Welcome to Behind the Stays — a podcast that shares the stories behind your favorite boutique hotels, short-term rentals, and hospitality brands and the hosts, operators, and entrepreneurs who’ve brought them to life. Every Tuesday and Friday you’ll meet the military veterans, retired flight attendants, tech entrepreneurs, school teachers, single moms, hoteliers, and real estate investors who are all, in their unique ways, shaping the future of travel and hospitality. Discover how these visionaries — from all over the world — have built stunning landscape hotels in the mountains, designed bohemian bungalows on the beach, erected eclectic off-grid and nature-immersed escapes, and so much more. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Behind the States is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance.
Episodes
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Meet Francois Gouelo, the founder of Enso Connect, a guest engagement platform that’s reshaping the short-term rental space.
The story behind the founding of Enso Connect starts with a $5,000 mishap during a stay at a vacation rental stay — you’ll have to listen to the full pod for the deets.
During our conversation, Francois argues that there's still a major gap in tech innovation in hospitality despite the proliferation of property management systems, guest experience tools, and smart locks.
We also discuss:
- The importance of integrating technology to automate guest interactions, allowing hosts to focus only on solving real issues like complaints, which in turn lead to happier guests.
- Francois’ breakdown of upsell opportunities that property managers often leave on the table—like early check-ins, late check-outs, and local experiences—which can generate substantial extra revenue with the right timing and approach.
- The value of focusing on deep, high-quality integrations with a few key platforms rather than trying to be everywhere at once.
- And his vision for the future of AI in hospitality,
This episode is packed with insights for anyone curious about the future of hospitality, from tech-savvy property managers to newcomers looking to scale their vacation rental operations.
This episode is brought to you by Enso Connect
My new friends at Enso Connect have created a tool that’s putting AI to work in a way that’s saving hospitality pros countless hours every week.
Here’s how it works: Enso Connect’s Guest Messaging Insights tool dives into your guest messages across all booking platforms. Using AI, it analyzes these interactions and pulls out hidden opportunities that you might be missing.
And the best part? It’s FREE, and you’ll get your personalized report in just 72 hours.
Here’s what this AI-powered report will do for you:
- Analyze your message volume so you can see exactly where your time is going.
- Break down common guest questions, giving you the info you need to improve your property listings and FAQs.
- Provide sentiment analysis to understand how guests feel and spot potential issues before they escalate.
- Offer personalized recommendations that highlight upselling opportunities you might have overlooked, allowing you to tailor your services more effectively.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Meet Jeremy Werden, an entrepreneur who has figured out the secret sauce to scale short-term rental co-hosting businesses successfully.
In this episode, Jeremy and I dive into Jeremy’s journey, from his early days as a college student trying to make the UNC basketball team starting a small boat rental business on the Lake of the Ozarks in 2018.
Tune in to hear how Jeremy leveraged his experiences, from failed startups to managing high-demand properties, to build a portfolio that continues to thrive in 2024. Discover the lessons he’s learned about resilience, the importance of staying ahead of industry trends, and how his new tool, BNBCalc, is helping others in the industry analyze and scale their own investments.
Takeaways include:
- How Jeremy transformed a simple idea into a healthy business that allowed him to leave his day job
- Why Jeremy survived when others didn’t, and the secrets to thriving in a post-pandemic market.
- Why he built BnbCalc The game-changing tool every short-term rental investor needs in their toolkit.
- How Jeremy is helping others quit their 9-to-5s and achieve financial freedom through short-term rentals.
- And Jeremy's insights on the current market and why it's ripe for new entrepreneurs.
Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Jeremy.
This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop.
This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi.
The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life.
Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.
Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?
Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Meet Kerri Gibson, the founder of Chalets Hygge, a collection Scandinavian-style cottages located in the heart of Quebec's Eastern Townships.
In this episode, Kerri and I discuss an amazing collaboration that's reshaping how boutique hospitality entrepreneurs can market their properties. Kerri, along with Monique DeLorenzo from The Vermont A-Frame, have worked together to organize a strategic alliance of creators and hosts across New England for a Fall Creator Road Trip.
Kerri takes us behind the scenes of this innovative project, where talented creators Maddie and Will from Guest House Creative hit the road, capturing stunning content across multiple short-term rentals and local businesses.
Kerri shares invaluable insights on the power of intentionality in partnerships and how aligning with the right creators can elevate your brand without breaking the bank.
We dive into detail around:
- What the goals of the project are
- How all participants in the roadshow — the creators, Kerri, Monique, as well as the incredible entrepreneurs at Lumen Camps and The Maine A-Frames will share and collaborate on content post-campaign
- What the big audience growth strategy of a MAJOR giveaway will look like
- Ideas for how other hospitality entrepreneurs might replicate something like this in their own market
- And so much more
Follow along on this exciting journey by via the Instagram handles below:
https://www.instagram.com/will_zimm_/
https://www.instagram.com/maddie_brandon/
https://www.instagram.com/guesthousecreativestudio/
https://www.instagram.com/maineaframe/
https://www.instagram.com/lumencamps/
https://www.instagram.com/thevermontaframe/
https://www.instagram.com/chalets_hygge/
This episode is brought to you by The Content House
If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.
What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.
Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…
The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…
Follow The Content House on Instagram
Dunlap Hollow Reel
Live Oak Lake Reel
FLOHOM Reel
Villa Stay Texas Ree
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
In this episode, Zach shares three ideas inspired by Isadore Sharp, Founder of Four Seasons that today's hospitality entrepreneurs can and should take note of as they build their businesses.
This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers. Hudson Creative is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.
If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.
And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Meet Diana Ossa Sierra, co-founder of D-I-FI, who, along with her husband Josh, is transforming the intersection of architecture, design, and real estate investment in the world of boutique hospitality.
Originally architects and construction managers, Diana and Josh were deeply embedded in their demanding careers until a life-altering event in 2021 made them question everything. The tragic loss of their fathers ignited a fire within them to pursue a different path—one that offered more than just professional success but personal fulfillment and freedom.
In this episode, Diana takes us through their journey, from the initial struggles of trying to fit into the traditional real estate mold to discovering their true passion for creating unique, wellness-focused boutique hotels. We discuss the challenges they faced, including walking away from two major hotel deals that didn’t align with their vision, and how those experiences ultimately led them to their current project in Palm Springs.
Diana shares how they’ve leveraged their architectural expertise to add real value to their projects, the lessons they’ve learned in managing properties across three states, and the importance of finding work that truly excites you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of experiential hospitality and the power of aligning your work with your passion.
This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers. Hudson Creative is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.
If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.
And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.
Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?
Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Diana.
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Meet Lorraine Woodward and Adam Norko, from Becoming Rentable, a company on a mission to make short-term rentals genuinely accessible for everyone. Lorraine's story is deeply personal—she was born with muscular dystrophy and is the proud mother of two sons who also have the condition.
When traditional vacation properties couldn’t meet her family's needs, she didn’t just accept the status quo—she decided to build something better.
In this episode, we chat about:
- How Lorraine turned a personal challenge into a thriving business that’s changing the game for accessible travel.
- Some of the biggest misconceptions about what it means to be an accessible short-term rental
- The massive business opportunities that exist in the space for entrepreneurs interested in building with guests that need accessible stays in mind
- And so much more
Learn more about Becoming RentABLE
This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop.
This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi.
The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life.
Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.
Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?
Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Meet Krystal and Eric Nagel, the adventurous duo behind Nagel Media Company, who have seamlessly blended their love for travel and photography into a thriving media business.
In this episode, we dive into their unique journey from living out of a rooftop tent to becoming full-time van lifers and content creators specializing in lifestyle photography for boutique hotels and short-term rentals.
We'll explore:
- How Krystal and Eric transitioned from traditional travel to full-time van life.
- The inception of Nagel Media Company and its focus on high-quality, authentic content.
- The misconceptions around influencer marketing and why they choose not to follow the typical influencer path
- Their vision for creative partnerships in the boutique hospitality sector
- Their unique business model prioritizes the needs of hosts and provides top-tier content without the need for sponsored posts.
- Future plans for Nagel Media Company, include expansion and a special project dedicated to their roots in the Poconos.
Get ready to be inspired by Krystal and Eric's innovative approach to content creation and their commitment to maintaining authenticity in the hospitality industry.
Learn more about Nagel Media Company.
Follow Krystal and Eric on Instagram
This episode is brought to you by The Content House
If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.
What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.
Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…
The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…
Follow The Content House on Instagram
Dunlap Hollow Reel
Live Oak Lake Reel
FLOHOM Reel
Villa Stay Texas Reel
Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?
Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
In this episode Zach shares 5 big ideas for hospitality entrepreneurs to implement right now...
These ideas could be HUGE.
Holler at Zach if you're already building one (or more) of these.
This episode is brought to you by The Content House
If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.
What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.
Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…
The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…
Follow The Content House on Instagram
Dunlap Hollow Reel
Live Oak Lake Reel
FLOHOM Reel
Villa Stay Texas Reel
Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?
Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Meet Blake Dailey — a former Air Force officer turned boutique hotel entrepreneur.
Growing up, Blake dreamed of being in the NFL. And while that never came to fruition, his love for sports instilled in him a sense of discipline and determination that would later fuel his entrepreneurial spirit.
After a stint playing college football, Blake's interests shifted toward business, eventually leading him to discover his passion for real estate and hospitality.
In this episode, Blake and I delve into his incredible journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a successful hospitality entrepreneur. We explore how his initial investments in real estate and short-term rentals laid the foundation for his entry into the boutique hotel space.
In this conversation you’ll learn:
- How Blake's early investments and entrepreneurial mindset led him to the boutique hotel industry.
- The biggest differences between owning and operating short-term rentals and owning and operating boutique hotels
- The massive opportunity that exists to reimagine outdated motels and transform them into boutique hotels
- Why entrepreneurs who’ve figured out how to host well shouldn’t be scared of graduating from STRs to boutique hotels
- Blake's views on the emerging trends in hospitality and the advantages of a regional focus for portfolio development
- And so much more.
Learn more about Boutique Hotel Con
This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers. Hudson Creative is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.
If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.
And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.
Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?
Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.