From earning $3.50 an hour in Argentina to managing 80+ Airbnb listings across the U.S., this week we sit down with Federico Zimerman. His story is one of persistence, curiosity, and sharp business instinct.

Federico breaks down what it takes to run a profitable short-term rental business, why design, pricing, and guest experience matter more than location, and how mastering revenue management turned his side hustle into a thriving operation.

🎧 This episode offers a grounded look at the business behind Airbnbs, and the mindset shift required to build real independence through smart systems, not luck.

03:49 Federico’s early life and how Argentina’s economic instability shaped his drive

06:48 Working for American Airlines and discovering the power of global exposure

09:41 Traveling the world on a local salary, first class flights and hostel nights

12:26 The books that pushed him toward entrepreneurship

13:50 Losing his father during COVID and finding new purpose through Airbnb

14:46 Managing 500 listings remotely and learning revenue management

20:21 Moving to the U.S. and scaling short-term rental operations

24:00 Lucas’s first Airbnb experience and the myth of “passive income”

28:47 The real demands of running Airbnbs, cleaners, guests, and maintenance

30:46 Federico’s advice on scaling with consistency and professional standards

💡 Who Should Listen

Entrepreneurs, Airbnb hosts, and investors looking to grow sustainable short-term rental businesses through systems, pricing strategy, and service.

About Federico

Born and raised in Argentina, worked in the airline industry for 10 years and started working as a Virtual Assistant from Argentina managing Airbnbs. Got a greencard, move to America (texas first, then NY) and grew a company with 84 active listings, another company doing revenue management, started my RE portfolio and own an Inn with a Bar and Restaurant in Upstate NY.

Connect with Federico

💼 LinkedIn: Federico Zimerman

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