Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast

Most entrepreneurs focus on tactics — but the real breakthroughs happen internally first.In this episode, Stacey St. John breaks down how self-awareness, intuition, mindset, and values-driven leadership shape long-term success in business and life. From recognizing limiting beliefs to building aligned teams and managing energy, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level motivation.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or pulled in too many directions — this episode explains why and what to do about it.Inside this conversation:How intuition and body awareness guide better decisionsWhy identity drives action (and keeps people stuck)The difference between excitement and misalignmentHow to hire and lead based on values, not resumesPractical mindset tools to reset stress and overwhelmWhy self-image and internal stories affect performanceHow high performers accept feedback without ego00:00 – Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck (It’s Not Strategy)03:45 – Introducing Stacey & Why Mindset Drives Everything07:20 – Front Pocket vs Back Pocket Decisions Explained10:50 – Learning to Trust Intuition Without Second-Guessing14:30 – Energy, Stress, and Showing Up as a Leader on Bad Days18:10 – Building the Right Team: Values Over Skills22:40 – Why Misaligned Hires Quietly Kill Momentum27:05 – Identity Shifts Required to Reach the Next Level31:20 – Rewriting Internal Stories That Limit Growth35:50 – Integrating Mindset Work Into Daily Business LifeGuest Bio:Stacey St. John is a visionary real estate entrepreneur who is reshaping the short-term rental industry for women on Airbnb. She founded the Female Short-Term Rental Investors Facebook Group, The STR Sisterhood, and The Short-Term Rental Virtual Summit for Women. Stacey began her short-term rental journey on Airbnb in 2020; she quickly realized the industry’s potential and the opportunity to empower women through real estate investing to help them create successful, profitable “Airbnb businesses.” She has since built a 7-figure portfolio and left her corporate career to focus on her mission. Stacey is a strong advocate for women in business and is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive industry. She is a frequent speaker at short-term rental and Airbnb industry events and is a regular contributor to industry publications.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/stacey_st.john/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

AI isn’t a tool anymore — it’s infrastructure.In this episode, Chris and E sit down with Shahar Goldboim, founder of BOOM, to break down how AI is fundamentally changing short-term rental operations, exits, and scale.From selling a property management company to building tech that replaces broken workflows, this conversation dives deep into why fragmented tools are failing and why operators who don’t adapt will fall behind.Inside this episode:Why “tech-enabled” STR businesses still failThe biggest mistakes operators make when exitingWhy one company can’t do funds, PM, design, and tech wellHow AI eliminates 80% of guest communication (without killing hospitality)Why fragmented STR software stacks are breaking opsHow AI becomes the new infrastructure for scale00:00 – Why Solving Everything Breaks Most Tech-Enabled STR Companies03:05 – “Business as a Service” vs Traditional STR Software Stacks06:20 – From Operator to Platform Builder: Shahar’s Real Estate Path10:10 – Why Tech-Enabled PMs Fail Without Focus14:30 – The Hidden Cost of Fragmented PMS + Tools18:05 – Why AI Fails Without Full Operational Data22:40 – How AI Can Eliminate 80% of Guest Communication27:15 – The Real Bottleneck: Scaling Ops, Not Software32:10 – Why All-in-One STR Platforms Are the Future38:20 – The Direction of AI, Automation, and STR BusinessesGuest Bio:Shahar Goldboim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Boom, the world’s first Autonomous Property Management System (AiPMS)—a platform redefining how real estate assets are operated through AI. Before founding Boom, he built DesignedVR, a hospitality management company overseeing more than $150 million in assets. This extensive experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the intricate, day-to-day challenges property operators face.Throughout his career, Goldboim has been involved in hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate transactions as an investor and broker, and has deployed over $50 million in syndication funds. That deep operational and financial experience shaped his belief that the future of property management lies in automation, intelligence, and human-centered design.Today, Boom merges hospitality, real estate, and AI to help operators around the world manage smarter, scale faster, and unlock the full potential of their assets.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your STR isn’t underperforming by accident — it’s underperforming because of decisions.In this episode, Chris and E sit down with Mark Lumpkin from STR Cribs, the company behind 500+ STR setups, to break down the real reasons properties fail and what the best operators do differently.If you’re buying, designing, furnishing, or managing STRs — this is a masterclass in thinking like a pro instead of an amateur.Inside this episode:• The biggest mistakes investors make when buying or furnishing STRs• Why “more amenities” isn’t the answer — strategic amenities are• How to work with (and filter out) bad owners• The 80/20 rule for projects, clients, and portfolio performance• Why elite STR teams operate like “SEAL Team 6”• How culture, tension, and standards lead to scale• The future of STR Cribs and Mark’s next business movesGuest Bio:Mark Lumpkin helps investors set up highly profitable STRs all over the country.00:00 – How STR Cribs Started & Grew to 500+ Setups00:04:45 – Why High-Net-Worth Investors Still Make Rookie Mistakes00:09:10 – The Amenities Strategy That Actually Drives Bookings00:13:55 – Institutional Investors vs Mom-and-Pop Operators00:18:25 – The Problem With Owners Who Want to “Test It First”00:22:40 – The 80/20 Rule, Pumpkin Planning & Firing Bad Clients00:27:05 – Sniper vs Machine Gun: How to Focus Your Time as an Operator00:31:30 – The STR Cribs Hiring Philosophy: SEAL Team 600:36:15 – Creating a High-Performance Culture Through Healthy Tension00:41:50 – What’s Next for STR Cribs & Mark’s Personal VisionGuest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lumpkin-84b173142/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your business can’t outgrow the identity you’re stuck in.In this episode, Bernie Cesareo reveals the mindset and identity shifts that transformed his life, his confidence, and his STR businesses — from shrinking portfolios to scaling multiple companies with clarity and purpose.This episode breaks down the real reason most hosts stay stuck, how to think and act like a CEO, and the inner work required to grow a business that matches the life you want.Inside this episode:• The identity upgrade that changed Bernie’s life• How self-image controls your STR results• Why talking about your vision attracts the right people• The shift from operator → leader → CEO• How Bernie built multiple businesses by delegating• Why gratitude, belief, and clarity fuel massive growth00:01:12 – Bernie’s Big Mindset Shift: Stop Doing Everything Yourself00:04:07 – “Assume the Wish Fulfilled”: Rewriting Your Identity00:08:10 – Manifesting the Dream Jeep: Breaking 30 Years of Beliefs00:11:20 – Running Multiple STR Businesses Through Identity Upgrades00:14:36 – Lifestyle Freedom: Why Bernie Never Misses His Son’s Games00:17:00 – The Elder-Care Village Vision: Thinking Bigger Than STR00:20:12 – From Player to Coach to CEO: Letting Go of Control00:24:18 – Correcting Systems, Not People: Real Leadership00:28:55 – How Speaking Your Vision Attracts the Right Opportunities00:33:42 – Gratitude, Belief, and the Identity That Builds Your FutureGuest Bio:Bernie Cesareo and his wife Courtney started the company by turning a long-term rental in their hometown into a short-term rental and doing everything themselves from guest support to cleaning and maintenance. Happily surprised with the success and popularity of this property, they decided to turn this side hustle into a primary business. They loved providing quality accommodations and creating great value for their guests and felt they could do this on a larger scale. They started growing the business by becoming co-hosts for other property owners and have added team members to help make everything run smoothly. After several years, they have a team of 8 that manages anywhere from 20-40 properties.Guest Link:https://eaglestays.com/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The arbitrage era is cracking — fast. With Sonder filing bankruptcy and operators across the country getting crushed by fixed leases, the truth is clear: the STR model you choose determines whether you scale… or sink.In this episode, we break down why arbitrage is failing, what Sonder’s collapse teaches every host, and why co-hosting remains the most profitable, low-risk, scalable model in 2025 and beyond.Inside this episode: • Why arbitrage collapses under pressure • The hidden costs operators never calculate • Why co-hosting produces higher margins with lower risk • How boutique operators beat centralized “big brand” models • What the fastest-growing hosts are doing differently • The shift every STR operator must make in 2025Message me to get a free resource and see how the program could fit your goals.Click the link below:https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T034&utm_content=RESOURCE00:01:00 – The Real Cost of Arbitrage: Leases, Debt & Cash Burn00:02:30 – Why Arbitrage Margins Collapse in Today’s Market00:03:45 – Co-Hosting vs. Arbitrage: The Risk Difference00:05:10 – Arbitrage at Scale Becomes a Cash-Flow Death Trap00:06:15 – Real Examples of Small Operators Losing Money00:07:10 – The Tiny Margin of Error That Kills Arbitrage Deals00:08:30 – Why Co-Hosting Wins: Low CAC, High Lifetime Value00:10:20 – How Operators Are Scaling Co-Hosting With $0 Spend00:12:20 – Centralized vs. Local: Why Guest Experience Matters00:15:00 – Why Arbitrage Can’t Keep Up With Industry Changes00:17:00 – The Bankruptcy Wave: Small Operators Getting Hit00:18:30 – How to Pivot Out of Arbitrage Before It’s Too Late00:20:10 – What a Healthy Co-Hosting/PM Business Looks Like00:22:00 – No Get-Rich-Quick: The Reality of STR SuccessGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

In this episode, Chris and E sit down with the founder of Vintory to uncover the real reason PMs fail, what the top managers are doing differently, and how to build a predictable machine for owner acquisition.Whether you're starting with 5 doors or aiming for 500, Brooke breaks down the playbook that actually works.Inside this episode:• Why most PMs never break past 50–100 properties• The REAL reason owner acquisition is so difficult• Brooke’s formula for predictable PM growth• Why marketing is now non-negotiable for property managers• What the top PMs are doing differently• How the industry is shifting — and where the opportunity is00:02:11 – Brooke’s Story: How He Scaled to 500 Properties 00:06:34 – Why Most Property Managers Plateau at 50–100 Doors 00:09:58 – Owner Acquisition: The Hardest Part of PM Growth 00:13:22 – Why Homeowners Don’t Convert (And What They Really Want) 00:17:45 – The Data Behind Fast-Growing PM Companies 00:21:18 – Why Marketing Is No Longer Optional for PMs 00:25:40 – Building a Real Sales Pipeline for Property Management 00:30:12 – Brooke’s Predictable Growth Formula Explained 00:34:49 – Industry Shifts: Consolidation, Competition, and Opportunity 00:38:27 – The Future of PM Growth (And How to Win the Next Wave)Guest Bio:Brooke Pfautz is one of the industry's foremost experts in growing vacation rental inventory. He literally wrote the book on inventory growth – and it’s already a three-category Amazon bestseller. Brooke got his start in the industry in 2007 when he co-founded Vantage Resort Realty in Ocean City, MD, and took an idea on a napkin to more than 500 properties in just five years. After a successful exit, he went on to grow inventory for other major vacation rental brands as a Chief Business Development Officer in multiple destinations. Most recently, as an executive at a leading vacation rental software company, he saw first-hand through MasterMind groups that he launched and facilitated what worked and what didn’t for the 20 largest and most successful companies in the country. Today, Brooke leads Vintory, the first and only CRM & Sales and Marketing Automation Platform designed exclusively for Vacation Rental Managers to grow their inventory. At Vintory, a team of over 50 growth experts is laser-focused on one thing: helping VRMs hit or exceed their inventory growth goals.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/vintoryhq/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your STR business is worth more than you think—if you build it the right way.In this episode, we break down the difference between operators who burn out… and operators who build real companies that survive, scale, and eventually sell for life-changing money.We also cover the hard lessons from companies that grew too fast, collapsed, or went bankrupt—and how to avoid their mistakes.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why your STR business already has real enterprise value• What happens if everything lives in your head (and how to fix it)• The operational mistakes that bankrupted a fast-growing STR company• How to build systems that survive without you• What buyers REALLY look for in an STR business• The path to a 7–8 figure STR exitIf you want help building an STR business that actually runs without you — and is worth something one day — click the link below:https://go.strsecrets.com/podcast?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T033&utm_content=STRS00:01:41 - Sonder going bankrupt00:03:15 - talking about exits / long hold / vision00:05:09 - private equity, Blackstone, KKR, etc.00:06:47 - Vacasa, hyper-local focus, selling to PE00:08:47 - SOP playbook, fear of death, what happens if you’re gone00:10:20 - CEO role, brand, numbers, game plan00:12:00 - not as easy as it looks, 70% with PMs 20+ units00:13:19 - PE criteria, churn, “can somebody else run my business?”00:14:55 - Built to Sell, books, contracts, “you not being the system”Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The STR industry is shifting — and this episode marks the beginning of a new era.Recorded LIVE inside the brand-new Freedom Factory, Mike, E., Chris, and Reilly break down the mindset, seasons, strategy, and direction that will define the next 5 years of short-term rentals… and your future in it.• The story behind building the Freedom Factory• Mike’s “origin moment” and how it shaped everything• The dark seasons every entrepreneur must push through• Why property management will create more millionaires than arbitrage• The new PM roll-up and what it means for exits• How STR Secrets is evolving with 3 new shows & deeper curriculum00:01:41 – The Freedom Factory: How This All Started 00:04:52 – Mike’s Full Circle Moment at the Old Staples Desk 00:08:35 – The “Dark Seasons” of Entrepreneurship 00:12:48 – The Four Phases of Growth Every Operator Goes Through 00:16:55 – Chris’s Story: Going Broke to Buying His First STR 00:20:33 – Riley’s Risk: Payroll on a Credit Card & Buying His First Property 00:24:40 – The Identity Shift Needed to Enter Your Next Season 00:28:53 – Why Property Management Will Create More Millionaires 00:32:41 – The PM Roll-Up & Hotel Fund Vision 00:37:58 – The New Era of STR Secrets: Three Shows + Bigger Vision Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

AI isn’t the threat — it’s the opportunity most hosts are ignoring.In this episode, we walk through how top operators are using AI and automation to scale smarter, simplify operations, and outpace the competition.• How AI is transforming pricing, operations, and marketing• The biggest mistake hosts make when “trying” automation• Tools that save hours per week without losing the human touch• Why your business model must evolve in 2025• The new advantage: data-driven decision-makingGet the full AI Automation Playbook at strsecrets.com/ai00:00:18 – Why AI Is the Next Big Shift in STR 00:02:12 – What Hosts Get Wrong About Automation 00:05:09 – The Tools Replacing Busywork in STR Operations 00:08:47 – How AI Enhances the Guest Experience 00:11:38 – Dynamic Pricing and Predictive Data in Action 00:15:22 – Building Systems That Learn While You Scale 00:19:10 – How to Combine AI With a Human Team 00:23:38 – Avoiding the “Set It and Forget It” Trap 00:27:41 – The STR Playbook for 2025 and Beyond 00:30:52 – Final Take: Use AI Before It Uses You Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Your life is driven by one of two things: desire or fear.In this episode, we break down how to stop making decisions from lack, step into an identity-led mindset, and actually create the conditions for growth.• Desire vs. paradigm: the two voices in your head• How to make decisions from faith, not fear• The identity → behavior → reality chain• Why discipline is just choosing desire repeatedly• What to do when growth feels uncomfortable• How your environment can hold you back00:00:00 – Desire vs Fear: The Two Lenses00:00:12 – Paradigm = Fear and Lack00:01:44 – Choosing to Live From Desire00:03:08 – The Identity → Behavior → Reality Flow00:05:06 – Why Your Current Behavior Matches Your Identity00:06:49 – Discipline = Making Desire-Based Decisions00:08:05 – Asking: “Is This from Desire or Fear?”00:10:12 – Growth Requires Discomfort00:13:24 – Fear Speaks Louder Than Desire (At First)00:16:22 – Growth Is Continuous If You Keep Choosing ItGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

You can’t scale if you’re the cleaner, the guest texter, the bookkeeper, and the ops manager.This episode breaks down exactly when to hire, who to hire first, how to onboard them, and how to keep them executing so you can grow your STR business instead of babysitting it.• When it’s actually time to hire (not too early, not too late)• Who your first hire should be in an STR business• Sample VA schedule for guest communications• How to onboard using SOPs instead of winging it• What to pay and where to find VAs• The weekly meeting rhythm that keeps them accountableWant to Grab the Hiring and Onboarding Templates?Just click the link below and DM us "VA".Link: https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T031&utm_content=VA00:00:04 – When to Hire Your First Person00:00:29 – Signs You’re Doing a 40–60 Hour Week00:03:52 – Operator First or Sales First?00:10:07 – Sample STR VA Schedule (Guest Comms)00:10:24 – What to Pay and What They Do00:17:42 – Onboarding With SOPs, Not Vibes00:17:52 – Weekly Meetings and Task Lists00:18:56 – Growing Their Responsibilities Over Time00:28:03 – Where to Find VAs 00:28:43 – Use Our Hiring & Onboarding TemplatesGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

You didn’t start an STR business to be a full-time cleaner, guest texter, or firefighter.This episode breaks down how most hosts trap themselves in operations — and how to build systems that finally let you step out and scale up.• Why “hustle” kills long-term growth• The systems that keep your business running without you• How to delegate without losing control• Why buying back your time is your real ROI• A blueprint to turn chaos into clarityIf you’re tired of putting out fires and want your STR to finally run smoothly,go to strsecrets.com/ops00:00:12 – Why Every STR Needs an Operating System 00:04:28 – Automating Guest and Team Communication 00:08:17 – Tracking Operations Like a Real Business 00:11:45 – How to Build Repeatable Systems That Scale 00:15:33 – Managing 100+ Units Without Losing Control 00:19:58 – Training Teams to Operate Like Owners 00:24:40 – Optimizing Listings for Efficiency and ROI 00:29:25 – The Data Metrics Every Operator Should Track 00:33:54 – Using Tech and SOPs to Eliminate Chaos 00:38:42 – The Future of STR Businesses Runs on SystemsGuest Bio:Michael Dinwiddie is a real estate investor, Airbnb Superhost, and leader in hospitality operation who combines short-term rental management experience with a background in product marketing and customer experience design. As the founder of Togethere Vacation Rentals, Michael manages premium short-term rentals and boutique hotels across Washington State, helping owners increase profitability while creating meaningful guest experiences.He also built Hospitality HQ, an operating system and training platform that equips hosts and managers with the tools, automations, and processes needed to scale efficiently. Michael’s work bridges the gap between hospitality and technology—bringing professional systems to help scale the next generation of short-term rental entrepreneurs.Guest Link:instagram.com/michael.dinwiddie/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

The latest Airbnb updates are already shaking the market.From the new pricing structure to changes in visibility and payout logic, this episode breaks down what’s changed — and how hosts can respond before profits vanish.We cover:• Airbnb’s latest Q4 update and what it really means• Why “Buy Now, Pay Later” hurts your revenue• The 18% gap between guest and host payout• How the algorithm update affects your bookings• The steps to protect your listing performance right nowWant to track and protect your profits after the new Airbnb updates?Just click the link below and DM us "AIRBNB" to get the exact spreadsheet Reilly shared.https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T030&utm_content=AIRBNB00:01:14 – The “Buy Now, Pay Later” Effect on Host Payouts00:02:08 – Hidden Revenue Gaps in Airbnb’s Host Fee Changes00:04:42 – What the Data Says About Visibility and Bookings00:06:10 – How to Read and Use the Airbnb Spreadsheet00:08:55 – Revenue Management Tips for the New Update00:11:24 – Why Some Homeowners Will Lose More Than Others00:14:58 – Understanding PM Revenue and Homeowner Splits00:15:24 – Airbnb Host-Only Fee Changes Explained00:16:01 – Channel Fee Split: How Airbnb Is Changing Payments00:17:42 – The Real Fix: Adjusting Pricing to Protect Profit00:19:33 – Why Transparency and Strategy Now Matter More Than Ever00:21:14 – Recap: The Future of STR Hosting After These UpdatesGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Airbnb just rolled out updates that change everything for hosts.From hidden pricing shifts to the new “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature — this episode breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes and how it impacts your bottom line.• Airbnb’s latest update — and what it really means for hosts• The 18% pricing gap no one saw coming• Why “Buy Now, Pay Later” could destroy your cash flow• How to protect your listings from revenue loss• The survival strategy hosts need for 202500:02:15 – The Buy Now, Pay Later Trap 00:04:50 – Why Airbnb’s Update Is Dangerous for Hosts 00:06:30 – How Guest Cancellations Can Bankrupt Your Month 00:10:22 – The Real Impact of Airbnb’s Policy Changes 00:14:18 – Protecting Your Listings With Better Pricing Strategy 00:18:45 – Revenue Management: How to Fight Back 00:23:10 – Why Market Compression Is Crippling Small Hosts 00:27:40 – The STR Survival Plan for 2025 Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Everyone wants a piece of the global STR market — but most will lose money doing it.Fabio Moro reveals the brutal truths of running short-term rentals in Italy, and what it really takes to survive in a shifting STR landscape.• Why most foreign investors get crushed in Italy• The systems you must have to manage remotely• What happens when the STR gold rush slows down• How to protect your properties from market shifts• Lessons from building a sustainable business, not a gamble00:01:11 – How Fabio Started Investing in Italy From Abroad00:03:45 – Finding and Trusting the Right Local Partners00:06:20 – Turning Old Properties Into Luxury Short-Term Rentals00:09:42 – Why Italy Is a Hidden Gem for STR Investing00:12:55 – The Real Costs of Renovating in a Foreign Market00:16:28 – Remote Management Systems That Actually Work00:20:12 – Designing Guest Experiences That Command Higher Rates00:23:40 – Due Diligence and Financial Discipline in STR Investing00:28:10 – Scaling With Intent: Quality Over Quantity00:32:02 – The End Goal: Freedom, Culture, and Sustainable GrowthGuest Bio:Formerly a Partner at a major commodity trading firm with ventures spanning the US and Asia, Fabio now channels his international experience into developing distinctive villas and hospitality projects in Italy, guided by a vision of understated luxury, design and local authenticityGuest Link:casaroverella.itpalazzosanvito.itGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Sief Khafagi didn’t just build a business—he built a standard.In this episode, he reveals how leadership, culture, and vision turned TechVestor into one of the most respected brands in STR investing.• How leadership shapes the future of the STR industry• Building a culture that scales with integrity and precision• Setting new standards for quality and operations• Why great teams outperform any market cycle• The mindset shift every STR leader needs to make00:03:22 – The Real Problem: Bad Operators Drag the Industry Down00:07:40 – Leadership and Vision: Believing Before Anyone Else Does00:11:56 – Building High-Trust Teams That Scale00:15:38 – Culture Over Everything: The Real Competitive Advantage00:20:25 – Systems That Outlast the Founder00:25:44 – The Truth About Scaling: Leadership vs. Management00:30:57 – How TechVestor Blends Tech and Real Estate to Win00:35:46 – The Future of STR Leadership and Industry Standards00:40:38 – Legacy Leadership: Culture, Vision, and Setting the Bar HigherGuest Bio:Sief Khafagi is an ex-techie turned real estate investor who has helped thousands diversify into real estate. Today, he’s the founder of Techvestor, one of the first institutional-grade and backed STR portfolios. With their vertically integrated advantages across acquisitions, renovation, design, management, and more, Techvestor is the leader in short-term rentals as an asset class. Backed by in-house technology, one of the deepest talent benches in the industry, and most recently, institutional backing, they're on a path to 500+ owned STRs over the coming years.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/siefkhafagi/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Most Airbnb listings are costing hosts thousands—because they’re built wrong.In this breakdown, we show you exactly how to rebuild your listing from the ground up to rank higher, convert faster, and stand out in a crowded market.• The step-by-step to create a perfect, profit-ready listing• The mistakes 90% of hosts make in titles and descriptions• How to fix your visuals and brand in minutes• What data says about click-through and conversions• The system top hosts use to stay booked year-roundWant to make your Listing Perfect? Grab the FREE Guide.Click the link below and DM us "OPTIMIZE"https://ig.me/m/mike.sjogren?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T029&utm_content=OPTIMIZE00:00:56 – Creating the Perfect Listing: What Goes Into It00:03:39 – The Listing Description Framework (Step-by-Step)00:05:34 – Lifestyle Photos That Drive Bookings00:09:16 – Photo Strategy: Location, Amenities, Experience00:13:24 – Use Captions to Boost Click-Through Rate00:14:24 – The Big Description Mistake: Paragraphs vs Bullets00:21:44 – Are You Actually Optimized? The Search-to-Listing Check00:24:03 – KPIs to Optimize Your Listing (Property Refresh Cadence)00:25:30 – Test Photos for Higher Conversions & CTR00:26:57 – Build Your Direct-Booking Brand (After You Dominate Airbnb)Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/

Airbnb’s shifting fee structure is shaking hosts, but the real issue goes deeper—pricing psychology, guest behavior, and knowing your market.In this episode, Thibault shares actionable strategies that hosts can use to protect margins, win more bookings, and scale smarter.• Why Airbnb’s new fee model has hosts freaking out• How to price for what guests see (not what you keep)• Tools like PriceLabs—and why they’re useless without context• How European vs. U.S. guests think about fees differently• When to simplify pricing and present “one clean price”• The principles of occupancy, demand, and market alignment00:05:12 – 3 Pricing Foundations Every Host Must Know00:07:02 – Why Hosts Are Freaking Out About Airbnb Fees00:08:22 – The Real Reason Airbnb Changed Its Fees00:09:15 – The Only Price That Matters to Guests00:10:24 – Why “One Clean Price” Converts Better00:11:50 – Airbnb vs. Vrbo vs. Booking.com Costs Compared00:12:09 – How Airbnb Went From Host-Friendly to Guest-First00:24:50 – Are More Bookings Always Better?00:25:04 – AI + Pricing Strategy: Where the Future Is Headed00:25:22 – Who Owns Mistakes—You or the Machine?Guest Bio:Thibault Masson is the Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs. His short-term rental journey started as a villa owner in Bali and St. Barts, which gave him firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges of hosting. That passion for hospitality later brought him to Booking.com, where he worked on vacation rental strategy at a global scale, and inspired him to launch Rental Scale-Up as a platform for industry knowledge-sharing. Today at PriceLabs, Thibault brings together his experience as a host, tech marketer, and industry advocate to help property managers worldwide grow through smarter pricing and revenue management.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibaultmassonGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/

In this episode, Mike Reilly breaks down exactly how he closed a co-hosting deal in just 13 days—from the first call to signing the contract. He shares the sales process, the assets he used, and even gives away the templates that sealed the deal.• How to pitch revenue expectations with confidence• The $10K guarantee that beat out competitors• Proposal + deal analyzer templates revealed• How to handle homeowners on the phone• Closing tactics to avoid being ghosted• The 13-day timeline broken down step by stepWant the ACTUAL Step by Step Training? Just click the link below.https://go.strsecrets.com/watch-strs-vacasa?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Captivate&utm_campaign=T028&utm_content=StepByStep2

What separates the STR hosts who burn out from those who thrive?In this episode, Matt shares his hard-earned lessons on revenue management, scaling, and the mindset shifts that set top operators apart.• The truth about revenue management: when to DIY vs. hire• How beginners can scale from 1–2 units to many• Success traits Matt has seen across hundreds of operators• Why your calendar is the foundation of business success• The mindset shift: “If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help others”• How to design life first, then build STR around it00:02 – DIY Revenue Management: Matt’s 3 Best Tips14:11 – Success Traits vs. Failure Traits15:29 – The Power of a Strong WHY18:29 – Calendar & Life Buckets for STR Success19:08 – If You Can’t Help Yourself, You Can’t Help Others20:52 – Designing Life First, Then BusinessGuest Bio:Matthew McDonald is a short-term rentals and hotels investor and coach.Guest Link:matt.mcdonald@strsecrets.comGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:http://group.strsecrets.com/