined by a special guest, Will Rogers, founder of Dormi.io—a cutting-edge software designed to simplify vacation rental operations. Will shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, from purchasing a small cleaning company to expanding it nationwide, focusing on commercial and hospitality cleaning.

As Will's business grew, he realized a major gap in the hospitality industry: the need for a streamlined solution to manage operations. That’s where Dormi.io was born. Dormi.io focuses on optimizing vacation rental management, ensuring smooth operations and improved guest experiences. Will shares insights into how his hands-on experience in the cleaning industry led him to develop this innovative software, and how Dormi.io is making a difference for property owners and managers across the country.

In this episode, you’ll also get a glimpse into Will’s personal journey—from being a risk-taker and entrepreneur to building a seven-figure business and starting Dormi.io. He also discusses his faith, family, and the learning experiences that have shaped him as a leader and visionary in the hospitality industry.

Join us as Cody and Will dive deep into the challenges and rewards of growing a service business, the inspiration behind Dormi.io, and the future of hospitality operations.

Website: https://dormi.io/

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In this light and festive Halloween episode, Cody and Meagan are here to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and share some fun, creative ways to make the upcoming holiday season exciting for property owners and guests alike! As we transition into the full holiday season, it's time to start planning how to bring the holiday spirit to your property.

From decorating tips to creating themed experiences for your guests, Cody and Meagan discuss how small touches can make a big impact. Learn how you can transform your property into a cozy, festive getaway for the winter holidays by offering holiday promotions, special packages, and personalized guest experiences that make the season memorable.

In this episode, they also dive into strategies for engaging guests during the holidays—whether it’s through social media contests, seasonal food and drink offerings, or festive activities. These tips will not only help create a more enjoyable stay for your guests but will also enhance your property’s reputation and boost direct bookings as the year comes to an end.

Get ready to celebrate the holidays in style and make this holiday season the best yet for your property!

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In this episode of the Virtual GM Podcast, Cody and Meagan are excited to talk about one of their favorite properties hitting the market—The Canyons Collection! Located just on the outskirts of Zion National Park, The Canyons Collection offers a rare opportunity for investors and hoteliers looking to own a prime piece of hospitality real estate in one of the most iconic natural settings in the United States. With its strategic location and stunning views, this property is perfect for those looking to enter or expand in the boutique hospitality industry.

The Canyons Collection includes several beautifully designed properties, each offering unique experiences for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. The collection has a proven track record of high occupancy rates, strong guest reviews, and a solid foundation in the market. Cody and Meagan highlight the property’s exceptional value and why they believe it won’t stay on the market for long.

In this episode, the Vibrant Team shares the pitch deck for your review, along with the realtor's contact information. They also discuss what makes this property stand out, how it aligns with trends in hospitality, and why Zion National Park remains one of the top travel destinations for both domestic and international travelers.

If you're in the market for a stunning boutique property in a world-class location, this is your chance! Tune in to learn more about The Canyons Collection, and don't hesitate to reach out for more details.

Contact Info:
Breck Dockstader: 435-680-9891
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thecanyonscollection.com/
Listing Link & Pitch Deck: https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/The-Canyons-Portfolio-Sale/33435777/

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In this episode of the Virtual GM Podcast, Cody and Meagan dive into practical, do-it-yourself marketing tips that any property owner can implement—without breaking the bank! Whether you manage a small boutique hotel, a vacation rental, or a larger hospitality business, these simple yet effective strategies can help you boost your online presence and drive more bookings. And the best part? Many of these tactics are either free or very low cost.

Key DIY marketing tips include boosting ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to increase your property's visibility and reach. They also discuss how to use Google Smart Campaigns to target potential guests based on their search habits. One of the most exciting strategies is leveraging user-generated content—by inviting creators and influencers to your property, you can get authentic content that resonates with audiences and attracts new guests.

Cody and Meagan also emphasize the importance of writing regular blogs to improve your site's SEO, and they share how using tools like ChatGPT can help create that content quickly and efficiently. Don’t forget the power of email campaigns! Reaching out to past guests using tools like Flodesk or Mailchimp can keep your property top-of-mind for return visits and new referrals.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about these tools, don’t worry—the Vibrant Team is here to help! Reach out for expert advice or to get help setting up your marketing strategies for success.

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan share exciting news about one of their all-time favorite properties going up for sale—The Dwellings, located just outside Zion National Park. This stunning property offers an exceptional opportunity for those looking to invest in hospitality and real estate. Whether you’re an experienced hotelier or a first-time buyer, The Dwellings is a hidden gem with immense potential that won’t be on the market for long.

Nestled near one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., The Dwellings offers a unique stay experience with breathtaking views and top-tier amenities. Cody and Meagan discuss what makes this property so special and why it’s a dream investment for anyone passionate about hospitality or outdoor adventure. They’ve included a detailed pitch deck in the episode notes, as well as the realtor's contact information, to give potential buyers all the tools they need to act fast.

Don’t miss out on this rare chance to own a slice of paradise near Zion. Tune in to hear Cody and Meagan explain why The Dwellings stands out in the hospitality market and how you can get involved before it’s gone!

Check It Out for Yourself:
Pitch Deck:  https://issuu.com/theagencysg/docs/the_dwellings_pitch_deck_8.20.24
Listing: https://www.theagencyre.com/ldp-share/STG/24-253223&t=04.53.34.233514

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive deep into the crucial topic of financial management for hospitality businesses. They discuss how mastering your finances is key to transforming your business and ensuring long-term success. With over a decade of experience, the Vibrant team shares their best practices for smart budgeting and financial planning, providing actionable insights to help you stay on top of your business finances.

Cody walks listeners through his tried-and-true methods for setting up business banking, explaining how to create a financial system that works seamlessly. From establishing different accounts for expenses and savings to ensuring smooth cash flow, you'll learn how to organize your finances in a way that supports growth and stability. We also cover essential budgeting practices, such as setting up monthly expense tracking, projecting revenue accurately, and preparing for unexpected financial challenges.

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out in the hospitality industry, this episode offers practical tips on how to effectively manage your finances, from basic bookkeeping to long-term financial planning. Tune in to discover the strategies you need to elevate your financial game and make your business thrive.

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In this episode, we explore the importance of preparing your hospitality business for the upcoming 4th quarter, one of the busiest times of the year. Cody and Meagan dive into the essential steps for setting your promotions well in advance, including special pricing for key holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

We discuss how to strategically plan your pricing for both the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, ensuring your property is ready to capture holiday travelers and long-term bookings. You’ll learn tips on how to optimize your website to drive conversions by implementing a compelling call to action that encourages guests to book as soon as they land on your page.

Whether you're managing an independent hotel, a boutique property, or an Airbnb, this episode provides insights on boosting revenue, creating urgency, and setting your property up for success as the year comes to a close. Tune in to make sure your business is ready for the holiday rush!

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In this episode, we dive into Cody’s most recent experience at the BITAC Independent event, held at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. BITAC brings together top-level executives from independent properties across the country to discuss the future of hospitality. Cody shares key takeaways from the event, networking opportunities, and the innovative strategies being implemented by leaders in the independent hotel space. Don’t miss the insights from this incredible gathering of hospitality professionals!

Check out more about BITAC: BITAC Independent.

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