Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals

Alex and Annie
Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals

With more than 35 years of combined experience in vacation rentals, Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe have teamed up to connect the dots between inspiration and opportunity, seeking to find the one story, idea, strategy or decision that led to their guests big A-HA moment. Join them, as they highlight the REAL stories behind the people and brands that have built vacation rentals into the 100 BILLION dollar industry it is today.

  1. Scaling Up in Italy: Behind the Scenes at Scale Italia 2024 with Alex & Annie

    -2 J

    Scaling Up in Italy: Behind the Scenes at Scale Italia 2024 with Alex & Annie

    This week, we’re coming to you live from the heart of Florence, Italy, where Alex & Annie attended Scale Italia 2024! In this special on-the-ground episode, we bring you a dynamic mash-up of conversations with some of the most influential figures in the vacation rental and property management industries. Hear firsthand perspectives from Italy’s vibrant conference floor, where the future of global property management, tech trends, and regulatory changes in the short-term rental space were top of mind. From unique regulatory hurdles in Italy to the latest advancements in AI and PMS technology, this episode captures the pulse of Europe’s growing vacation rental market. Join us as we sit down with conference organizers, tech innovators, and industry leaders to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing property managers worldwide. Key Topics Discussed: 🏛 European Insights and Hospitality: Alex and Annie share their experiences at Scale Italia, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere, local hospitality, and the refreshing international focus of the event. 📜 Navigating Italian Regulations: Cristiana Carpini, CEO of Tara Home Consulting and Event Director for Scale Italia, discusses Italy’s complex regulatory landscape and her efforts in advocating for vacation rentals, particularly in regions like Florence that pose challenges to short-term rentals. 💻 Technology and AI Transformation: Alon Goldboim from Boom delves into the ways his company is leveraging AI to streamline operations for property managers, creating integrated ecosystems that replace fragmented systems. 🤝 Building Community and Sustainable Business Practices: Bob Garner from Envirorental shares his vision for sustainability in property management, stressing the business advantages of eco-friendly practices. 🎉 The Importance of Local Events in a Global Context: John An of Tech Tape and Marcus Rader from Hostaway emphasize the benefits of Scale Italia, which brings together local markets and international leaders to foster innovation and expansion. Featured Guests: Cristiana Carpini - CEO, Tara Home Consulting, and Event Director for Scale Italia Richard Vaughton - Industry Expert, Member of the Board for Boom Alon Goldboim - Founder & CTO, Boom Marcus Rader - CEO, Hostaway Deborah Labi - Founder, Have You Got Bob Garner - Founder, Envirorental John An - Founder, TechTape #ScaleItalia2024 #EuropeanSTR #VacationRentals

    38 min
  2. Throwback to Our Fan-Favorite Episode with The OG’s of the Panhandle: Lino Maldonado, Jim Olin, Paul Wohlford and Steve Caron

    30 OCT.

    Throwback to Our Fan-Favorite Episode with The OG’s of the Panhandle: Lino Maldonado, Jim Olin, Paul Wohlford and Steve Caron

    In this special re-air of one of our most popular episodes, Alex & Annie brings together a powerhouse panel of industry experts, known as the OGs of the Panhandle. Our guests—James Olin, Steve Caron, Lino Maldonado, and Paul Wohlford—share invaluable insights from their decades-long journeys in the vacation rental industry, reflecting on where it all started, where it is now, and where it’s headed. Episode Highlights: The Early Days: Travel back with our panel as they recount the challenges and successes that marked their early years in vacation rentals. Hear the stories of navigating uncharted territory with passion, resilience, and a vision for the future. The Industry Today: Explore how mergers, acquisitions, and new technologies are reshaping guest experiences and operations. Our experts discuss balancing innovation with the personal touch that defines hospitality and reveal the tech innovations that have made the biggest impact. Looking Ahead: The conversation shifts to the future, delving into topics like potential industry standardization, the role of larger players, and the value of a boutique approach. Hear insights on how advocacy and regulatory involvement are shaping what’s next for vacation rentals. Key Takeaways: 💡 Evolution of an Industry: Understand the milestones that have propelled the industry forward and the challenges in keeping pace with consumer and market changes. 📚 Collaboration and Community: With a focus on bridging the gap between legacy vacation rental companies and newer STR operators, the panel highlights the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and creating a strong sense of community. Tune in for a chance to revisit this insightful episode packed with lessons, inspiration, and shared passion for the future of vacation rentals. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the show, this conversation is a must-hear! Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners: - Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers. Claim this offer here: ⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠ - Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE. Visit ⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/ to claim this limited-time deal! Connect with Lino: LinkedIn Connect with Jim: LinkedIn Connect with Steve: LinkedIn #VacationRentals #FloridaPanhandle #IndustryOGs

    1 h 4 min
  3. Throwback to Our Most Listened Episode of 2024 – Building a Hospitality Legacy with Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets

    23 OCT.

    Throwback to Our Most Listened Episode of 2024 – Building a Hospitality Legacy with Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets

    In this special re-air of one of our most popular episodes, Alex & Annie revisit our insightful conversation with Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom’s remarkable journey in the vacation rental industry, from unexpected beginnings to building a brand rooted in community, continues to inspire. Tom's Journey: Discover how Tom's unexpected entry into the vacation rental world, through his wife's family-run business in Gatlinburg, evolved into a thriving venture. His initial 18-month commitment turned into an 11-year commitment, filled with challenges and triumphs. Community and Branding: Explore Tom's insights into the profound impact of community involvement and branding in the hospitality industry. Learn how his diverse background seamlessly translated into revitalizing the Mountain Laurel Chalets brand. Looking to the Future: Tom shares his excitement for the future, including the acquisition of a new business and plans for a local podcast. Stay tuned as he promises to keep us updated on his journey throughout the year. Key Takeaways: 💪 Community Resilience: Witness how the Mountain Laurel Chalets community not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity, exemplified by the creation of the "Family First" program after the 2016 Gatlinburg fires. 🍀 Guest Experience Philosophy: Delve into Tom's philosophy on guest experiences and how it influences the company's reputation and customer loyalty. 🤝 Building Lasting Relationships: Uncover the significance of strong relationships with property owners, highlighted by the annual owner meetings that not only retain existing owners but attract new ones, creating a familial atmosphere within the business. Join us in exploring more stories and insights from the vacation rental industry. Share your thoughts, subscribe, and stay engaged as we continue to learn that success is about more than just the properties we manage—it's about the relationships we build and the communities we serve. Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners: - Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers. Claim this offer here: https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie - Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE. Visit ⁠https://www.boomnow.com/ to claim this limited-time deal! Connect with Tom LinkedIn Website

    42 min
  4. Building a Global Vacation Rental Brand Through Franchising with Casiola CEO, Dennis Goedheid

    16 OCT.

    Building a Global Vacation Rental Brand Through Franchising with Casiola CEO, Dennis Goedheid

    Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners: - Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.  Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠⁠ - Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal! In this week’s episode, we welcome back Dennis Goedheid, founder and CEO of Casiola Vacation Homes. Dennis returns to share exciting updates on his company's growth, including the launch of a new franchise model. Since its inception, the franchise has rapidly expanded into key markets, including Aruba, where Casiola has seen tremendous success. Dennis also dives into the challenges and opportunities in the vacation rental space, from navigating property management in international markets to the importance of local partnerships. He provides insight into Casiola’s unique franchise approach, which aims to create a global brand for vacation rentals, much like Marriott did for hotels. The conversation touches on the critical issue of short-term rental regulations, with Dennis discussing his advocacy efforts in Florida and Aruba to ensure fair regulations that support both property managers and local communities. Key Topics Discussed: 📃 Casiola Vacation Homes' growth and current portfolio ⭐ Launch and success of Casiola's franchise system 🗺 Expansion into Aruba and rapid growth in that market 💭 Importance of regulatory involvement in the vacation rental industry 📛 Florida's recent legislative challenges for short-term rentals 📢 Upcoming fundraiser at DARM to support fair regulations 🏝 Dennis's experience on Richard Branson's Necker Island 💡 Insights into Richard Branson's leadership style and business philosophy 📈 The challenges and opportunities in the vacation rental industry 🤝 Balancing profitability with social responsibility and legacy-building Connect with Dennis: LinkedIn Website #VacationRentalFranchise #GlobalVacationRentals #ShortTermRentalRegulations

    52 min
  5. Insights from Ian Carter, former CEO of Hilton International: How to Balance High-Tech with High-Touch

    9 OCT.

    Insights from Ian Carter, former CEO of Hilton International: How to Balance High-Tech with High-Touch

    Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners: - Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.  Claim this offer here: ⁠⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠⁠ - Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠⁠ to claim this limited-time deal! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we are joined by Ian Carter, the former CEO of Hilton International and current Chair of the Board for Watches of Switzerland, Eataly, The Boston University School of Hospitality and Administration, and Boom. Ian shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days at General Electric to leading Hilton International through its historic merger with Hilton Hotels Corporation. We also dive into the vacation rental market, where Ian reflects on the challenges and opportunities this sector presents, especially in comparison to his experience in the hotel industry. He highlights the increasing role of AI and technology in managing vacation rentals and the importance of personalizing guest experiences.  Key Topics Discussed: 💫  Ian's transition from non-hospitality sectors to becoming CEO of Hilton International. 💼 Insights into The Evolution of Hilton International 💡 AI and Technology in Vacation Rentals 💬 Differences Between Hotels and Vacation Rentals ✨ Personalization in Hospitality 🤝Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Vacation Rentals ✅ Public vs. Private Companies in Hospitality ⭐ Luxury and Hospitality Brand Leadership Connect with Ian: LinkedIn #AIinhospitality #vacationrentals #hospitalitytech

    44 min
  6. Closing Out Strong: Revenue Management and Market Insights for Q4 2024 with Rebecca Ballart of Rev & Research

    2 OCT.

    Closing Out Strong: Revenue Management and Market Insights for Q4 2024 with Rebecca Ballart of Rev & Research

    Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners: - Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.  Claim this offer here: ⁠https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie⁠ - Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE. Visit ⁠⁠https://www.boomnow.com/⁠ to claim this limited-time deal! In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we're once again joined by Rebecca Ballart, COO of Rev & Research, a leading revenue management consulting firm for vacation rentals. Rebecca shares her deep insights into the current state of the vacation rental market, discussing the challenges and opportunities that property managers are facing as we head into 2024. We dive into the key trends, including increased supply, softening demand, and how international travel options are affecting domestic bookings. Rebecca provides actionable advice on navigating tough homeowner conversations, adjusting pricing strategies, and enhancing guest experiences to drive long-term success. Key Topics Covered: ⭐ The current challenges in vacation rental markets and strategies to stay ahead in 2024. 💬 How property managers can better communicate with homeowners, especially during tough conversations about revenue performance. 💫 The importance of having a well-rounded revenue management strategy, beyond relying solely on pricing tools. 💡 Practical tips for using guest communication to increase direct bookings and improve guest retention. 🔨 Strategies for tackling oversupply in saturated markets and optimizing inventory performance. Connect with Rebecca: LinkedIn Connect with Rev & Research: LinkedIn | Website #vacationrentals #revenuemanagement #propertymanagement

    44 min
  7. 1st of the Month Bonus News Announcement: Extenteam Announces New Staffing Program for Hosts of All Sizes

    1 OCT.

    1st of the Month Bonus News Announcement: Extenteam Announces New Staffing Program for Hosts of All Sizes

    Exclusive offers for Alex & Annie Listeners: - Get a FREE OwnerPoint Analyst with a demo ($1200 value). Enjoy 10% off OwnerPoint Pro or OwnerPoint Connect services, plus over 50% off additional markets and zip codes. Alex & Annie listeners also receive free Jini for Property Managers.  Claim this offer here: https://www.ownerpoint.io/alex-and-annie - Mention "Alex & Annie" when you sign up with Boom to get 50% off your onboarding fee and 1 month FREE. Visit ⁠https://www.boomnow.com/ to claim this limited-time deal! In this special 1st of the month bonus episode, Alex & Annie are joined by Ari Eryorulmaz, founder and CEO of Extenteam, to discuss their exciting new staffing program designed for vacation rental hosts of all sizes.  Ari shares insights into the company's journey, from humble beginnings as a side gig to becoming a leader in providing virtual staffing solutions for property managers worldwide. He highlights the evolution of staffing needs in the hospitality industry post-COVID and introduces Extenteam’s newest service, Tailwind, which enables smaller operators to access professional staffing on a flexible, per-unit subscription basis.  This game-changing program is set to help hosts operate efficiently and elevate guest satisfaction, regardless of property size. Key Topics Discussed: 🐣 The Evolution of Extenteam: From Side Gig to Industry Leader 💼Post-COVID Staffing Trends in Vacation Rentals ⚡ Introduction of Tailwind: Staffing Solution for Small Hosts 🍃 Work-Life Balance for Property Managers ⭐ Extenteam’s Global Expansion: Entering Europe and Beyond 💡Scaling Business Through Virtual Staffing Connect with Ari: LinkedIn Connect with Extenteam: LinkedIn | Website #vacationrentals #vacationrentalstaffing #shorttermrentals

    24 min
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À propos

With more than 35 years of combined experience in vacation rentals, Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe have teamed up to connect the dots between inspiration and opportunity, seeking to find the one story, idea, strategy or decision that led to their guests big A-HA moment. Join them, as they highlight the REAL stories behind the people and brands that have built vacation rentals into the 100 BILLION dollar industry it is today.

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