We sit down with Matt Durrette, CEO and founder of Cozy Vacation Rentals, to unpack how he scaled from 5 to over 350 properties across Texas Hill Country. Matt shares his journey from financial analyst to STR operator, diving into the systems, tech, and leadership that fueled his growth.
He breaks down how EOS transformed his business, the metrics that drive success, and strategies for homeowner retention and PMS transitions. If you’re looking to scale your property management company or learn where the vacation rental industry is headed, this episode is a must-watch.
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Matt Durrette on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-durrette-8658a137/
In this episode, we sit down with Rafa Loza to explore his journey through the short-term rental world. With over eight years of experience, Rafa shares powerful insights on scaling STR businesses, the realities of rental arbitrage, and how he’s transitioned into boutique hotels and real estate development.
We also dive into the importance of building the right partnerships, the value of networking in the STR space, and key lessons learned from both wins and setbacks along the way.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level, this episode is filled with practical advice, strategy, and inspiration from one of the industry’s most respected voices.
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Rafa Loza on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsrafaloza/
We sit down with Andrew Llewellyn, CEO & Founder of Super Stays STR, to talk about his journey from running ice cream shops and a bakery to building a portfolio of boutique, hotel-style Airbnbs in Louisville, Kentucky.Andrew shares how he designs properties for memorable experiences like bachelor parties, corporate retreats, and family gatherings.
We delve into why local knowledge is essential for delivering a truly concierge-level stay, the challenges of renovating large properties, and the marketing strategies that drive success. Andrew also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his newest venture, a multi-unit STR project in downtown Louisville.
Whether you’re a host, investor, or curious about the short-term rental space, this episode is full of insights you can apply right away.
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Andrew Llewellyn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamandrewllewellyn/
I sat down with Rachel Vigil from UpClose Marketing to talk about how short-term rental hosts like us can access premium products for free to wow our guests and boost reviews. Rachel shared how UpClose connects STR owners with major brands, think Heineken Zero, e-bikes, and more, while requiring almost no commitment from hosts. We covered the process, real success stories, and the huge benefits for property managers. If you’re looking to elevate your short-term rentals with unique amenities, this episode is packed with value!
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-vigil-upclose/
Justin Ford, Director of Short-Term Rental Safety at Breezeway, breaks down why safety is one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of running a successful Airbnb or vacation rental business.
From slips, trips, and falls to the importance of working smoke alarms, Justin shares real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical tips that every property manager and investor should know. You’ll also hear about the connection between safety and increased booking revenue, how safety regulations are shaping the future of the STR industry, and what hosts can do today to protect both their guests and their bottom line.
Whether you’re managing a single rental or an entire portfolio, this conversation will give you actionable strategies to ensure your properties stand out as safe, trustworthy, and profitable.
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Justin Ford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rentalsafety/
We sit down with Jonathan Sukhia, CEO and Co-Founder of Topkey, a financial platform for short-term rental managers. Jonathan shares his journey from finance to hospitality and how it led to building one of the most innovative accounting solutions in the STR space. We discuss why strong financial systems matter, common pitfalls to avoid, and how Topkey stands out with features like integrated banking, bill pay, rewards maximization, and world-class support plus a look at upcoming AI tools to save operators time and money.
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Jonathan Sukhia on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansukhia/
We sit down with systems expert Marisa Grover. Marisa specializes in helping solopreneurs transition to business owners by optimizing operations in the Airbnb short-term rental industry. We discussed the importance of implementing efficient systems, developing a company culture, and hiring the right people to manage and grow your business.
Whether you're managing a handful of properties or scaling up to hundreds, this episode provides actionable insights to take your business to the next level.
Connect with me....
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Marisa Grover on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marisa.grover/
I sit down with Rachel Alday from Abode Luxury Rentals a top-tier property management company. Rachel shares how she and her husband started the business 18 years ago and the journey they’ve been on to build it into what it is today, all while keeping personalized, high-end service at the core of everything they do.
We talk about the real challenges of running a luxury operation like maintaining top quality as the business grows, building a passionate and reliable team, and using tools like Breezeway to streamline operations. Rachel also explains why the “human touch” is still so important in guest experiences, and how Abode sets itself apart by creating unique, local adventures that guests will never forget.
She also opens up about their impressive growth, the strategies that have kept their customers happy, and what’s next, including possibly expanding into boutique hotels and even writing a book on hospitality.
Connect with me...
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelalday/
We’ve got Frank Bosi on the show, he’s the Senior Director of Partner Development over at Hostfully. We dive into his super interesting background in hospitality and property management, talk about what really makes a great host, and get into how Hostfully helps with that through their property management software. We also chat about automation, how to level up your guest experience, and what’s changing in the world of property management tech. Lots of great tips in here, whether you’re just starting out or have been doing this for a while, definitely worth a listen!
Connect with me....YouTube Channel:
Patryk Swietek
Instagram: Patryk _Swietek
Facebook Group: STR Nation - Airbnb Real Estate InvestorsConnect with Frank Bosi on Instagram
We sit down with Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA. Jamie shares his journey into the world of data analytics for the real estate and hospitality industries, discusses the current trends in short-term rentals, and provides valuable insights into the future of property management. Other key topics include the impact of macro and micro data on investment decisions, the rise of boutique hotels, and the dynamics between short-term rentals and hotels.
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Jamie Lane on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/str_economist/
In this episode, Nick Massey, Chief Sales Officer at Proper Insurance, joins us to break down the must-know details about short-term rental insurance.
We dive into:
• The best insurance policies for STRs
• Per-booking coverage through Wavo
• Property management insurance via Worcester
• Common mistakes hosts make
• Why liability coverage is critical
• How to protect and grow your rental business
If you’re an Airbnb host or real estate investor, this one’s a must-listen.
Connect with me....
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Nick Massey:
Visit www.proper.insure or call 888-631-6680
I sit down with Ariel Smith, a hospitality powerhouse who went from sales rep to managing a 60-person guest comms team—and now runs her own short-term rental company with 30 properties in one of the most competitive markets: San Diego.
Ariel shares her journey from her early days at Home Suite and AvantStay (back when they only had 30 listings!) to building a thriving, hospitality-first STR business.
Whether you’re an operator with 3 properties or 300, this episode is a masterclass in hospitality strategy and operational excellence.
Connect with me....
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Ariel Smith on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arielisabelsmith/
We have Neil Shah, a humble yet incredibly successful boutique hotel investor who now owns 10+ properties and has helped countless others break into the hospitality space. Neil immigrated to the U.S. in 1997 with an electrical engineering degree, barely English, and no hotel background. Fast-forward to today: he’s built a boutique hotel portfolio and become a go-to resource for aspiring investors.
In this episode, we cover:
• How Neil got his start in hospitality (by accident!)
• Learning English through hotel work
• Becoming a GM and leaving California
• His first hotel investment (and how it happened by helping someone else)
• Boutique hotels vs traditional STRs
• Advice for people trying to break into this space ...and so much more!
If you’ve ever thought about getting into hospitality or boutique hotels, this is a must-listen.
Connect with me....
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Neil Shah on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nilang007/
We sit down with Riley Goldman, CEO and Founder of Beachside VR, to unpack the sales strategies that helped him scale to over 250 short-term rental units under management, growing fast.
He shares his journey from starting with just a handful of units to building a 300+ property portfolio without relying on heavy marketing spend. We dive deep into his authentic approach to sales, how word-of-mouth fueled his early growth, the power of staying niche-focused in one market, and the mindset shifts that keep him motivated every day.
Connect with me....
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Riley Goldman on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-goldman-7490b829a/
I’m joined by Taylor Jones, founder of STR Search, an acquisition firm that’s helped investors close over 205 profitable short-term rental deals across the country. If you’re active on LinkedIn, chances are you’ve seen his name. Taylor’s known for consistently sharing valuable insights and hard-hitting data around STR acquisitions and performance.
We dive deep into what separates a high-performing Airbnb from one that underdelivers. Taylor shares why the buy is the most critical part of your short-term rental journey, how he analyzes deals at scale, and what factors he looks at before making an offer.
Connect with me...
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Taylor Jones on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-jones-38997154/
I’m sitting down with Dustin Baker, a digital marketing pro who’s shaking up how short-term rentals get seen, booked, and branded. With nearly a decade of experience across e-commerce and tech, Dustin brings a fresh perspective to an industry overdue for a marketing glow-up. We dive into why relying solely on Airbnb isn’t the move anymore, and how social media, email strategy, and content funnels can help you take control of your bookings (and your income).
Whether managing a portfolio or just getting started with your first unique stay, this convo breaks down actionable ways to build a real brand—not just a listing. Dustin shares how to create a full-funnel strategy that actually works in 2025.
If you're trying to grow your STR game the smart way, this one’s for you.
Connect with me...
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Dustin Baker on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustindbaker/
In this episode, we sit down with Isaac French, a lifelong entrepreneur who built and sold Live Oak Lake, an experiential hospitality venture that grossed over $1M in its first year. Isaac shares his journey from a homeschool upbringing on a Texas farm to designing and scaling a multimillion-dollar hospitality brand—all before turning 30!
If you’re interested in real estate, short-term rentals, or building a business from scratch, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!
Connect with me...
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Isaac French on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/isaacfrench_/
In this episode, we sit down with Zach Busekrus, a well-connected entrepreneur in the short-term rental (STR) space. From launching and selling his own startup to building powerful networks within the industry, Zach has seen it all!
We dive deep into loyalty in the STR industry and how concepts from hospitality giants like Hilton and Marriott can be applied to short-term rentals. Zach, Head of the Journey Alliance, shares his insights on retention, scaling, and the future of guest experience.
Connect with me...
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Zach Busekrus on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/
In this episode, I sit with Brooke Pfautz, founder and CEO of Vintori & Comparent, who is an absolute beast in the short-term rental industry. He’s helped 800+ companies scale their acquisitions and even wrote a book on it. But here’s the crazy part – Brooke built his empire after losing everything in the 2007 crash. How did he bounce back? How did he scale from 0 to 500 units in just 5 years? And most importantly… how can you do it too?
Don’t miss this! Brooke drops pure gold on acquiring properties, making irresistible offers, and dominating the game.
Connect with me...
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Brooke Pfautz on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookepfautz/
Buckle up, because this episode is straight-fire! We’ve got Emanuele Pani in the house—a legit legend in the short-term rental game. He went from working maintenance and fixing things behind the scenes to owning40+ units, co-hosting 10 more, and leading major syndications. Oh, and he’s also the host of STR Secrets, one of the biggest podcasts in the space.
But here’s the real kicker, Emanuele is deep in the mindset game, unlocking the mental blocks that hold people back from success. He’s helped hundreds of students scale their businesses, and in this episode, he’s dropping straight gold. If you’re ready to level up and stop playing small, this one’s for you.Let’s get into it!
Connect with me...
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patryk-swietek
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@patrykswietek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietek/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strnation/
Connect with Emanuele Pani on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/epani.realestate/