Ep 63 - Growing a Sustainable and Profitable Hospitality Company with Simon Lehmann

Aug 16, 2021

51:58

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

GUEST'S BIO

Simon is one of the world’s foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental and business consultancy while also advising multiple companies as Board Member and Executive Chairman. A sought-after speaker, panelist and moderator, Simon loves to broach high-level and technical topics alike, from the future trends of short term rental to the specifics of online distribution in the top 5 OTAs. Previously, Simon was the Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, former President of PhocusWright, and ex-Board member of HomeAway, to name but a few. He’s also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome, Hotelplan Group and Swissport as CEO.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE

04:36 Simon Lehmann introduction and background

05:59 How Simon started in the hospitality industry

08:11 Transitioning from being an executive vice president of an airport ground company to a CEO of a vacation rental company

11:21 Simon shares his vacation rental journey

14:04 What is AJL Atelier?

14:42 Simon shares his tips for those who are starting their STR business

18:14 E shares his experience when he first started his STRs

20:20 Bridging traditional hotels and the vacation rental spaces

29:37 Simon's insight about traditional hotels acquiring STRs

33:21 The best business model to use in starting your STR business

37:00 Building a management company and selling it