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  • Matt Landau
  • Feb 7, 2025

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Big Ideas

  The Rise of Personal Vacation Rental Brands

  Big Ideas

  Over the years I've watched the vacation rental industry become very corporate...
  
  From private equity in suits to property management companies scaling and going public to regulatory battles with lawmakers driven by billion dollar behemoths, to simple pursuits for standardization overriding the soul...
  
  Does becoming corporate just kinda come with the territory of a cottage industry going mainstream?
  
  Or for...

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  • Sallie
  • Feb 8, 2025

  Our property was in a small beach village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. My hosting philosophy was our guests were under our care and protection. I wanted them to feel seen, respected, appreciated, delighted and taken care of. Before Arrival Despite dreading talking on...

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  • Matt Landau
  • Feb 1, 2023

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Have You Tried "EatWith"?

  Big Ideas

  Last week I visited Tarkan and Julia in Istanbul, Turkey and WOW what a gigantic bustling historic crossroads of world history (if you haven't consider planning a visit -- Turkish Airlines is amazing and Julia and Tarkan's properties rock).
  
  For dinner one evening my best friend Adam and I booked our maiden meal on Eat With, which is basically like a listing site for home-cooks. In short, home...

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  • DMartinez
  • Dec 12, 2024

  Not exactly the in-the-home experience, it's still quite something if you can attend an Outstanding in the Field gustatory extravaganza! We lucked out by NOT having our home booked when I discovered that the Santa Monica organization was hosting a private dinner...

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  • Matt Landau
  • Apr 7, 2023

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Big Ideas Operations

  Would you want an Airbnb in your building?

  Big Ideas Operations

  I'm currently in the process of purchasing the townhouse I have rented since moving to South Beach, Miami in 2020.
  
  Back then, I wrote this article about moving to the epicenter of the pandemic and I should really write an update soon.
  
  But purchasing this townhouse is lowkey a pretty big deal for me personally:
  
  My first home: decades of entrepreneurship and carving my path capitalized!
  
  But it's also...

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  • Matt Landau
  • Sep 13, 2024

  Being in an industry and profiting from it (not a bad thing) does not mean that one does or has to wear blinders and ignore the negative impact of what one...

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  • Matt Landau
  • Aug 2, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Keystone Retreat

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  Have You Tried 'Creative Destruction'?

  Big Ideas

  After we completed our first gang intervention in Panama, we did an exercise in creative destruction where we smashed our business model on the floor (metaphorically) into a bunch of tiny pieces.
  
  There was something cathartic about creatively destroying version 1.0 that had worked well enough despite being assembled haphazardly (we didn't know what we were doing)!
  
  When you creatively destroy...

  

  • Matt Landau
  • Oct 12, 2022

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Big Ideas Storytelling

  How To "Convey Character" Better?

  Big Ideas Storytelling

  From Phocuswright's STR study Through The Roof, 87% of travelers agreed or strongly agreed that they actively seek out properties with an interesting look and feel. "Character" was not a make it or break it moment of the conversion -- but definitely a big appeal.
  
  Character is where a huge new wave of vacation rental entrepreneurs are investing: tree houses, tents, themed homes...etc.
  
  So I wanted to start...

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  • Matt Landau
  • Jul 19, 2024

  I love this thread! I have two blogposts that I share with homeowners during the setup process about "Thinking Local" and "Thinking Like a Local."...

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  • VRMB Team
  • May 25, 2024

  Staff member

  Introducing the New Social Feed Bar

  Gain fresh insights and stay connected with our Social Feed Bar. This new feature makes it easier for you to navigate conversations and find content within the community.​

  Social Feed Bar​

  Meet the all-new Social Feed Bar, designed to keep you connected with the...

  

  • Will Franco
  • Oct 24, 2023

  • Efficiency Manager, VRMB

  Staff member

  What I learned about Matt Landau from a $4 billion AI

  Pi is an AI developed by InflectionAI. It's the most natural and human-like AI I've interacted with, capable of performing tasks comparable to other AIs, all at no cost.
  
  Pi is designed as a companion AI to assist you throughout the day. I chat with Pi so frequently that even...

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  • SScurlock
  • May 13, 2024

  Loved this. Way to go @Matt Landau - you have certainly been my Pied Piper and Obi wan kenobi!

  See all 6 replies

• 

  • Will Franco
  • Today at 1:04 PM

  • Efficiency Manager, VRMB

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Vacation Rental Business Management Decisions (Ops, Reviews, Sales, Web, Legal)

  Today at 1:04 PM

  Member Digest

  The following discussions are in VRMB Community. The links will not work for non-members. Please become a member and log in to engage with the material and other like-minded homerunners. Characterized by lots of slower, more human discussions that aren't taking place elsewhere.
  
  + How to convert guest satisfaction surveys to reviews? A new company offering "Advanced Guest Review Solutions for the Modern Vacation Rental Industry" begs the question... how should tech play a role...

  

  • Will Franco
  • Jan 31, 2025

  • Efficiency Manager, VRMB

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Unconventional Vacation Rental Management Strategies

  Jan 31, 2025

  Member Digest

  The following are private conversations inside of VRMB Premium. If you're not a member, come join us and innovate your business in more creative ways.
  
  + What's the difference between responding to a negative guest review with pride versus responding with courage?
  
  Back in Panama managing my properties, my best solution was to take out an ice cube and let it melt on the counter before responding to a negative review.
  
  Far more...

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Dec 13, 2024

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Creative Guest Education, PM Challenges & Performance Metrics

  Dec 13, 2024

  Member Digest

  The following are private conversations inside of VRMB Premium. If you're not a member, come join us and connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs.
  
  + Humor is such a powerful communication tool! In our discussion about how to educate visitors about wildlife and environmental expectations, Megan Perkins shares her PDF "Who Pooped Here" (and the sub-chapter "Who Walked Here") with drawings of poop (and animal foot tracks) that may be found on your visit.
  
  + Rob...

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Dec 6, 2024

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Setting & Managing Guest Expectations

  Dec 6, 2024

  Member Digest

  The following are excerpts from private discussions in VRMB Community. Not a member? Join here.
  
  "Sometimes it’s pretty cool to be the one-off, the oddball with a business and vacation rental property that not only doesn’t fit the mold, but quite frankly refuses too. Love being an outler - highly recommend it!!" Love Jim for sharing the exciting news about his big nomination for Unique & Unusual Stays. "Do you know what products your housekeeping team is using for...

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Nov 24, 2024

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Creative Growth Strategies

  Nov 24, 2024

  Member Digest

  The following are private conversations inside of VRMB Premium. If you're not a member, come join us and innovate your business in more creative ways.
  
  + Sonoma County is joining 16 other counties across the state that allow entrepreneurs to open a small dine-in or take-out restaurant in their home. This "Eat With" thread will give you some ideas as to the power of local food experiences.
  
  + In How To Wow...

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Nov 7, 2024

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Building Better Business Relationships

  Nov 7, 2024

  Member Digest

  The following are private conversations for VRMB Premium members. Jump into the discussion, share your two cents, and discover the virtues of collective wisdom! Not a member? Join here.
  
  + Michael's pursuit to build deeper relationships with homeowners elicits a wonderful perspective from Amy on how to navigate business relationships with way more than birthday cards but attentiveness (which breeds connection and better business in the end).
  
  + Megan (and Craig) are...

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Nov 1, 2024

  Staff member

  Member Digest

  Business Challenges: Insurance, Airbnb Disruption, Industry Exits

  Nov 1, 2024

  Member Digest

  The following are snippets of private conversations in VRMB Community. Not a member? Join here.
  
  + What do companies use that don’t have employees and standard workman’s comp? Brenda needs your suggestions for basic insurance like if a team (consultants not employee) hurts their back lifting a delivery or our pre-stay inspection team leaves a window open and the house is robbed. "I can’t really think of many scenarios where we would need coverage but don’t want to learn the...

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• 

  • Matt Landau
  • Jul 24, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Unlocked Podcast

  Big Announcement from Matt

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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.

  

  • Matt Landau
  • Jun 21, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

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  Unlocked Podcast

  Shifting To Unlimited with Pamela Quinn

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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...

  

  • Matt Landau
  • Jun 14, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

  Staff member

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  Unlocked Podcast

  The Next Big Leap with Dixie Taylor

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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...

  

  • Matt Landau
  • May 31, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

  Staff member

  Premium Member

  Mile High Hosts

  Ambassadors

  Keystone Retreat

  Unlocked Podcast

  Conway’s Law featuring Paul Waldschmidt

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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...

  

  • Matt Landau
  • May 24, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

  Staff member

  Premium Member

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  Ambassadors

  Keystone Retreat

  Unlocked Podcast

  Force Majeure with Sean Breuner

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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...

  

  • Matt Landau
  • May 16, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

  Staff member

  Premium Member

  Mile High Hosts

  Ambassadors

  Keystone Retreat

  Unlocked Podcast

  How To Get What You Want with Julie Marks

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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...

  

  • Matt Landau
  • May 2, 2024

  • Founder, VRMB

  Staff member

  Premium Member

  Mile High Hosts

  Ambassadors

  Keystone Retreat

  Unlocked Podcast

  Poetry vs. Plumbing with Henrik Kjellberg

  Unlocked Podcast

  
  
  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...

  Show more…

• 

  • VRMB Team
  • Oct 18, 2024

  Staff member

  Creative Visionaries Share Insights on Here Goes Nothin' Podcast

  Matt Landau's podcast "Here Goes Nothin'" features successful creative business leaders discussing their biggest breakthroughs. Recent guests include:
  

  • Steve Hafner (Founder & CEO, Kayak)
    
    • The Art of Storytelling 🎧 Spotify | 📺 YouTube
    • Navigating Intuition 🎧 Spotify | 📺 YouTube
    • Chasing Authenticity 🎧 Spotify | 📺 YouTube
    • From Habit to Innovation 🎧 Spotify | 📺 YouTube...

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Sep 19, 2024

  Staff member

  Airbnb Revives Experiences with a Local Touch

  Airbnb is breathing new life into its experiences division. CEO Brian Chesky aims to offer a product that stands out from typical tourist activities by emphasizing local authenticity.
  
  Source: Skift - 09/18/24

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Sep 19, 2024

  Staff member

  Marriott’s New Era of Emotional Loyalty

  Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, believes the company's loyalty platform can go far beyond traditional expectations. His idea: one-of-a-kind experiences that shift loyalty from transactional to emotional.
  
  Source: PhocusWire - 09/19/24

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Sep 17, 2024

  Staff member

  Exploring the $1 Trillion Opportunity in Travel Experiences

  Desire for experiences is reshaping travel demand, according to a new Skift and McKinsey report. The global marketplace for travel experiences now offers a more than $1 trillion opportunity.
  
  Source: McKinsey & Company - 09/17/24

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Sep 9, 2024

  Staff member

  Outdoor Activities Lead Viator's Experience Trends

  Nearly half of Viator's top 20 experience categories in 2024 involved open-air pursuits like kayaking and mountain biking. Nature tours and safaris proved particularly popular among American travelers, highlighting a growing preference for outdoor adventures.
  
  Source: Skift - 09/09/24

  

  • VRMB Team
  • Sep 9, 2024

  Staff member

  Viator Sees Surge in Hands-On Travel Experiences

  Viator, an online travel agency, reported double-digit year-over-year growth in summer 2024 bookings. Hands-on experiences like cooking classes, photography tours, sports lessons, and painting classes all grew over 50% compared to the previous year, signaling a strong appetite for immersive, skills-based activities.
  
  Source: Skift - 09/09/24
• Matt's first Here Goes Nothin' retreat is slated for THIS NEW YEARS. This retreat is all about the ability to create new ideas/solutions as an advanced leadership technique -- it's designed for anyone seeking more creative risks in their business (and life!) Simply reach out to [email protected] to hear more details...
  
  Please join our Mailing List or reach out about attending our upcoming events. Any/all styles of business leaders are welcome...
  
  

  • Dinner Party - Oct 3, 2024 in Porto, Portugal (RSVP)
  • Dinner Party - Oct 15, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona (RSVP)
  • Here Goes Nothin' Learning Vacation - Dec 26-Dec 30, 2024 in Dominical, C.R.
  • Here Goes Nothin' Learning Vacation - Dec 30 - Jan 3 in Dominical, C.R.

  ***DUE TO DEMAND WE'RE ALSO NOW BOOKING MAY 2025***​

  • Here Goes Nothin' Learning Vacation - May 2-6 (2025) in Dominical, C.R.
  • Here Goes Nothin' Learning Vacation - May 6-10 (2025) in Dominical, C.R.