Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 70 - Minimizing Risks Through Intelligent Guest Screening with Ela Mezhiborsky Oct 04, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO
Autohost CPO and co-founder Ela Mezhiborsky handle the intersection of customer success and product development, setting priorities and driving the product roadmap based on client feedback. Before transitioning to SaaS, her career involved working in risk management, running her own digital marketing agency, and managing a successful short-term rental business in Toronto. In fact, it was her experience in the short-term rental industry that exposed her and her co-founders to the massive security void plaguing property managers. It’s the reason they built Autohost.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
04:32 Ela Mezhiborsky introduction and background
05:23 How Ela got into the STR industry
08:02 How Autohost was created
11:00 Ela shares how Quickstay experienced fraud ring and illegal activities from guests
15:45 What is Autohost
17:27 Providing a safe check-in experience for guests and hosts
19:31 How to screen your guests without using a formal screening tool
26:06 Ela talks about anti-discrimination in the STR industry
29:37 What Autohost does for STR operators
32:20 Autohost's guest screening process
37:14 Ela talks about Autohost Starter
40:47 Acknowledgments to Ela
41:02 Where can people connect with Ela
41:38 Ela's #1 secret to success with STR
NOTABLE QUOTES
"Spidey sense is better than no sense." - Ela Mezhiborsky
"Be aware of what you said. " - Ela Mezhiborsky
"Identifying where your red flags are is important." - Ela Mezhiborsky
"Inherently, people are good but sometimes good people still discriminate unconsciously." - Emanuele Pani
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Ela Mezhiborsky: Facebook | Linkedin
Autohost: Website | Instagram
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 69 - Managing Luxury STRs While Working in the Medical Field with Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO
Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh is the co-founder of a luxury boutique brand covering GA, FL, the Poconos, and the smokies of TN. Providing luxury vacation and workforce housing for families, medical professionals, and workers in other industries. She's also an instructor at REI-USA, a national REIA organization, and has been featured on Bigger Pockets, Netflix, and several podcasts.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
01:05 Watch last week's free training by sending a message to support@strsecrets.com
01:34 Subscribe, share, and leave a review for Short Term Rental Secrets
02:08 Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh introduction and background
04:26 How Dr. Rachel got into the STR industry
09:51 How Dr. Rachel found her first STR home
12:55 Dr. Rachel talks about her strategy for luxury properties
16:50 The price of luxury STRs per market
17:31 Additional services offered by Dr. Rachel for her properties
18:13 Dr. Rachel's goal for her STR business
19:38 What Dr. Rachel's team look like
23:54 Dr. Rachel's favorite market for her luxury rentals
26:17 Technologies and systems that Dr. Rachel use for her STRs
29:26 Why you should not use the Airbnb smart pricing
30:03 Mike and Dr. Rachel talk about the story of how Mike pursued his STR business
33:15 Acknowledgments to Dr. Rachel
33:24 Where can people connect with Dr. Rachel
34:11 Dr. Rachel's #1 secret to success with STR
NOTABLE QUOTES
"Take care of your people." - Mike Sjogren
"Push through on something that you are definitely passionate about." - Rachel Gainsbrugh
"Surround yourself with people that will support, encourage, and challenge you." - Mike Sjogren
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Rachel Gainsbrugh: Instagram | Linkedin
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 68 - Maximizing Profitability in STRs with Tracey Northcott Sep 20, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO
Australian Tracey Northcott of Enfour, Tokyo Family Stays and Tracey Northcott Consulting, is a serial entrepreneur and multi-preneur based in Tokyo, Japan. She is one of the most successful Airbnb hosts in Tokyo. She also runs the Software development company Enfour with her family as well as Tracey Northcott Consulting where she helps other hosts discover the true potential of their STR or Airbnb business maximizing their investment, enjoyment, and hospitality standards.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
04:01 Tracey Northcott introduction and background
06:20 How Tracey started in the STR industry
12:04 The platform that Tracey used in Japan for her STRs
13:12 Tracey talks about her STR properties and how the pandemic hit her business
17:12 Tracey's target market for her STRs
19:08 E and Tracey talks about cultural differences through STRs
21:28 Tracey talks about maximizing profitability
23:14 How Tracey maximized profitability within her STR portfolio
30:09 The psychology of buying
33:04 E talks about scaling down successfully
34:17 Branding yourself as a short term rental business owner
45:45 Where can people connect with Tracey
47:35 Tracey's #1 secret to success with STR
48:12 Acknowledgments to Tracey
NOTABLE QUOTES
"Know who you are serving." - Tracey Northcott
"Understand what works for you." - Mike Sjogren
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Tracey Northcott: Ins tagram | Facebook | Twitter
Tokyo Family Stays | Tokyo Family Stays Instagram | Tokyo Family Stays Facebook
Tracey Northcott | Tracey Northcott Consulting Instagram | Tracey Northcott Consulting Facebook
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 67 - Should You Get a Partner For Your STR Business? Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

HOST'S BIO
Mike Sjogren is a short-term rental expert and coach. He has a portfolio of STR properties across 5 states as well as an oceanfront boutique hotel. Mike brings a wealth of finance, business, and real estate experience. He is passionate about helping others create financial independence through real estate so they can pursue their passions and leave their mark on the world.
Emanuele Pani is a Commercial and Residential Real Estate Consultant at Signature International Real Estate. Has a degree in accounting and finance. Started his real estate journey working as maintenance until the owner decided to sell the 40 unit apartment building to Emanuele.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
08:47 Building partnership
09:54 Breaking down business partnerships
10:33 Mike talks about partnering with E for a business
11:33 E talks about his failed partnerships
13:29 Why the 50:50 partnership does not work
14:28 Having the uncomfortable conversation
15:06 Mike talks about his first partnership and his current partnership
17:26 Why some partnerships fail
18:20 How to avoid unpleasant situations
18:27 Personality assessment
18:41 What is an effective partnership
20:08 Understanding the "why"' and the vision
22:07 E shares the effect of bringing his wife to his business
23:14 Mike shares his experience about partnering up with his wife
25:21 Correcting the process, not the person
26:03 Having accountability
27:37 Letting it go and trusting your partner
28:49 Questions to ask yourself before jumping into a business partnership
29:58 What makes a good partnership
31:58 Hiring an attorney for your operating agreement
32:54 Being honest with yourself about having a business partner
35:36 Moral of the story
NOTABLE QUOTES
"A 50:50 partnership is a 0:0 partnership because there is no leader." - Emanuele Pani
"Get the right butts in the right seats on the bus." - Mike Sjogren
"If you love what you do, you are never working." - Emanuele Pani
"Correct the process, not the person." - Mike Sjogren
"Don't act out of fear." - Emanuele Pani
"A partnership is not the answer to get you started." - Emanuele Pani
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 66 - Creating Experiential Design Exclusively for STRs with Kate Shaw and Besty Moyer Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO
Kate & Betsy are the co-founders. While both help with all aspects of the business, Kate’s expertise and experience lies more in the Airbnb industry, while Betsy has an interior design background. Kate also operates a full-time Airbnb business called Riley and Besty co-owns an interior design business called The Estate of Things. Kate and Betsy have been best friends for a long time, but after Betsy was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, their relationship dynamic changed. Kate became a caretaker and a huge source of support for Betsy, using the experience she gained working in marketing for health and diet brands to assist Betsy in following a medically necessary, extremely strict diet. While Betsy was going through chemotherapy, the two friends began to view life differently and discovered a newfound sense of purpose and joy in one of their favorite hobbies--decorating and designing Kate’s Airbnb rental houses.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
04:00 Kate Shaw and Betsy Moyer introduction and background
05:27 How Kate and Betsy started in the STR industry
09:46 Kate and Betsy's business dynamic
15:30 Kate and Betsy talk about their team
17:53 What is an experiential design
21:28 Kate and Betsy vision for their business
23:03 Kate talks about her STR business operation
26:33 Kate shares about her STR units
29:30 Target market in Joshua Tree
30:15 Acknowledgments to Kate and Betsy
30:57 Where can people connect with Kate and Betsy
31:39 Kate and Betsy's #1 secret to success with STR
NOTABLE QUOTES
"This is your business. Design it the way you want it to work for you." - Mike Sjogren
"Our only goal is to have fun." - Kate Shaw
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Kate Shaw: Instagram | Linkedin
Betsy Moyer: Instagram | Linkedin

The Estate of Things

https://theestateofthings.com/

Retreat Airbnb
https://www.instagram.com/retreatairbnb/
https://byretreat.com/

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 65 - Providing Quality Essentials For Your STRs with Daniel Iliescu Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO
Daniel Iliescu runs Bonsai Hospitality Management, a startup looking to help transform the STR market for the better. Their focus is on the essentials that hosts use to run their operations. Daniel and his team think that by targeting the hosts that manage their own properties, they can have the biggest impact on the quality and standards of the industry.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
04:34 Daniel Iliescu introduction and background
05:58 What made Daniel start Bonsai Hospitality
09:34 How Daniel found his manufacturing facility
11:43 Daniel shares the outsourcing process for essentials
13:15 Daniel explains the different bath collections of Bonsai Hospitality
16:20 Daniel shares where he sources bedding
18:55 Daniel talks about wi-fi porter
22:28 Daniel's vision for Bonsai Hospitality
23:26 What sets STRs apart from hotels
24:37 The difference that quality makes
26:09 Cotton vs polyester
29:32 Daniel debunks the thread count myth
31:49 Daniel talks about non-wrinkling
34:59 Investing in beds and baths
37:59 Daniel shares a tip on how to offer guests a local experience
39:08 Acknowledgments to Daniel
39:38 Where can people connect with Daniel
40:38 Daniel's #1 secret to success with STR

NOTABLE QUOTES
"God lives in the details." - Daniel Iliescu
"Quality would prevail over time." - Daniel Iliescu
"Having respect for others goes a long way." - Emanuele Pani

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Daniel Iliescu: Instagram | Linkedin
Bonsai Hospitality Management

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 64 - From 0-150 Units While On Active Military Duty with Joseph Riley Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO
Joseph Reilly founded Patriot Family Homes to meet the need for affordable, reliable housing in the South, particularly near military bases. A captain in the Army, Joe has deployed with the Ranger Regiment to Afghanistan and Ukraine. He previously served on the National Security Council at the White House.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE
05:40 Joseph Riley introduction and background
07:16 How Joseph started in the STR industry
09:47 Business models that Joseph are using for his STR business
10:46 Joseph talks about his STR portfolio
12:02 How Joseph managed his business while on an active duty
14:51 Joseph talks about who manages his guest communications
16:37 How Joseph hosts his STRs
19:01 What Joseph buys for his STRs
20:01 2 things that are not included in Joseph's warehouse
20:42 Joseph's target location
21:57 Management packages of Patriot Family Homes
22:57 Systems that Joseph and his team use
23:40 Joseph's vision for his STR business
26:29 Average nightly rate for Joseph's STRs
30:36 Joseph's primary function on his STR business
33:39 Acknowledgments to Joseph
34:15 Where can people connect with Joseph
34:44 Joseph's #1 secret to success with STR
NOTABLE QUOTES
"We are trying to be really disciplined in learning how to operate and make money in markets where's there's less fat on the bone." - Joseph Riley
"Hold onto your guns as to what you know is going to work for your business." - Emanuele Pani
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Joseph Riley: Linkedin
Patriot Family Homes
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 63 - Growing a Sustainable and Profitable Hospitality Company with Simon Lehmann Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO

Simon is one of the world’s foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental and business consultancy while also advising multiple companies as Board Member and Executive Chairman. A sought-after speaker, panelist and moderator, Simon loves to broach high-level and technical topics alike, from the future trends of short term rental to the specifics of online distribution in the top 5 OTAs. Previously, Simon was the Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, former President of PhocusWright, and ex-Board member of HomeAway, to name but a few. He’s also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome, Hotelplan Group and Swissport as CEO.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE

04:36 Simon Lehmann introduction and background

05:59 How Simon started in the hospitality industry

08:11 Transitioning from being an executive vice president of an airport ground company to a CEO of a vacation rental company

11:21 Simon shares his vacation rental journey

14:04 What is AJL Atelier?

14:42 Simon shares his tips for those who are starting their STR business

18:14 E shares his experience when he first started his STRs

20:20 Bridging traditional hotels and the vacation rental spaces

29:37 Simon's insight about traditional hotels acquiring STRs

33:21 The best business model to use in starting your STR business

37:00 Building a management company and selling it

42:45 Demand vs supply

43:31 Taking a balanced approach from owners to guests

45:45 How to connect with Simon

46:41 Simon's #1 secret to success with STR

50:23 Acknowledgments to Simon

NOTABLE QUOTES

"There is no one size fits all, we need to be flexible." - Simon Lehmann

"The demand is here but we need to professionalize." - Simon Lehmann

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Simon Lehmann: Clubhouse | Instagram | Linkedin

AJL Atelier

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 62 - Creating a Guest Experience Through Design with Tatianna Taylor-Tait Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

GUEST'S BIO

Tatianna Taylor-Tait is an award-winning designer helping individuals design beautiful homes and create passive income through property rentals. With almost 7 years in the Short Term Rental industry, Tatianna now uses her knowledge to educate hosts to stop getting in their own way and build a financially free life that they love.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE

03:25 Tatianna Taylor-Tait introduction and background

03:51 How Tatianna started in the STR industry

08:11 Tatianna's first STR deal

10:53 What made Tatianna start her graphic design business

13:36 Jumping into STR with the right resources

16:41 How Tatianna creates a guest experience through interior design

20:57 Making your property stand out

22:58 The abundance mindset

23:34 How Tatianna spends a limited budget

28:15 Tatianna shares what her business looks like

29:57 How STR changed Mike's life

31:00 Tatianna's advice for the listeners

32:01 Tatianna talks about her team

34:37 Acknowledgments to Tatianna

35:06 How to connect with Tatianna

35:56 Tatianna's #1 secret to success with STR

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Problems are going to happen but if you put your effort in and keep the course, something's gotta give." - Tatianna Taylor-Tait

"Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result." - Tatianna Taylor-Tait

"Put in that one little extra to set yourself apart." - Mike Sjogren

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Tatianna Taylor-Tait: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook

tatiannataylortait.com

Thanks for Booking

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 61 - The Power of Your Tribe Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE

04:10 Join Mike's free training - https://www.strsecrets.com/webinar

05:52 How Mike and E met on M1

07:16 Mike's mental switch on creating income

09:44 The cat story

10:36 Living life by design

13:06 Pushing yourself for more

14:06 Being control of the driver seat for a positive outcome

14:57 Evaluating your circle of friends

15:29 Surrounding yourself with high-level people

16:30 E shares his Ironman story

18:07 Making the first million

19:16 The ripple effect of the right peer group

22:21 The power of your network

22:31 Building relationships with people you want to be like

27:28 How to consistently hit your goals

28:19 Knowing what you want and saying yes

30:09 Investing in yourself

35:29 Leveraging the power of positive peer pressure

41:12 Making connections on the Clubhouse app

42:21 Join the STR Secrets Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecrets

42:43 Putting full effort into the things that you want to do

44:41 David Goggins and Jocko Willink's podcast

47:23 The rule of thirds

48:02 Being mindful of your blind spots

49:55 Cutting negativity and elevating your peer group

57:55 Join our growing Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/STRentalsecrets

59:05 Watch Mike's free masterclass - https://www.strsecrets.com/strmasterclass

59:08 Apply to the Mastermind to scale and take your business to the next level - https://www.strsecrets.com/apply

59:18 Sign up for the free Accelerator webinar - https://www.strsecrets.com/webinar

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Live life by design." - Emanuele Pani

"Most people want the shot but they keep passing the ball." - Emanuele Pani

"Put your money where your mouth is." - Mike Sjogren

"Tell me who you're with and I'll tell you who you are." - Emanuele Pani

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

https://linktr.ee/the_airbnbguy

Emanuele Pani: Clubhouse | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

FREE MASTERCLASS TRAINING - https://www.strsecrets.com/masterclass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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