The Vintory Podcast

Brooke Pfautz
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Jul 11, 2025 • 57min

Episode 50: Top 10 Mistakes — Andy Newman’s Strategy-Driven Journey from Wall Street to Vacation Rental Success

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In Episode 50 of the Vintory Podcast, Brooke Pfautz connects with Andy Newman, founder & CEO of Newman Hospitality, to explore his unconventional journey from finance to short-term rentals—and the top 10 mistakes that shaped his path.After spending 28 years as a portfolio manager, a vacation through Europe in 2012 introduced Andy to Airbnb—not just as a guest, but as an opportunity. What began as a favor for friends and family quickly evolved into a thriving business. Just 18 months later, Andy launched Newman Hospitality in 2014.Now, with a deep focus on helping investors integrate STR strategies into their portfolios, Andy combines financial acumen with real-world hosting experience to drive scalable success. In this episode, he reflects on the missteps, mindset shifts, and operational lessons that helped him evolve from a solo host to a strategic industry leader.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsAndy NewmanNewman HospitalityBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 3min

Episode 49: Top 10 Mistakes — Rachel Alday’s Defining Moments and Lessons from Leading Abode Luxury Rentals

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In Episode 49 of the Vintory Podcast, we chat with Rachel Alday, co-founder of Abode Luxury Rentals, who—along with her husband Rob—has built one of the most respected high-end property management companies in the country. With over 200 luxury homes under management across Park City, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley, Rachel brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to grow a purpose-driven, people-first vacation rental brand.In this episode, Rachel reflects on the pivotal moments—not “mistakes,” but necessary learning curves, that shaped her path as a leader and entrepreneur. From operational challenges to moments of misalignment and growth through discomfort, Rachel shares how every step contributed to the company Abode is today.Whether you’re just starting out or scaling a luxury portfolio, Rachel’s candid, values-led approach is something every operator should hear.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsRachel AldayAbode Luxury RentalsBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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May 30, 2025 • 54min

Episode 48: Top 10 Mistakes — Dawn Huff on Growth, Letting Go, and Starting Fresh in Outdoor Hospitality

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In this new episode, we sit down with Dawn Huff, a seasoned vacation rental entrepreneur with a passion for the outdoors and a legacy in the waterfront rental market.Dawn shares the top 10 mistakes she made during her journey as the founder of Miss Kitty’s Fishing Getaways, a beloved property management company built for fishing enthusiasts along the Texas coast. From launching the business in 2003 to selling it in 2022, Dawn reflects on the hard lessons, the turning points, and the relationships that helped shape her path.Now the founder and operator of Eagle’s Nest RV Park, Dawn brings a fresh perspective to outdoor hospitality, shaped by her past experiences and deep connection to nature. If you're navigating growth, transitions, or thinking about long-term exit strategies, Dawn’s story will resonate deeply.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsDawn HuffEagle's Nest RV ParkBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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May 23, 2025 • 49min

Episode 47: Top 10 Mistakes — Chris Walker’s Road to Mastering Luxury Vacation Rentals

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In this new episode, we are joined by Chris Walker, founder of Luxury Homes of Hilton Head and a real estate expert with over 20 years of experience in the luxury property market.Chris has spent decades navigating the high-end real estate and vacation rental space on Hilton Head Island, and in this episode, he shares the top 10 mistakes he’s made along the way and the game-changing lessons they taught him.From underestimating owner expectations to navigating luxury guest demands and learning the hard way about scaling operations, this episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone managing or marketing high-end vacation rentals.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsChris WalkerLuxury Homes of Hilton HeadBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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May 16, 2025 • 46min

Episode 46: Top 10 Mistakes — Brian Zerges’ Hard Truths and Lessons from 32 Years in the Vacation Rental Industry

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In this new episode, we sit down with Brian Zerges, CEO of Finger Lakes Premier Properties, who brings over three decades of experience in the vacation rental industry to the mic.After 32 years navigating the ups and downs of property management, Brian gets candid about the top 10 mistakes he’s made and the lessons each one taught him. From early tech missteps to leadership challenges and scaling stumbles, this episode is packed with actionable insights for operators at every stage of their journey.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsBrian ZergesFinger Lakes Premier PropertiesBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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May 9, 2025 • 50min

Episode 45: Top 10 Mistakes — JJ King's Real Lessons from the Frontlines of Vacation Rentals

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In Episode 45 of the Vintory Podcast, we sit down with JJ King, co-founder of Beachside Vacation Rentals, for an unfiltered look into the top 10 mistakes he’s made in his vacation rental journey, and how each one became a critical learning experience.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsJJ KingBeachside Vacation Rentals  Brooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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Apr 4, 2025 • 49min

Episode 44: Top 10 Mistakes — Dana Moraru’s Hard-Earned Lessons in Vacation Rentals

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In this episode of the Victory Podcast, Dana Moraru, founder of Tahoe Signature Properties, shares her incredible journey in the vacation rental industry—including the top 10 mistakes she’s made and the lessons that shaped her success.From scaling too quickly and hiring missteps to team building and embracing change, Dana’s story is packed with real-world insights that every vacation rental owner and manager can learn from.Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow smarter, this episode is full of actionable takeaways and powerful mindset shifts.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsDana MoraruTahoe Signature PropertiesBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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Mar 28, 2025 • 53min

Episode 43: Top 10 Mistakes — How Chad Phillis Turned Vacation Rental Failures into Success

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In this episode of the Victory Podcast, we chat with Chad Phillis of Checkmate Rentals, who shares his top 10 biggest mistakes in vacation rentals and the lessons that came from them. Success in the vacation rental industry isn’t just about what you do right—it’s about what you avoid doing wrong.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsChad PhillisCheckmate RentalsBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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Mar 21, 2025 • 46min

Episode 42: Top 10 Mistakes — Lessons from Buck Cumbo’s STR Journey

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. This week, we sit down with Buck Cumbo of Sea Mountain Vacations, who’s opening up about his journey in the vacation rental industry. From scaling challenges to operational missteps, Buck shares the top 10 mistakes he made—so you don’t have to!If you’re a vacation rental host or property manager, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you avoid costly errors and set yourself up for long-term success.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsBuck CumboSea Mountain VacationsBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 
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Mar 14, 2025 • 51min

Episode 41: Top 10 Mistakes — Tony Stancato’s Guide to Avoiding Vacation Rental Pitfalls

Welcome to The Vintory Podcast: Top 10 Mistakes. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Stancato, founder of Book N’ Gather, as he takes us through his journey in the vacation rental industry—the highs, the lows, and most importantly, the top 10 mistakes he made along the way.Learning from failure is key to success, and Tony’s insights could save you time, money, and stress as you grow your own vacation rental business. From operational missteps to marketing blunders, this episode is packed with lessons that will help you avoid common pitfalls and build a thriving rental business. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesVacation Rental SecretsTony StancatoBook N' GatherBrooke Pfautz🔗 Connect With VintoryWebsiteLinkedIn🚀 About VintoryVintory is the first and only platform designed exclusively to help vacation rental managers recruit new homeowners and add more properties to their management program. 

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