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The Business Blacksmith
Welcome to "The Art of Hospitality," where the Operator meets the Philosopher to unravel the intricate tapestry of the vacation rental industry.
Led by Conrad O'Connell, the Digital Strategist who turns clicks into bookings, and hosted by Scott Fasano, the "Operator," and Adam Norko, the "Philosopher," our podcast presents a trinity of perspectives that uniquely positions us at the intersection of practical operations, philosophical depth, and digital innovation.
We tackle the gamut—marketing strategies, guest relations, property management, and internal operations—all while keeping an eye on the ever-changing landscape of our industry. This isn't just about running a vacation rental management business; it's about mastering the Art of Hospitality, where operational precision and thought leadership intersect to create extraordinary experiences.
So, if you're keen on listening to discussions that marry tactical excellence with intellectual depth, all underpinned by game-changing digital strategies, you're in the right place. Join us as we redefine what it means to excel in the vacation rental industry.
Total 34 episodes
1
Is It Possible To Build The Proper Loyalty Program For Unique Stay Hospitality Brands? (With Zach Busekrus)
In this episode, we're joined by Zach Busekrus of Journey to discuss his recent joining of company & sale of StayWatch, loyalty, hospitality, unique stays, credit card points and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellZach BusekrusStayWatchJourney
51:0420/11/2024
Where Do We Go With Vacation Rental Industry Conferences? (With Madison Rifkin, Amy Hinote and Matt Landau)
In this episode, we're joined by an all-star cast - Madison Rifkin, Amy Hinote and Matt Landau - to discuss the future of vacation rental industry events, DARM, looking for the right conference for you and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAmy HinoteDARMMadison RifkinMountMatt Landau Here Goes Nothin
53:4313/11/2024
Why Stories About Our Destinations Matter & How They Can Build A Brand (With Tom Goodwin)
In this episode, we're joined (again) by Tom Goodwin to share the launch of his podcast and upcoming media - For the Love of Gatlinburg Podcast! Tom shares a LOT more than just that however and goes into detail on building a brand, competing with the big guys, connecting with your local community and even more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellFor the Love of Gatlinburg Tom GoodwinMountain Laurel Chalets
48:2706/11/2024
Enhancing The Guest Experience By Listening In And Showing Up (With Annie Sloan)
In this episode, we're joined by Annie Sloan of The Host Co. on all things guest experience, upsells, NRR (non rental-revenue), expansion, going from a host to a pro host and a lot more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAnnie SloanThe Host Co.
52:5230/10/2024
Strong Vacation Rental Leadership: Big Vision, Great People, Get Out of the Way (With Clark Twiddy)
In this episode, we're joined by Clark Twiddy from Twiddy & Company to share his thoughts on growth, leadership, balancing guest vs homeowner, being the 'best' in a market and a lot more. You do NOT want to miss this one. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTwiddyClark Twiddy
59:2623/10/2024
How Much Progress Are We Making On Vacation Rental Safety? (With Justin Ford)
In this episode, we're joined (again) by Justin Ford who is the Director of Short-Term Rental Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway. Justin gives us an update on what's trending and happening in the world of safety in 2024 and where we need to do better. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJustin FordBreezeway
52:4416/10/2024
How THIS Mindset Makes This Property Management Software Unlike Any Other... (With Paul Waldschmidt)
In this episode, we're joined by Paul Waldschmidt, CEO of Ownerrez. We talk all about the origin of Ownerrez, an engineering mindset, updates, growth, funding in our space and LOT more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPaul WaldschmidtOwnerrez
56:5709/10/2024
Diving As Deep As We Can Into Vacation Rental Data (With Kenny Bedwell)
In this episode, we're joined by Kenny Bedwell of STR Insights to talk all things data, marketing, ops, finding the right properties and a TON more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellKenny BedwellSTR Insights
57:4602/10/2024
What Does It Mean To Be A 'Professional' Vacation Rental Manager?
In this episode, the trio takes on trying to better define what it means to be a truly "professional" property manager or vacation rental manager.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'Connell
48:1125/09/2024
What Should Your Vacation Rental Business Do To Prevent Harmful Regulation? (With Scott Leggat)
In this episode, we chat with Scott Leggat who is the Director Government Affairs & Advocacy at Inhabit IQ. We dive into regulations, how to build the right local relationships, marketing, Scott's background and more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellScott Leggat
51:2718/09/2024
How To Build The RIGHT Fundamentals In Your Vacation Rental Business
In this episode, the trio takes on the fundamentals of vacation rental business building and how it applies to building a winning organization. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellThe Webinar: Conrad / Adam
46:0311/09/2024
Diving Into The Data To Build The Ideal Approach To Getting More Bookings (With Jeff Brown)
In this episode, we chat with Jeff Brown of IntelliHost on data, getting more traffic on Airbnb with testing, thumbnails, how to run tests and even more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJeff BrownIntelliHost
54:2404/09/2024
Building A Large Vacation Rental Business The Smart Way (With Dustin Abney)
In this episode, we chat with Dustin Abney of Portoro on his stunningly quick growth building his vacation rental mangement company to hundreds of units in just a few short years, trends, PMS platforms, building technology, what the future holds and a lot more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPortoroDustin Abney
55:4128/08/2024
Welcoming All Travelers With Heart And Hospitality To Grow Your Vacation Rental Business (With Becky Large)
In this episode, we chat with Becky Large of Autism Travel Club on her movement to accept all travelers, why focusing on families with Autism can be not just be more 'welcoming' but also a driver of growth for your business too. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellBecky LargeAutism Travel Club
56:4921/08/2024
Breaking Into The PMS Space With A Novel Approach (With Wes Smithe)
In this episode, we interview Wes Smithe of Direct Software on what it's really like to build a PMS, his unique takes on where we're heading, how change is creating opportunity for Direct and a lot more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellDirect SoftwareWes Smithe
54:0314/08/2024
Dealing With The Changing Landscape Of OTAs With Vrbo (With Tim Rosolio)
In this episode, we interview Tim Rosolio of Vrbo / Expedia Group on all things Vrbo, technology, tech debt, building towards the future, merchadising vacation rentals and a lot more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTim RosolioOne Key
49:3807/08/2024
Covering Everything That You Need To In Your Vacation Rental Property With The "Proper" Insurance (With Darren Pettyjohn)
In this episode, we interview Darren Pettyjohn from Proper Insurance on why they're the world-class insurance product for vacation rental homeowners, guests and property managers. Darren shares his journey of what's it's like to 'swim away' from the crowd, being the most expensive offering and more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellDarren PettyjohnProper Insurance
55:0131/07/2024
The Tools You Need To Build More Direct Bookings + Improve Hospitality (With Chris Walker)
In this episode, we interview Chris Walker from Direct Booking Tools about his current approach to building tech that works and delivers the outcome that all PMs and VRMs are looking for. Chris also shares his background and history by getting into and building a vacation rental business in Hilton Head, SC. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellChris WalkerDirect Booking Tools
46:5124/07/2024
Is The Tech Spaghetti Monster Going To Harm Your Vacation Rental Biz? (With Marcus Räder)
In this episode, we interview Marcus Räder from Hostaway about tech, funding, building a winning PMS platform, what scaling means for the STR/Vacation rental industry, his song and a LOT more. You don't want to miss this one.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMarcus RäderHostaway
55:2517/07/2024
Designing The Winning Experience From Property Design To Check-In (With Bryndee Barton)
In this episode, we interview Bryndee Barton from Loma Homes on her background in building long-term rentals, then working with her business partners into a brand-new short-term rental angle with designed + themed vacation homes. She breaks down why design and investing into an awesome guest experience is what has lead to the right outcomes for Loma Homes and their investors. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellBryndee BartonLoma Homes
54:0610/07/2024
Building The Ideal? Approach To Hospitality (With Tyann Marcink Hammond)
In this episode, we interview (for the second time) Tyann Marcink Hammond of many projects (linked below) but most known as the Queen Of Guest Experience for Touch Stay. We talk about what touch points are missing from many PMs and hosts workflows, building happy guest experiences and more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellTyann Marcink HammondBranson Family RetreatsMissouri HausTouch Stay
53:5403/07/2024
Understanding The Tools & Tech In Your Vacation Rental Business (With Deborah Labi)
In this episode, we interview Deborah Labi of Have You Got / The Techsplained Series on growth, building understanding in the vacation rental space of tech + tools, her new business launching now and a lot more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellDeborah LabiHave You Got Network The Techsplained Series
49:3226/06/2024
Building Our Vacation Rental Businesses The Safe Way (With Eric Thibodeaux)
In this episode, we interview Eric Thibodeaux of Current Tides Vacation Rentals + Safer VRs about building a world-class vacation rental business that takes every stakeholder into account including guests, owners and our community. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellEric ThibodeauxSafer VRsCurrent Tides Vacation Rentals
51:3019/06/2024
Grading The Vacation Rental Industry Today: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (With Steve Milo & Miriam Ramsey)
In this episode, we interview Steve Milo and Miriam Ramsey from Vtrips. They share their (always) honest takes on where we're heading, VRMA, how Vtrips is doing, ethics of our industry and a lot more. Editor's note: we had some minor audio issues with Miriam's file, but it doesn't take away from the great information shared. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSteve MiloMiriam Ramsey
55:2212/06/2024
Building The True Guest Experience With Service vs Hospitality (With Matthew Loney)
In this episode, we interview Matthew Loney with Xplorie on overall guest experience, service vs hospitality, building the right setup for guests and lot more! Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMatthew LoneyXplorie
56:1805/06/2024
Breaking Down The Business Sense Of Treating Customers Like Rock Stars (With Jeff Ostermann)
In this episode, we interview Jeff Ostermann from Sweetwater (Sweetwater is the world's leading music technology and instrument retailer) about how customer care leads to the ideal outcome not only for happy customers, but for their business as well. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJeff OstermannSweetwater
57:5429/05/2024
Going From A To Z In The Vacation Rental Industry (With Kimberly White & Jeff Iloulian)
In this episode, we interview Jeff Iloulian and Kimberly White from HostGPO on their approach to marketing, brand building, standards, scaling, 'starting from the bottom' and more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellKimberly WhiteJeff IloulianHostGPO
51:4122/05/2024
Building A Hospitable + Welcoming Vacation Rental Experience In Québec (With Kerri Gibson)
In this episode, we interview with Kerri Gibson of Chalets Hygge. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellKerri GibsonChalets Hygge
57:1515/05/2024
Hitting Reset On The Art Of Hospitality: An Important Update About Where We're Heading
In this episode, we share what's happening with the next phase of The Art Of Hospitality, why our back catalog is down and other important life updates.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'Connell
17:4008/05/2024
Hospitality Is Life: How To Over-Deliver On Experience On The Small Things (With John Paladino)
In this episode, we interview with John Paladino from Small Batch Hats (our proud hat builder) and Milestone Meetings. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSmall Batch HatsJohn PaladinoMilestone Meetings
53:3901/05/2024
Technology In Our Industry Is Not JUST About Software: Here Is Why (With Nils Erik Mattisson)
In this episode, we interview Nils Erik Mattisson from Minut on hardware, safety, the Airbnb camera ban, his history at Apple and a lot more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMinutNils Erik Mattisson
48:3524/04/2024
If Data Is Gold, Does That Make This Man The "Vacation Rental King Midas"? (With Jamie Lane)
In this episode, we interview Data King Jamie Lane on Airdna's approach, regulation, the 'truth', going viral, facts over fiction and even more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJamie LaneAirdna2024 Outlook ReportBest Places to Invest in 2024January Monthly Review
57:4317/04/2024
The Vacation Rental Industry's Massive Inflection Point Happening Now (With Ashley Ching)
In this episode, we interview Ashley Ching of Inhaven on standards, growth, what the key elements (bed/bath/kitchen) in a vacation rental are doing well vs doing poorly, scaling and more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellAshley ChingInhaven
50:2603/04/2024
Making Vacation Rentals Even More Accessible To ALL People Is Good Business (With Adam Probolsky & Lorraine Woodward)
In this episode, we interview people who are aiming to make the world a better place for all who travel - including those that may have more specific requirements in the design of a vacation rental due to a physical, cognitive or other condition. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellLorraine (Berry) Woodward
52:0527/03/2024