Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast

In this episode, Wil welcomes Eli Pritykin, the founder of Hudson Creative Studio, to discuss Eli's journey in the world of short-term rentals and hospitality.Eli, who initially majored in computer science but found his passion in visual communications and marketing, shares his experience working for Spears Group and eventually starting Hudson Creative Studio in 2021.The conversation delves into the concept of transitioning from being a co-host under platforms like Airbnb to establishing one's own brand identity.Eli introduces HomeRunner, a standalone booking engine developed by Hudson Creative Studio, and explains its importance in the direct booking movement and how it empowers operators by providing tailored business intelligence.The episode highlights the significance of listening to customer needs, the development of HomeRunner, and the vision for its future, including expanding its use cases and potentially integrating with other software providers.Through detailed narratives and insightful discussions, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the evolution of Hudson Creative Studio and the transformative potential of HomeRunner.Connect with Eli: LinkedIn HomeRunner Website Hudson Creative Studio Website Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a conversation with James Lemon from Stripe as we explore the landscape of payments in the hospitality industry. Discover how modern payment solutions can drive higher conversions, improve operations, and even create new business models. James will break down the complexities of payment systems and highlight their strategic importance, using real-world case studies and discussing emerging technologies like stablecoins and AI. Whether you're a hotelier or a vacation rental manager, this episode is filled with valuable insights to help you optimize your payment processes and enhance guest experiences. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into Stripe's innovative offerings that can revolutionize your business operations!Connect with James:LinkedInConnect with me on whatever platform you use most: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this cross-promoted episode originally from Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers interviews Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House, about their first acquisition, Locale, as well as the exciting changes and developments happening in the multifamily urban operator sector. They discuss Christian's experiences, the benefits of the acquisition, the importance of scale, and the future plans for integration and growth. Christian shares insights into how Mint House is leveraging technology for guest experience and operational efficiency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest trends and consolidation within the hospitality industry.Christians First Episode on Slick Talk: https://megaphone.link/SLICK9739423525Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:25 Introduction to Mint House and Locale Acquisition01:58 Interview with Christian Lee Begins02:15 Discussing the Acquisition Details03:34 Importance of Scale in Hospitality06:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Residential Hospitality12:55 Integration and Future Vision21:54 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook22:47 Outro and Call to ActionConnect with me on whatever platform you use most: LinkedIn Instagram Email: wil@hospitality.fm This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Superhost status has long been seen as a mark of excellence, but is it still relevant, or just the baseline? In this episode, Wil unpacks the realities of maintaining Superhost at scale, the overlooked safety concerns in Airbnb’s system, and whether the status truly reflects hospitality excellence. He also explores how Airbnb could evolve the program into something more meaningful and what hosts should really be striving for. If Superhost disappeared tomorrow, would your business still stand out?Connect with me on whatever platform you use most: LinkedIn Instagram Email: wil@hospitality.fm This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Justin Pera, the founder and CEO of Fido, formerly known as Trash Caddies. They discuss the challenges and necessity of standardizing the short-term rental industry, focusing on issues such as trash removal, inspections, and operational efficiency. Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey from Albania to the United States, the evolution of Fido through acquisitions and rebranding, and the importance of building strong partnerships with other industry players. The episode also touches on the significance of setting standards in short-term rentals to enhance guest experience and ensure consistency. Listeners will gain insights into how important 'non-sexy' but critical operational tasks can make or break the success of a short-term rental business!This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – Use code SLICKTALK for three months free of their digital guidebook or $100 off their property management platform! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The past decade has been a wild ride—growth, success, struggles, and hard lessons. But as I step into the next 10 years, I’ve made one of the biggest decisions of my life: choosing full sobriety. In this episode, I open up about the breaking point that led to this choice, why it’s about more than just quitting alcohol, and how it’s shaping the way I live, love, and lead.But this isn’t just a personal shift—it’s a new era for Slick Talk and Hospitality.FM. I share what’s changing across the network, what you can expect moving forward, and how we’re building something bigger than just business talk.If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles, in life or business, this episode is for you. Let’s break free together.Connect with me on whatever platform you feel comfortable with: LinkedIn Instagram Email: wil@hospitality.fm Read more on how I want to live my next decade (and forever): How I want to live the next decade A commitment to clarity and purpose ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers introduces a new format that expands beyond hospitality into business and entrepreneurship. Wil is joined by Shane Bauman, founder of RISE Wealth Strategies and host of 'Building the Biz' podcast. Shane shares his vision of freeing people from debt and the constraints of the financial system to enable them to live beyond money. Together, they dive into creating sticky company cultures, overcoming mindset challenges, fostering empathy in the workplace, and the importance of intentionality. Shane also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, personal struggles with shame, and practical strategies for achieving long-term goals. Tune in for a deep and candid conversation packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating today's challenges. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – Use code SLICKTALK for three months free of their digital guidebook or $100 off their property management platform! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast!Disclosure: Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. The host and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 7547852.1 Exp. 1/27 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers sits down with Victor Feria to discuss the delicate balance of delivering operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences in the hospitality industry. The conversation dives into the innovative approaches Victor's company, Tangy, employs, such as personalized VIP programs and unique guest experiences, including 'Tangy Radio.' They discuss the diversification into boutique hotels and long-term rentals and how these different models can support each other. They also touch upon the broader industry's need for innovation and the role technology and improved operational standards play. Victor shares his insights on maintaining entrepreneurial spirit and motivation, providing valuable advice for property managers and hospitality professionals aiming for success in 2025.This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – Use code SLICKTALK for three months free of their digital guidebook or $100 off their property management platform! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Wil Slickers in this episode of Slick Talk, where he sits down with Lee Curtis, CEO and founder of Reside Worldwide. With over 30 years of experience in corporate housing and extended stay accommodations, Lee discusses Reside's recent partnership with Wyndham Hotels to launch 'Reside, a Wyndham Residence', an upscale extended stay brand in the U.S.They delve into the ethos of hospitality, the importance of in-person service, and how to navigate through regulatory challenges. Lee also shares insights on the hospitality industry's landscape during the 2021-2022 'gold rush' and the critical role of loyalty programs in shaping the future of global lodging. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on redefining the extended stay market by prioritizing trust, quality, and sustainable demand. You can also listen to the first time Lee appeared on Slick Talk back in 2021!This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: The Best Stays & The Best Days are brought to you by Well & Good Morning Coffee. Ensure your guests aren't left unsatisfied with generic or gross coffee, and get Well & Good Morning Coffee in your properties for better guest satisfaction! Hostfully – Use code SLICKTALK for three months free of their digital guidebook or $100 off their property management platform! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first Slick Talk episode of 2025, Wil Slickers welcomes Frank and Fred from Hostfully to discuss their annual industry report. This episode delves into the main concerns of the hospitality industry, highlighting tech challenges and opportunities. Key topics include the shift toward direct bookings, the rise of AI, optimization of guest experiences through digital guidebooks, and emerging trends in property management technology. The discussion also covers the importance of embracing growth mindsets, effective marketing strategies, and the potential of new features in Hostfully's property management system. A must-listen for hospitality operators looking to stay ahead in 2025!This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: The Best Stays & The Best Days are brought to you by Well & Good Morning Coffee. Ensure your guests aren't left unsatisfied with generic or gross coffee, and get Well & Good Morning Coffee in your properties for better guest satisfaction! Hostfully – Use code SLICKTALK for three months free of their digital guidebook or $100 off their property management platform! Hudson Creative Studio - Get your direct booking site and brand built by them, and never look back! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices