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Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals

Advertise on podcast: Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals

Rating
★★★★★
5
from
34 reviews
Categories
Country
United States
This podcast has
258 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2021/11/02
Latest episode
2026/02/04
Average duration
48 min.
Release period
6 days

Description

With more than 35 years of combined experience in vacation rentals, Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe have teamed up to connect the dots between inspiration and opportunity, seeking to find the one story, idea, strategy or decision that led to their guests big A-HA moment. Join them, as they highlight the REAL stories behind the people and brands that have built vacation rentals into the 100 BILLION dollar industry it is today.

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Check latest episodes from Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals podcast


Are DMOs and Vacation Rentals Finally Ready to Work Together? with Stuart Butler and Adam Stoker
2026/02/04
Send us a message! Destination marketing is in a pressure test. Short-term rentals have become a major part of how people travel, yet many DMOs still struggle with how (or whether) to include them. At the same time, AI is speeding up the research-to-booking journey and forcing destinations to rethink what “relevance” even means. In this episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Stuart Butler (President of Visit Myrtle Beach) and Adam Stoker (President of Brand Revolt) to unpack what’s getting in the way, what alignment can look like, and why the next version of destination marketing is going to require better coordination across the whole destination economy. You’ll hear practical takes on funding dynamics, stakeholder value, the “illusion of relevance” in reporting, and why the future may turn DMO websites into something closer to infrastructure than a traditional marketing channel. Episode Chapters: 00:54 – Stuart’s background and how he landed in destination work 02:27 – Adam’s background and how he sees the DMO landscape 05:37 – The “illusion of relevance,” metrics, and why DMOs feel behind 07:44 – The Indianapolis example, why some DMOs leave STRs out 09:28 – Can DMOs stay relevant without vacation rentals 11:53 – Why STRs need a seat at the table and what it takes to get one 14:34 – What STR operators can do in markets without big PM groups 19:16 – Funding reality, stakeholder influence, and how STRs earn attention 22:27 – Why getting involved with a DMO teaches you more than you expect 23:51 – The bigger DMO question, purpose, scope, and identity 30:31 – How performance reporting shaped destination websites 30:54 – Why the booking engine path can be a strategic dead end 36:49 – Stewardship, community trust, and what destinations are accountable for 50:06 – AI as a watershed moment for travel discovery and decision-making 57:59 – What destination content needs to look like in an AI-first world 1:02:21 – Closing thoughts on websites, infrastructure, and the road ahead Connect with Stuart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-butler-50aaa45/ Website: http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/ Connect with Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstoker/ Website: https://thebrandrevolt.com/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/alex-annie/  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #DMO
1st of the Month Bonus: Bridging the Gap Between Resorts and Vacation Rental Channels with Jetstream CEO Emmanuel Lavoie
2026/02/01
Send us a message! Condo-hotels and resort-style properties sit in a tricky middle ground. They are not traditional hotels, but they are not quite vacation rentals either. Many still run on hotel tech stacks, charge hotel-style commissions, and operate with hotel mindsets. Meanwhile, guests are increasingly searching on vacation rental channels, homeowners are asking why they cannot find their units online, and off-site managers charging half the commission are pulling inventory away. In our February First-of-the-Month bonus episode, we sit down with Emmanuel Lavoie, CEO of Jetstream, to unpack why so many condo-hotels and resort operators still resist distribution on channels like Airbnb and Vrbo, what it really takes to service this category well, and how AI is starting to reshape channel management. Episode Chapters: 01:17 - Leaving a 10-year engineering career for travel tech 03:33 - How a Canadian OTA accidentally became a channel manager 9:43 - Why resorts still hesitate to embrace Airbnb and Vrbo 12:00 - What full-service channel management actually includes 13:42 - Why a $10 billion company chose service over cheaper tech 15:18 - Off-site managers are winning the homeowner battle 16:56 - The challenge of selling non-unique inventory on Airbnb 24:12 - Why one listing with 300 reviews beats 50 identical listings 30:42 - Building an AI-powered guest communication system 35:27 - Using AI for listing content creation at scale 38:21 - Empowering frontline teams as AI champions 42:09 - The human side of AI disruption 44:02 - Where Jetstream is heading next Connect with Emmanuel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-lavoie-5b89b924/ Website: https://jetstreamtech.io/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/alex-annie/ #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #distribution
Behind the Sheets: Operational Considerations Behind Linen Choices in STRs
2026/01/28
Send us a message! In this episode, we are joined by Deepak Mehrotra, founder and CEO of California Design Den, for a practical discussion on how linen decisions affect short-term rental operations over time. Drawing from more than 20 years in textile manufacturing, Deepak shares how California Design Den evolved from supplying major retailers to working directly with short-term rental operators. The conversation focuses on how linen choices shift as portfolios grow, and why decisions that seem straightforward early on can become more complex at scale. Rather than treating linens as a one-time purchase, this episode explores them as an operational system that touches guest experience, laundry workflows, replacement cycles, inventory planning, and cost control. Episode Chapters: 01:07 – Deepak’s background in textile manufacturing and direct-to-consumer bedding 04:55 – How and why STR operators became a core customer segment 16:45 – Cotton performance and durability in high-turnover environments 17:45 – Common reasons linens need replacement in STR operations 13:33 – Renting versus owning linens and how operators assess the tradeoffs 14:43 – Laundry considerations for in-house and outsourced models 25:31 – Inventory availability, fulfillment speed, and consistency at scale 31:56 – How linen strategy evolves as portfolios grow 28:09 – Operational simplicity when managing linens across multiple properties Connect with Deepak: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-mehrotra-9752682/ Connect with California Design Den: Website: https://www.californiadesignden.com/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Upgrade your guest sleep experience with California Design Den. Get 10% off with code AlexAnnie10OFF. Apply for California Design Den’s Linen VIP Club to access preferred pricing and dedicated hospitality support. 👉 Click here to get started: https://form.jotform.com/240328613238150 Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/alex-annie/ #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #linens
Stop Calling It Luxury: Setting the Standard in Vacation Rentals with Nir Maimon
2026/01/21
Send us a message! Last week with Moriya Rockman, we explored luxury through the lens of growth, relationships, and what it takes to scale a high-end portfolio without losing the hospitality at the center. This week, Nir Maimon brings the conversation to the definition itself, what “luxury” should mean, how it should be verified, and why the category loses trust when the label gets used too loosely. “Luxury” has become one of the most overused words in vacation rentals, and that is exactly the problem. In this episode, Alex and Annie sit down with Nir Maimon, President and Co-Founder of The Maimon Group, to break down how he evaluates luxury with a practical framework that starts with the operator and ends with the asset. Nir shares why luxury cannot be treated as a marketing adjective, what happens when guest expectations fall short, and why platforms and operators need clearer standards if the category wants to keep its credibility. They also get into what verification can look like in practice, why Nir’s team says “no” far more than they say “yes,” and how their approach to service, personalization, and systems supports the level of trust luxury guests expect. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals 01:11 – Nir’s background and what The Maimon Group does in ultra-luxury 02:18 – The core issue: “luxury” is being misused in vacation rentals 04:26 – Nir’s framework: luxury starts with the operator, then the asset 06:45 – How Nir scores luxury (location, layout, privacy, finishes, noise, access, amenities) 08:34 – The trust gap: what OTAs get wrong without verification 15:48 – LPMS and the travel advisor workflow (how trust gets protected in bookings) 24:02 – Big-event travel and why groups keep choosing homes 27:45 – Personalization at scale: CRM, surveys, and concierge ownership 31:10 – AI in hospitality: start with clean data, then layer automation with human validation 38:08 – Looking ahead to 2026: “deployment,” standards, and repeatable excellence Connect with Nir: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nir-maimon-59024595/ The Maimon Group: https://www.themaimongroup.com/  LPMS: https://thelpms.com/  ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/alex-annie/ #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #luxuryvacationrentals
From One Swiss Chalet to a Global Luxury Portfolio with Moriya Rockman of Smiling House Luxury
2026/01/14
Send us a message! In this episode, we sit down with Moriya Rockman, founder of Smiling House Luxury, to explore how a single personal vacation home in the Swiss Alps became the starting point for a global luxury vacation rental portfolio. Moriya shares her journey from accidental host to global founder, including why she and her husband chose to stay hands-on operators while scaling internationally. She explains how staying close to hospitality standards shaped every stage of growth, from property management to technology. The conversation also explores Villa Tracker, a B2B-to-C platform she founded that connects luxury homes with travel designers, concierges, and advisors booking on behalf of clients. Moriya breaks down why this channel matters, how it opens untapped demand beyond OTAs, and what it means for hosts and property managers looking to reach a different tier of traveler. We also dive into global luxury travel trends, emerging destinations, and why private homes continue to outperform hotels for group travel, longer stays, and experience-driven trips. This episode offers a grounded look at scaling thoughtfully, building through relationships, and creating long-term opportunity in luxury vacation rentals without losing sight of hospitality. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals 01:18 – Turning a Swiss Chalet Into a Vacation Rental Business 03:25 – How to Scale a Luxury Vacation Rental Portfolio 06:57 – Building a Global Luxury Brand While Staying an Operator 09:49 – B2B Travel Bookings for Vacation Rentals Explained 12:30 – Beyond Airbnb and OTAs for Luxury Rentals 14:33 – How Luxury Travel Advisors Book Private Homes 18:57 – Working With Individual Hosts and Property Managers 22:59 – Technology Partnerships for Luxury Vacation Rentals 25:57 – Is Luxury Travel Recession-Proof? 28:10 – Why Groups and Multi-Generational Travel Choose Private Homes 30:33 – Emerging Luxury Travel Destinations to Watch 33:59 – Experiencing Luxury Properties in the Off-Season 38:19 – Women in Vacation Rental Leadership Connect with Moriya: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriya-rockman-a3467a13a/  Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smiling-house/  ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #luxuryvacationrentals
Culture Over Features: Building a Human-First Tech Company with Frank Bosi of Hostfully
2026/01/07
Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Frank Bosi, Senior Director of Partnerships at Hostfully, to unpack what it really takes to build a tech company that people trust. Frank’s journey began in luxury hotels long before short-term rentals became a professionalized industry. That hospitality foundation now shapes how he approaches partnerships, leadership, and growth inside one of the most culture-driven PMS brands in the space. This conversation explores why culture scales faster than software, how AI can actually bring hospitality back into operations, and what property managers should be focusing on as expectations rise across the industry. You’ll also hear a behind-the-scenes look at Hostfully’s approach to partnerships, onboarding, and product development, including how real user feedback influences what gets built next. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals 05:00 – Frank Bosi’s role at Hostfully and his focus on partnerships, education, and industry visibility 09:40 – Frank reflects on his hotel background and why consistency, care, and service still define great guest experience 21:17 – Inside Hostfully’s day-to-day culture, trust, flexibility, and leadership principles 15:14 – Why Hostfully feels different to operators and how people shape the product experience 10:43 – Using AI intentionally to preserve brand voice, personalization, and hospitality 40:28 – The biggest challenges operators are trying to solve right now 16:36 – Collaboration, ecosystem thinking, and why relationships still matter in tech 36:28 – How Hostfully supports operators at every stage of growth 26:00 – Hostfully’s funding story and choosing partners aligned with long-term values Frank also shares his perspective on industry consolidation, rising professionalism among operators, and why modern property management systems have become the backbone of scalable operations. This conversation explores what happens when technology is built around people, not the other way around. Connect with Frank: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-bosi-375a5817/ Connect with Hostfully: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hostfully-inc-/ Website: https://www.hostfully.com/  ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/alex-annie/ #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #PMS
1st of the Year Special Episode: Charging into 2026 — The Year of the Horse
2026/01/01
Send us a message! Welcome to the 1st of the year special episode. Alex & Annie are kicking off 2026 by looking back at the moments that shaped 2025, the lessons they’re carrying forward, and the intentions guiding the year ahead. They share how the podcast evolved over the past year, including more on site recordings and conference conversations than ever, plus why storytelling is becoming a bigger advantage for vacation rental brands right now. You’ll also hear Alex’s personal announcement, perfectly timed for the Year of the Horse, and the top episodes of 2025 that listeners loved most. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the First Episode of 2026   01:05 Why This Annual Episode Matters   02:45 Reflecting on the Moments That Defined 2025   06:10 Taking the Podcast On Site and Into Conferences   08:50 Travel Stories, Italy, and Unexpected Highlights   13:20 What’s Coming in 2026 for the Podcast   16:45 Words of the Year and Personal Intentions   27:30 Alex’ Personal Announcement and New Chapter   35:50 The Top Episodes of 2025   52:10 Gratitude, Community, and Looking Ahead What’s your Word of the Year for 2026? Send Alex and Annie a message on LinkedIn. They genuinely want to hear what you’re focusing on this year. ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners: Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully. Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value). 👉 Click here to get started: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #strindustry
From Rocks to Remarkable: The Making of Destin Dreamers, with Arlen Busenitz
2025/12/31
Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Arlen Busenitz to talk about his unconventional path from a Kansas farm to pastoring a small-town church, volunteering as an EMT, working with NASA through a defense contractor, and ultimately becoming CEO of Destin Dreamers.  Before he was running a luxury vacation rental company on Florida's Emerald Coast, Arlen was hauling 500-pound rocks in a 1976 Jeep pickup to pay for college. It's an unlikely origin story but one that laid the foundation for everything he's built since. Packed with practical frameworks, hard-won wisdom, and what Annie coins "Arlenisms," this is the story of how grit, perspective, and a relationship-first philosophy built a standout brand in one of the most competitive vacation rental markets in the country. We cover: 1️⃣ Why people do not buy stays, but experiences, outcomes, and peace of mind 2️⃣ How calm leadership changes the way teams, guests, and owners respond under pressure 3️⃣ Why simplifying operations is the real foundation for scalable growth 4️⃣ How to identify owner fit and why saying no protects your team and your culture 5️⃣ Practical frameworks for preventing issues and responding clearly when they arise 6️⃣ How Destin Dreamers balances systems, structure, and human judgment 7️⃣ Where AI fits in guest communication and where it should not 8️⃣ What it means to lead in a competitive market without panic or burnout Connect with Arlen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abflorida/ Website:https://www.destindreamers.com/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #propertymanagement
Sarah Bradford Unfiltered: Fix These Vacation Rental Mistakes Before 2026
2025/12/24
Send us a message! In this unfiltered conversation, Sarah Bradford joins us once again to break down the most common and costly mistakes she sees vacation rental operators still making today. Drawing from more than two decades in the industry and her experience building, scaling, and ultimately selling two successful vacation rental companies, Sarah revisits pivotal moments that shaped her leadership, operations, and decision-making.  This episode is practical, direct, and rooted in real situations. From financial missteps and weak owner communication to outdated technology, unhealthy competition mindsets, and tolerating the wrong homeowners, Sarah shares what she would fix immediately if she were starting again today. As the industry heads into 2026, this conversation offers a timely reality check on what needs to change and what operators can no longer afford to ignore. We cover: 1️⃣ The financial habits that quietly put operators at risk 2️⃣ Why trust accounting, budgeting, and clean books are non-negotiable 3️⃣ Common owner relationship mistakes that lead to unnecessary churn 4️⃣ How silence from homeowners can signal problems long before complaints 5️⃣ Why competing on commission is rarely the right move 6️⃣ The danger of delaying technology and PMS upgrades 7️⃣ How weak company culture shows up in performance and retention 8️⃣ When to say no to homeowners 9️⃣ Why outdated homes hurt your brand more than you think 🔟 What operators should fix now to stay competitive heading into 2026 Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bradford-032129b1/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #propertymanagement
DARM 2025 Fireside Chats: What the Industry Is Finally Saying Out Loud
2025/12/17
Send us a message! This episode was recorded live at DARM 2025, right in the middle of the event, while the conversations were still unfolding and the energy was still fresh.  Alex & Annie sit down for two fireside chats with Alex Cisneros (StayTerra) and Dennis Goedheid (Casiola) to talk through what’s showing up in the industry right now, and what operators are being asked to decide even when the path forward is not perfectly clear.  If you were at DARM, this conversation will likely put words to what you were feeling. And if you weren’t, it offers a clear window into the discussions that mattered most this year. What you’ll hear in this episode: 1️⃣ Why StayTerra targets reputable, community‑rooted operators 2️⃣ Where centralization helps, and where local teams must stay empowered. 3️⃣ Why multi-brand scale starts with getting data into one place 4️⃣ Why loyalty is still tough to crack in vacation rentals. 5️⃣ A more grounded take on luxury: less formality, more ease. 6️⃣ How Casiola is building growth through partnerships and ambassadors. 7️⃣ AI guest service that anticipates needs and raises expectations fast. 8️⃣ The next challenge: being discovered when AI gives only a few options.  Connect with Alex Cisneros: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjcisneros/ Website: https://stayterravaca.com/  Connect with Dennis Goedheid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisgoedheid/ Website: https://www.casiola.com/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #DARM2025
Reinventing the Backend: Jim Devos Debuts VRWorks
2025/12/10
Send us a message! In this episode, we are joined by Jim DeVos, industry veteran, former co-owner of Best Beach Getaways, for the first public reveal of VR Works — the backend system he spent years building to fix the operational pain points he couldn’t ignore. Jim breaks down how VR Works evolved from an internal solution into a fully integrated platform, how it nearly doubled their profit, and why an operator-first mindset shaped every design decision. He also explains the onboarding and pricing philosophy behind VR Works, and why he believes now is the right moment to introduce it to the wider industry. If you’re curious how seasoned operators who have lived every operational pain point design systems that make teams faster, owners happier, and scaling far less chaotic, this conversation is a must listen. We Discuss: 1️⃣ The operational challenges that sparked VR Works 2️⃣ How building internally led to faster, clearer workflows 3️⃣ The specific efficiencies that nearly doubled their net profit 4️⃣ Why an operator-first mindset shaped every design choice 5️⃣ Reducing migration pain through smarter data import and onboarding 6️⃣ Why he’s introducing VR Works now 7️⃣  Updates on Swanky Vacay and his continued operator journey Connect with Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-devos-35254912/  VRWorks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vrworks-llc/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. Considering an exit strategy? Discover how Nocturne Luxury Villas helps vacation rental founders protect their legacy while unlocking new opportunities. 👉 Contact [email protected]  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #hospitalitytech
The Guest-First Strategy: How Brandon Hall Built a Scalable Vacation Rental Brand
2025/12/03
Send us a message! In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Hall, Founder and CEO of Hallson Hospitality, to explore how a guest-first philosophy can become a true engine for growth in the vacation rental industry. Brandon’s journey into hospitality began long before he managed homes. After co-founding OneHope Wine and spending 15 years growing a nationally recognized brand, he developed a deep understanding of customer experience, brand building, and emotional connection. Those principles shaped the DNA of Hallson Hospitality and helped him grow from three homes to eighty while keeping hospitality at the center. That approach earned Hallson Hospitality national recognition, including being named 2024 Vacation Rental Management Company of the Year by VRMA - a clear testament to the power of guest-first thinking at scale. Across this conversation, Brandon shares the mindset, touchpoints, systems, and leadership decisions that allowed him to scale without losing the heart of his brand. We cover: 1️⃣ How a guest-first philosophy creates long-term scalability 2️⃣ The role of brand standards in building a portfolio that performs 3️⃣ Why he turns away owners who don’t align with the guest-first model 4️⃣ Small touches that create big loyalty 5️⃣ How team culture supports hospitality at scale 6️⃣ The tech stack behind the scenes 7️⃣ His approach to responsible scaling in 2026 Connect with Brandon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonhall/ Website: https://hallson.co/ Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. Considering an exit strategy? Discover how Nocturne Luxury Villas helps vacation rental founders protect their legacy while unlocking new opportunities. 👉 Contact [email protected]  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #guestexperience
It’s About DARM Time: Amy Hinote Sets the Stage for This Year’s DARM Conference
2025/11/26
Send us a message! DARM week is almost here, and we’re kicking things off with the person behind it all — Amy Hinote, Founder of VRM Intel and creator of the industry’s most conversation-packed event. In this episode, Amy gives a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming to DARM Conference 2025, from the surge of AI-driven innovation to the sessions, speakers, and tech reveals everyone will be talking about. The industry is moving fast, and Amy walks us through why this year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the most important gatherings for operators, tech leaders, and anyone keeping an eye on where short-term rentals are headed. If you’re gearing up for DARM or want to feel the buzz from afar, this episode sets the tone for an exciting week ahead. We discuss: 1️⃣ The excitement building going into DARM 2025 2️⃣ Why AI and agentic tools will take center stage across sessions 3️⃣ The tech battleground and the new products expected to debut 4️⃣ How operators are influencing roadmaps more directly than ever 5️⃣ Big themes shaping this year’s discussions: consolidation, agility, and industry evolution 6️⃣ The growing divide and opportunity between legacy operators and fast-moving emerging managers 7️⃣ Environmental and destination challenges that are becoming impossible to ignore 8️⃣ The trends and insights expected to define the next 12–18 months Connect with Amy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymutual/  DARM Website: https://vrdarm.com/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. Considering an exit strategy? Discover how Nocturne Luxury Villas helps vacation rental founders protect their legacy while unlocking new opportunities. 👉 Contact [email protected]  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #DARM2025
After the Applause: Real Takeaways from VRMA 2025 with Tim Rosolio, Ela Mezhiborsky, and Jessica Gillingham
2025/11/19
Send us a message! VRMA International 2025 is in the books and if you were there, you probably felt it too: this year hit differently. More people, deeper conversations, and a sense that the vacation rental industry is entering a new chapter. But what actually stuck after the applause faded? In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Tim Rosolio, Ela Mezhiborsky, and Jessica Gillingham to reflect on what stood out most, not just from the sessions, but from the conversations around the show.  From global distribution shifts and OTA quality standards to how AI is reshaping operations, trust, and discoverability, this is a candid look at what’s changing and what it means for property managers on the ground. We discuss: 1️⃣ The state of global distribution with Tim Rosolio 2️⃣ Trust, verification, and real-world AI risks with Ela Mezhiborsky 3️⃣ Marketing visibility and the future of discoverability with Jessica Gillingham Whether you joined the crowd in Vegas or followed along from afar, this conversation will catch you up on the bigger picture. Connect with Tim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rosolio-434b2a98/ Connect with Ela: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elamezhiborsky/  Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagillingham/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. Considering an exit strategy?  Discover how Nocturne Luxury Villas helps vacation rental founders protect their legacy while unlocking new opportunities. 👉 Contact [email protected]  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #vrma2025
Chillin' with Dylan: How to Build a People-First Culture in a Competitive Vacation Rental Market
2025/11/12
Send us a message! In this episode, Alex & Annie head to Florida’s scenic 30A to sit down with Dylan Bozarth, General Manager of 30A Escapes, for a real conversation about leadership, culture, and what it takes to build a team that truly lasts in the fast-paced vacation rental world. Dylan shares how his decade-long journey at 30A Escapes has shaped a people-first approach to property management. One that values work-life balance, communication, and genuine hospitality as the keys to long-term success. We discuss: 1️⃣ The challenges of managing vacation rentals along the 30A corridor 2️⃣ How leadership and team structure can prevent burnout 3️⃣ Creative ways to engage and communicate with homeowners 4️⃣ Why defining core values transforms company culture 5️⃣ The importance of collaboration among local property managers 6️⃣ Insights on market shifts post-2021 and preparing for sustainable growth This episode is a reminder that growth starts with your people and that sustainable success in hospitality is built from the inside out. Connect with Dylan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bozarth-6225b8338/ Website: https://www.30aescapes.com/  Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value). 👉 Use code AAA20 at checkout. Offer valid until December 31, 2025. Considering an exit strategy?  Discover how Nocturne Luxury Villas helps vacation rental founders protect their legacy while unlocking new opportunities. 👉 Contact [email protected]  #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #culture

Podcast reviews

Read Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals podcast reviews


5 out of 5
34 reviews
★★★★★
Michael 30A 2024/02/08
Where Knowledge and Experience Shines
Two industry veterans in the vacation rental industry, bringing forth relevant topics through friendly conversations that will enlighten the listener ...
★★★★★
Tomgoodwin3 2024/02/07
A favorite go to podcast for our industry
Alex and Annie are household names in the vacation rental management space. They have created a forum for fun and engaging conversations with a wide v...
★★★★★
mediaChick76 2024/02/05
An entertaining AND educational podcast that is time well spent!
What sets this podcast apart is the diverse range of topics they cover in the vacation rental and hospitality industries, seamlessly transitioning fro...
★★★★★
Shimi Chic 2023/08/24
Real solutions for Vacay Rental owners!
Alex and Annie share real world ideas and guidance for STR owners. Their guests are first rate, and A
★★★★★
Hope for musicians in the Digi 2022/07/08
Master Class for Vacation Rental Owners
If you want a great education in a variety of Short Term Rental topics, this podcast is the perfect resource. I ran into Annie at the Vacation Rental ...
★★★★★
*JETO 2022/07/06
Excited Face Emoji
I listen to a lot of podcasts, a lot of audiobooks, and every morning I spend time getting them all queued up for my daily drives and down time at wor...
★★★★★
Vacation Rental Design 2022/04/06
Fantastic STR content and a pleasure to listen!
Top of the list podcast for STR enthusiasts, hosts, investors and everyone else in the industry. Empowered by amazing women, they bring a lot of great...
★★★★★
Karisk 2022/03/01
All things STR and business!
Being new to the Short Term Rental Industry - this is my new favorite podcast. Alex and Annie are great interviewers and bring on wonderful guests wit...
★★★★★
EllenS71 2022/02/17
Always a good listen!
These two bring so much to the table, in this podcast and beyond. Fantastic interviews by and with short term rental industry leaders—I have not yet f...
★★★★★
clbhappy 2022/02/17
Pure Vacation Rental Gold
These ladies are bringing a fresh, engaging, and entertaining perspective on the amazing industry that is vacation rentals. Their experience and exper...
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