The Art Of Hospitality

Welcome to "The Art of Hospitality," where the Operator meets the Philosopher to unravel the intricate tapestry of the vacation rental industry. Led by Conrad O'Connell, the Digital Strategist who turns clicks into bookings, and hosted by Scott Fasano, the "Operator," and Adam Norko, the "Philosopher," our podcast presents a trinity of perspectives that uniquely positions us at the intersection of practical operations, philosophical depth, and digital innovation. We tackle the gamut—marketing strategies, guest relations, property management, and internal operations—all while keeping an eye on the ever-changing landscape of our industry. This isn't just about running a vacation rental management business; it's about mastering the Art of Hospitality, where operational precision and thought leadership intersect to create extraordinary experiences. So, if you're keen on listening to discussions that marry tactical excellence with intellectual depth, all underpinned by game-changing digital strategies, you're in the right place. Join us as we redefine what it means to excel in the vacation rental industry.

How Do You Make Data Useful For Your Vacation Rental Business (With Adam Norko & Conrad O'Connell)

In this episode, we're solo to catch up again on year-end 2025 trends, data vs "vibes", averages, DARM recapping and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell

12-31
31:55

Breaking Down Growth In All The Right Ways, Vibe Coding & More (With JJ King)

We welcome back JJ King on his own dedicated episode to dive into his recent expansion, vibe coding, SAAS platforms, the future of vacation rentals, FL and more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell JJ KingBeachside VR

12-24
51:37

Talking All Things Revenue, Booms, Local Vs National & More... (With Rena Pacheco-Theard)

In this episode, we're joined by Rena Pacheco-Thea, the CEO & Co-Founder at Boutiq to talk all things revenue, pricing, booms and busts, marketplace dynamics and more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellRena Pacheco-Theard Boutiq

12-17
01:00:30

Taking Control Of Your Career And Mindset For Success (With Michelle Marquis)

In this episode, we're joined (again) by industry legend Michelle Marquis to talk all things leadership, career pivots and her journey, being "bossy" and a LOT more.Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMichelle MarquisThe Bossy Girl's Guide to Leadership: Real Talk on Power, Purpose, and Leading Out Loud

12-10
50:43

Creating Success In Unique Vacation Rental Markets (With Jeremy Udovich)

In this episode, we're joined by Jeremy Udovich to talk about breaking into the vacation rental space from outside of it, being in a "small" market, properties that can make $300k+ per year, growth, leaving a 9-5, the golf industry and how it relates to vacation rentals and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellJeremy Udovich Sheboygan Vacation Rentals

12-03
51:34

Everything Is Changing: This Expert Explains Why And How You'll Be Impacted (With Brennen Bliss)

In this episode, we break apart the changes happening in marketing, AI, search, brand discovery and a TON more with expert Brennen Bliss. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Brennen BlissPropellicThe 2025 Study

11-26
49:31

Sonder Is Dead. What Happened And What's The Future Of Master Leasing? (With Adam Norko and Conrad O'Connell)

In this episode, we're solo to break down the Sonder death, master leasing, shifting tides in our industry, demand going down and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSkift - Sonder Shuts Down After Marriott Termination, Marking the End of a Hospitality Experiment

11-19
33:32

Previewing DARM 2025: The Impact Of Vacation Rental Conferences Right Now (With Amy Hinote)

In this episode, we're joined by Amy Hinote to preview the upcoming DARM (Data and Revenue Management Conference) 2025 conference in Sandestin, Florida. Buy your ticket TODAY to see us there.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellAmy HinoteDARM

11-12
48:50

What Most Managers And Hosts Miss When Designing Their In-Property Experience (With Rachel Vigil)

In this episode, we break down what many hosts miss when it comes to the in-property experience, how product placement works in vacation/short term rentals, building a business while hosting and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell UpClose MarketingRachel Vigil

11-05
52:44

Trust And Brand Building In Today's New AI World (With Jessica Gillingham)

In this episode, we chat about PR, brand, building trust, AI and a LOT more with Jessica Gillingham.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jessica GillinghamAbode PRJessica's Book: Tech-Enabled Hospitality: Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency

10-29
52:12

VRMA 2025 In Las Vegas (With JJ King, Alex Alioto, Dennis Goedheid & Jamie Lane)

In this first ever in-person recording, Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko pack the mics and go to Las Vegas for VRMA 2025! A HUGE thank you to VRMA for hosting us at the conference and allowing us to cover this critical moment in the industry for our events. We interview four amazing industry experts across OTA, property management and more. Another huge thanks to: JJ King, Alex Alioto, Dennis Goedheid & Jamie Lane.For taking time from their VRMA schedule to record with us. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell VRMA 2025JJ KingAlex AliotoDennis Goedheid Jamie Lane

10-22
01:25:43

The Direct Booking Movement Is More Important Than You Even Think... (With Humphrey Bowles)

In this episode, we chat about the "digital sharecroppers" commonly known as the OTAs with Humphrey Bowles, the CEO of Truvi. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Humphrey BowlesTruvi

10-15
51:54

Bye For Now (With Scott Fasano)

In this episode, we deal with a tough one: we say goodbye to Scott Fasano, our original co-host as part of the trio. Scott shares about his new non-vacation-rental journey and what he's working on now. It's not goodbye. It's bye for now, Scott! ♥️ ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellScott FasanoScott's Substack 

10-08
30:40

Telling The Story Of Real Estate Investments That Make Business Sense (With Zach Arko)

In this episode, we're chatting with Zach Arko from Breezy Vacays to talk investing, areas to consider, buying islands, New Mexico and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellZach ArkoRuidoso CabinsLittle Raccoon KeyMissing Hotel

10-01
38:21

Talking Operations To The Next Level As You Scale (With Michael Vialpando)

In this episode, we're chatting with Michael Vialpando of Renjoy to talk all things operations, scaling, growing and headed to the next level in their vacation rental company. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMichael VialpandoRenjoy

09-24
49:53

Marketing Approach With The Four Boxes Framework, Airbnb Changes, Guest Trends In 2025 & More (With Conrad O'Connell & Adam Norko)

In this episode, we're solo dolo again to chat all things marketing, Airbnb changes (taking more of your $$), the four box framework for marketing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell

09-17
56:42

What Does The Next OTA Success Story Look Like? (With Paul Buonopane & Jeffrey Manheimer)

In this episode, we're back with two awesome guests from "Stay" (https://staywithstay.com/): Paul Buonopane & Jeffrey Manheimer to talk all things marketplaces, OTA, direct vs control, platforms, growth, marketing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellPaul BuonopaneJeffrey ManheimerStay

09-10
52:53

Learning Through Growth, Exit, And Building Something Brand-New + VRMA 2025 Preview (With Jodi Refosco)

In this episode, we're joined by newly minted "Pioneer" Jodi Refosco of Deep Creek Lake to talk across a wide variety of topics including growing to 500+ units, selling her business, building something new in DCL, previewing VRMA 2025 and a LOT more. Awesome bonus: use promo code ART100 to save $100 on your VRMA Registration if you purchase before September 5th, 2025. Terms apply. https://www.vrma.org/vegasEnjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellVRMA Tickets - use promo code ART100Jodi RefoscoTimber Rock Village

09-03
52:32

Summer 2025 Grab Bag (With Adam Norko & Conrad O'Connell)

In this episode, we're solo dolo to chat on a grab bag of topics: AI, building apps, tech stack, marketing, how Summer 2025 went in the industry and a lot more! Don't worry - guests return next week. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell

08-27
39:48

Hands On With Top Performing Properties Is Hard Work (With Erin Lenhardt)

In this episode, we're joined by Erin Lenhardt of The Brighthouse to talk building, market focus, design of winning STRs, guest experience, investing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellThe BrighthouseErin Lenhardt

08-20
50:35

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