Join us at the VRMA event for an exclusive interview with Nir Miamon , a prominent figure in luxury vacation rentals. Discover Nir's fascinating transition from nightlife entrepreneur to managing upscale properties, and learn the strategies behind successful property management, including the distinctions between exclusive and non-exclusive approaches. Nir talks about building client relationships, the importance of high standards in property management, and the launch of innovative solutions li...
Oct 24, 2024•19 min•Season 14Ep. 19
In this episode, Wil Slickers engages with Emily and Mauricio from Hinter. They explore the inspiration behind their unique, Scandinavian-inspired brand, which focuses on minimalist and sustainable hospitality designs. Discussions cover the importance of simplicity, craftsmanship, and the five senses in creating extraordinary guest experiences. The episode also delves into Hinter’s brand evolution, the impact of personal identities on business, and the benefits of strategic collaborations to enh...
Oct 23, 2024•52 min•Season 14Ep. 18
Join us for this special episode of Slick Talk, recorded live at the VRMA event, where we sit down with Sean Breuner , the founder of AvantStay . Sean shares the story of AvantStay's inception, the challenges faced in the dynamic short-term rental industry, and the impact of natural disasters and the pandemic. Dive into how AvantStay focuses on luxury rentals and uses technology and infrastructure to scale, offering premium experiences and generating impressive revenue for homeowners. Sean also ...
Oct 22, 2024•18 min•Season 14Ep. 17
In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil converses with Robyn Bridges, President and CEO of Visit Auburn Opelika, to delve into the transformative role of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in community and tourism development. The podcast explores various facets, including the importance of fiscal responsibility, community service, and sustainable growth facilitated by DMOs. Listeners gain valuable insights into Auburn's unique charm and the collaborative efforts that contribute to its touri...
Oct 16, 2024•42 min•Season 14Ep. 16
In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil shares personal anecdotes, including the story behind his Good Morning Hospitality (GMH) tattoo. The discussion covers Wil's adventures in New York City, the impact of his decision to get a GMH tattoo, and his drive to keep innovating in hospitality media. The podcast explores the growth of Slick Talk, Will's podcasting journey, and the evolution of the hospitality industry post-COVID. Key moments include Wil's candid answers about his challenges and inspiratio...
Oct 09, 2024•49 min•Season 14Ep. 15
In this episode, Wil is joined by Katie Cline, a hospitality PR expert with a deep background in luxury hotel brands like Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott, who has recently ventured into the world of short-term rentals. They discuss the transformative power of travel, the importance of guest expectations, and the evolving nature of hospitality. Katie shares her personal journey into the short-term rental market, her strategies for providing exceptional guest experiences, and how her PR experience in...
Oct 02, 2024•58 min•Season 14Ep. 14
In this episode, we dive deep with Christian Lee , CEO of Mint House . Christian shares his journey from corporate giants like Citigroup and Time Warner to his foray into the startup world with WeWork and now Mint House. We discuss the importance of building a robust infrastructure for scaling businesses, the unique demands of corporate and leisure travelers in the alternative accommodation space, and the strategic moves that allowed Mint House to thrive amid the challenges posed by COVID-19. Ch...
Sep 25, 2024•56 min•Season 14Ep. 13
Join us as Ben Wolff takes us on a tour of Onera's newest landscape hotel in Wimberley, Texas. This stunning location features 28 unique units, including greenhouse-style lodgings and spyglass tube tree houses with breathtaking views. Ben shares insights on the design process, learnings from previous projects, and challenges in developing Onera Wimberley. We also discuss the importance of community, environmental conservation efforts, and the exciting potential for hosting events at this remarka...
Sep 18, 2024•22 min•Season 14Ep. 12
In this episode, you’ll hear an episode and conversation from this week's Good Morning Hospitality podcast. Hosts Wil, Brandy, and Michael start with an article about guests' rising expectations in short-term rentals, particularly Airbnbs, and how small-scale hosts feel pressure from demanding guests. They explore the challenges of balancing hotel-like amenities with affordability and the evolving dynamics of guest expectations versus host realities. The conversation shifts to local laws' impact...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Season 14Ep. 11
Join us in this captivating episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Michael and Nathan, co-founders of Howzit Hostels. Discover how their vision evolved from sales leadership to revolutionizing the hostel industry in Maui, Hawaii. They share their insights on maintaining long-term success, building a dedicated team, and navigating the challenges of launching a hospitality brand during a global pandemic. Learn how they turned personal passion and post-recession opportunities into a thrivin...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 14Ep. 10
In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of sustainable hospitality products with Ludo, co-founder of Fox Fold. Join us as Ludo shares his journey from a stable finance career to pioneering a range of innovative, eco-friendly toiletry solutions for hotels and beyond. From sophisticated toilet paper dispensers to groundbreaking refillable facial tissue boxes, learn about the entrepreneurial challenges, market opportunities, and environmental impact driving Fox Fold's mission. T...
Aug 28, 2024•49 min•Season 14Ep. 9
In this insightful episode, we welcome Matt Curtis, an expert in short-term rental regulations and local government interactions. Matt shares his remarkable journey, including his weight loss and professional transitions, that led him to work closely with local governments on vacation rental policies. He discusses the importance of creating balanced, fair regulations and addressing misconceptions about the impact of short-term rentals on housing crises. Matt also delves into the role of organiza...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 14Ep. 8
In this episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Franklin Dusserre, co-founder of French Cowboys. Franklin shares his journey from growing up in Paris and the U.S. to founding a unique hospitality brand that blends hotels with vacation rentals. We explore his experiences with WeWork, the creation of Outpost Capital, and how French Cowboys is revolutionizing boutique hospitality in Texas. Learn about their tech stack choices, operational efficiencies, and their ambitious plans for th...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 14Ep. 7
In this compelling episode of Slick Talk, we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation with Nic, Co-Founder of SendSquared. Discover Nic’s inspiring journey from a challenging past to starting SendSquared in 2018 with his Co-Founder Roy. Nic shares his experiences at the VRMA executive summit in Boca Raton, the mission of SendSquared, and why it's known as the 'HubSpot of Hospitality.' The episode also explores Nic’s personal struggles, including a life-changing bike accident and childhood abandon...
Aug 07, 2024•54 min•Season 14Ep. 6
In this special recap episode of Slick Talk, Kelsey Tran (HFM Producer of Slick Talk) returns after her maternity leave, sharing her journey into motherhood and experiences of labor and delivery with host Wil Slickers. They discuss exciting updates within the Hospitality.FM network, including new hires, adding a European crew to Good Morning Hospitality, and the revival of 'Workflows and Espressos' with Meghan Moylan. Wil also provides an overview of their successful inaugural retreat, which fea...
Jul 31, 2024•42 min•Season 14Ep. 5
This episode is extra special as we sit down with Rachel Alday to discuss her journey in the luxury vacation rental industry. We talk about the beginnings of Abode Luxury Rentals, the importance of authenticity, and how luxury and high-end services have evolved over the years. Rachel shares personal experiences about growing her business organically, maintaining high standards, and expanding into new markets like Jackson Hole and Sun Valley. We also delve into the significance of therapy, person...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 14Ep. 4
In this episode, the host welcomes Wes Smithe, co-founder and CEO at Direct, to discuss the evolving landscape of vacation rental management technology. The conversation covers Wes's personal journey in the industry, the challenges and innovations in property management systems (PMS), and the importance of data management. Wes also dives into the significance of AI and machine learning in the industry's future. The episode provides a deep dive into optimizing operational workflows and the intric...
Jul 19, 2024•47 min•Season 14Ep. 3
Join us in this insightful episode as Wil sits down with Ashley Ching, founder of Inhaven, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey from consulting at Deloitte to starting a pioneering business to standardize the vacation rental industry. Ashley shares her experiences, industry challenges, and the strategic steps Inhaven is taking to bring hotel-grade standards to vacation rentals. Learn about the importance of local hospitality, the evolution of lodging standards, and Ashley's valuable advice for...
Jul 17, 2024•49 min•Season 14Ep. 2
Join us as we welcome back Ryan Killeen, co-founder of Annex Hotel, and introduce his partner, Ben Hoffman. In this episode, we dive deep into the Annex Hotel's expansion from Toronto into the US, specifically focusing on their new project in Palm Springs. Learn about their unique approach to merging the best elements of hospitality and tech, their journey through various market ventures, and the intricate details of their latest deal. Perfect for anyone interested in hospitality, real estate in...
Jul 10, 2024•42 min•Season 14Ep. 1
In this spirited episode, Wil welcomes his friend Connor Cushman. Connor dives into his transformative journey from a successful career at LinkedIn to becoming a self-employed short-term rental entrepreneur. Sharing insights from their first meeting, they explore the significance of making connections and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Connor reveals his background, motivations, and the challenges he faced transitioning from tech to real estate. They discuss the nuances of managing STR prop...
Jul 03, 2024•58 min•Season 13Ep. 30
In this episode of Slick Talk, we dive deep with Isaac French, the visionary behind Live Oak Lake. We explore his journey from a hesitant outreach to a successful exit. Isaac shares valuable lessons on being proactive and taking action, detailing his unique story of growing up in a large family and his early ventures in business and art. Discover how Isaac combined his diverse skills to create a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience, overcoming challenges like financing and property development. ...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 13Ep. 29
In this episode of Slick Talk, we chat with Nick, co-founder of Glampitec North America and Posh Outdoors. Nick shares his incredible journey from studying law at the University of Manchester to diving into the world of glamping. We discuss the rise of glamping during the COVID-19 boom, the challenges and successes of launching Glampitec in North America, and the new ventures with Posh Outdoors. Nick offers valuable insights into the glamping industry, the differences between the UK and US marke...
Jun 19, 2024•40 min•Season 13Ep. 28
In this episode, recorded at the VRMA Executive Summit in Boca Raton, Wil Slickers interviews Robin Craigen , a frequent guest and friend of the podcast. They discuss the evolution and rebranding of Robin's company, Moving Mountains, and its expansion into Moving Oceans, focusing on curating exceptional guest experiences. Robin shares insights on business pivots, the importance of adaptability, and the challenges of maintaining high standards in the vacation rental industry. They also delve into...
Jun 12, 2024•33 min•Season 13Ep. 27
Join Wil Slickers and an expert panel of property managers and industry professionals as they discuss efficient operations, upsell strategies, and scalable business models in the hospitality industry. Recorded during Operto's first online conference, Operate , the panel shares valuable insights on optimizing operations, enhancing guest experiences, and balancing revenue management. Key topics include dealing with seasonal fluctuations, implementing technology and hardware, scaling without failin...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 13Ep. 26
In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Jake Wurzak, an expert in hotel real estate and capital investment, to discuss the intersection of operations and capital in the hospitality industry. Jake shares his journey from working in various roles in his dad's hotel company to mastering the capital side, offering valuable insights into building a successful hotel investment portfolio. They dive into the importance of relationships, the evolution of the front desk, and creating memorable guest ...
May 29, 2024•59 min•Season 13Ep. 25
Join Wil Slickers as he engages in a fascinating discussion with Doug Truitt, Head of Commercial at Roami. In this episode, Doug delves into his extensive career in the hospitality industry, highlighting the evolution of technology, the challenges of API integration, and the importance of channel management. The conversation also touches on how venture capital influences the industry. Filled with rich insights and personal anecdotes, this episode is essential for anyone keen on understanding the...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 13Ep. 24
This episode features an intriguing discussion with John Lyotier, the founder of TravelAI.com. The conversation dives into the origins and entrepreneurial journey of John, from his early days as a child entrepreneur in the dot com era to his venture into startups, focusing on the intersection of marketing and technology. The narrative unfolds to reveal TravelAI's recent acquisition of the domain Casai, expanding its footprint in the Latin American property management market. Highlighting the tra...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 13Ep. 23
This episode of Slick Talk features Andrew Kitchell, Founder and CEO of Wheelhouse, discussing the evolving technology landscape in the vacation rental industry. For his fifth appearance on the show, Kitchell and Wil Slickers delve into the significant growth of technological solutions aimed at improving property management. They highlight Wheelhouse and Operto's creation of a comprehensive report mapping out the technology ecosystem , which consists of 21 categories of software serving the shor...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 13Ep. 22
This podcast episode delves into the world of entrepreneurship, focusing on the realm of short-term rentals and property management. Fouad Bazzi shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, touching on the challenges and strategies of growing a business with an intention to sell, tackling work-life balance, and the importance of building relationships. His story, from starting a coffee shop to shifting into real estate investment due to the impacts of COVID-19, highlights resi...
May 01, 2024•54 min•Season 13Ep. 21
In this engaging podcast episode, Mike Reilly , the COO of STR Secrets , shares his personal journey from overcoming kidney disease and leaving a demanding corporate job at Google to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the short-term rental (STR) industry. Mike discusses the importance of not trading time for money, building a team, and automating business processes through an effective tech stack. He also offers insights into the future of Airbnb potentially becoming a social platform and emp...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 13Ep. 20
