Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast

Fouad Badzi, with 31 years in banking and consulting, shares his exhilarating shift to short-term rentals, managing 96 properties. He reveals how a medical emergency sparked his journey into Airbnb and emphasizes the importance of using math for pricing strategies. Fouad explains the distinctions between luxury and comfort stays and the tech stack he employs. He also discusses scaling to a $12 million target, the necessity of reverse-engineering an exit strategy, and the mindset needed for sustainable business success.

Airbnb's latest update introduces a new 'Services' feature that could reshape how hosts operate. It raises concerns about control, with services accessible without host approval. The platform is evolving into a service ecosystem, prioritizing guest experiences, which may leave hosts sidelined. Major implications include the potential monetization of add-ons and liability issues that aren't being openly addressed. Hosts will need to adapt, forge local partnerships, and possibly take on more work, all while navigating these changes.

In this raw, no-fluff episode, Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader shares the hard-won lessons behind building a billion-dollar vacation rental software company, starting with zero industry experience.Marcus breaks down:Why most entrepreneurs aim too small and why it costs them everythingThe mental and physical toll of building at scale (including 7 years without a dentist visit)How he filters “good money” vs “bad money” when raising capitalThe future of short-term rentals in a regulated, AI-powered worldPractical leadership advice for scaling teams without losing your missionPlus: his marathon training, travel hacks, and how to avoid becoming a micromanaged founder.Whether you’re a startup founder, STR operator, or tech junkie—this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to win big without burning out.Ready to scale? Tap into Marcus’s billion-dollar playbook now.00:00 – Go Bigger: Why Playing Small Carries the Same Risk but Less Reward00:39 – Craft Over Hype: The Power of Repetition and Mastery02:04 – Be There: Why Leading Remotely Doesn’t Win Markets03:45 – Market Leadership: How Hostaway Beat Older, Bigger Players05:58 – Hiring Giants: From 50,000 Applicants to the Top 0.1%08:59 – Cost of Ambition: Health, Relationships, and the Real Price of Building12:29 – Go for Billionaire Moves: Why Medium Goals Aren’t Worth the Sacrifice15:31 – Choosing Good Money: Partnering with Investors Who Let You Lead17:23 – No Kitchen Rules: Keeping Creative Control While Scaling Up20:27 – Invisible AI: How Hostaway Uses Tech to Deliver Unseen Excellence23:00 – Review Intelligence: Turning Guest Feedback into Business Strategy25:30 – Tool Advantage: Hostaway’s Marketplace as a Growth Engine27:17 – Global Expansion: Owning New Markets One Continent at a Time29:33 – Regulation Shakeout: Why Strong Rules Are Good for Professionals32:50 – Reputation Reset: Cleaning Up the Industry with Standards That MatterGuest Bio:Marcus Räder is co-founder and CEO of Hostaway, the leading all-in-one vacation rental management software. Originally from Finland, Marcus has lived in many countries around the world including Sweden, Poland, and The Netherlands before settling in Canada. It was this passion for travel, real estate and his dedication to learning about the vacation rental ecosystem that enabled the creation of Hostaway.The company quickly grew thanks to the deep technological expertise of its founders, with over a decade of tech start-up success between them. Hostaway gives property managers all the tools needed to compete with hotels and other vacation rentals, including sales channel management, dynamic pricing and hospitality services. It now boasts preferred partnerships with Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com, in addition to a marketplace of over 100 integrated software partners.Guest Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingmarcus/Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Explore how AI is transforming the short-term rental landscape by boosting productivity and sales. Discover the significance of effective leadership, trust, and communication for a thriving team culture. Learn about the importance of emotional safety as a catalyst for growth and how to navigate leadership challenges. The discussion dives into personal vulnerability and its role in fostering deeper connections. This insightful journey highlights practical strategies for scaling businesses in 2025 and beyond.

Discover the secrets to hiring virtual assistants without the common pitfalls. The discussion covers three effective hiring models: agency, recruiter, and self-hire, each suited for different needs. Learn why most failures stem not from bad hires but from lack of systems. Hear tips on building a talent pipeline and balancing skill versus culture fit. The importance of a structured hiring process and a solid marketing framework before onboarding assistants is emphasized, ensuring that your properties thrive with the right support.

Most people aren’t missing strategy.They’re missing decision.In this episode, Mike and Emanuele break down the 5 mindset philosophies that transformed their lives......from escaping burnout and W2 jobs to building multi-million-dollar businesses and raising families with time freedom.If you feel like you keep “trying” but never break through, this episode will call you out......and pull you forward.What you’ll learn:The most powerful reframe for taking back control of your lifeWhy saying “I’ll try” guarantees failureHow to train your decision-making muscle dailyThe “day one” philosophy that separates top performers from the restA no-fluff breakdown of time vs. money thinking (and how to escape the trap)Ready to finally commit?This is your line in the sand.00:00 - Uncovering Transformational Beliefs that Redefined Success04:00 - Embracing Radical Ownership: Life Happens *For* You09:35 - Unlocking Growth Through the Day One Philosophy14:30 - The 4 Powerful Stages of Skill Development18:20 - Tactical Time vs Money: Rewriting Productivity Rules22:00 - Designing a $20K Month in 5 Hours: The Value-Driven Hustle26:30 - Eliminating Excuses: Breakthrough Decisions that Shape Destiny31:10 - The Critical Power of Fast Decision-Making33:00 - Rethinking Reality: Story, Meaning & Inner Peace35:00 - Final Challenge: Cut the Dirty Yes, Choose PowerfullyGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Discover the seven hidden pitfalls that may be sabotaging your short-term rental reviews. Learn why guests expect certain amenities and how misleading listings can hurt your reputation. Find out the critical role of clear communication and the dangers of over-automation. Uncover the secrets behind cleanliness and pricing strategies that keep your property in the five-star range. This insightful discussion offers proven tips to enhance guest experiences and boost those all-important ratings.

Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, dives into the shifting landscape of the short-term rental market. He discusses the surge in new listings and changing traveler behaviors that are reshaping occupancy rates. Lane reveals why large property managers are struggling and how smaller, well-managed portfolios are thriving. He highlights key metrics investors need to track and how AirDNA’s new tools can enhance decision-making. Plus, he shares insights on using AI for better investment clarity, gearing hosts to adapt for the future.

DIVORCED, BROKE… THEN SHE BUILT A 105-UNIT STR BUSINESS.Ashley Freeman wasn’t supposed to be here.Divorced, struggling to make ends meet as a tennis pro.She took a chance on Airbnb with her farmhouse.Now she manages over 105 units, leads a team of 25……and lives a life most people only dream about.In this powerful episode, Ashley reveals:How a side hustle became a 7-figure businessThe mindset shifts that changed everythingWhy systems + a strong team scaled her from 4 to 100+ propertiesHow she created a 5-star guest experience that owners can’t stop raving aboutThe identity shift required to step into true leadershipSuccess doesn’t happen overnight.It happens when you refuse to quit.Listen now and see how Ashley built an empire……one step, one belief, and one property at a time.03:30 – From Rock Bottom to Rising Entrepreneur: Ashley’s Journey07:00 – Faith, Grit, and Overcoming Self-Doubt in Business10:00 – Rebuilding Self-Image: How Belief Rewires Success13:30 – Tactical Scaling: Systems, Team Building, and Leadership Lessons17:00 – Secrets to Sustainable Growth: Mindset, Service, and Strategy20:30 – Life by Design: Building Freedom Through STR Success24:00 – Living the Dream: Redneck Ranch, Soccer Travels, and Family FirstGuest Bio:Ashley Freeman is a 7-figure short-term rental expert who transformed her life through the power of short-term rentals. Starting with just one property, she scaled her business to 105 properties in under three years, growing from less than $50,000 in her first year to $2 million annually by year three, with the support and mentorship of STR Secrets and Conway Consulting. Passionate about serving others, Ashley is dedicated to helping people find the same freedom and life-changing opportunities that the short-term rental business gave her.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/velvet_ditch_villasGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com

Airbnb's new off-platform policy could jeopardize your listing. Learn what actions to avoid, like collecting emails or secret messaging, which could trigger penalties. Discover how to manage guests legally with guidebooks and QR codes. Explore the risks versus rewards of direct bookings. Find out about compliant payment methods and how to handle damage waivers effectively. Stay informed about the AI enforcement measures and maintain control over your rental business to ensure compliance and success.