Free Content
FiltersLooking for new ideas? Tap into VRMB's massive database of free content, including our multimedia archive. Our weekly discussions on guest experience and growth are designed to inspire and delight.
- Founder, VRMB
A PDF document containing all the transcribed episodes of this industry-first podcast.
- Founder, VRMB
If there is one person that has been a steady constant throughout the last decade of vacation rental mayhem, it’s Koryn Okey. She started out with a company called FlipKey and now works as the VP of Sales at Breezeway (an awesome cleaning app you should demo immediately). If you have ever attended a vacation rental conference, chances are you have seen or met or at least heard Koryn laugh.
Her experience gives...
- Founder, VRMB
As part of our divergent thinking series, Matt sits down this week with Bob Pease, President of the Brewer's Association. The extraordinary success of the craft beer industry in the last several decades provides real insight into how vacation rental professionals can band together to achieve a host of goals.
- Founder, VRMB
Our next episode with Megan Carda of Lifestyle Properties drops this coming Thursday, March 10th.
- Founder, VRMB
Kristi Kautz used to work in the digital entertainment space, so she was familiar with the world of influencers before her property manager Brad Klopman of The CoHost Company suggested offering a few free nights to some instagram influencers in exchange for a fresh set of photos. The tactic ended up becoming a way to unlock their vacation rental, Starship Landing Retreat, to the right kinds of travelers.
If...
- Founder, VRMB
This week Sibylle Kim gives us a masterclass in the single property lifestyle business. She bought her dream vacation home in Waterbury, Vermont, and turned it into Villa Ausblick, a profitable, family-friendly short-term rental sanctuary, where she created years of memories for her family and her guests. Now, after nearly two decades in business, Sibylle is sharing wisdom that is of value to everyone in the...
- Founder, VRMB
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 episode is...
- Founder, VRMB
Carole Lynn Sharoff of Atlantic Vacation Homes in Massachusetts is one of the wisest vacation rental professionals I have met in my 10+ years of interviewing. You can tell a lot about someone from how others describe them. And when some colleagues like Jodi Refosco and Jennifer Frankenstein Harris heard I was launching a new season of the podcast, they were all unanimous: you have to interview Carole. No ifs ands...
- Founder, VRMB
Heleena Sideris brings the best elements of her non-profit background to her family vacation rental business in Park City. In this virtual sit-down with Matt, she explores the bright post-covid future of outdoor destinations like Park City and talks about finding meaning and creating community with vacation rentals.
Please visit our sponsors, which made this episode possible:
Breezeway’s operations platform...
- Founder, VRMB
Matthew and his wife Angela came to vacation rentals accidentally in the wake of the financial crisis and have since built a powerhouse business from Central Oregon to Southern Utah. In this virtual sit-down, Matthew gives a masterclass on the workings of a true lifestyle business where family is everything, employees are like family, and guests keep coming back. The two Matts also delve into Listing Site...
- Founder, VRMB
This is a Quick Tips episode of Unlocked, where Matt shares actionable wisdom from VRMB Communities.
Most vacation rental professionals tend to over-work because they wear many hats. Over-working is not sustainable...it will eventually burn you from the inside out. In this episode VRMB Communities discusses the solution: a forced break!
- Founder, VRMB
A keystone is the architectural term for a wedge-shaped piece at the crown of an arch or bridge that locks the other pieces in place. We believe this is the perfect metaphor for the right property management software in a vacation rental business.
Using data from 100+ hours of demos, 750+ completions of our Property Management Software Selector Tool and qualitative feedback that has come in by the droves...
- Founder, VRMB
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 delves into the core...
- Founder, VRMB
Toby Babich not only runs a successful vacation rental and management business, he has taken over as president of the VRMA during this difficult time for the industry.
In a virtual sit-down with Matt, he provides insight into how different vacation rentals are doing, gets into how he has kept his own business afloat and lays out what the VRMA has in the works for the industry.
Please visit our sponsors...
- Founder, VRMB
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 focus on the...
- Founder, VRMB
Lee Zeller is one of my besties in the vacation rental space. Her company Vacation Telluride is a mainstay in Colorado and her position on how to utilize each property for good is equally forward-thinking. This concept could be applied to pretty much any vacation rental business -- in fact, if you're not doing it, you're missing out on lots of goodwill. If you want to innovate like Lee, consider a demo with...
- Founder, VRMB
Dr. Louis Rosenberg founded Unanimous AI to pursue a crazy idea – that we can amplify the intelligence of human groups by developing a new form of AI based on the biological principles of Swarm Intelligence. The idea panned out, resulting in Swarm AI technology, a powerful method amplifying group intelligence.
Community thinking is essential to the survival of the vacation rental industry and the ideas...
- Founder, VRMB
This is a Quick Tips episode of Unlocked, where Matt shares actionable wisdom from VRMB Communities.
Any vacation rental property can be made more “limited edition” with the introduction of a landmark feature: a structural, decorative, or recreational aspect of the home’s offering that is unique (in your competitive set), photogenic (for promotional purposes), and perhaps most importantly enjoyable for new...
- Founder, VRMB
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 after critical...
- Efficiency Manager, VRMB
VRMB in collaboration with the VRMB faculty unearthed nine fundamental principles beneath the surface of the most successful vacation rental businesses over time, and throughout the world. These nine principles build a force field around your business.
You can download the...
- Founder, VRMB
This week Matt sits down with Amber Carpenter of DemandIQ to talk about a significant source of revenue we've all been missing. What started as a capstone project for Amber's master's degree has become must-use tech for the entire vacation rental industry.
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...
- Founder, VRMB
Megan McCrea is one of the most impressive leaders in the vacation rental industry. I get the chance to meet a lot of experts and ambassadors and people who are really good at what they do -- but Megan has one of the most unique blends of vision, standards, discipline, and hard work that I have ever come across in vacation rentals. Really, in any industry: she is just a veritable rockstar. I flew to Nashville...
- Founder, VRMB
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 creating...
- Founder, VRMB
This PDF document consists of all the resources mentioned in the 'How To Save Your Vacation Rental Business' podcast hosted by Dana Lubner (co-hosted by Matt Landau). We've created a PDF document for you to keep on your desktop or print-out for sharing in your local vacation rental advocacy group.
- Founder, VRMB
In Dana's relatively short time in the vacation rental industry, she has emerged as an advocate and leader for responsible, professional rentals in a tough market. By pioneering 'The Good Neighbor Summit' in Denver, Dana learned how getting public and private stakeholders together can change the narrative about the industry and generate positive press.
In our first season 5 episode, she sits down with Matt...
- Founder, VRMB
Jeremiah Gall is the founder and CEO of Breezeway and a true vacation rental industry veteran. In this interview, he and Matt explore how the current challenges facing the vacation rental industry may help it forge a stronger, safer, and more professional future.
Please visit our sponsors, which made this episode possible:
PointCentral, the leader in business grade smart property solutions designed for...
- Founder, VRMB
This week Matt speaks with Eddie Gray, the housekeeping and laundry manager for Newman-Dailey Resort Properties. With 17 years in the business, Eddie has amassed wisdom that can benefit every vacation rental business. Best practices, checklists, delegating, software, employees, covid...Eddie covers it all.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway...
- Founder, VRMB
Margot is CEO and Co-Founder of Hostfully which services more than 17,000 vacation rental properties worldwide. She is also an Apple veteran and her focus on community-driven products brings a unique perspective to the vacation rental industry. In this virtual sit-down with Matt, she covers everything from finding focus in difficult times to automation in the vacation rental experience.
Please visit our...
- Founder, VRMB
This week Matt sits down with Anthony Gantt of At Ease which was created to solve challenges with vacation rentals for military personnel and their families. Anthony's story of discovering and executing in his niche is must-listen content for anyone looking to level up with the biggest current opportunity in the vacation rental business.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart...
- Founder, VRMB
VRMB is thrilled to announce Season 6 of Unlocked by Matt Landau, a podcast that invites you to be a fly-on-the-wall with some of the most creative vacation rental professionals in the world. The first episode premieres Wednesday February 17th, 2021.
Welcome to VRMB!
I’m Matt Landau, the founder of this forum. It was created in 2016 when a group of us wanted a safe space to discuss our growing STR businesses.
Today, you can join our community of 1,000+ creative, thoughtful, and generous members who believe in a better future.
Spotlight
Discover "Unlocked: The Intermission" - a captivating 6-part podcast series featuring the individuals who have shaped Matt Landau's horseradish in the past 6 months.