Episodios

  • Avoid These 5 Co-Hosting Mistakes and Build a Profitable STR Business with Stacey St. John
    Dec 9 2025

    Are you accidentally making one of the five deadly mistakes that could be sabotaging your short-term rental co-hosting dreams?

    In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on the real pitfalls that derail even the most ambitious hosts. These errors are far more common than people admit, and they quietly chip away at your confidence, your profits, and your ability to grow.

    We’re breaking down the 5 critical errors that hold co-hosts back:

    • Lacking the non-negotiable systems that keep your business running smoothly and efficiently
    • Undercharging for your services just to land your first client
    • Believing every client is the right client for your co-hosting business
    • Tying your professional worth and boundaries to your constant availability
    • Not knowing exactly what to say to owners when it matters most

    This is more than just spotting mistakes—it's about transforming missteps into momentum. I detail the clear professional standards, streamlined systems, and mindset shifts that will elevate you from busy to unstoppable.

    Plus, discover The Co-Host Code—my step-by-step guide packed with templates, scripts, and proven strategies to build your business the right way from day one.

    Tune in now to start charging your worth, setting boundaries, and building a sustainable co-hosting empire!

    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [00:00] Co-hosting – the smartest way to grow and scale an STR business in 2026, and the quote that inspires me about ambition and believing in yourself

    [01:34] Introducing my e-book The Co-Host Code – a step-by-step guide for building a profitable co-hosting business, and where to grab it

    [02:29] Why do I believe co-hosting is one of the best ways to start and scale your short-term rental business

    [04:42] How co-hosting allows me to support both guests and fellow real estate investors

    [06:26] The First and the Biggest Mistake in Co-hosting: Lacking systems

    [10:04] The Second Mistake: Undercharging for your services just to land your first client

    [11:49] The Third Mistake: Every client is the right client for your co-hosting business

    [15:22] The Fourth Mistake: Tying your worth to your availability

    [17:36] The Fifth Mistake: Not knowing what to say to owners

    [19:50] What are the things that you need to have in place for success in co-hosting

    [24:49] The importance of building confidence through systems and action to scale a co-hosting business


    Golden Nuggets:


    • “Ambition is not a dirty word, it's just believing in yourself and your abilities.”
    • “Co-hosting is a way for you to grow your portfolio without having to invest cash.”
    • “If you are looking to grow a co-hosting business, or launch a co-hosting business, you absolutely need systems that are outside of what you are utilizing in your day to day.”
    • “When you undercharge for your services, it is the fastest way to begin resenting your business.”
    • “Not all owners are created equal.”
    • “Your value is so much greater than the time you have for your business.”
    • “The right words when you're selling your co-hosting services create confidence in your owners, and confidence...
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    28 m
  • How Sandy Lee Turned a Family Joke Into a Wealth-Building Portfolio
    Dec 2 2025

    How can you turn your dreams into a profitable real estate strategy that builds both wealth and freedom?

    In this episode, I sit down with Sandy Lee, who pivoted from a 30-year career in oil and gas engineering to become a savvy short-term rental investor with properties across four different states. Sandy’s story is about reimagining what’s possible when you combine strategic thinking, personal passion, and a relentless drive to learn.

    What started as a family joke about buying a ski condo her son dreamed of turned into a thriving investment portfolio that now generates meaningful retirement income. Sandy’s approach is rooted in intentional, long-term wealth building—where every property reflects both financial foresight and lifestyle design.

    We dive into how Sandy leveraged her engineering mindset and financial modeling skills to build a short-term rental business that delivers more than just cash flow. From managing remote teams to identifying the financial metrics that truly matter, she shares the systems and mindset shifts behind her success.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent your career or your financial future. Sandy’s journey proves that with clarity, structure, and purpose, your investments can become more than assets—they can become the foundation for the life you’ve always envisioned.

    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [00:50] A short introduction about our guest Sandy Lee, and how she got into the short-term rental industry

    [05:10] Sandy shares how she went from doubting property ownership to building a multi-state portfolio that fuels her retirement

    [08:04] How aligning Sandy’s investments with her personal mission brings both joy and purpose to her real estate journey

    [10:44] Sandy talks about how continuous learning shaped her mindset shift toward early retirement and business reinvention

    [14:37] How leadership and appreciation elevate Sandy’s short-term rental business

    [18:12] The importance of building genuine, caring relationships with the cleaning team and how Sandy found them in four different locations

    [20:35] Sandy shares the challenges and lessons of managing teams across multiple short-term rental locations

    [24:06] Sandy talks about the realities and rewards of managing short-term rentals from afar

    [26:40] The key financial metrics that Sandy uses to evaluate short-term rental investments

    [28:20] Sandy discusses the importance of tracking data-driven performance metrics after purchase to guide strategic decisions

    [32:08] Sandy discusses the importance of moving away from “ego pricing,” and trusting experts to strengthen business performance

    [34:42] Sandy shares her enthusiasm for bringing fresh energy into the short-term rental, and emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond the “get rich quick” mentality

    [35:38] The lightning round


    Golden Nuggets:


    • “It's really important to figure out who you are, what you want from life, put that together and then make it happen.”
    • “Don't wait for an opportunity, create it.”
    • “You've got to keep learning, or you're paced out.”
    • “People are your business, no matter how tiny your business is.”
    • “It's okay
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    44 m
  • The Boutique STR Path to Profit Without Burnout — with Jessica Hill
    Nov 25 2025

    Ever feel like scaling your STR biz means sacrificing your sanity?

    Jessica Hill is living proof it doesn’t have to be that way.

    In this episode, we chat with the inspiring mama, healthcare pro, and STR entrepreneur behind Jet Setter Property Management — where intentional design meets boutique profitability. With just 12 hand-picked properties, Jessica has built a wildly successful short-term rental business that’s rich in personality and profit… without managing dozens of doors or burning the candle at both ends.

    She gets real about:

    • Designing properties that connect emotionally (hello, custom murals and curated guest experiences)
    • Balancing a demanding W-2, motherhood, and business ownership
    • The systems, boundaries, and support that make her model sustainable

    This convo is a masterclass in doing STRs differently — and doing them on your terms.

    If you’re craving a business that feels good and does good, this episode will remind you that “more” isn’t the goal — meaning is.

    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

    [00:56] A short introduction about our guest Jessica Hill and how she got into the world of short-term rentals

    [03:32] Jessica talks about her company and explains why she intentionally operates a boutique, hands-on property management model instead of scaling into a large, volume-driven portfolio

    [05:19] Jessica emphasizes the importance of intimate, hands-on management that boutique operators provide compared to large-scale property managers

    [09:55] Jessica’s active involvement in the guest experience and daily operations despite having a team

    [11:03] Jessica shares about her W-2 job and what she has pulled over from her W-2 into her short term rental business

    [12:35] Jessica explains explains why strategic design is a performance lever, not just aesthetics, in driving bookings and brand demand

    [16:11] Jessica talks about how she monetizes design and listing optimization as value-add services within her boutique hosting model

    [17:31] Jessica shares the key foundations smaller hosts should prioritize to deliver a high-touch guest experience through a boutique-style approach

    [20:11] How Jessica balances a full-time W2 career, motherhood to a special needs child, and her co-hosting business through intentional time management

    [22:32] Jessica shares how motherhood shaped her communication philosophy in short-term rentals

    [25:15] Jessica emphasizes the power of over-communicating with her team to build ownership and brand-aligned service

    [27:27] Jessica shares her piece of advice for all women who are chasing big dreams while also navigating life, being a mom, working a full time job

    [29:51] The lightning round



    Golden Nuggets:


    • “Start and make sure that you have the proper systems in place.”
    • “I have brought those people on my team to help with those things, so that way I can be a more effective property manager and do the things that I love to do.”
    • “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
    • “Don't lose yourself in the day to day of motherhood. Carve out a little time for yourself, because
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    40 m
  • Balancing Work, Life, Family, & A Thriving Short-Term Rental Business with Lydia Patel
    Nov 18 2025

    Ever wondered how to successfully manage a short-term rental hundreds of miles away—without losing your sanity or your weekends?

    In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Patel, a pharmacist who’s mastered the art of remote property management while balancing a full-time career and family life. Lydia’s story proves that you don’t need to live near your investment to make it thrive—you just need the right systems, people, and mindset to make it work.


    From setting up her Florida rental property while caring for a newborn to building a trustworthy team of local professionals, Lydia walks us through the practical steps that turned her long-distance investment into a sustainable success. Her journey is a blueprint for anyone looking to create a business that fits seamlessly into real life, not the other way around.


    We explore the exact tech tools and strategies that make remote management possible—from noise monitoring and digital locks to streamlined property management software. But at its heart, this conversation is about more than tools—it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and redefining what freedom looks like in real estate.


    Lydia’s insights will inspire you to think differently about investing, scaling, and balancing it all. Her story is proof that with strategy, systems, and heart, you can manage your business from anywhere and still have a life you love.


    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [00:52] A short introduction about our guest Lydia Patel, how her hosting journey began, and walks us through the long-distance managing her Florida short-term rental while living full-time in Minnesota

    [05:59] Lydia opens up about the steep learning curve and operational surprises of managing her Florida rental remotely right after giving birth

    [09:45] Lydia details how she built a dependable remote team by combining local expertise, reliable systems, and open communication

    [14:02] Lydia shares how smart technology and integrated systems make remote property management seamless and secure

    [19:23] Lydia opens up about overcoming the emotional challenges of managing from afar and learning to let go of control

    [24:04] How to turn preventable mistakes into refined systems that strengthen business operations over time

    [29:12] Lydia shares the real challenges of juggling motherhood, work, hosting, and the mindset shift that helped her find balance

    [32:24] How sharing Lydia’s journey through content creation became an authentic way to give back and connect with others on a similar path

    [35:22] Lydia shares how she balances creativity and delegation in managing her content creation process

    [39:43] The lightning round


    Golden Nuggets:


    • “Never make assumptions; look for those opportunities where slip ups happen, and write a process to fill in a gap so that there's no question.”
    • “There's something very rewarding about feeling like you're helping someone else. And so if I can share something that I've done, a tip, a helpful trick, a strategy that's been beneficial for me, if I'm able to pay it forward and help someone else.”
    • “Slow months are real. Don't panic over it, just budget for it.”
    • “Just stay human. Yes, it's a business, but there's a human aspect to it. Whether it's the relationship with your team members, relationship with your guest and
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    48 m
  • Freedom Through Leadership: Building a Purposeful STR Business with Brindy Bringhurst
    Nov 11 2025

    How do you turn a single-property hustle into a thriving, purpose-driven business that actually gives you freedom?

    Join me as I sit down with Brindy Bringhurst, a trailblazer who transformed her entrepreneurial journey from managing one property to leading a successful multi-property management operation in Arizona. We dive deep into the art and science of building a strategic short-term rental business that goes far beyond just hosting guests.

    Brindy shares the pivotal lessons she learned along the way—from defining her ideal owner avatar to building a supportive, high-performing team that became the backbone of her success. Her story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic growth, proving that the key to scaling isn’t just about more properties, but about smarter systems and stronger relationships.


    We unpack her early challenges of working solo and feeling stretched thin, and how she intentionally built a team that understands both the business and the heart of hospitality. Brindy reveals how protecting your team’s energy and aligning your business with your values can completely redefine success.


    This isn’t just a conversation about rentals—it’s about designing a business that supports your lifestyle, empowers your people, and creates lasting impact. Get ready for an honest, inspiring dialogue that will challenge how you think about entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable growth.


    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [00:55] A short introduction about our guest Brindy Bringhurst and how she got started in the world of short-term rentals

    [04:16] Brindy shares her early experiment in full-home hosting that taught her adaptability, connection, and the trade-offs of earning more while giving up stability

    [05:24] Brindy’s reflections on the emotional toll of renting out her own home

    [08:49] Brindy walks us through the long, unpredictable transition from her early hosting hustle to establishing a full-fledged co-hosting business

    [15:56] Brindy opens up about the defining moment she stopped “trying” and fully committed to making her business work

    [20:29] Brindy reflects on the stark contrast between her early years of nonstop hustle and how she now approaches fear, self-doubt, and confidence

    [27:08] How growing Brindy’s team transformed her business from a one-woman juggling act into a well-rounded, collaborative operation powered by trust, learning, and honest feedback

    [36:11] How leading a team transformed Brindy’s purpose in business from proving herself to creating a company built on collaboration, accountability, and genuine care for her people

    [40:29] Brindy recalls the pivotal moment when she realized not every property—or owner—was the right fit for her growing business

    [43:53] The challenges of dealing with difficult owners and how those moments have shaped Brindy’s approach to leadership

    [48:22] The lightning round


    Golden Nuggets:


    • “If you have an idea and you think it'll work, just commit to it and it'll work. It will happen.”
    • “What we believe, is what we can achieve.”
    • “As business leaders, it's critical for us to learn skills about how to be a good business leader.”
    • “You don't have freedom unless you have a team.”
    • “Don't give advice unless you're asked. People don't
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    56 m
  • Building a Seamless Tech Ecosystem for Growth with Margot Schmorak
    Nov 4 2025

    The right tech stack could give you back your time, your freedom, and the space to focus on what truly lights you up in your business.

    In this episode, I sit down with Margot Schmorak, CEO and co-founder of Hostfully, to explore how the right property management software can transform your short-term rental business. Margot isn’t just another tech executive—she’s a visionary leader who believes technology should simplify your operations, elevate your guest experience, and help you reclaim your time.

    We dive into what really matters when choosing tools for your rental business—from selecting a property management system that scales with you, to optimizing your workflows, to building a cohesive tech foundation that supports both growth and balance.

    Margot also shares her journey from big tech to entrepreneurship, her philosophy on human-centered technology, and how she leads a company rooted in joy, purpose, and personal growth. Beyond business, she opens up about finding harmony as a CEO, mom, and lifelong learner.

    This episode is a must-listen for hosts and entrepreneurs ready to use technology intentionally. Margot’s insights will inspire you to design a business that runs efficiently, aligns with your values, and gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most.

    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [00:58] A short introduction about our guest Margot Schmorak and shares her vision for building Hostfully around human connection, real-world impact, and a culture that uplifts people

    [04:07] Margot highlights how hiring for passion and fostering authenticity are key to building a thriving, people-centered culture

    [07:15] Margot breaks down the essentials of building a strong tech stack that drives bookings, streamlines operations, and supports long-term business growth

    [11:14] Margot emphasizes the importance of starting with the right property management software and choosing tools that can scale with your business through integrations

    [14:22] How to shop smart for property management software and the importance of spotting red flags in emerging technology

    [19:39] Margot’s insights on using AI to elevate customer experience, strengthen team efficiency, and personalize communication at Hostfully

    [22:35] Margot’s perspective on overcoming “Shiny Object Syndrome” to build a focused, intentional tech strategy

    [24:30] The importance of aligning technology and planning with clear goals to set up a strong start for the new year

    [28:06] Margot’s perspective on revisiting annual plans and adapting to change while staying confident in the industry’s long-term growth

    [29:39] Margot’s outlook on the next big shifts shaping the short-term rental industry from AI innovation to a new era of professionalism

    [32:15] Margot’s reflections on rediscovering joy, grace, and the freedom to be imperfect outside of work

    [37:55] Margot’s journey toward embracing joy, self-compassion, and the simple art of celebrating life’s small wins

    [42:51] The lightning round


    Golden Nuggets:


    • “One of the most important things is to make sure that you're hiring people into jobs that they're really excited about.”
    • “When you're selecting tech, it's really critical to not only know where your business is today, but where you want to be in the...
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    52 m
  • The Power of Unreasonable Hospitality: Transforming Short-Term Rentals with Candice Menard
    Oct 28 2025

    What if standing out in the short-term rental industry isn’t just about the property—but the experience you create?

    In this episode, I sit down with Candice Menard, the powerhouse behind Rent It Like a Saint, to explore the transformative philosophy of “Unreasonable Hospitality.” Candice isn’t just managing rentals—she’s redefining modern hosting by crafting heart-centered guest experiences that turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans.


    Candice shares her inspiring journey from long-term property management to becoming a visionary in short-term rental hospitality. She breaks down how understanding her ideal guests—hardworking professionals who crave comfort, connection, and care—helped her anticipate needs before they were spoken, setting a new gold standard for guest experience.


    We also dive into Travel Like a Saint, her complementary travel service that elevates the guest journey from start to finish. Candice reveals how she blends technology with personal touch through AI-assisted communication, community partnerships, and holistic brand storytelling that keeps guests coming back.


    This episode is a must-listen for hosts and entrepreneurs ready to elevate their hospitality game. Candice’s story is a masterclass in business growth, intentional service, and brand differentiation—proving that true success comes from serving with heart, purpose, and a touch of the extraordinary.



    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [01:00] A short introduction about our guest Candice Menard and how did she get into short-term rental business

    [02:57] Candice’s approach to embracing unreasonable hospitality and gaining clarity on her ideal guest to elevate the guest experience

    [06:24] Candice talks about how an unexpected Airbnb booking helped her discover her ideal guests and shape the future direction of her rental business

    [08:42] How Candice brings “unreasonable hospitality” to life by anticipating guest needs through fast communication, personalization, and gratitude

    [12:33] Candice explains how she blends AI with human communication to deliver efficient yet personal guest experiences

    [15:43] How the idea of “unreasonable hospitality” inspired Candice to expand from Rent It Like a Saint into a full travel service with Travel Like a Saint

    [18:35] Candice explains how she promotes Travel Like a Saint across multiple channels and the enthusiastic feedback she’s received from guests

    [20:33] Candice details the foundational systems she built within Rent It Like a Saint to free up her time and focus for launching Travel Like a Saint

    [23:23] How Candice’ involvement in the Louisiana Travel Summit unexpectedly turned into an opportunity to build stronger ties within her local community

    [28:06] Candice offers thoughtful, grounded advice for anyone who wants to infuse the spirit of “unreasonable hospitality” into their business

    [32:00] The lightning round



    Golden Nuggets:


    • “Providing excellent world class customer service is the best way to get those five star reviews.”
    • “The most valuable asset you can have in your hosting arsenal is your speed of communications.”
    • “Relationships are where referrals come from.”
    • “What's important to you, what's important to your guests, find your who's that can make that connection to get your puzzle piece...
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    44 m
  • Overcoming Hardship and Building a Short-Term Rental Empire with Ashley Freeman
    Oct 21 2025

    How do you rebuild your life and create extraordinary success after everything falls apart?

    In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Freeman, a former tennis pro who turned the pain of divorce into the fuel for a thriving 115-property short-term rental business—all in just three years. Her journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of daring to believe in something bigger for yourself.


    Ashley opens up about the pivotal moment she discovered Airbnb, transforming her four-acre property into a surprising income stream. What started as a survival strategy quickly became a passion-driven business that redefined her career and her sense of purpose.


    We dive into the entrepreneurial strategies that fueled her rapid growth—from scaling one unit into 115, to building a powerhouse team of predominantly women, to designing systems that keep her business thriving. Alongside the practical insights, Ashley shares the mindset shifts, faith, and intuition that became the foundation of her success.


    This is more than a business story—it’s a masterclass in courage, vision, and personal growth. Ashley’s journey will inspire you to see challenges as stepping stones, trust your intuition, and embrace the kind of bold thinking that can transform both life and business.


    HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:


    [00:56] A short introduction about our guest Ashley Freeman and her unexpected journey from tennis pro to scaling a 115-property management company in under three years

    [06:37] Ashley shares her mission-driven approach to short-term rentals and her passion for helping others after finding purpose again

    [11:28] Ashley’s journey from her first client to managing 135 properties, and how she learned to grow with humility, faith, and adaptability

    [15:38] How surrendering control to God after Ashley’s divorce transformed her life and taught her to recognize His guidance

    [18:48] Ashley shares how a trip to Africa ignited her mission to reach “broken women” and how she learned to trust whispers from God

    [25:10] Ashley’s approach to starting simple and building her property management growth one step at a time

    [26:49] Ashley’s team growth and systems that transformed her property management business

    [30:18] Ashley’s share her intentional decision to keep cleaning in-house as part of building a trusted team and aligning hospitality with her deeper mission to serve guests with excellence

    [35:10] How building systems and processes early allowed Ashley’s business to scale smoothly and avoid breakdowns during rapid growth

    [38:44] Ashley’s biggest challenges as she has grown her property management company to now well over 100 units and how she navigated them

    [43:12] How I sustain my team by focusing on open communication, removing roadblocks, and empowering them to contribute solutions that strengthen the company

    [49:39] The lightning round


    Golden Nuggets:


    • “I do think there's a sense of faith that you have to have in business, regardless if you believe in the Lord or not. You know you have to have faith. It's that leap of faith that you're taking to even get started.”
    • "God is talking to each of us; we have to be willing to open our ears to listen.”
    • “Cleaning, to me, is like the most important part of the experience, and so we've never even considered trying to go...
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    1 h