The Accommodation Show - Hospitality Success Series!

Is your AI just a toy, or is it a business asset?In this episode of Automate It, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh, a retired healthcare professional who built a luxury STR brand using advanced automation.We dive deep into why the PDF lead magnet is dead (and what to use instead) and how to build a "Marketing Library" to train Custom GPTs that write exactly like you. Rachel shares her specific playbook for creating AI agents that handle reviews, social media, and team training without sounding robotic.If you want to stop writing every email from scratch and start building systems that buy back your time, this episode is your blueprint.SHOW LINKSDr Rachel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.comChatGPT: https://chatgpt.comClaude: https://claude.aiGemini: https://gemini.google.comCanva: https://www.canva.comNotebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.comClose CRM: https://www.close.comVRMA: https://www.vrma.org Strive Conferences🌐 Website: https://www.striveconferencescom🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/striveconferences/👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/striveconferences📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/striveconferencesDon't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com1. YouTube Chapters00:00 - Intro: Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh & The Healthcare Connection02:16 - Why Doctors Make the Best Airbnbs Hosts (Patient Care vs Guest Care)06:22 - Is AI Overhyped? (What's Actually Working Right Now)07:51 - The Secret Weapon: AI Note-Takers & Authentic Content11:11 - Building a "Marketing Library" to Train Your AI13:00 - How to Train Claude/ChatGPT on Your Brand Voice17:49 - The Death of the PDF: Why Lead Magnets Must Be Interactive20:00 - Using "NotebookLM" to Turn Notes into Podcasts & Tools23:54 - How to Create a High-Value Lead Magnet for STRs27:26 - Email Marketing 101: Nurturing Leads for Direct Bookings34:23 - Masterclass: How to Build Custom GPTs for Your Business35:09 - The "Review Response GPT" Formula39:05 - Using AI for Social Media Captions & Images42:12 - Final Advice: Just Start & Ask AI How to Use AI✨ Ready to take things up a level? Come to STRIVE: https://www.striveconferences.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

I’m a firm believer that great operations beat great intentions, every time.In this episode of Building It, I sat down with Noelia Novella, founder of Doinn, to unpack the unglamorous engine room of our trade: cleaning, maintenance, and the workflows that either delight guests… or quietly drain profit.After a decade building an ops platform now used in 20 countries, Noelia has the scars and the playbook. We dig into how to standardise quality without sending supervisors everywhere, and the specific numbers behind linen logistics, routing, and rework that affect your margins.SHOW LINKS • Doinn – Smart operations for STRs: https://www.doinn.com • VRMA – Vacation Rental Management Association: https://www.vrma.org #ops #cleaningstandards #hospitalitytech Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍 Join the Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🔗 Connect with Bart Sobies for industry insights, tools, and resources: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Catch every episode of The Accommodation Show here: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com✨ Ready to take things up a level? Come to STRIVE: https://www.striveconferences.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

What's the most profitable question in history? "Would you like fries with that?" 🍟It’s the original upsell, and it built an empire. In our world, airlines, hotels, and OTAs all do it. And yes, Airbnb is building it with "Experiences." We all know we should be offering more than just a bed, but let's be honest—it’s hard.That's why I was so excited to sit down with Siddhi Mitall, co-founder of Y-Hangry. She's not just talking about it; she's building the platform that delivers the ultimate "fries with that" moment: a private chef in your property.This is one of the most inspiring "Building It" stories I've heard. Siddhi and her co-founder left high-flying careers as traders at Barclays to chase a hunch. They started with almost nothing—just a PDF menu and a WhatsApp chat to test their idea.That hustle got them onto Dragon's Den and into the legendary Y Combinator accelerator (the one that backed Airbnb and Stripe!).SHOW LINKS Yhangry — https://www.yhangry.com BBC Dragon’s Den — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLHZOFZHfAc#UpsellsThatWork #ExperientialStays #Hospitality📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 - Intro: Bridging Food & Accommodation 01:41 - "Why Are You Hangry?" - The Origin Story 02:20 - The Power of a Co-Founder02:59 - The "Hunch": Starting with WhatsApp & a PDF 05:15 - How Y-Hangry is Different (Personalisation vs. Fixed Menus) 08:08 - The Lean Startup: Proving Demand Before Building Tech 12:40 - Bootstrapping, Quitting Corporate, & Dragon's Den 16:23 - Why They Said "Yes to Every Shot" (Including Dragon's Den) 18:25 - The Truth About TV: Why 2M Viewers Didn't Lead to Immediate Sales 19:10 - The "Aha!" Moment: Realising the Long Lead Time of a Booking 21:13 - The Big Pivot: Discovering 55% of Bookings Were in Holiday Homes 23:39 - Founder Advice: Hospitality is Hard, It's About People 25:33 - How to Connect with Y-Hangry#HospitalityLeadership #SystemiseToScale #STRGrowthDon't forget to hit that subscribe button!  This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!  📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍 Join the Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🔗 Connect with Bart Sobies for industry insights, tools, and resources: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Catch every episode of The Accommodation Show here: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com✨ Ready to take things up a level? Come to STRIVE: https://www.striveconferences.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

My litmus test for "useful AI" is simple: does this tool buy back my time, or just find new ways to spend it?The best insights come from peers. At VRMA, Dennis (Casiola) told me I had to see what Cole Rubin and Conduit were building. This is that conversation.We're not talking AI hype; we're talking a real-world look at 85% guest message automation with a 95% guest satisfaction score. We dive into the "hospitable AI" model (knowing when to escalate) and the "omnichannel inbox" (including live phone calls!) that makes it all possible.If you're trying to separate AI hype from reality, this episode provides a clear picture of what's actually possible.Conduit — https://conduit.aiCole on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-rubin-368089159/#operationalexcellence #AIforthefrontdesk #PMS📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 - Intro: Cole Rubin from Conduit01:17 - The Power of Customer Referrals at VRMA02:46 - What is Conduit? The Elevator Pitch03:32 - The Origin Story: From Slack App to Y Combinator05:47 - Finding the "Ideal Customer Profile" (100+ Listings)07:16 - The Core Problem: Fragmented Guest Communication08:43 - Building the Omnichannel Inbox (The Foundation)10:08 - Handling Social Media, Email, SMS & Phone (VoIP)12:47 - How the AI Maps Contacts from Different Channels13:43 - Using Slack for the AI-to-Human Handoff16:00 - The "Game Changer": 85% Message Automation17:36 - Automating Pre-Booking Inquiries & Availability18:44 - The "Triangulation" Upsell Workflow (Guest -> Cleaner -> Guest)21:57 - The Partner Marketplace & Community (The "Salesforce" Model)24:12 - The Tech Stack: Twilio, 11Labs, GPT, Claude & Gemini27:25 - Why a Small, Young Team Can Out-Innovate Big Tech29:16 - Cole's Advice: Ask AI How to Automate Your Business31:40 - Is Automation More Important Than AI?32:10 - The Most Important Thing to Evaluate in an AI Tool34:18 - How to Connect with Cole & Conduit▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ibooked.online Book Direct Websites🌐 Website: https://www.ibooked.online🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibooked-online👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibookedonlinefb/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibooked.onlineDon't forget to hit that subscribe button!  This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!  📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later:  https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.SHOW LINKSYouTube Chapters

What if the secret to growing your revenue was shrinking your portfolio?In this episode of Building It, I sit down with Tom Goodwin of Mountain Laurel Chalets, a 50-year-old family legacy business in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. When Tom stepped in to turn the struggling company around in 2012, his first move was radical: he cut 40 underperforming properties. The result? Revenue jumped 75%.This is a powerful story about building for quality and profitability over sheer volume. Tom shares his playbook for raising standards (even when it means letting owners and staff go), rebuilding after losing half the business to wildfires, and why they strategically reduced their direct booking percentage from 85% to find the right channel mix.Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00:00 - Intro: The Nicest Guy in Short-Term Rentals?00:01:37 - Marrying Into a 50-Year-Old Vacation Rental Legacy (Since 1972) 00:02:46 - From Non-Profit Ops to Turning Around the Family Business00:04:09 - The Origin Story: How Neighbours Became a Hospitality Business 00:08:06 - Taking the Reins: Preserving a Legacy While Driving Change 00:10:01 - The Turnaround Strategy: Cutting 40 Properties to Increase Revenue 00:13:20 - Unbuilding to Rebuild: The Painful Process of Raising Standards00:14:27 - Data Deep Dive: Finding the Sweet Spot for Profitability00:18:03 - Changing the Culture: Letting Go of Staff & Setting New Standards00:20:55 - Disaster Strikes: Losing Half the Business Overnight to Wildfires00:22:38 - The Evolution of STR: Navigating OTAs & Direct Bookings 00:26:36 - The Growth Plan: Quality Over Quantity (Targeting 120 Homes) 00:29:14 - Why High Margins Matter: Investing in People & Quality00:31:09 - Acquisition Lessons: Why Organic Growth Can Be Better 00:33:32 - The #1 Focus for the Next 10 Years: Guest Experience 00:36:27 - Connect with Tom GoodwinACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ibooked.online Book Direct Websites🌐 Website: https://www.ibooked.online🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibooked-online👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibookedonlinefb/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibooked.online Strive Conferences🌐 Website: https://www.striveconferencescom👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/striveconferences📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/striveconferences▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

Welcome to Season 20! Savannah Jackson (Hello Queenstown) reveals her "go deep, not wide" strategy, building her own cleaning and linen companies, and how she funded it all without using her own capital.It’s a powerful lesson in vertical integration, hybrid growth (acquisition + organic), and the "Screw It, Let's Do It" mindset.SHOW LINKS Hello Queenstown → https://www.helloqueenstown.nz The Accommodation Show → https://www.theaccommodationshow.com#MarketPositioning #OperationalDiscipline #HospitalityStrategyibooked.online Book Direct Websites🌐 Website: https://www.ibooked.online🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibooked-online👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibookedonlinefb/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibooked.online Strive Conferences🌐 Website: https://www.striveconferencescom🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/striveconferences/👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/striveconferences📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/striveconferences 📋 In this episode, we discuss:[00:00] Introduction and Hello Queenstown[01:01] From Stockbroking to Short-Term Rentals[02:12] Retiring at 45 and Starting Again in Queenstown[05:03] Building the Largest Cleaning and Linen Operation[07:19] Mindset Shifts: Service Over Commission[10:48] Lessons from Early Entrepreneurship[14:04] Scaling from 10 to 150 Properties in Two Years[17:56] Branding Power: The Office on Queenstown’s Roundabout[19:59] Developer Partnerships and Long-Term Growth[23:00] Building Without Capital: Creative Lending and Syndicates[25:45] Service, Professionalism, and Confidence as Growth Drivers[26:47] Community Ties in a Small Town[29:21] Why Hello Queenstown Won’t Expand Beyond Queenstown[31:01] Diversifying into Activities and Concierge Services[32:03] Final Advice: “Screw It, Just Do It”▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

You've survived your first year. Now what? How do you break through the growth plateau and scale from 20 properties to 500+?In Part 2 of my Building It conversation with Dennis Goedheid, founder of Casiola, we dive into the playbook for the scale-up. Dennis reveals his unconventional but brilliant growth hack: buying contracts directly from his competitors.He gives a step-by-step masterclass on how to find, value, and structure these small acquisition deals—covering everything from asset deals and escrow to the non-compete clauses you need to protect yourself. This is one of the most tactical episodes we've ever done.SHOW LINKSCasiola: https://www.casiola.comFranchise: https://www.casiola.com/franchise/#DirectBookings #ScalingSmart #AccommodationShow📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00:00 - Intro: Part 2 - After the First Year Failure00:01:24 - The Founder's Trap: Focusing on Operations Instead of Sales00:04:28 - Why Founders Get Stuck and Avoid Growth00:07:41 - A Growth Hack: Buying Contracts From Your Competitors00:13:21 - The Playbook for Acquiring STR Contracts (A Masterclass)00:15:00 - Asset Deal vs. Business Purchase: How to Avoid Liability00:15:40 - The Most Important Clause in a Management Contract00:17:36 - How to Use an Escrow to Protect Your Acquisition Deal00:23:39 - The ROI of Buying Contracts vs. Traditional Marketing00:27:36 - The Pandemic Pivot: De-Risking by Expanding to New Markets00:30:04 - The Aruba Case Study: From Partnership to 150 Homes in 2 Years00:35:50 - A Crucial Lesson for Scaling: SIMPLIFY Everything▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ibooked.online Book Direct Websites🌐 Website: https://www.ibooked.online🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibooked-online👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibookedonlinefb/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibooked.online Strive Conferences🌐 Website: https://www.striveconferencescom🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/striveconferences/👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/striveconferences📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/striveconferencesDon't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

What if the smartest way to start in a crowded market isn't to start from scratch?In this episode of Building It, I sit down with Dennis Goedheid, the founder of Casiola, who took an unconventional path. He bypassed the initial grind by acquiring a 20-property business to get his start.We break down his playbook for buying a business, the brutal honesty of his first-year failure (with negative growth), and the standardization strategy he used to scale to over 550 properties. This is a masterclass in creative and resilient entrepreneurship.Connect with Dennis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisgoedheid/Casiola: https://www.casiola.com/Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro: The Founder's Shortcut to Starting an STR Business00:01:15 - Scaling Global: Taking a US Vacation Rental Brand to Europe00:02:22 - The Onboarding Filter: Setting Property Standards for Your STR Brand00:05:20 - The Scaling Mandate: Why You Must Standardise Your Operations00:08:13 - Startup Strategy: Buying a Vacation Rental Business vs. Building From Scratch00:09:45 - The Vacation Rental Myth: The Brutal Reality of "Passive Income"00:11:36 - The Buy vs. Build Playbook: A Shortcut for STR Entrepreneurs00:12:17 - Acquisition 101: How to Value & Buy a Property Management Company00:20:31 - Due Diligence Tip: The Power of Property Location Density00:23:27 - The First-Year Failure: Overcoming Negative Growth as a Founder00:31:55 - Accidental Branding: How a Simple Colour Built Their Brand Identity00:37:25 - Founder's Final Playbook: Creative Financing & Strategic Partnerships▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button!  This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!  📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later:  https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

It's one of the biggest success stories in the Australian short-term rental industry: a founder builds a brand from the ground up and navigates it to a headline-making $50 million+ acquisition by a global giant. But how did he actually do it?In this episode of Building It, I sit down with Quirin Schwaighofer, the Co-Founder of MadeComfy, to get the full story behind one of Australia's most recognised STR brands. Quirin reveals the powerful 15-year plan he created at age 30, which became the blueprint for his entire career and eventual exit.This isn't just an inspiring story; it's a deep dive into the mindset and strategy required to build a truly valuable asset. We break down the brilliant pivot that gave MadeComfy a huge competitive advantage and the inside story of how the landmark deal with OYO really happened (starting with a single message on LinkedIn).Quirin Schwaighofer is the Co-CEO & Co-Founder of the Australian accommodation innovator, MadeComfy. A seasoned expert in scaling high-growth businesses, he raised over $20 million in capital before leading MadeComfy to one of the largest exits in the history of Australia’s short-term rental industry.Guest & Company Links:MadeComfy Website: https://www.madecomfy.com.auQuirin Schwaighofer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quirinschwaighofer/OYO Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Building an Airbnb Business to a $50M+ Acquisition02:08 - A Founder's 15-Year Plan for Financial Freedom09:52 - Why True Financial Independence Isn't About Money15:11 - Surviving COVID with Only 3 Months of Runway18:38 - The Strategic Pivot Beyond Airbnb for Massive Growth21:22 - Building a Moat: Why Their Strategy Was Kept Secret28:20 - The "Aha!" Moment: When the New Strategy Proved a Winner32:03 - How OYO Discovered & Acquired Them (The LinkedIn Message)39:33 - The Hardest Part of the Acquisition Process50:04 - What's Next for MadeComfy After the OYO Acquisition55:30 - A Founder's Advice for Airbnb & STR Entrepreneurs▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

You don’t get to 250+ properties by chance. You build it. Brick by brick. System by system. Mistake by mistake.That’s exactly what Lisa Peterson did.Last week in Part 1, we talked about profitability, the stuff that actually matters. We explored how Lisa built L’Abode Accommodation from scratch, kept her business lean, and stayed focused on profit.That episode struck a chord. So we kept the mics on.In Part 2, we go deeper. We step inside the engine room of Lisa’s operation and unpack how it all works.We cover:✔️ How she scaled from 90 to 250+ properties without breaking herself ✔️ The systems that allow her to deliver a consistent guest experience at scale ✔️ The extras she charges for — and why guests actually love them ✔️ The KPIs that matter (and the ones she completely ignores)This episode is for anyone in the accommodation space who wants to scale without the chaos, grow without losing quality, and build a business that doesn’t burn you out.👉 Whether you run a motel, a short-term rental, or a growing hospitality brand, you’ll find real, usable insights here.Hit play. Take notes. Then go build something that works.👇 Drop a comment if this one hit home.SHOW LINKS:L’Abode Accommodation → https://labodeaccommodation.com.auThe Accommodation Show → https://www.theaccommodationshow.com#SystemBasedGrowth #HospitalityInsights #SustainableBusiness📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 – Scaling Fast: From 90 to 250 Properties 01:31 – Early Challenges: Onboarding, Owners, and Guest Issues 04:23 – Streamlining with Tech: From Gantt Charts to monday.com 06:15 – No Marketing, Just Referrals: The Growth Secret 07:34 – Cleaning Dilemma: In-House Teams vs. Contractors 09:59 – Partnering with Contractors: Advanced Clean & Regional Teams 13:19 – Profitability Insights: Margins on Cleaning & Linen 15:48 – Service Fees and Maintenance: Where the Real Profit Is 18:44 – Why Management Fees Alone Don’t Work 21:52 – Choosing the Right Owners: Cutting Bad Fits Early 24:24 – Competing in a Crowded Market: Branding & Extras 26:36 – Final Tips: KPIs, Accountability, and Profitability▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

What if the real secret to success isn’t more properties, more tech, or a bigger team… but something far simpler?In this episode of Building It, I sit down with Lisa Peterson, founder of L’Abode Accommodation — a business she started from her bedroom, now managing over 250 properties across five states. She’s one of the most grounded, thoughtful operators I’ve ever met, and her story is packed with wisdom for anyone in the accommodation space.We dive into the one thing so many people overlook when they’re growing their business: profitability. Not revenue, not bookings — but actually making money. The kind of business that pays you back for the effort you put in, instead of draining you dry.SHOW LINKS:L’Abode Accommodation – https://www.labodeaccommodation.com.au#HospitalityProfit #ScalingWithSystems #AccommodationGrowth📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 – Meet Lisa Peterson: From 13 Years in Business to 250 Properties 01:22 – Why Sharing Knowledge Fuels Industry Success 05:28 – Building Community and Connection in Short-Term Rentals 07:58 – Growing Up with Nothing: Lessons in Hard Work and Money 14:20 – Discovering Holiday Rentals and the Spark to Start 16:39 – Launching with $10k and Scaling to 90 Properties in 6 Months 19:24 – Solving Problems with Scalable Systems 22:40 – Why Concierge Services Don’t Pay and Cutting Unprofitable Tasks 25:20 – Building a 50/50 Onshore/Offshore Team 26:34 – Tracking Staff Performance with Monday.com and Hubstaff 31:18 – Profitability Mindset: Beyond 20% Management Fees 34:07 – Final Tips: Increase Net Profit and Build a Real Business▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

Running an accommodation business doesn’t have to mean drowning in endless tasks and late-night guest messages. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Heys and Dan White from Moxxi Property, Tasmania’s largest short-term rental management company, to uncover the systems and tech that allow you to scale without burning out.From automating with tools like n8n, to deploying AI agents, to building onboarding processes that actually save time, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to run a smoother, smarter operation. Whether you're managing 5 properties or 150+, you’ll walk away with real strategies and mindset shifts you can apply right now.👀 If you’re serious about building a sustainable STR or accommodation business — and tired of doing it all yourself — this one’s for you.SHOW LINKSMoxxi Property – https://www.moxxiproperty.com.au Resly PMS – https://resly.com.au PriceLabs – https://www.pricelabs.co Key Data Dashboard – https://keydatadashboard.com n8n Automation – https://n8n.io Gemini by Google – https://ai.google.dev/gemini Claude AI – https://www.anthropic.com/index/claude#SmartScaling#PracticalAI#OptimiseWithTech📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Welcome to Building It: Meet Dan de Witte and Lauren Heys 01:05 The Early Days: Chaos, Growth and Lessons 04:18 Scaling STRs with Systems That Work 07:26 How Mindset Impacts Business Growth 10:49 Picking the Right Tech (and Ditching the Wrong Stuff) 14:12 Smart Systems vs. Tech Overload 17:08 Automating Without Losing the Human Touch 20:21 Hiring, Delegating & Building a Real Team 23:34 The Role of Coaching in the STR Journey 26:45 Lauren’s Lean Business Framework Explained 30:04 Future-Proofing: What Hosts Should Focus on Next 33:29 Final Thoughts: Tech, People & Playing the Long Game▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

This episode is all about the leap. The grit. And the reality of building a startup from scratch in the short-term rental world. If you've ever stared at a clunky check-in system or juggled five tools just to welcome a guest, this one's going to hit close to home.Our guest is Michael O’Connell, founder of Happy Guest; a smart, frictionless platform designed to simplify guest journeys from check-in to check-out. Before launching Happy Guest, Michael led strategic sales and partnerships at Turno and worked across the STR tech landscape. He knew the chaos operators were facing and decided to fix it.This is a raw, honest chat about what it really takes to go from idea ➡️ execution. Michael opens up about the sacrifices, burnout, and brutal clarity needed to survive the startup rollercoaster, without a fancy VC cheque.SHOW LINKSHappy Guest – https://www.happyguestofficial.com Michael O’Connell on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/happyguestmike/#BuildingItSeries #RunwayToSuccess #GuestExperienceMatters📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 – Introduction and Background01:02 – From Vegas to Strive: A Growing Connection02:30 – Entering the STR Industry by Accident04:06 – What is Happy Guest? Startup Origins Explained05:54 – Do You See Yourself as an Entrepreneur?07:01 – Launching the MVP: Testing with Real Guests08:56 – Guest-Facing Tech: Why First Impressions Matter10:42 – Lessons from Beta Testing: What to Launch and What to Kill12:48 – Building Without VC: Bootstrapping and Personal Sacrifices15:37 – The Mental Toll: Burnout and Startup Pressure18:01 – Projections, Runway & Revenue Modelling21:25 – When the Numbers Don’t Match the Plan23:51 – Startup Life Is Not Glamorous25:50 – Why Every Dollar Counts: Sacrifices and Strategy27:25 – Burnout is Real: Balancing Hustle and Health30:00 – What I’d Tell My Past Self32:20 – Final Advice for Future Founders▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

This one is deeply personal, and I’m so glad I get to share it with you.In this episode, I sit down with Ronda Amende, founder of TimeOut, a charity that connects terminally ill people and their families with donated holiday homes across New Zealand. Her story is honest, moving, and an incredible reminder of the human side of what we do in accommodation.💡 We often focus on occupancy rates, automation, and scale — but what if a few unused nights could change someone’s life? What if your business could make a difference without costing you a thing?Ronda and I dive into what it means to lead with heart, the power of community, and how kindness can become your most valuable brand asset. Whether you manage five listings or five hundred, this conversation will shift how you think about success, impact, and contribution.#PurposeDrivenHospitality #ShortTermRentalImpact #KindnessIsStrategy📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Welcome & Season Wrap-Up with Ronda Amende 01:45 Ronda’s Role at TimeOut & Career Background 04:15 How Hospitality Has Shaped Her Leadership Style 08:30 Diversity, Inclusion & Representation in the Industry 13:50 Leading Through Change: Personal Reflections 17:25 The Power of Connection & Community 22:00 Words of Advice for Future Leaders 26:15 Reflections on the STRIVE Community & What’s Next 29:45 Final Thoughts & Season Farewell ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

🧱 Building It: Becoming a CEO When No One Hands You the Title 👔This week we go beyond scaling businesses and get into what it takes to lead them.Shaun Shirazian is the CEO of Lodgify, one of the top tech platforms for short-term rental hosts around the world. But his story did not start in boardrooms. It started in Dallas, raised by immigrant parents, learning to hustle, build, and reflect.In this episode Shaun shares what it really takes to become a CEO. We talk about impostor syndrome, asking for what you want, leading teams you used to be part of, and why clarity, not constant hustle, is the mindset shift that matters most.If you have ever wondered whether you are ready to lead, this one is for you.👇 Watch the episode and subscribe for more from the Building It series.SHOW LINKS:🔗 Lodgify – https://www.lodgify.com🔗 Shaun Shirazian – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunshiraz/#BuildingItSeries #LeadershipMindset #UnderdogToCEO📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 – Intro: Shaun Shirazian, CEO of Lodgify 01:00 – Childhood roots: Dallas + immigrant resilience 02:30 – Dad’s small‑business lessons & underdog mindset 05:00 – Reflection & purpose: How Shaun found his “why” 07:00 – First career pivot: P&G brand‑management discovery 09:30 – Finding the underdog niche: Intuit & Pipedrive 12:30 – Product mindset: Leading through innovation 15:00 – Transitioning from product leader to CEO mindset 17:30 – Design thinking: Empathy, ideation, experimentation 20:00 – People leadership: From expert to manager 22:30 – Future‑back leadership: Coaching team growth 25:00 – Becoming CEO: Self‑awareness & vocal ambition 27:30 – CEO search: Network, clarity & seizing opportunity 30:00 – Leading Lodgify: Early host conversations 32:00 – What’s constant? Focus: owner needs, admin pain points 34:00 – Q&A: Shaun’s ongoing mission & invitation 36:00 – Final thoughts: Using platform to level the field 38:00 – Wrap‑up & next steps ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Simon Sechusi, co-founder of SuiteOp. Simon’s journey from a 400-unit property management business to raising $3M for his new platform is filled with insights and real talk about what it takes to scale in the accommodation space.🏠 We dive into:How he grew SoSuite from a single listing in Philly to 400+ units.Why master leases worked — and didn’t — in his market.The decision to build their own tech in-house (and how that pivoted their business).The realities of raising $3M (not just the headlines — the real story).Key lessons on risk, scaling, and how to know when it’s time to rethink your ops.💡 If you’re running a hotel, short-term rental business, or thinking about expanding, this one’s for you.👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on how to build, scale, and stay ahead in the accommodation industry.🔗 Show Links:SuiteOp: https://www.suiteop.com/Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-sechusi/#TheAccommodationShow #BuildingIt #SuiteOp📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Introduction to Simon Seroussi and SweetOp00:00 Kicking It Off02:00 From France to Philly05:00 Hitting 400 Listings (and a Wall!)07:00 Flipping the Model10:00 COVID Shakeup & Building In-House14:00 The Secret Sauce: SweetOp18:00 Raising $3 Million26:00 Investors, Partners & The Big Lessons31:00 Dreaming Big & What’s Next33:00 Final Wrap-Up▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

We’re back with another instalment of Building It, where we dive in with founders who didn’t just dream big, they built big. This time, I’ve got Marcus Rader, co-founder and CEO of Hostaway, sharing how he turned a scrappy start-up into a global powerhouse PMS for the short-term rental world. If you’re curious about what it takes to go from zero to a near-unicorn (and do it without losing your mind or soul), this one’s for you.In this episode, Marcus shares the mindset that’s powered Hostaway’s growth, less about shiny marketing campaigns and more about solving real problems for real people. He explains why focusing on your guests’ needs is the surest way to win, and how you can apply these lessons to your own accommodation business. We also dig into the challenges of raising capital, scaling smart, and how to balance ambition with the daily grind. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas and the confidence to think bigger, no matter what stage you’re at.SHOW LINKS:Hostaway: https://www.hostaway.com/The Accommodation Show: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com/#BuildingIt #ThinkBig #AccommodationGrowth📋 In this episode, we discuss:Chapters00:00 Introduction & Catching Up with Marcus 01:01 The Growth Story of Hostaway 05:02 Passion vs Profit: What Really Builds a Business 07:02 Money Talks: The Reality Behind Startup Finances 09:47 What Success Really Looks Like in Business 12:42 Timing & Luck: The Hidden Forces Behind Success 15:38 Startup Truths: Challenges, Burnout & Sacrifice 20:08 Think Bigger: How to Become a Market Leader 24:15 From Scarcity to Scale: The Market Leader Mindset 29:52 Sales First: Why Talking to Customers Beats Planning 32:45 Raising Capital: Lessons from $540 Million in Funding 38:11 Choosing the Right Investor: Deal Breakers & Red Flags 44:27 The Power of Learning: How Marcus Prepped for a Mega Round 51:53 Proving Value: Raising $365M to Become #1 58:48 Growth Comes from Discomfort: Embrace the Hard Questions ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

We’re continuing our brand new segment: ‘Building It’, where I sit down with trailblasing founders in the accommodation space to unpack exactly how they built their businesses from the ground up. It’s not about fluffy success stories. It’s about the grit, the strategy, the setbacks—and the steps that actually worked.This week’s episode takes us deep into Southeast Asia with Daniel Rouquette, co-founder of Villa Finder, one of the leading OTA and property management businesses operating across six countries, with over $10M in bookings annually and 30,000+ nights booked last year alone. Daniel and his team have built a powerhouse brand that thrives on guest experience, owner trust, and raw, data-driven decision-making.Whether you’re running a small holiday let, scaling a STR brand, or just curious how the biggest players got there, this episode is packed with real lessons you can use. Daniel breaks down how they tackled one of the hardest models in our industry, building a double-sided marketplace (think Airbnb before Airbnb took over). He shares how they signed their first 200 villas on a scooter in Bali, managed availability manually (yes, really), and built tools in-house to fix problems others didn’t see coming.There’s a lot here for you—whether you’re trying to build trust with guests, get repeat bookings, or decide where to put your time and money as you grow. And if you’ve ever thought about launching a platform or expanding your PM business, this is a must-listen.SHOW LINKS Villa Finder – https://www.villafinder.com#scaleyourbrand #hospitalitystrategy #guestfirstgrowth📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Building It Begins: Meet Daniel from Villa Finder 01:00 From Backpack to Business: Starting Up in Bali 03:30 What Is Villa Finder & How Big Is It Today? 06:00 Hustling in the Heat: Scooters, Sign-Ups & Sweat 08:30 The Guest Trust Gap: Solving the Real Problem 10:00 From OTA to Property Management: The Natural Pivot 15:30 The Tool That Changed Everything: Inter & Availability 20:00 The Data-Driven Mindset That Scaled the Brand 34:15 Daniel’s Biggest Lessons on Leadership & Growth ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

This week marks the launch of a brand new segment we are calling ‘Building It’, where we dive into how founders in the accommodation space built their businesses from the ground up. It’s about the work, the grit, the strategies, and the pivots that helped them scale and grow into the most successful companies nationally and accross the world.In these episodes, you’ll get insights that are rarely shared, but incredibly valuable for your own journey.To kick things off, I spoke with someone who’s built one of the largest short-term rental brands in Australia. What started with two mates and a few cleans has grown into a company managing over 2,200 properties, operating across every state and territory, and overseeing $140 million in gross bookings annually. That business is Hometime, and its story is nothing short of remarkable.SHOW LINKS Hometime → https://www.hometime.io The Accommodation Show – https://www.theaccommodationshow.com#ScalingWithGrit #ShortTermRentalGrowth #HometimePlaybook📋 In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Starting the Building It Series & Meet Billy Crock 01:10 From Cleaning Toilets to 2,200+ Properties 05:10 Scaling Challenges & Service Quality Trade-Offs 09:00 The Pivot: From Cleaning to Property Management 13:25 Old School Sales Tactics That Built the Business 17:45 COVID Reset: Going Local to Survive and Scale 22:30 Hosting Partner Model: Built for Growth 26:45 Raising Capital, Letting Go of Margin & Scaling Up 31:00 Final Lessons: Grit, Trust, and Long-Term Thinking ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

This week, I had the chance to sit down with someone who quite literally has their finger on the pulse of our industry. If you’ve ever wondered whether you're charging the right rates, when you should be adjusting pricing, or why bookings seem slow compared to your neighbour’s, this episode is for you. I’m talking to Jamie Lane from Airdna, and I genuinely think this could be one of our most practical and timely conversations to date.As someone running an accommodation business, you're constantly juggling revenue, guest satisfaction, and market conditions. But what if you could take the guesswork out of it? In this episode, we break down what the data is actually telling us—so you can make smarter decisions every single week. Jamie and I explore how market-wide trends affect your bookings, how to interpret occupancy and rate shifts, and what top-performing operators are doing differently.SHOW LINKS AirDNA - https://www.airdna.co STR Data Lab Podcast - https://www.airdna.co/podcast PriceLabs - https://www.pricelabs.co Beyond Pricing - https://www.beyondpricing.com#STRstrategy #AccommodationGrowth #DataDrivenDecisions📋 In this episode, we discuss:Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Jamie Lane and AirDNA 02:57 - Economist vs. Data Scientist: Key Differences Explained 04:17 - Economic Trends and Their Impact on Short-Term Rentals 06:47 - Changing Guest Behaviour: Families, Long Stays & More 11:34 - STR Supply Growth Trends in Australia and the US 14:21 - How ADR and Occupancy Trends Affect Your Business 16:31 - Weekly Actions Every Host Should Take 20:10 - Booking Lead Times, Reviews & Competitor Comparison 22:33 - Monthly & Quarterly Strategy for Market Analysis 27:17 - Most Hosts Leave Money on the Table—Here's Why 29:01 - Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Jamie Lane ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.