Vacation Rental Success

Heather Bayer aka @CottageGuru
  • 4.7 (210)
  • INVERSIONES
  • CADA SEMANA

Heather Bayer, author of Renting Your Recreational Property for Profit, former CEO of a highly successful cottage rental agency, and a popular blogger, hosts the Vacation Rental Success podcast. With many years experience of owning and managing multiple vacation rental properties, Heather brings her knowledge and views on every aspect of the business, together with interviews with vacation homeowners and industry experts. Heather has appeared as a guest on CTV Canada, CBC Radio, Rogers TV, and Chex TV and is frequently interviewed on real estate and travel topics by magazines and daily newspapers.

  1. HACE 1 DÍA

    VRS629 - From Digital Guides to Donut Walls: Inside a Next-Gen Guest Experience

    I first met James Rubino at a VRMA conference in Orlando two years ago.  He was there at the start of his journey in short term rentals, to learn and network and I mentioned to him then I would have him as a guest on the podcast down the road.  So two years later here we are and what a story it is . At just 26, James launched Rubino Home Ventures and later co-founded Lake George Vacay, two short-term rental management companies that already stand out for their professionalism, creativity, and community connection. In our conversation, James shares how he went from working in marketing and real estate to building a growing business rooted in service, innovation, and unforgettable guest experiences (wait until you hear about the S'mores with Sasquatch and The Donut Wall! 📣 Midroll Sponsor: STRAIT Chat & the AI Ambassador Program This episode is brought to you in part by the STRAIT Chat Community - an exclusive space for short-term rental pros who want deeper conversations, smarter systems, and more collaborative learning. And if you're curious about using AI in your business - whether it's for guest communication, operations, or even marketing - check out our AI Ambassador Program. It's designed to help you learn, lead, and get hands-on with the tools shaping the future of hospitality. 🌐 Learn more and join us at VacationRentalFormula.com/AI Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/podcast/VRS629

    54 min

  2. 10 SEP

    VRS628 - Why Local Wins: The Five Pillars for Success You Must Follow - with Ashley Ching

    Have you ever found yourself wondering why so many large-scale property management companies rise quickly… and then fall just as fast? In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Ching, Founder and CEO of Inhaven, who brings a fresh - and deeply researched - perspective to this question. Ashley recently published an eye-opening report, “A 25-Year History of Hospitality Management: Why Local Wins and National Scale Fails.” And when I say it’s a must-read… I mean it. We talk in-depth about  the rise and fall of companies like Vacasa and Aimbridge, and what their journeys can teach us about sustainable growth and operational excellence in our own businesses. Ashley doesn’t just point fingers - she outlines the five key pillars that support successful hospitality operations, no matter your size. If you’re managing short-term rentals and thinking about how to grow without losing your sanity (or your staff), this one is absolutely packed with insights. 📣 Midroll Sponsor: STRAIT Chat & the AI Ambassador Program This episode is brought to you in part by the STRAIT Chat Community - an exclusive space for short-term rental pros who want deeper conversations, smarter systems, and more collaborative learning. And if you're curious about using AI in your business - whether it's for guest communication, operations, or even marketing - check out our AI Ambassador Program. It's designed to help you learn, lead, and get hands-on with the tools shaping the future of hospitality. 🌐 Learn more and join us at VacationRentalFormula.com/AI Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/podcast/VRS628

    55 min

  3. 3 SEP

    VRS627 - Thriving in the Age of AI and Short-Term Rentals with Bart Sobies

    In this episode, Heather Bayer welcomes back a long-time friend and industry innovator, Bart Sobies, founder of iBooked.Online and the creative mind behind the Strive to Thrive events in Australia and beyond. Bart joins Heather (from tomorrow, no less - Australia time!) to share insights on: The power of in-person connections and how conferences can radically transform your business trajectory What’s happening right now in the Australian short-term rental market Why AI isn't a trend - it’s a revolution, and how it’s already reshaping our industry How to avoid the "tool trap" with AI, and instead solve real problems with the right tech Building human-centered hospitality businesses that are scalable, sustainable, and future-ready Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new to the STR space, Bart’s global perspective and generous storytelling make this a must-listen. 📣 Midroll Sponsor: STRAIT Chat & the AI Ambassador Program This episode is brought to you in part by the STRAIT Chat Community - an exclusive space for short-term rental pros who want deeper conversations, smarter systems, and more collaborative learning. And if you're curious about using AI in your business - whether it's for guest communication, operations, or even marketing - check out our AI Ambassador Program. It's designed to help you learn, lead, and get hands-on with the tools shaping the future of hospitality. 🌐 Learn more and join us at VacationRentalFormula.com/AI Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS627

    55 min

  4. 27 AGO

    VRS626 - Tech-Enabled Hospitality with Jessica Gillingham of Abode Worldwide

    What does it really mean to run a tech-enabled hospitality business - and how do we do it without losing the human touch? In this episode, Heather sits down with Jessica Gillingham, founder of Abode Worldwide and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, to talk about how property managers can embrace technology to improve guest experiences, operations, and brand storytelling. This is a conversation about more than tools - it’s about mindset. From scaling sustainably to building trust in a digital world, Jessica brings clarity and compassion to a topic that often feels overwhelming. Whether you're a single host or managing hundreds of properties, there’s something here for you. 📣 Midroll Sponsor: STRAIT Chat & the AI Ambassador Program This episode is brought to you in part by the STRAIT Chat Community - an exclusive space for short-term rental pros who want deeper conversations, smarter systems, and more collaborative learning. And if you're curious about using AI in your business - whether it's for guest communication, operations, or even marketing - check out our AI Ambassador Program. It's designed to help you learn, lead, and get hands-on with the tools shaping the future of hospitality. 🌐 Learn more and join us at VacationRentalFormula.com/AI Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS626

    53 min

  5. 20 AGO

    VRS625 - Five Quick Wins to Start Using AI in Your STR Business Today

    In this solo episode, Heather Bayer returns to the mic for an approachable explanation of the transformative power of AI in short-term rental operations. With over 600 episodes under her belt, Heather has seen just about every trend in this space - but few as game-changing as this. Whether you're a solo host or run a multi-property management company, you’ve likely heard about ChatGPT, Claude, and AI tools - but how do you actually put them to work? This episode delivers five actionable ways to get started with AI right now, even if you're not a techie. It’s practical, encouraging, and rooted in real use cases with everything from guest messaging to building your internal SOPs, and even creating your own AI team member. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to begin, this is your moment to step confidently into the future of STR operations. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS625

    47 min

  6. 13 AGO

    VRS624 - Trust, Tech & Storytelling: The Keys to a High-Converting STR Website

    In this fun and super insightful episode, I’m joined once again by vacation rental marketing expert Jodi Bourne, and we’re diving headfirst into something that’s never been more important - your website. With all the recent changes to the big OTAs, more and more hosts are waking up to the power of direct bookings. And at the heart of that? Your website. It’s not just a digital business card anymore - it’s where your brand builds trust, tells your story, and convinces guests to book directly with you. Jodi and I chat about what makes a website truly work, from smart design choices and storytelling, to using AI, social proof, trust signals, and so much more. If you’re ready to turn your website into a booking machine, this one’s for you. Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >> https://www.hostfully.com/survey You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS624

    56 min

  7. 6 AGO

    VRS623 - Safety Sells: Why STR Leaders Are Putting Protection First

    In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down for a summer Sunday chat with Justin Ford from Breezeway, to discuss how prioritizing safety can transform your short-term rental business.  Not just in protecting reputations, even boosting bookings, but in saving lives. Justin has been on the show just a few times over the years and his inspiring take on safety is a reflection of his two decades of experience in the industry.  For anyone not familiar with his booming voice and 6’5” stature, he  is a globally recognized vacation rental safety expert and Director of Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway.  He delivers conference keynotes that will stay with you long after you leave the room, so if you ever get the opportunity to listen, don’t miss it.   Recipient of the prestigious Shortyz Pioneer Award earlier this year (2025), he has become a pioneering voice in promoting practical, actionable safety standards for STR operators. From advising major companies like Casago/Vacasa, Moving Mountains, and the Naimon Group, to training hosts across the globe, Justin’s passion for safety is saving lives and reshaping the way property managers think about hospitality. Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >> https://www.hostfully.com/survey You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS623

    49 min

  8. 30 JUL

    VRS622 - Navigating Growth, Change, and True Hospitality with Jackie Norde from Casago

    When change hits fast and hard, what keeps a company grounded? In this episode, Heather welcomes Jackie Norde, who shares her remarkable journey from vacation rental software onboarding to her current role helping Casago franchisees succeed - especially in the wake of Casago’s rapid expansion via Vacasa acquisitions. Jackie offers rich insights into hospitality, franchise onboarding, operational standards, and how a tiny orange booklet - the Casago ORANGE Standard - is transforming how vacation rental businesses deliver unforgettable guest experiences. Whether you're a property manager facing change, an owner scaling up, or just someone who believes hospitality should come from the heart, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical takeaways. Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >> https://www.hostfully.com/survey You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS622

    50 min
Ver todo (630)

4.7
de 5
210 calificaciones

Acerca de

Heather Bayer, author of Renting Your Recreational Property for Profit, former CEO of a highly successful cottage rental agency, and a popular blogger, hosts the Vacation Rental Success podcast. With many years experience of owning and managing multiple vacation rental properties, Heather brings her knowledge and views on every aspect of the business, together with interviews with vacation homeowners and industry experts. Heather has appeared as a guest on CTV Canada, CBC Radio, Rogers TV, and Chex TV and is frequently interviewed on real estate and travel topics by magazines and daily newspapers.

Información

  • Creador
    Heather Bayer aka @CottageGuru
  • Años de actividad
    2013 - 2025
  • Episodios
    630
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © MOSO Partnership Inc.
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Vacation Rental Success

También te podría interesar