The IO Podcast: Investor + Operator How Great Founders SELL Before They BUILD — An Exceptional Startup Chat w/ The Founder of Wander
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May 6, 2025 John Andrew Entwistle, Founder and CEO of Wander, shares insights on pioneering the vacation rental industry. He reveals inventive waitlist strategies that attract customers before a product launch. The conversation covers solving supply challenges, transitioning to third-party inventory, and choosing revenue models. Entwistle emphasizes building a visionary workplace culture at Wander, where exceptional service fosters customer loyalty. He also delves into blending technology with personal touch to enhance guest experiences, positioning Wander as an industry disruptor.
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Verticalizing Vacation Rentals
- Wander verticalizes and automates vacation rental management for higher quality and consistency.
- This integration of software, operations, and concierge service delivers a superior customer experience compared to existing platforms.
Software Needs Physical & Brand Moats
- Software alone is becoming cheaper and less defensible as a moat.
- Wander focuses on combining software with physical assets and brand to create durable competitive advantages.
Founder Buys First Properties
- John Andrew Entwistle personally bought the first three vacation rental properties for Wander to ensure quality and learn operations firsthand.
- He literally worked around the clock, physically preparing homes and engaging with investors while building the company culture.