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. How Rent Responsibly is Closing the Information Gap in STR Regulations – with Founders David Krauss & Alexa Nota

    5 HR. AGO

    How Rent Responsibly is Closing the Information Gap in STR Regulations – with Founders David Krauss & Alexa Nota

    In this week’s episode, we sit down with two of the most influential voices in the short-term rental (STR) advocacy space - David Krauss, CEO & Founder of Rent Responsibly, and Alexa Nota, COO & Co-Founder. With regulations and housing discussions at the forefront of industry challenges, Rent Responsibly is leading the charge in empowering hosts, owners, and managers to unite, educate, and advocate for fair policies. From community-building to data-driven insights, David and Alexa share how they’re working to close the information gap between policymakers and operators, ensuring that STR professionals have a seat at the table. Key Topics Discussed: 1️⃣ Strengthening the STR community through advocacy and education. 2️⃣ Addressing policy misconceptions and affordability concerns. 3️⃣ Why hosts must engage in local and state policy discussions. 4️ Key findings from Rent Responsibly’s 130,000+ data points. 5️⃣ How state and local groups are organizing for policy impact. 6️⃣ Combating misinformation in STR regulations. 7️⃣ Why local hosts’ voices matter in regulatory decisions. 8️⃣ How hosts can partner with Chambers of Commerce & DMOs. 9️⃣ Debunking the idea that banning STRs solves housing issues. 🔟 Steps for STR owners and managers to advocate effectively. Connect with David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-krauss/ Connect with Alexa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanota/ Connect with Rent Responsibly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rent-responsibly/ Website: https://www.rentresponsibly.org/  Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie  Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/  to learn more. #STRadvocacy #vacationrentalindustry #rentresponsibly

    45 min
  2. Breaking the Mold: How Fred Boothby’s Bold Business Model is Shaking Up the Industry

    JAN 29

    Breaking the Mold: How Fred Boothby’s Bold Business Model is Shaking Up the Industry

    In this week’s episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Fred Boothby, CEO of Enjoy Unique Stays, to explore how he’s breaking the mold in the vacation rental industry. What started as a small side business has grown into a thriving portfolio of 140+ properties across multiple states, redefining what it means to create experiential stays that go beyond the ordinary. Fred shares the bold strategies and innovations that have shaped his success, from crafting unique guest experiences to navigating the challenges of multi-market property management. He also dives into the hard lessons learned from industry risks like natural disasters, the power of branding and culture, and the role of technology in streamlining operations. Whether you're a property manager, real estate investor, or hospitality enthusiast, this episode is packed with game-changing insights to help you stay ahead in an evolving industry. Key Topics Discussed: 1️⃣ Fred’s journey to founding Enjoy Unique Stays 2️⃣ The importance of branding, culture, and team alignment in scaling a hospitality business. 3️⃣ Lessons from hurricane recovery and business resilience. 4️⃣ Fred’s hands-on experience with Streamline, Guesty, and Boom, and the role of technology in managing diverse properties 5️⃣ Why secondary and tertiary markets offer hidden opportunities 6️⃣ The rise of experiential stays in hospitality Connect with Fred Boothby: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-boothby-777096a/ Connect with Enjoy Unique Stays: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-stays-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_enjoyuniquestays_/?hl=en Website: https://www.enjoyuniquestays.com/ Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/ to learn more. #ExperientialStays #VacationRentals #HospitalityIndustry

    44 min
  3. Making Trash Fun (Again!) with CanMonkey CEO, Alex Shapiro

    JAN 22

    Making Trash Fun (Again!) with CanMonkey CEO, Alex Shapiro

    In this episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we’re thrilled to welcome back Alex Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of CanMonkey. Alex joins us to share exciting updates on how his company has continued to revolutionize trash management for vacation rentals and beyond. CanMonkey, which started as a bootstrap idea in 2018, now operates in 28 states and services over 5,000 properties across 350 cities. With innovative solutions, a gig-based workforce, and a deep understanding of industry challenges, Alex and his team are solving problems many didn’t even know had solutions. This conversation dives deep into the evolution of CanMonkey from a simple service idea to a full-fledged logistical technology company. From their distinctive brand strategy to their ability to tackle city regulations and homeowner frustrations, Alex offers insights that are not just valuable for vacation rental operators but for any entrepreneur looking to scale a business. Key Topics Discussed: ⚡ Can Monkey’s Origin and Growth ⚙ How Can Monkey Solves Trash Management Challenges 💡 The Role of Brand and Humor in CanMonkey’s Marketing 🤝 Navigating Regulations in Vacation Rentals 📌 The Gig Economy Workforce 💬 Expanding Services Beyond Trash Curb Management 🎯 Looking Ahead to 2025 ⭐ Advice for Entrepreneurs Connect with Alex: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-alexander-shapiro-74b47259/ Connect with CanMonkey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canmonkeyinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canmonkeyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanMonkey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCha6rByeYqvhNrTbA5fwUPg  Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/ to learn more. #WasteManagementSolutions #VacationRentalTech #PropertyManagementInnovation

    43 min
  4. Podcasting the Podcasters: Celebrating Our 200th Episode

    JAN 15

    Podcasting the Podcasters: Celebrating Our 200th Episode

    It's a milestone moment for Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals as we celebrate our 200th episode together with some of the most brilliant and influential podcasters in the vacation rental industry. To make this occasion extra special, Amber Hurdle and Travis Wilburn take over hosting duties, flipping the script by putting Alex & Annie in the guest seats. This episode is a tribute to the journey of not just Alex & Annie but the entire podcasting community that amplifies the voices of vacation rental professionals, pioneers, and enthusiasts. Joining the celebration are some of the industry's key influencers: Sarah and T, Wil Slickers, Tom Goodwin, Amber Hurdle, and Travis Wilburn. Together, they represent a collective history of over 1,100 episodes and more than 6 million listeners. This lively and inspiring conversation delves into the trends shaping the vacation rental industry, the origins of some of your favorite podcasts, and the transformative power of podcasting on careers and lives. Key Topics Discussed: 🥚 The Origins of Industry Podcasts ✨ Reflections on 200 Episodes 🎙 The Power of Podcasting ⭐ Trends in the Vacation Rental Industry 💻 Technology Transforming the Industry 🎧 Memorable Moments from Podcasting 💬 Lessons for Aspiring Podcasters 📌 The Future of the Industry and Podcasting Connect with Sarah and T: Sarah Bradford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bradford-032129b1/ Tim Cafferty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cafferty-479b974/ Connect with Travis Wilburn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-wilburn-03057410/ Connect with Wil Slickers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wil-slickers/ Connect with Tom Goodwin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/ Connect with Amber Hurdle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle/ Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/alexandannie Ready to take your operations to the next level? Visit https://tnsinc.com/podcasts-alex-and-annie/ to learn more. #AlexAndAnnieat200 #vacationrentals #podcasting

    48 min
  5. Vacation Rental Tech: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in 2025

    JAN 8

    Vacation Rental Tech: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in 2025

    In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Terry Whyte, owner of Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals and a renowned expert in vacation rental technology and operations. As one of the leading voices in the vacation rental industry, Terry dives into the evolving landscape of vacation rental software, sharing his predictions and practical insights on what’s driving innovation in the field. From the rise of "all-in-one" solutions to the growing dominance of CRM platforms, this episode sheds light on the tools and strategies reshaping how property managers operate and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Terry also shares his firsthand experiences navigating the challenges of hurricanes, offering valuable advice on resilience, recovery, and rebuilding trust with guests. Whether you’re a property manager, tech enthusiast, or vacation rental professional, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you stay ahead in a dynamic industry. Key Topics Discussed: 🍃 Managing Hurricane Recovery and Restoring Guest Confidence 💡 The Rise of All-In-One Solutions in Vacation Rental Tech ⚡ CRMs as the Backbone of Modern Property Management 🤖 AI and Automation’s Impact on Vacation Rentals 🧮 Trust Accounting and Its Growing Industry Importance 💻 Content Marketing Strategies for Direct Booking Success 🚪 The Growing Competition from All-Inclusive Resorts 🔮 Short- and Long-Term Predictions for Vacation Rentals Connect with Terry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-whyte-4540633b/ Website: https://annamariaislandbeachrentals.com/ Want to optimize your guest experience? Exclusive for our listeners: Get a free guest journey analysis at https://www.happyguestofficial.com/ #vacationrentals #propertymanagement #vacationrentaltech

    42 min
  6. For the Love of Gatlinburg: How Tom Goodwin Uses Storytelling to Preserve a Destination’s Heart and Soul

    12/18/2024

    For the Love of Gatlinburg: How Tom Goodwin Uses Storytelling to Preserve a Destination’s Heart and Soul

    In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets and host of For the Love of Gatlinburg Podcast. Tom shares insights into his family-run vacation rental business in Gatlinburg, which has been a beloved destination for over 50 years. We dive into his journey of preserving the essence of Gatlinburg through his podcast and discuss how it celebrates the community's rich heritage and unique stories. Tom also gives an update on Mountain Laurel Chalets, including the lessons learned from a recent business acquisition and how they’ve grown their portfolio while staying true to their brand’s values. From creating meaningful guest experiences to forming deep community ties, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone in the vacation rental or hospitality industry. Key Topics Discussed: 💭 The Vision for For the Love of Gatlinburg ✨ Mountain Laurel Chalets: A Family Legacy 🎯 Challenges and Insights from Acquiring Another Company ⭐ The Importance of Guest Experiences ⚡ Marketing and Branding Strategies 🤝 Community and Industry Collaboration 💡 The Role of Hospitality in Fostering Connection 📍 Future Goals and Inspirations Connect with Tom Goodwin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/ Website: https://www.mtnlaurelchalets.com/ 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! #VacationRentals #ShortTermRentals #Gatlinburg

    50 min
  7. From the Vault: Get Out of Your Own Way and Step into Your Power, with Amber Hurdle, CEO of Employer Brand Central

    12/11/2024

    From the Vault: Get Out of Your Own Way and Step into Your Power, with Amber Hurdle, CEO of Employer Brand Central

    In this special throwback episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Amber Hurdle, CEO and founder of Employer Brand Central. Originally aired around this time last year, this episode marks a pivotal moment for Alex & Annie as they navigated career transitions and personal growth. Amber’s wisdom, energy, and insights set the tone for what was to come, not just for the hosts, but for countless listeners. Amber reflects on the importance of building strong personal and employer brands, overcoming self-doubt, and unlocking potential by “getting out of your own way.” With actionable advice and heartfelt stories, this episode will resonate with anyone standing at the edge of a new beginning or deep in the trenches of change. Whether you’re rethinking your career, building your personal brand, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to guide you forward. Key Topics Discussed: 🔨 Building Personal and Employer Brands 🗺 Navigating Career Transitions 🔥 Confidence and Personal Power 🧹 Cleaning Out Your “Friend Closet” 🤝 The Role of Authenticity ⭐ Leadership and Empowerment 💡 Reflections and Lessons Learned Connect with Amber: Website: https://www.employerbrandcentral.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle/ 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! #PersonalBranding #EmployerBranding #CareerTransitions

    53 min
5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

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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