👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when an STR operator maintains a 4.99 average rating across three completely different markets and earns more than 1,000 five-star reviews from guests who consistently describe their stays as exceptional?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) sits down with Beth Palmer, co-owner of Northridge Escapes, to unpack the three-part formula behind her extraordinary guest experience results. Beth reveals how communication, quality, and amenities work together to create emotional resonance for guests and why feelings, not features, ultimately drive five-star ratings.Whether you manage a handful of listings or operate in multiple regions, this episode gives you a clear understanding of what truly moves guest satisfaction, how small decisions compound into consistent excellence, and why a hospitality mindset outperforms any checklist. Beth and Kaye also discuss the operational routines, standards, and thought processes behind maintaining 4.99-level experiences at scale.You will discover:• The three elements behind more than 1,000 five-star reviews• Why emotional experience drives ratings more than amenities• How proactive communication builds trust and reduces friction• Why high quality linens, beds, and household items shape guest perception• How consistent standards make multi market operations easier to run• How to create memorable moments that guests talk about for months• Where small upgrades deliver major returns in reviews and revenueKaye and Beth also explore how to set expectations effectively, the difference between clean and set when working with cleaners, and why large homes attract multi generational travel that boosts profitability. They break down the mindset shift that removes ego from difficult guest interactions and explain how personalization and small touches increase loyalty and repeat stays.💡 Topics Covered:• Guest experience, reviews, and hospitality standards• Communication strategy and pre-arrival touchpoints• Quality selection, stocking decisions, and home setup• Emotional design and unexpected details that create wow moments• Multi market operations, consistency, and delegation• Cleaner training, room setups, and step by step checklists🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnamFollow Northridge Escapes → https://www.northridgeescapes.comFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:airbnb, five star reviews, guest experience, hospitality, short term rentals, communication strategy, quality standards, STR operations, emotional design, cleaning checklists, property management, multi market hosting, guest satisfaction, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, vacation rentals, review strategy, hospitality mindset, STR growth, rating strategy, listing optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when pricing becomes the number two priority for operators, yet ADR is flat, demand is weakening, and most teams still do not have a real revenue management routine?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Jasper Ribbers unpack the newest KeyData trends report and reveal why most operators think they are performing well while still missing 20 to 30 percent in revenue. They break down why pricing tools alone are not enough, how operators get stuck in reactive tasks, and why expert revenue management is creating double digit gains even in down markets.Whether you operate 5 listings or 500, this episode gives you a clear understanding of why ADR is flat, how Airbnb suspensions are changing distribution strategies, and what mid sized operators are doing to prepare for 2026. Jasper and Kaye also discuss the impact of the upcoming World Cup, the rise in OTA diversification, and why pacing control is one of the most important skills in revenue management today.You will discover:• Why ADR is flat nationally and why real ADR is declining with inflation• How operators think they are optimized while missing major revenue opportunities• Why most pricing tool usage is reactive instead of strategic• How daily, weekly, and monthly pricing routines improve decision making• Why only a small percentage of operators understand pacing and its impact• How expert revenue managers unlock 15 to 25 percent gains in flat marketsJasper and Kaye also share what they see behind the scenes with mid sized operators, why many teams are stuck solving urgent issues instead of focusing on pricing, and how Airbnb suspensions and rating pressure are accelerating OTA diversification. They explain why the 2026 World Cup could create major demand spikes, what the December 5 team draw means for operators, and how to prepare for sudden changes in your market.💡 Topics Covered:• KeyData 2026 trends, ADR analysis, and demand shifts• Pricing strategy, pacing, and revenue management routines• Airbnb suspensions, rating pressure, and OTA diversification• Direct booking trends, stay length, and conversion behavior• Mid sized operator growth opportunities and industry optimism• World Cup 2026 demand forecasting and market preparation🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersFollow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnamFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:airbnb, adr, pricing strategy, revenue management, short term rentals, OTA strategy, pacing, demand trends, STR industry, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, property management, direct bookings, booking conversion, STR growth, world cup 2026, keydata report, portfolio performance, STR operators, pricing tools, vacation rentals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report Find out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when one of the largest, most celebrated short-term rental companies collapses overnight?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) break down the shocking downfall of Sonder, once valued at over $2B, operating 9,000 units across 40+ cities, and viewed as the blueprint for scaling an STR brand.They unpack what really led to Sonder’s bankruptcy, how the rental arbitrage model buckled under massive fixed costs, and why the company’s economics never worked at scale. Whether you operate 5 units or 500, this episode is a masterclass in avoiding the financial, operational, and strategic mistakes that took down one of the industry’s biggest players.You’ll discover: • Why rental arbitrage becomes dangerously fragile at scale • How fixed costs, liabilities, and rapid expansion eroded Sonder’s margins • Why chasing occupancy instead of profitability led to massive cash burn • How custom tech and PMS development slowed operations and added complexity • What operators must learn about single points of failure and platform dependency • Where the biggest opportunities now lie for STR CEOs after Sonder’s collapseEric and Kaye also reveal how the industry reacted behind the scenes, what former employees shared about internal challenges, and why this collapse is creating a sudden wave of opportunity, from talent acquisition to landlord negotiations to premium inventory hitting the market.💡 Topics Covered: • Sonder bankruptcy, short-term rental economics, and business model risk • Rental arbitrage vs. property management models • Profitability, cash flow discipline, and cost structure analysis • How operational spread destroys margin in the STR industry • Lessons for STR CEOs, founders, and operators scaling portfolios • Identifying and eliminating single points of failure in STR businesses🔗 Relevant Links: Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com Follow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/ Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/ Follow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:sonder, short-term rentals, rental arbitrage, STR risk, Airbnb business, profitability, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, real estate investing, STR operations, revenue management, portfolio scaling, hospitality economics, Airbnb host, property management, bankruptcy analysis, growth strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when your cancellation policy is working against your revenue instead of protecting it?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers breaks down the real impact of cancellation policies across VRBO and Booking.com and explains why hosts are leaving significant revenue on the table by using the wrong rules for the wrong seasons. This episode is the continuation of last week’s conversation about Airbnb policies and goes deeper into how each platform structures cancellations, how booking windows shape risk, and how small policy adjustments can dramatically improve your ADR and occupancy.Jasper unpacks why relying on a single, static policy for the entire year can be harmful, how different markets demand different rules, and why Booking.com’s flexible setup offers strategic advantages that most hosts don’t take advantage of.You’ll discover:• Why one cancellation policy for the entire year rarely makes sense• How booking windows should determine whether you go strict or flexible• The major differences between strict, firm, moderate, and relaxed VRBO policies• How Booking.com lets you build multiple policies and price them separately• Why offering both flexible and non-refundable rates boosts conversions• How choice overload can confuse guests and reduce bookings• A strategy to use flexible policies to gain early traction on new channels• When and why to align your policies across platforms• Why diversifying policies can help new listings grow faster• How cancellations affect your ability to rebook at similar ADRsJasper also explores how Airbnb will introduce dynamic cancellation policies in 2026, why blocking your summer calendar can protect you from expensive last-minute cancellations, and why Booking.com is gaining momentum in the US short-term rental market.💡 Topics Covered:• Cancellation strategies for revenue optimization• Booking windows and seasonal policy adjustments• VRBO cancellation tiers explained• Flexible vs non-refundable rate setup on Booking.com• Guest behavior and choice stress• Protecting ADR with the right refund windows• Channel diversification for STR operators• Onboarding strategies for new listings• Airbnb’s upcoming dynamic policies for 2026🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersFollow Freewyld Foundry → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:Short-term rentals, vacation rentals, cancellation policies, revenue management, booking windows, Booking.com strategies, VRBO cancellations, Airbnb update, STR host tips, non-refundable rates, flexible policies, ADR growth, occupancy strategy, channel diversification, dynamic pricing, STR profitability, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, Jasper Ribbers, hospitality strategy, maximizing revenue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What does a high-performing direct-booking setup look like when you’re tired of relying on OTAs and a weak booking engine?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) interviews Eli Pritykin, founder of Hudson Creative Studio and creator of HomeRunner, to dive into why most short-term rental operators are stuck building on “rented land” and how to reclaim control with a website that converts.They discuss the shift from listing-manager mindset to e-commerce mindset, reveal the three key elements of a website that drives direct bookings, and explore how structured data and AI search are changing discovery for properties.You’ll discover: • Why many booking engines fall short and trap you on someone else’s platform • How trust and user experience matter in the first 2–4 seconds of your site visit • What it means to build your brand as a “curated box of chocolates” so guests choose you instinctively • How friction in your booking flow silently destroys revenue • Why WordPress and HomeRunner offer real ownership, flexibility and scalability for direct bookings • How schema, structured data and emerging AI engines (AEO/GEO) will impact hosting in the near future💡 Topics Covered: • Direct booking strategy for short-term rentals • Trust psychology in user experience and conversion • Brand building vs commodity operations in STR • Booking flow optimization and UX design • Data strategy, schema markup and AI search in hospitality • WordPress websites vs PMS-built solutions🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Hudson Creative Studio → https://www.hudsoncreativestudio.comExplore HomeRunner → https://www.homerunner.ioFollow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Keywords:direct bookings, short-term rentals, STR website, branding, user experience, trust signals, conversion optimization, booking engine, WordPress, HomeRunner, structured data, schema, AI search, AEO, GEO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🔥 Get Your Free Revenue Management Report: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportIn this Rev Up Monday episode, Jasper dives deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of revenue management: cancellation policies. Learn why your strict cancellation policy might be costing you thousands in lost bookings and discover the optimal policy for your specific market and property type.Key Topics Covered:The Hidden Cost of Strict PoliciesWhy strict cancellation policies discourage early bookingsHow policies impact your booking window and revenueThe psychology behind guest booking decisions (44% of guests prioritize free cancellation)Breaking Down Every Airbnb PolicySuper Strict 30/60 (avoid)Firm: 30-day cancellation windowLimited: 14-day cancellation window (NEW)Moderate: 5-day cancellation windowFlexible: 24-hour cancellation windowMarket-Specific StrategiesShort booking window markets (like Miami): Go flexibleSeasonal markets (ski/beach): Consider firm for peak seasonStable mid-tier cities: Moderate or limited works bestLarge homes vs. small units: Different policies for different property sizesAdvanced TacticsUsing flexible policies to recover from bad reviewsTemporary policy changes to boost momentumThe "last man standing" strategy for 100% occupancy marketsBalancing protection vs. booking velocityAction Items:Check your current cancellation policy immediatelyReview your market's booking window patternsConsider loosening your policy if bookings are slowTest different policies for different property sizes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🔥 Get Your Free Revenue Management Report: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportIn this episode, Kaye and Eric celebrate Freewyld Foundry's first profitable quarter and reveal their unique approach to sharing success with their team. They discuss the three options for handling company profits and explain why they chose a profit-sharing bonus plan that incentivizes excellence while fostering a culture of ownership.Key Topics Covered:The Profit MilestoneAchieving the first profitable quarter after years of reinvestmentThe difference between revenue and actual profitWhy most entrepreneurs never see profit despite high revenueThree Options for ProfitReinvesting back into the businessOwners taking dividendsSharing with the team (the path Freewyld chose)The Bonus Plan StructureBased on tenure, performance KPIs, and seniority levelDesigned to attract and retain top revenue management talentFuture vision: allowing team members to invest bonuses into Freewyld real estate projectsBuilding Culture Through RitualsStarting every meeting with professional and personal winsImplementing "unreasonable hospitality" for B2B clientsCreating company-specific language (like "MIFA" - Make It F***ing Awesome)Communication & LeadershipLeading without ego in challenging conversationsApproaching problems as "us versus the problem"Over-communicating appreciation and celebrating client winsNotable Quotes:"We never really understand what profit is. We see top line revenue and we invest it, constantly keep growing the business.""By bringing the team members into the profit pool, it gives them a sense of ownership to what we're doing.""Culture is made up of rituals, emotional highlights, and how you communicate to each other."Connect with the Hosts:LinkedIn: Eric D. MoellerFollow Freewyld Foundry for more revenue management insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Want our team to run your pricing through World Cup ’26? Get a free revenue audit: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report The 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19, 2026) will send up to 6 million visitors across host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you operate in or near a host market, a smart strategy could turn June/July into a year’s worth of revenue.What we coverKey dates that move the market (including the group-stage draw on December 5, 2025)Host cities to watch (Vancouver, Seattle, SF Bay Area, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, plus Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey)Why fan zones and downtown corridors matter as much as stadiumsPricing philosophy when comps are thin (bias high, protect inventory, monitor pacing)Travel spillover to nearby destinations (Grand Canyon, Vegas, national parks, regional drives)Cultural touches that convert (e.g., bikes + orange swag for Dutch supporters)How to monitor market signals daily without losing your mindAction stepsRaise your June–July 2026 base rates now (2–10× your norm, depending on proximity + property quality).Block or minimum-stay protect high-demand nights until after the draw.Calendar alert: December 5, 2025 — release of group-stage draw → expect a booking rush within hours.Map your micro-locations: stadium, downtown, fan zones (municipal announcements), transit, watch-party districts.Daily scan post-draw: track competitor pricing, pick-ups, and event calendars; adjust pacing thresholds.Differentiate listings for specific fan bases (amenities, décor accents, transit guides, supporter-area tips).Widen your net: push content/SEO for “near [host city]” itineraries; capture spillover demand.Links & resourcesMatch info & schedule: fifa.comFree revenue audit (for $1M+ portfolios / ~15+ listings): freewyldfoundry.com/reportWork with usWant our team to run your pricing through World Cup ’26? Apply for a free revenue audit: freewyldfoundry.com/report Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What does real leadership look like when your STR company is growing faster than you can keep up?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) take you behind the scenes of what it takes to lead, scale, and sustain a high-growth short-term rental business, without losing your sanity or your team.They share how to evolve from attack mode to strategic leadership, how to build a strong culture of A-player talent, and what it really means to lead with humility and curiosity in a remote-first hospitality company.You’ll discover:• Why “pressure is a privilege” for fast-growing STR leaders• How to stop micromanaging and start empowering your team• The real difference between managing and leading• How to identify and elevate A-players in your organization• What it takes to build culture inside a remote STR team• How to have hard conversations without ego or conflictEric and Kaye also unpack the leadership shift from control to clarity, the role of overcommunication in scaling, and why defining culture early is the key to sustainable growth in hospitality.💡 Topics Covered:• Leadership in the short-term rental and hospitality industry• Building culture and alignment in remote STR teams• Servant leadership and the “humble and hungry” mindset• From operator to strategic CEO in STR growth• Leading through pressure, uncertainty, and rapid scaling🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Follow Freewyld → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:leadership, Airbnb, short-term rentals, team culture, property management, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, STR growth, scaling teams, servant leadership, conscious leadership, leadership mindset, vacation rentals, hospitality business, Airbnb host, remote leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What if you could finally make your low season perform like a pro’s high season?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (Co-Founder of Freewyld Foundry) shares the exact Low Season Strategy they use across 43 short-term rental portfolios to stay ahead of the market, protect visibility, and keep occupancy strong when everyone else slows down.The low season doesn’t have to drain your revenue. Jasper reveals how pacing, smart pricing, and proactive planning can help you maintain momentum on OTAs and build long-term growth even in your toughest months.You’ll discover:• Why low season performance determines your summer revenue potential• How to track your Market Penetration Index (MPI) and stay ahead of the curve• The right way to lower prices without hurting your high season ADR• How to use seasonal pricing profiles instead of slashing base rates• Why long-stay discounts can boost occupancy and visibility simultaneouslyJasper also explains why reacting late destroys algorithm traction, how to keep cleaners and maintenance teams busy during off months, and why momentum is the real currency of revenue management.💡 Topics Covered:• Pacing and MPI explained for low season success• Seasonal pricing profiles in Pricelabs, Wheelhouse, and Beyond• Length-of-stay discounts and snowbird opportunities• Maintaining OTA visibility and momentum year-round• Why low season planning starts months in advance🔗 Relevant Links:Join the Foundry community → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comGet your Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersKeywords:Airbnb, low season strategy, short-term rentals, Freewyld Foundry, revenue management, pacing, MPI, occupancy strategy, pricing optimization, property management, Airbnb growth, seasonal pricing, vacation rentals, host strategy, STR performance, Get Paid for Your Pad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when your local government suddenly changes short-term rental laws, cutting your guest capacity from 17 to 10 overnight?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld) and Kaye Putnam (Brand Strategist at Freewyld) share how Riverside County’s new short-term rental regulation forced a complete rethink of their operations, strategy, and brand growth plan.You’ll discover:• How a new Riverside occupancy cap instantly changed Freewyld’s business model• The exact mindset shift that turned frustration into expansion• Why regulation can be the best catalyst for brand and design innovation• How Eric plans to rezone Freewyld’s Idyllwild cabins into a full hotel project• The critical role of mentors, architects, and community when scaling STRs• How to stay profitable and compliant amid fast-changing STR lawsEric and Kaye also unpack what this means for the broader short-term rental industry, and why hosts must adapt their operations, brand story, and pricing models to survive the new wave of local regulation.💡 Topics Covered:• Riverside County’s new STR occupancy law• How to pivot when guest capacity drops• The difference between reaction and resilience in hospitality• Turning regulation into opportunity through brand strength• The future of STR zoning, compliance, and hospitality growth🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmoeller/Follow Freewyld → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:Riverside County, short-term rental law, STR regulation, occupancy cap, Airbnb, vacation rentals, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, short-term rental growth, hospitality brand, real estate development, zoning, hotel conversion, regulation strategy, Airbnb host, property management, STR pivot, compliance, hospitality innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when Airbnb quietly shifts 12.5% of your revenue overnight?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (Head of Revenue Management at Freewyld) and Miles Chew (Revenue Manager at Freewyld Foundry) break down Airbnb’s new 15.5% host fee, explain what it means for your payouts, and show you how to fix your pricing strategy before your margins vanish.You’ll discover:• The exact markup you need to stay revenue-neutral• How to adjust cleaning, pet, and resort fees to avoid losses• Why small miscalculations in PMS markups can quietly drain six figures• How this update affects management splits and owner payouts• The hidden ripple effect on guest pricing, demand, and taxesJasper and Miles also explain why Airbnb made this move, what it means for hosts globally, and how to keep your pricing consistent across OTA channels without sacrificing rate parity.💡 Topics Covered:• Airbnb’s 15.5% host fee breakdown• How to calculate the right markup using Freewyld’s tool• PMS limitations, rounding errors, and pricing precision• Adjusting management and cleaning fees to stay profitable• How to communicate these changes transparently to owners and guests🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/Follow Freewyld → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:Airbnb, Airbnb host, Airbnb fees, Airbnb update, short-term rentals, vacation rentals, revenue management, pricing strategy, property management, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, STR growth, Airbnb pricing, Airbnb markup, hospitality industry, profit optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) sits down with Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Jasper Ribbers (Head of Revenue Management) to break down what they discovered at VRMA Las Vegas 2025, including how they uncovered millions in missed profit during live Turbo Rev Revs.They reveal the surprising truth about pricing tools, why “set it and forget it” automation is quietly costing operators six figures a year, and how hands-on revenue strategy still beats AI every time.You’ll discover:How Freewyld’s 15-minute Turbo Rev Revs exposed $4.15M in missed revenueThe most common mistakes even experienced hosts make with pricing toolsJasper’s simple KPI framework to track and improve performance dailyWhy AI is trending everywhere but still not delivering real revenue impactThe critical difference between cheap management and high-impact strategyHow social content and brand storytelling are becoming essential to STR growthEric, Jasper, and Kaye also share the biggest takeaways from leading a packed Skills Lab at VRMA, the shift from “old-school vacation rentals” to modern STR operations, and why operators who review every single booking are the ones who win.💡 Topics Covered:Real-world proof of hidden revenue inside STR portfoliosThe gap between automation and true optimizationHow to evaluate if your pricing process is leaving money behindWhy AI tools aren’t enough without expert human oversightContent, community, and data as growth pillars for 2025🔗 Relevant Links:Apply for a Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Follow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/Keywords:short-term rentals, Airbnb revenue, hidden revenue, VRMA, revenue management, pricing strategy, Turbo Rev Revs, STR growth, dynamic pricing, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, hospitality leadership, property management, Airbnb optimization, AI in hospitality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What if you could sit inside Airbnb HQ and hear Brian Chesky reveal the company’s next big move?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) share everything they learned at Airbnb’s invite-only Host Summit, where top operators got a first look at the future of hospitality.Airbnb is officially entering a new era. The platform is doubling down on Pro Hosts, design-driven listings, and hospitality experiences that build trust. Eric breaks down what that means for you, why quality will now determine visibility and success, and how hosts can evolve from managing listings to leading true hospitality brands.You’ll discover:• What Airbnb’s “Pro Host” initiative really means for scaling operators• How quality, trust, and design impact ranking and bookings• The merchandising secrets that make listings convert faster• What Gen Z and Latino travelers expect from modern hosts• How global events like FIFA 2026 will shape future travel demandEric and Kaye also share how Airbnb is investing in tools, reps, and education to help Pro Hosts operate at a higher level, and why “heads in beds” is no longer enough to stand out.💡 Topics Covered:• Airbnb’s shift from listings to full hospitality experiences• How to build trust through storytelling and brand presence• Why “relentless hospitality” separates 4.6 hosts from 4.9+• How to design listings that inspire emotion and connection🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld → https://www.freewyld.coJoin the Foundry community → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Keywords:Airbnb, Pro Host, short-term rental, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, Airbnb host, quality hosting, Airbnb design, Brian Chesky, property management, STR growth, Airbnb 2025, travel trends, experiential travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What if the key to higher revenue, better reviews, and happier guests… had four paws?In this World Animal Day special of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (CEO and Co-Founder of Freewyld) sits down with his furry co-host Elvis, a five-year-old Pomeranian and self-proclaimed Airbnb expert. Together, they reveal why being pet-friendly isn’t just good hospitality, it’s smart business.Forget the idea that pets create problems. The truth? They create profits. Pet-friendly listings not only attract more bookings, but also earn better reviews, build guest loyalty, and perform better in competitive markets.You’ll discover:Why pet-friendly listings outperform standard Airbnbs in occupancy and review scoresThe psychology of pet owners and how it impacts guest behaviorHow to set fair pet fees and cleaning policies that actually workWhy drive-to markets benefit most from accepting petsSafety and design tips to make your space pet-ready without extra hassleJasper also shares his personal experience traveling with Elvis and the surprising data on how pets can increase your average booking lead time, reduce risk of parties, and boost your marketing reach through user-generated content.💡 Topics Covered: Pet-friendly Airbnb strategy Pricing and cleaning fee structure Host-to-guest relationship building Marketing to pet owners and families Revenue growth through niche positioning🔗 Relevant Links: Apply for a Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report Follow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/ Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comKeywords: pet-friendly Airbnb, short-term rental, STR revenue, Airbnb strategy, pet-friendly hosting, revenue management, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, Jasper Ribbers, vacation rental marketing, dynamic pricing, STR optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What separates a scalable short-term rental operator from one stuck in spreadsheets?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers sits down with Jonathan Sukhia, CEO and co-founder of Topkey, to reveal how leading hosts automate their STR finances, close their books faster, and recover thousands in missed owner charges.Forget the myth that bookkeeping is just about compliance. The truth? Financial clarity is a growth weapon. Operators who scale beyond 20, 50, or 100 units all have one thing in common: they systemize money movement before it breaks their business.You’ll discover:Why most STR hosts lose money without realizing itThe hidden financial blind spots killing profitabilityHow automation can cut bookkeeping time from weeks to daysThe difference between outsourcing vs. systemizing your financesReal examples of operators scaling faster with transparent accountingJonathan and Jasper also unpack how Topkey integrates PMS, QuickBooks, and banking tools into one dashboard, why trust accounting is simpler than you think, and how financial visibility empowers hosts to make smarter, faster decisions.💡 Topics Covered:The true cost of manual expense trackingHow to identify and recover unbilled owner chargesBuilding scalable financial workflows for STR companiesWhy automation is reshaping hospitality finance🔗 Relevant Links:Explore Topkey → https://www.topkey.ioFollow Jonathan Sukhia → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansukhiaFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersKeywords:short-term rental, STR finances, Airbnb hosts, property management, expense tracking, bookkeeping automation, trust accounting, Topkey, Jasper Ribbers, financial operations, vacation rental software, scaling STR businesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedPricing tools are powerful, but they don’t think for you.In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller and Kaye Putnam unpack where pricing tools stop, and where true revenue management begins for professional STR operators.You’ll hear why:Occupancy is misleading and MPI is the real metricPacing and booking windows reveal demand signals most hosts missFlexible minimum night stays can actually increase long bookingsStrict cancellation policies often hurt visibility and conversionPricing tools can’t replace human strategy and market insightMentioned in the episode:Freewyld Foundry (Revenue & Pricing Management service)VRMA Pricing Power Skills Lab & Turbo Revenue ReportsAirbnb pricing strategies, comp sets, and pacing tools📍 Subscribe to Get Paid For Your Pad and explore more resources at FreewyldFoundry.com.🎯 Keywords: Airbnb pricing, STR revenue management, pacing, MPI, booking windows, minimum nights, occupancy vs profitability, vacation rental strategy, Airbnb conversion, property management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What separates a million-dollar Airbnb host from everyone else?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) sits down with Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) to reveal the real mindset, systems, and revenue strategies behind top-performing STR operators.Forget the myth that a pricing tool alone can maximize your income. The truth? Automation is not optimization. The hosts that break the $1M+ mark know when to step out of the weeds, release control, and lean on experts.You’ll discover:Why ego quietly kills STR growth (and how to fix it)The common revenue blind spots in $1M+ portfoliosWhy “set it and forget it” pricing is leaving six figures behindHow growth-minded CEOs scale from 15 units to 100+Real proof points: Troy’s jump from $1M to $4M, and Sheboygan Vacation Rentals’ 30% lift without adding propertiesEric and Kaye also share why top CEOs value peace of mind as much as profit, and how to tell if you’re acting like a hectic host or a strategic leader.💡 Topics Covered:Invisible revenue opportunities most operators missHow to recognize when you’ve become the bottleneckPractical steps to delegate pricing and reclaim your timeWhy automation isn’t enough without daily, expert oversight🔗 Relevant Links:Apply for a Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Keywords:short-term rental, Airbnb revenue, dynamic pricing, revenue management, STR growth, hospitality leadership, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, property management, scaling Airbnb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get your free Revenue Report (hand-done by our team) → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedAirbnb-only is a risk. In this episode, we break down why Booking.com has become a must-have revenue channel for professional STR operators—and how to set it up so discounts work for you (not against you). We cover ratings (1–10 vs Airbnb’s binary), merchant payments, Genius/mobile promos, rate plans, markups, and how to keep owners calm when parity isn’t perfect.What you’ll learnWhy Booking.com’s 1–10 rating system cushions revenue impact from the occasional meh reviewHow the merchant model solves the old chargeback headacheThe Genius program: why hitting 3 reviews fast matters and how to unlock the badge-driven conversion liftMobile-only rates, preferred program, and visible promos that act like hotel-grade conversion boostersThe truth about price parity (and why a 15–25% Booking.com markup is a sane default)Onboarding playbook: the first 30–60 days to momentum without nuking your other channelsListing optimization: how to use the Property Page Score to hit 100% and earn visibilityQuick hits / TakeawaysAirbnb’s binary review culture can tank a listing with a few 4⭐ reviews; BDC’s 1–10 keeps you alive and converting.Use Genius + 10% mobile early to win visibility; once unlocked, apply a markup so discounts don’t undercut your floor.Expect imperfect parity—that’s normal on BDC. The game is markup + visible, conversion-driving discounts.Get to three reviews fast (follow up with guests; incentives ok) → unlock Genius → watch conversion rise.Treat BDC like a hotel channel: rate plans, visible offers, and merchandising matter more than on Airbnb.Links & resources👉 Free Revenue Report (for $1M+ STR portfolios): https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedVRMA Las Vegas — catch our 90-minute Pricing Power workshop & come say hi at booth #1118 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedLogo or host photo, what makes guests book on Airbnb?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller and Kaye Putnam unpack the branding dilemma every STR operator faces: should your Airbnb profile lead with a polished company logo or a personal host photo?You’ll hear why:A face builds instant trust and stronger guest connectionsLogos can help scale but sometimes reduce conversionConsistency in branding matters across multiple listingsChoosing wrong risks making your STR look like a commodityMentioned in the episode:Freewyld (Eric’s STR brand)Freewyld Foundry (Revenue & Pricing Management service)Airbnb profile branding strategies📍 Subscribe to Get Paid For Your Pad and explore more resources at FreewyldFoundry.com.🎯 Keywords:Airbnb profile, STR branding, host photo vs logo, guest trust, short-term rentals, Airbnb conversion, brand identity, direct bookings, vacation rental strategy, property management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Curtis Naugle
what's with all the 30 minutes of unrecorded data? it says it's supposed to be an hour long but it's only 30 minutes
Sujata Shyam
just have to day this podcast has the best intro/outro music. ever. :)