Vacation Rental Success Heather Bayer aka @CottageGuru

For some aspiring property managers, the challenge of setting up a business, learning the ins and outs of every aspect of operations, marketing and business development, and software setup is a lot to take on. This is where a franchising model can offer a significant advantage.
In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer speaks with Lukas Krause, CEO of SkyRun Vacation Rentals, about how franchising can simplify the process, providing the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in the competitive vacation rental market.
‍What You'll Discover:
Lukas's Journey: Lukas discusses his transition from managing the largest single-family property management firm in the US to leading SkyRun Vacation Rentals.
Franchising Fundamentals: Hear about the core aspects of franchising within the vacation rental industry, including the support and resources provided to franchisees, and how the franchise model can help property managers succeed.
Overcoming Market Challenges: Lukas offers insights into the current challenges faced by property managers, such as increased competition and market saturation, and shares strategies to stand out and thrive.
The Role of Technology and Data: Discover how SkyRun leverages technology and data to optimize pricing, marketing, and guest experiences, ensuring franchisees can compete effectively in a crowded market.
Building a Strong Brand: Lukas emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences to build a strong, recognizable brand in the vacation rental industry.
Regulations and Advocacy: Heather and Lukas discuss the importance of navigating local regulations and the role of advocacy in ensuring sustainable growth for the vacation rental industry.
You Will Learn:
Benefits of Franchising: Understand how the franchise model can reduce risk and provide a proven system for success in the vacation rental industry. Effective Property Management: Gain insights into best practices for managing vacation rental properties and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Market Differentiation: Learn strategies to differentiate your vacation rental business and attract more guests. Navigating Regulations: Find out how to effectively handle local regulations and advocate for the vacation rental industry. Growth and Scalability: Discover how to scale your property management business efficiently with the support of a franchise. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS569

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer discusses the untapped potential of accessibility in vacation rentals with Adam Norko, host of The Art of Hospitality Podcast, and Lorraine Woodward, founder of Becoming rentABLE.
What You'll Discover:
●       First Mover Advantage: With 26% of the population having a disability, less than 1% of vacation rentals in the US are accessible. This represents a significant business opportunity.
●       Personal Stories: Heather shares her personal experiences with her step-granddaughter who is severely autistic, highlighting the challenges faced by families seeking accessible vacation rentals. Lorraine and Adam provide insights from their own experiences and the broader community.
●       Accessibility Beyond Wheelchair Access: The discussion expands beyond the common perception of accessibility, covering mobility, cognitive needs, sensory issues, and more.
●       Statistics and Market Potential: Lorraine provides eye-opening statistics, including the expected increase in the senior population and the broad scope of disabilities, both permanent and temporary.
●       Challenges in the Industry: Adam and Lorraine discuss the current shortcomings in the vacation rental industry regarding accessibility and how ignorance can no longer be an excuse as awareness grows.
●       Becoming rentABLE: Lorraine introduces Becoming rentABLE, a listing platform focused on accessible short-term rentals, offering a comprehensive approach to accessibility beyond just physical modifications.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS568

In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Amber Hurdle, the host of the Bombshell Business Podcast and author of The Bombshell Businesswoman. Inspired by a recent newsletter from Amber, Heather explores the fascinating world of AI and its impact on personal and professional branding in our vacation rental business.
Amber shares her expertise on integrating AI effectively into your business strategy, ensuring you harness its power while maintaining authenticity and emotional connection with both guests and owners.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS567

In this solo episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather delves into the foundations
of a strong property management business. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as a
property manager, where she made a lot of mistakes and missteps, she shares valuable insights
and lessons learned to help listeners navigate the ever-changing landscape of the short-term
rental business.‍
You’ll discover the importance of:
·        Learning the Industry's History: Spoiler alert! This business didn’t start with Airbnb.
·        Being Intentional with Your Niche.
·        Creating a Business Plan.
·        Building Key Community Relationships.
·        Finding a Mentor or Consultant.
·        Knowing Your Location.
·        Understanding Regulations and Restrictions.
·        Conducting a SWOT Analysis.
·        Tracking Metrics and KPIs.
·        Familiarizing Yourself with Industry Jargon.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS566

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer welcomes Brittany Blackman of Breathe Easy Rentals and Sean Kemper from ETI Solutions. They discuss their innovative housekeeping workshops launched in the spring in the Florida Panhandle and Orange Beach, Alabama, emphasizing the importance of housekeeping training and mindfulness in property management. Heather also shares insights from Rob Walker's book, "The Art of Noticing," and how it ties into enhancing attention and creativity in the vacation rental industry.
What You'll Discover: Housekeeping Training Initiatives: Brittany and Sean explain their approach to housekeeping workshops, highlighting the need for practical, front-line training in the vacation rental industry.
The Art of Noticing: Heather introduces concepts from Rob Walker's book, "The Art of Noticing," discussing how being more mindful and attentive can improve business operations and guest experiences.
Workshop Highlights: Learn about the unique and engaging activities used in the workshops, such as bed-making competitions and communication games, designed to foster better teamwork and attention to detail.
Challenges in Housekeeping: Brittany and Sean discuss the current challenges in housekeeping, from finding reliable cleaners to maintaining consistent quality standards, and how their workshops address these issues.
Importance of Mindfulness: Heather and her guests delve into how mindfulness practices can help property managers and housekeeping staff notice and address the small details that can significantly impact guest satisfaction.
Combining Training Programs: A teaser about potential future collaborations between Heather, Mike, Brittany, and Sean to provide comprehensive training that combines THRIVE principles with housekeeping best practices.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS565

In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Rachel Alday, co-founder of Abode Luxury Vacation Rentals, to discuss the crucial role of company culture in the short-term rental business.

Rachel shares her journey of growing a family-owned business into a highly respected company, emphasizing the importance of building a team that embodies core values and delivers exceptional hospitality. 
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS564