Unlocked by Matt Landau
Matt Landau: Vacation Rental Marketer & Podcaster 191 episodes Aug 12, 2026
Unlocked is a podcast hosted by Matt Landau, founder of VRMB, in which he interviews innovative vacation rental professionals. The series gives listeners a fly-on-the-wall look at their experiences and best practices. It aims to share practical lessons and remind vacation rental professionals that they already have much of what they need to succeed.
Episodes
Business Outside (The Box) with Clair Stoddard
What if the next level of your business begins with a simple question: What do I actually want? Matt Landau sits down with Clair Stoddard, co-owner of Cascade Vacation Rentals, to reflect on an unconventional leadership retreat along Minnesota's North Shore. Through hiking, sailing, and honest conversation, they explore how stepping outside the usual business setting can unlock creativity, vulnera
Is The Juice Worth The Squeeze? with Rena Pacheco-Theard
What happens when the thing you built no longer feels aligned with where you're meant to go? In this episode, Matt sits down with Rena Pacheco-Theard, CEO & Co-Founder of Boutiq, for an honest conversation about transformation, calculated risk, and the difficult decisions that come with growth. After years balancing technology, property management, and relentless entrepreneurship, Rena found herse
Visionary with Chris Hynes
In this episode, Chris Hynes, Co-Founder and CTO of OwnerRez, joins Matt Landau for a wide-ranging conversation on public speaking, self-discovery, leadership, and the human side of AI. From Toastmasters lessons and storytelling breakthroughs to leading engineering teams through uncertainty, Chris shares how creativity, emotional awareness, and repetition shape both personal growth and company cul
The Next Level with Ryan Casey
A thoughtful conversation between Ryan Casey, CTO & Principal of Lighthouse Vacations, and Matt Landau on navigating the tension between fear and opportunity in the age of AI, through the lens of hospitality, leadership, and purpose. From unpacking public skepticism around AI to practical, real-world applications inside a vacation rental business, Ryan shares a grounded perspective: don't chase hy
Leading Into The Unknown with Clair Stoddard
A conversation between Matt Landau and Clair Stoddard, co-owner of Cascade Vacation Rentals, on the power of stepping into the unknown—where growth, leadership, and authenticity truly begin. From career-defining leaps of faith to redefining "failure" as a pathway to opportunity, Clair shares how embracing uncertainty shaped her journey from hospitality operator to co-owner. Together, they explore
Hospitality Output with Jack Zoppa
A conversation between Jack Zoppa, CEO of Haven Vacation Rentals, and Matt Landau on turning AI experiments into real business advantage—where agents, automation, and clear vision unlock scale, while human connection remains the true differentiator. Reach out to Matt directly: matt@vrmb.com
Inflection Points with Alex Zemianek
A conversation between Alex Zemianek, a full-time dad, husband, and owner of JZ Properties and JZ Vacation Rentals, and Matt Landau on navigating the uncertainty of AI while staying grounded in what matters most: family, purpose, and authentic leadership in business. From raising kids in a rapidly changing world to building a values-driven vacation rental company, Alex shares a refreshing perspect
The Paradigm Shift with Ryan Rabideau
A conversation between Ryan Rabideau and Matt Landau on standing at the edge of a new paradigm: where AI reshapes how we work, create, and lead, and invites us to rediscover what it means to be human in business. Reach out to Matt directly: matt@vrmb.com How Haven Vacation Rentals Hit 90 Percent Automation and Got Airbnb Knocking on Their Door (2026 Update). Read it here.
Big Announcement from Matt
We're in between seasons of Unlocked, which means something new must be brewing! In this episode, Matt shares details about his new business creative community Here Goes Nothin. You can sign up at www.heregoesnothin.com and learn more about the upcoming retreat at www.heregoesnothin.com/costarica.
Shifting To Unlimited with Pamela Quinn
This episode features Pamela Quinn, the Chief Experience Officer at LakeDays.Rentals. Pamela and Matt talk about purpose and vision, and how to align your team with them. They talk about how to get things done and the role of creativity in the process. This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez, www.ownerrez.com, a property management software that covers small homeowners and larg
The Next Big Leap with Dixie Taylor
This episode features Dixie Taylor, Director of Operations at Current Tides Vacation Rentals in Alabama. This episode discusses the significant leap Dixie took when she left her old "gig". The episode emphasizes recognizing when to step into the unknown, into something new ... This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez, www.ownerrez.com, a property management software that covers
Conway's Law featuring Paul Waldschmidt
This episode features Paul Waldschmidt, the co-founder and CEO of OwnerRez, a property management software that serves both small homeowners and large property managers. OwnerRez is also the sponsor of this season of Unlocked. Paul and his team were part of the reason Matt decided to create this 12th season of Unlocked. In this episode, Paul and Matt talk about the OwnerRez retreat in the Dominica
Force Majeure with Sean Breuner
This episode features Sean Breuner, the founder and CEO of AvantStay. Today's interview focuses on innovation and includes discussions about intuition and risk-taking. Necessities that are needed to create and differentiate in the Vacation Rental Industry as we know it. This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez, www.ownerrez.com, a property management software that covers small
How To Get What You Want with Julie Marks
This episode features Julie Marks, who is the co-owner of Homestead Hospitality and the Founder & Executive Director of the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance. This episode is marked as one of Matt's favorite interviews to date. Matt and Julie talk about advocacy, helping, and connecting with people, which comes with a challenge: drawing boundaries. This interview is all about re-evaluating priori
Poetry vs. Plumbing with Henrik Kjellberg
Today's episode features Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze. In this conversation, Henrik and Matt dive into "the new world". A world that requires adapting to change in more than just the Vacation Rental Industry, which is interesting but can be scary... Henrik shares his take on innovation and creativity and how discipline, consistency, and leadership contribute towards growth in a constantly changi
"The Connector" with Ruth Manfredi
Today's episode features Ruth Manfredi, owner of Cinque Terre Vacation Rentals in Italy. In this episode, Ruth and Matt talk about a shift toward creativity, authenticity, and originality within the VR industry. You will hear Ruth her passion and excitement while she shares her stories and experiences which involves more than just the VR industry. This episode is brought to you in partnership wit
What's Your Story with Maria Schuh
Today's episode features Maria Schuh, owner of Mistiso's Place in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, Maria talks about ways that effectively allow her to navigate the threats that seem to hold a lot of VR owners back and how dancing influences the way she goes about life. This episode is brought to you in partnership with OwnerRez, www.ownerrez.com, a property management software
Here Goes Nothin' with Steve Hafner
Today's episode features Steve Hafner, the co-founder and CEO of Kayak. Kayak is a search engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. In this episode, Steve and Matt talk about what it means to be a visionary, and how to be creative and bring ideas. Steve and Matt dive into the importance of storytelling, and Steve talks about how clarity help
Leading With Love with Antonio Bortolotti
Today's episode features Antonio Bortolotti, who runs the vacation Rental World Summit with his wife, Christina. It's become the preeminent event in Europe and the Middle East for vacation rental professionals. In this episode, Antonio and I recount this most extraordinary moment on stage at the end of the Vacation Rental World Summit in Barcelona just a couple weeks ago. We go through some of th
Playing it Safe with Justin Ford
This episode features a conversation between Justin Ford and Matt Landau. Justin is a longtime industry advocate, having introduced professional safety protocols to the emerging industry of vacation rentals. In this episode, Matt and Justin talk about leadership and fear, and how certain experiences impact the way we think about, and handle, risk. The episode concludes with a conversation about sa
I Got Stuck ... with Steve Schwab
I GOT STUCK is my story but it could also likely be yours. As burnout started to rear its ugly head my relationships and projects started to wobble. I was forced to accept that I was lacking a clear vision for my future: I was without a firm foundation to create from. How does one become visionary? What does it feel like to grow in new ways? How do we adapt and unstuck ourselves as we enter an era
Our Fathers Would Be Proud with Adam Strauss
This episode features a conversation between two lifelong friends, Adam and Matt, who talk about their childhood, their fathers, and their heritage. In this conversation, they reflect on how travel reunited them in a very special place in this world, close to their roots. This episode is about exploring who they are as a person and creating life-lasting memories at their home away from home… This
Everything Was Going Exactly As Planned ...
In this episode, Matt talks with his friend and neighbor Robin. Robin's whole life seemed to be going according to plan -- great job, health, nuclear family -- until she got hit by the shitstorm of her marriage starting to unravel. In this episode, Matt and Robin explore themes of relationships, adversity, movement, and travel, and how to lead your children and loved ones by leading yourself. This
What's the Purpose of Your Trip with Guy Fomin
In this podcast episode, Matt Landau and Guy discuss personal growth, business insights, and transformative experiences. Matt talks about his life-changing trip to Israel and how travel can trigger transformation. Guy shares his enlightening experiences with psychedelics and how they altered his perspective on life. The episode also covers Guy's journey into parenthood and its profound impact on h
From Mother to Son with Barbara Landau
Join us for a conversation between Matt and his mother, Barbara Landau. This episode offers a glimpse into Barbara Landau's rich life experiences and adventures. She reflects on her career choices, emphasizing the importance of building a network of mentors and allies for success. Barbara's impressive achievements are a testament to her dedication and determination. Intriguingly, the episode delve
The Big Kahuna with Valerie Gangas
Join us for a captivating conversation with Valerie Gangas as she shares her inspiring journey of growth, spirituality, and resilience. From starting a vacation rental company during the pandemic to exploring the depths of her spiritual awakening, Valerie's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insights into embracing change, seeking support, and
Up in the Air with Christina Thoreson
In this special episode, Christina Thoreson takes us through the complicated reality of selling a business she'd built from the ground up to a big industry name. Wondering if you might sell one day or what happens in the aftermath? Or just contemplating big changes in life? This episode is for you. This is also the final episode of the Unlocked Podcast in its current form. We expect you'll h
2023 Trends and Predictions with Lino Maldonado of BeHome247
In this episode we sit down with Lino Maldonado, the CEO of BeHome247, to discuss where the industry is headed in 2023. Lino also offers advice on how to navigate the changing landscape of life and capitalize on new opportunities. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, https://www.breezeway.io/vrmb the b
Writing Your Professional Story with Alex Husner of Casago
In this episode, we take a look at big leaps, both personal and professional with Alex Husner. As the newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Casago and co-host of the popular podcast, "Alex and Annie," Alex's personal brand has flourished alongside her success in the industry. Join us as we gain insight into her journey and strategies for achieving your own professional aspirations. This ep
The Quintessential Waverider with Matt Durrette of Cozi Vacation Rentals
Matt Durrette is emblematic of the kind of Homerunner that is positioned to be the biggest winner as our industry evolves. In this episode we'll talk limited edition positioning in the growth to 300 properties, entrepreneurial operating systems and and advocacy in the latest Texas battlegrounds. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart h
Presidency with Karen Hunt
Karen Hunt's pre-vacation rental career included selling everything from candy and rice to Ben and Jerry's ice cream to Francis Ford Coppola and a whole lot of wine. Now she's running a lifestyle vacation rental business that is the perfect cap to a legendary career. In this episode she gives us perspective on sales, people, and goal setting that will be useful to industry players of any size. T
A Life's Work with Brian Olson of Beachcomber Vacation Homes
In this episode, Brian Olson, former Point Central Rep and owner of Beachcomber Vacation Homes, discusses the impact of health on our teams and networks after a personal wake-up call. Tune in to hear his perspective on how to prioritize well-being and the well-being of your team in what is often a fast-paced work environment. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.co
One of a Kind with Sharon Walker of Walker Luxury Vacation Rentals
In many ways, Sharon Walker is the ultimate Limited Edition vacation rental professional. She built a business from scratch with great care for guests and employees while raising a family. Now, with the freedom that business provides, she is heading up the statewide advocacy effort in Texas and blazing a trail for her industry fellows. In this episode, Matt explores what makes her business grea
BONUS: 2023 Trends with Nate Wysk of Point Central
In this episode Matt and Nate Wysk of Point Central talk 'advocacy technology' and upcoming 2023 trends for the vacation rental industry. This episode is brought to you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, https://www.breezeway.io/vrmb the best in class property care and automations platform. Point Central's Smart Noise Monitor: h
Analytical with Eddie Love of Mountain Mama Cabins
Eddie Love went from renting out a second home to building a full time business with fifteen properties around Harper's Ferry West Virgnia. In this episode we dive into do's and don'ts of early outsourcing, tools that enhance your version of hospitality and innovation without reinventing the wheel. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in sm
Leveling Up with Amanda Hoffmann of Highgate Homes
Our industry talks a lot these days about a departing generation of wisdom. About the operators exiting their businesses and taking all of their knowledge with them. But what you don't hear about is the new minds, the new leaders who will carry the torch and Amanda Hoffmann is definately a new leader on the rise. She's building a finance division from scratch at Highgate and she's forging a new
The Case Against Consolidation with Simon Lehmann of AJL Atelier
In this episode two of the industry's top thought leaders reminisce on their friendly rivarly and come together with insights meant to push the whole industry forward. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, https://www.breezeway.io/vrmbthe best in class property care and automations platform. Join VRMB
Leading from the Heart with Lauren Madewell of Auntie Bellham's Cabin Rentals
Lauren Madewell found her calling when Vacation Rentals unexpectedly became the family business. In this episode Lauren and Matt discuss finding that calling, how a passion for the family business can unlock tools to work with guests and staff and what the future holds for our industry. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home autom
2023 Keystone Awards Update with Terry Whyte
Years ago Terry and Matt started sharing and formalizing their research on tech stacks and property managment software with the wider community. In this episode they discuss the future of their Keystone project and wider lessons to think about when using a "help don't sell" model in your industry. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in sma
How Vacation Rental Laws Work with Tiffany Edwards of Coletta Consulting
Tiffany Edwards grew up in the vacation rental business and has become one of its foremost goverment affairs experts and fundraisers. In this episode we dig into what our industry is doing well and what it needs to do better for a fair regulatory future. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, https://www
Throwback to Hurricane Florence with Mike Harrington
Our scheduled epsiode for this week was interupted due to uncertainty around Hurricane Ian. Everyone involved with the show is fine and we'll be back next week with regularly scheduled programming, but for now we're going to archives and resharing Episode 19 with you, where Mike Harrington gives us a big business takeaway from Hurricane Florence in 2018. These are lessons we all need to be mindf
Scaling Culture with Steve Schwab of Casago
Steve Schwab went from living in the back of a bar in Puerto Peñasco Mexico and helping out with HVAC systems to building Casago into a major property management company with thousands of properties and franchises all over the US and Mexico. He's featured in our second episode of Homerunners and he's become a thought partner to Matt in tackling some of the deepest questions of our industry. This
Nailed it with Miriam Ramsey of VTrips
Miriam Ramsey is a key player in the VTrips model of growth through local brands and a star of our first Homerunners episode which premieres worldwide on October 23rd at VRMA International in Las Vegas. In this episode Matt and Miriam discuss what it takes to make it in this industry, how to handle getting bought and how to nail it as a Homerunner. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: ht
Validation with Michelle 'MJ' Boyle of My Tiny House Village
Michelle "MJ" Boyle is a patented inventor, the Hostess of the Tiny House Podcast, founder and creator of My Tiny House Village, Oregon Teardrop Rentals, and My Tiny Creekside Retreat. In this episode Matt and MJ explore the rushes and reversals inherit in Homerunning...from hitting a niche market at just the right time to real adversity shutting you down. This episode is brought you by PointCe
Pressure is a Privilege with Lukas Krause of Skyrun Vacation Rentals
Welcome to Season 9 of the Unlocked Podcast! Lukas Krause is part of a new generation of industry professionals bringing superpowers from other industries into our own. He's running a large company in the space but focusing on small hospitality details. In this episode Matt and Lukas dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of our current high paced acquisitions cycle and talk about what it mea
Season Reflections with Jeremiah Gall of Breezeway
Prior to launching Season 9: Homerunners this week, Matt sat down with Breezeway founder and perennial Unlocked sponsor Jeremiah Gall to discuss highlights from last season and the state of the industry moving forward. Episode One of Homerunners featuring Lukas Krause of Skyrun Vacation Rentals drops with the VRMB newsletter Thursday September 8th. This episode is brought you by PointCentral: ht
Our Foundation with Heather Bayer of Vacation Rental Success
In this final episode of Season 8 we speak with the godmother of vacation rentals, Heather Bayer of the Vacation Rental Success podcast, which has featured more than 440 vacation rental innovators and given an enormous wealth of knowledge to our community. Heather recently sold her vacation rental business after twenty years and we dig into that process, the state of the industry, and how well sh
"We scrape poop off toilets" with Stuart Hooper of Mangofish Studios
In this episode producer Stuart Hooper gives an update on progress at Mangofish Studios, an off the grid creative retreat center in Panama and talks to Matt about his recent article for Phocuswire.com on the challenge of scaling what cannot be scaled. Phocuswire Aritcle: https://www.phocuswire.com/challenges-scaling-vacation-rentals?fbclid=IwAR131IU5NxRVFt3T_SxGb4Mgfl_IKRin0XMHX5QbGl-fyqv8MwX4
Mighty from Within with Victoria O'Connell of GoLightly
Victoria O'Connell is the creator of GoLightly, a home sharing platform for women. In this episode we dive into the genesis of the platform, talk about creating accountability and deep ties in a network and discuss broader concepts in niche marketing. GoLightly: https://www.wegolightly.com This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home
Family First with Tom Goodwin of Mountain Laurel Chalets
Tom Goodwin of Mountain Laurel Chalets in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is celebrating 50 years of making limited edition memories for guests. In this episode we dive into his direct marketing techniques, which are among the most holistic and comprehensive we have ever encountered. Mountain Laurel Chalets: www.mtnlaurelchalets.com Rue Bar Rue: https://www.ruebarue.com Track: https://trackhs.com Bomb
Would You Eat the Berry? with Michael Skinner
Michael Skinner of Savvy Travels is a member of VRMB's first accelerator cohort and in this episode we'll take a look at achievements like his knowledge base and org chart. We also talk about retrofitting your business for better decision making. Savvy Travels: https://www.savvytravels.co Notion: https://www.notion.so Taskrabbit: https://www.taskrabbit.com OwnerRez: https://www.ownerreservation
Are Short-Term Rentals at the Tipping-Point of Causing our Neighborhoods to Disintegrate with Kelly Hill of Done Right Management
Kelly Hill of DoneRight Vacation Rentals/Casago Mcall has forged deep ties with her community and enjoys a sterling reputation but regulations have still come knocking. Her relationships give her a unique voice in the process and there is hope these decisions will be beneficial for the community and her business but the specter of unfair regulation always looms. We spoke with Kelly before and af
Dog-Fooding your Vacation Rental with Paul Waldschmidt of OwnerRez
Paul Waldschmidt of OwnerRez has spent the last ten years quietly building one of the best property management softwares in the industry. OwneRez barely advertises and yet they have a fiercely loyal customer base and are raved about in our private forum, VRMB Communities. In this episode we dive into innovation, pricing and loyalty with Paul and come away with some lessons we can all benefit fro
The Local Hype Man with Miles Chew of Compass Resorts
Miles Chew of Compass Resorts is a marketing manager in the high stakes destination of Destin, Florida. In this interview Miles and Matt talk about being a marketing manager inside a hospitality company and nerd out on the specifics that drive leads and bookings. Compass Resorts: https://www.compassresorts.com Fall Family Facebook Campaign: https://www.facebook.com/CompassResorts/photos/a.101
A 101 Short-Term Rental Research Update with Madeline List of Phocuswright
This episode features Madeline List, a senior research analyst at Phocuswright, the leading travel industry research platform. Our nacesent vacation rental movement isn't always well understood by the broader travel industry and this is in part due to a lack of good data to explain the story of our rise. Madeline is almost single-handedly changing that from a research perspective. Today's conve
The Passion Train with Brittany Blackman of Breathe Easy Rentals
After working in the industry for nearly a decade, Brittany Blackman started Breathe Easy Rentals in the crowded Destin, Florida market. She quickly gained a foothold by providing a no stress hospitality experience to guests and owners alike. In this episode Brittany also talks about heartfelt videos she has been sharing that have gained her a viral following and perspective on the business. Br
A New Galaxy with Jeff Brown of Loma Homes
Jeff Brown of Loma Homes is innvotating in a unique space within the vacation rental industry. In this episode we explore his themed home business, the tech used to power it, the bumps along the way and the money he uses to grow the business. Loma Homes TaskRabbit Pricelab Stayfi Annversary Inn This episode is brought you by PointCentral, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway,
What Makes Your Heart Race with Virginia Ivy of Ivy Vacations
Virginia Ivy is a hospitality pioneer. From opening a music venue in a dead part of Memphis to starting her current vacation rental business in the Arkansas Ozarks, she has earned 'first mover status' many times over. She is now an integral part of a tourism oriented community and expanding into related businesses, but through it all she understands the best way to superb guest experience is to
Multi-Dimensional with Megan Carda of Lifestyle Properties Oregon
Megan Carda of Lifestyle Properties used her passion for her local community to build a network of connected businesses that opened the doors to Oregon's Wine Country. Not only does this create a rich guest experience, it drives business to the community and puts Megan lightyears ahead of the competition. Lifestyle Properties of Oregon Motivation for Conferences in 2022 RueBaRue RueBaRue Guid
Teaser: "Help, Don't Sell" Example with Megan Carda, Lifestyle Properties Oregon
Our next episode with Megan Carda of Lifestyle Properties drops this coming Thursday, March 10th. Learn more about the host, visit https://mattlandau.com/ Get marketing strategies for vacation rentals, visit https://www.vrmb.com/ Collaborate with other professionals in https://community.vrmb.com/
The House Model Always Wins with Graham Donoghue of Sykes Cottages
Graham Donoghue is CEO of Sykes Cottages, arguably the largest profitable vacation rental management company in the world. He brings a unique perspective to our industry, having presided over some of the largest digital-led businesses across the UK. In this mega-episode Matt and Graham tackle how to build a team, how to wield data, how to buy and sell vacation rental companies and...nudgies. S
The Maker Society with Michelle Ruber, Shift Vacation Rentals
Michelle Ruber of Shift Vacation Rentals has not only built a thriving vacation rental business with her own properties, she has turned passion for her community into a way to give back and enhance guest experience. The result is a kind of first-mover status that carves a deep moat around her business and earns social capital in the eyes of neighbors & employees. GoFundMe for Rihab's family Shif
EP125: Season 8 Announcement & Moving Mountains
In this episode you'll get a taste of what's to come in the next season of Unlocked themed "First Mover Status" in which we'll interview owners and managers who are gaining HUGE advantages by being first to market with new innovations. But until then, enjoy this brief audio essay from Matt's visit to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Where he visited Robin Craigen of www.movingmountains.com Link's Men
EP124: How Airbnb Changed My Life: And Then The World
Evelyn Badia is a New York City based, five-star, Airbnb superhost. Through her online community and podcast she helps people become better hosts and use those hosting skills to build better financial futures. Evelyn and Matt have a history of banter when it comes to professionalism and the vacation rental industry and in this final episode of season 7, they dive into a less dependent future an
EP123: The Long Game with Ryan Bailey, CEO of Track Hospitality Software
Travelnet Solutions Co-founder and CEO Ryan Bailey has been working since the early days of the internet to provide technology solutions for the hospitality industry. Their property management software Track has twice been named the software of the future by the VRMB Keystone awards. In this episode, Matt sits down with Ryan to talk about building enterprise platforms, the rollups shaking the i
EP122: I Sued the City and Won
Theo Kracke is a true vacation rental advocacy avenger. Fed up with unfair regulations in his home town of Santa Barbara, he sued the city and spent a great deal of his time and money to create precedent setting law that benefits owners and managers up and down the California coast. In Phoenix at the recent Streamline conference, Matt sat down with Theo to get his story. VRMB Communities STRSan
EP121: How Vacation Rental Hospitality Made My World Larger
Sallie Mitchell, formerly of Casa Mar Azul vacation rental in San Pancho, Mexico knows what it's like to plan for a dream, live with the realities of that dream, and ultimately exit the dream in a positive fashion. Onwards to the next chapter. In this episode Sallie and Matt explore the idea of finding your guest type and catering to them, action items to build an exit strategy and dip into Sall
EP120: Matt Roberts, CEO of Vacasa
Matt Roberts is the CEO of Vacasa, one of the largest vacation rental companies in the world. Matt was previously the CEO at Open Table -- the app that allows you to reserve tables at your favorite restaurants -- but he's not entirely new to vacation rentals as he was previously on Vacasa's board: granted a very different vantage point than being CEO. But as a disclaimer and a testament to the th
EP119: How Closing Communication Gaps Produce Happier Guests & Homeowners
Ashley Kubiszyn is CEO of River Ridge Rentals in Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone Colorado. The company has been around for 20 years but Ashley took it over form her mother: conducting a full re-haul on systems and technology, while buttressing the aspects that make them market leaders like specialization, localization, and community involvement. Most of the questions in this interview
EP118: Counter-Viewpoint: I Don't Want Short Term Rentals in My Neighborhood
In this episode, Matt sits down with Jessica Sheedy Black -- a neighborhood advocate and regional leader of the Texas Neighborhood Coalition -- for a sobering look at the other side of the vacation rental advocacy debate. As a warning Jessica is not a short term rental advocate. So you may be wondering what's she doing on this podcast? Our big mission of Unlocked is to challenge vacation rental pr
EP117: Data and Revenue Management Conference (DARM) Summary
In this episode, Matt shares his big takeaways from Amy Hinote's Data and Revenue Management Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. The first, data and revenue management is THE JUICIEST way for vacation rental owners and managers to make more money doing exactly the same job they have always loved. When you make more money, everyone has more fun. Second, asking whether to use manual OR autom
EP116: What Happens When A Rocket Scientist Becomes A Vacation Rental Professional?
Bruce Ikelheimer, a recovering rocket scientist, is currently at THE inflection point of vacation rental growth: profitable with his own 2 properties and now beginning to manage other homes, Bruce is now scaling his business Banjoe Vacations without scaling his workload. The lessons he is learning as he approaches liftoff are valuable for listeners from all over the industry. This episode is broug
EP115: Making the Family Vacation Rental Business more Profitable After 30 Years
This week Matt talks to Stacy Wesson of Cascara Vacation Rentals about the challenges of modernizing and running a family vacation rental business in an era of acquisitions and tech driven hospitality. This episode is brought you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform. Additional show notes can be found at w
EP114: You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a 1st Impression (Sarah & T Swap)
In this special edition, we're airing a favorite episode from the Sarah & T podcast. Sarah and Tim are good friends and their show is a must listen for anyone in the industry. This week, they take a hilarious look at 6 key components to a successful welcome of your guests.
EP113: How to Spot Big Opportunities in Vacation Rental Consolidation with Eric Broughton of Inhabit IQ
Eric Broughton is the Chief Strategy officer of Inhabit IQ, which owns a number of vacation rental service providers and has frankly not always had the most forthcoming reputation in the vacation rental industry. In his defense, Eric wasn't in his position in those early days, he's relatively new, so this conversation was originally designed to clear up some of the air. But as you'll hear, Eric ha
EP112: Thinking Beyond The Next Fiscal Quarter
In this episode, Matt sits down with Alex Cruz of Welcome Home Club to talk about long term business health in a time of tempting short term moves. This episode is brought you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform. Additional show notes can be found at www.vrmb.com/112
EP111: We Just Got Acquired by a Large Company. These Things Do Not Scale
In this episode, Matt sits down with Linda Sylvester, formerly of Great Vacation Retreats, to talk about the complex realities of being acquired and the often unglamorous, difficult-to-scale practices she uses to make vacation rental businesses profitable. This episode is brought you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automati
EP110: How To Create Your Vacation Rental Legacy
In this episode, Matt sits down with Michelle Hodges of Meyer Vacation Rentals to discuss building on the legacy of a family enterprise and finding creative solutions to the massive staffing problems of a seasonal business. This episode is brought you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform. Additional show no
EP109: The Trickiest Challenges of Vacation Rental Housekeeping And How To Solve (Some Of) Them
In the first episode of our Unglamorous season, Matt sits down with Rocio of Cleancio to discuss the challenges of vacation rental housekeeping and some actionable ideas for solving them. This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform. Additional show notes can be found at www.vrmb.com/
EP108: Introducing Unglamorous with Matt Landau
As a way to offset some of the unprecedented hype our vacation rental sector is experiencing, Season 7 of the Unlocked Podcast is going against the grain...pulling back the curtain...taking off the rose-colored glasses...and revealing HOW the vacation rental SAUSAGE is made. The theme of the season: Unglamorous! Running a vacation rental company is not sexy. It's unpredictable, messy, and incredib
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Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
Dateline NBC
True Crime Classics
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Collection
Suspense OTR
پلی لیست | PlayList
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
