Life Before Becoming a Million Dollar Host: The Inside Scoop with Julie George

Available now on:

Get set to uncover Brittany Blackman's secret to creating a loyal fan base with her Florida vacation rental business! In this episode, Brittany shares her unique approach of combining top-notch service and consistent branding to create a successful short-term rental venture that delights guests and boosts her business. She also reveals how she utilizes branded[...]
Join us for a thrilling ride with our guest, Candice Menard, into the fascinating realm of crash pads and short-term rentals! Candice, a former flight attendant turned industry expert, spills insider secrets about the intriguing intersection of aviation and hospitality. Candice takes us deep into crash pad living, sharing priceless insights about this unique approach[...]
Get ready to dive into the deep end with our latest episode featuring the marketing whizz, Carla Chicharro from Lodgify! From humble beginnings to becoming a marketing master, Carla's journey is a rollercoaster ride of resilience and adaptability. Ever felt swamped and overwhelmed? Carla’s been there. But instead of sinking, she soared, transforming challenges into[...]
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Airbnb and short-term rental finances with real estate investment guru Jessica Lawrence. Jessica shares her insights on how to navigate the financial complexities of managing an Airbnb property, empowering you to become a successful short-term rental host. 5 Key Topics we dive into for Airbnb[...]
Struggling to keep up with guest communication, listing management, and other tasks for your Airbnb or short-term rental? You're not alone! Many hosts find themselves drowning in the day-to-day operations, hindering their business growth. This episode is your one-stop guide to unlocking the power of Virtual Assistants (VAs) for your Airbnb or short-term rental success![...]
Join me as I dive into a riveting conversation with the dynamic Tanya Rooney, a virtuoso in the realm of short-term rentals and real estate investment. Tanya unveils her exhilarating transition from the corporate world to conquering the short-term rental industry, sharing nuggets of wisdom along her journey. We dissect the highs and lows of[...]
In this episode, join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Annette Fourbes in the short-term rental industry. From overcoming burnout as a nurse to discovering her passion in property management, Annette's story is both inspiring and empowering. Listen in as Annette shares her experiences with rental arbitrage, including the challenges of securing[...]
Join me in this episode as I catch up with Candice Menard, Karey Hall, Jillian Heilman, Maria Reith, and Janelle Lowrance at the STR Wealth Conference in Nashville. We dive into their conference highlights, key learnings, and unexpected surprises. Hear them discuss networking, tackling social media hurdles, and the importance of community in the short-term[...]
Craving freedom and flexibility through your own short-term rental empire? But feeling overwhelmed by juggling bookings, guests, and personal life? Then buckle up, because this episode holds the key! Join us as we chat with Kim Menapace, a seasoned Airbnb co-host and entrepreneur, co-founding The 5 Star Co-Host. From accidentally stumbling into short-term rentals to[...]
In this episode, I reveal a costly challenge in my short-term rental property management business—fraudulent guests using stolen credit cards, resulting in a whopping $10,000 setback. I'm sharing this hard-earned lesson to empower YOU to avoid falling into the same trap. Discover the real-world tactics of credit card scammers, the pitfalls of credit card charge[...]
Ever dream of ditching your day job and becoming your own boss? Tune in as Cathy Griffin, a downtown Pensacola Airbnb Superhost, shares her inspiring journey from cubicle dweller to vacation mogul. You'll learn how she rewired her mindset, built a thriving short-term rental empire, and keeps her calendar booked year-round. Get ready for insider[...]
Welcome to an inspiring episode featuring Madison Rifkin, the CEO and Founder of Mount. Madison's mission is to help hosts ditch the cookie-cutter STRs and turn your property into a money-making playground. Get ready to dive into Madison's inspiring journey, from owning her first business at age 12 to leading a thriving startup today. You’ll[...]
Dreaming of a bigger slice of the Airbnb pie? Ditch the generic and unlock the ultimate recipe for success: an irresistible brand. This episode explodes the power of branding in the wild west of short-term rentals, with industry insider Katie Cline as your fearless guide. Forget slapping on a logo and calling it a day.[...]
Ever feel like cleaning your Airbnb after every guest is a soul-crushing chore? You're not alone! But what if there was a secret weapon hiding in plain sight... a platform that magically connects you with top-notch cleaners, saving you time, stress, and even money? That's exactly what Turno delivers, and in this episode of The[...]
In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on Amy Shaver’s incredible journey from owning her first Airbnb cabin nestled in the Tennessee wilderness to launching A Happy Host Rental Concierge. ✨ Get ready to be swept away by Amy's inspiring story as she shares the ups and downs of life…and how her little 1-bedroom[...]
Tired of Airbnb taking a bite out of your profits? Feeling lost in the short-term rental jungle? Fear not, fellow hosts! This episode is your passport to direct booking paradise, with Jenn Boyles, a direct-booking guru herself! Jenn is spillin’ her favorite the secrets in this juicy episode. We chat it up about you to[...]
In this episode, I'm delighted to introduce you to Rose Tipka, the Co-founder of Your Family's Place. Nestled in the heart of Ohio's Amish country, this vacation rental gem is all about those cozy, pet-friendly, and spacious homes that are perfect for multi-generational gatherings. Rose takes us on a captivating journey through her rocky entry[...]
Welcome to an incredibly inspiring podcast episode featuring the remarkable journey of Esmeralda Alba, a true testament to resilience and success. Esmeralda, now the proud owner of 9 short-term rentals, has evolved into a thriving entrepreneur. But her path to success was anything but ordinary. Hailing from immigrant parents, Esmeralda takes us on a heartfelt[...]
Join in the conversation as Jenni Vega takes us through the dynamic world of real estate wholesaling. In this engaging conversation, we unpack the role of a real estate wholesaler, and Jenni shares her firsthand experiences collaborating with them on a few recent purchases. Discover the crucial questions to ask when evaluating a real estate[...]
In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the world of productivity, specifically tailored to the unique demands of your Airbnb and short-term rental ventures. We're going to unravel a treasure trove of insights, and I'll be revealing my personal treasure chest of productivity tools that have been nothing short of revolutionary for my STR business.[...]
In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Christianne Crump, the brilliant mind behind STR HUB – a platform that’s been a game-changer for property managers and hosts in the Airbnb and short-term rental industry. And we’re chattin’ all things software & tech! Ever wondered how to approach the process of selecting[...]
Welcome to an exciting episode of The STR Sisterhood, where we’re diving deep into the world of Airbnb and short-term rentals with a remarkable guest, Maria Reith. Maria is not your typical real estate investor; she's a true real estate bosslady, and she’s sharing her inspiring journey and reveals innovative strategies for acquiring real estate[...]
In this episode, we have a special guest, Toni Boer, sharing her thrilling journey into the world of Airbnb and short-term rentals. Get ready to be inspired and informed as we delve into Toni's remarkable story and the secrets behind her success in this thriving industry. Toni seamlessly combined her passion for real estate and[...]
In this episode, we’re sitting down with Tamara Goddard Swager, the founder of Swag Hospitality, where we delve into how Tamara has seamlessly leveraged her experiences inside the corporate inside her “Airbnb biz.” Discover the best practices for building a strong and effective team, along with the incentive programs Tamara has expertly crafted for her[...]
Today, we've got a special guest in the house – the one and only Madeline Blom. Madeline isn't just any real estate expert; she's a seasoned STR Realtor and Investor who's been through it all. She's here to spill the beans on her journey into the captivating world of short-term rentals and how her adventures[...]
Ever wondered how positivity can *literally* transform your life? Dive deep with us in this captivating episode as Stacey unveils her personal story. Experience a raw and touching account of her upbringing, and learn how her mother's relentless spirit of positivity molded her into the force she is today. Stacey doesn't just stop at her[...]
In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa de Souza Lage, the CEO of Sustonica, the world's first sustainability recognition program for short-term rentals. Vanessa reveals how she embarked on her remarkable career in the vacation rental industry and what ignited her entrepreneurial spirit to create Sustonica. Here's what you'll learn: How to make your[...]
Join me for an engaging conversation with Alex Husner, Chief Marketing Officer at Casago, co-host of the engaging Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals Podcast, and a distinguished Member of the Board of Directors at the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). Alex shares her insights on how professional vacation rental managers operate[...]
Are you ready to supercharge your Airbnb and short-term rental business? Dive deep into the world of "tech stacks" and discover why they are THE game-changer for short-term rental entrepreneurs like you! Join me as I sit down with Margot Schmorak, the empowering CEO and co-founder of Hostfully. With her extensive knowledge, Margot sheds light[...]
Dive in with us as Amanda Neely, a certified financial planner with a flair for real estate, unravels the magic of using Airbnb and short-term rentals as empowering wealth-building avenues. From choosing the right investments to untangling those pesky financial knots that keep us awake at night, Amanda's insights are pure gold. And it doesn't[...]
Dive into today's episode as I sit down with Sarah Orchard - once a corporate marketing executive, now a trailblazer in the short-term rental universe. Leveraging her experience from the corporate sector, Sarah is reshaping the rules of the short-term rental marketing game. Ever wonder why your direct bookings aren’t soaring? We uncover common marketing[...]
Dive into the world of mid-term rentals with Mel Volland in this enlightening podcast episode! Mel highlights why she loves the mid-term rental investing strategy and provides insightful guidance on the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect location. Additionally, she sheds light on crucial operating expenses. We chat it up about the practical[...]
In this engaging episode, we are joined by Brianne Hamilton, co-founder of Junction House Getaways & Junction House Properties. She sheds light on the intricacies of running a short-term rental (STR) business alongside her spouse. Drawing from her personal experiences, Brianne delves into the strategies that have helped her and her husband thrive in their[...]
Step into an exhilarating episode where Debbie Todd, the visionary owner of The Woodlands at Hocking Hills, takes us on an unforgettable journey behind her groundbreaking giveback program in the short-term rental space. Learn what ignited Debbie's desire to transform lives, from her very first endeavors to the careful selection of charities she passionately supports.[...]
Welcome to this inspiring episode featuring Lori Shaw, a fellow STR sister and founder of Lori Shaw Interiors. In this candid conversation, she shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success. Discover how Lori fearlessly confronted a breast cancer diagnosis while simultaneously embarking on her path in the world of short-term rentals. Lori unveils the[...]
In the dynamic and fiercely competitive world of Airbnb and short-term rentals, standing out and leaving a lasting impression is the key to success for owners and operators. It's not just about providing a place to stay; it's about creating an experience that guests will remember and cherish. In this exciting episode, we have the[...]
Today we dive into the world of spectrum-friendly vacations with Suzanne Hacker, the visionary founder of Spectrum Friendly Vacations. Suzanne shares her motivation behind focusing on spectrum-friendly short-term rentals and sheds light on the challenges faced by families with children on the autism spectrum while traveling. She provides invaluable tips so you can learn how[...]
In this engaging episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Vivian Yip and Regan Sonnabend, who reveal why the mid-term rental strategy is a solid wealth-building opportunity. They provide valuable insights on how to effectively analyze mid-term rentals and also discuss how to navigate the challenges that come with mid-term rentals. Are you on the fence about[...]
Welcome, and thanks for checking this week’s STR Sisterhood episode. Partnerships are a catalyst for success both in business and in life. They combine unique strengths, perspectives, and expertise to create a harmonious synergy surpassing individual capabilities. However, partnerships are not without challenges. They require mutual trust, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving to navigate the[...]
Content marketing is a powerful tool for short-term rental hosts looking to make a massive difference in attracting guests and standing out. You can effortlessly build connections and foster trust with your potential guests by crafting compelling and informative content. Whether through blogs, videos, or social media posts, content marketing is your ticket to getting[...]
In this episode, we learn about the fascinating journey of Ashley Arthur, an amazing STR Sister who transitioned from the restaurant industry to become a successful short-term rental investor. Join us as we explore Ashley's unique story and learn how her leadership skills from running a restaurant business seamlessly translated into her flourishing "Airbnb biz."[...]
Join us for an engaging podcast episode featuring Meghan Cruse, an expert short-term rental designer and consultant specializing in Airbnb hosts and short-term rental property owners. Get ready to unlock the secrets of creating remarkable guest experiences while maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing space. Discover the insider "tricks of the trade" as we delve[...]
Discovering and understanding your investor persona can unlock a world of advantages in your STR entrepreneurial journey. Find out how in this amazing episode with Kate Stoermer, founder of The CEO Host. In this episode, we discuss the most common challenges STR investors face, the five distinct investor personas (along with their characteristics), and how[...]
Are you considering rehabbing a property but don’t know where to start? Look no further! In this captivating podcast episode, Aubrey Carlson shares invaluable insights on rehabbing properties that will leave you confident and well-prepared. Whether you’re considering rehabbing out of state or locally, Aubrey sheds light on the pros and cons of both options[...]
In this episode, I sit down with Paige Hayes, an interior designer with a passion for vacation rentals. Paige shares her insights on how to infuse your property with a compelling narrative that sets it apart from the rest. By weaving intentional design choices into the story of your space, you can create an ambiance[...]
Buckle up, folks, because this episode is a must-listen! Join me as I sit down with Allie Fugatt and Carrie Douglas, the brilliant minds behind the She Invests Podcast and Facebook group. In this conversation, we delve into their journey of starting in short-term rentals and how they convinced their husbands that getting into the[...]
Get ready to be inspired and informed as we dive into the world of short-term rental furnishing with Ashley Ching, the CEO and founder of Inhaven. In this episode, we explore how Inhaven's all-in-one platform can transform the way Airbnb hosts furnish their properties with ease and style. But that's not all! Ashley shares her[...]
Welcome back to Part 2 of this two-part training series. In this episode, we'll be continuing our deep dive into the world of how I built my 7-figure short-term rental business – and how you can, too! We'll be discussing the key priorities that were critical to my own success and what elements I recommend[...]
Welcome to Part 1 of our 2-part training series on how ANYONE can become a wildly successful host on Airbnb and build a 7-figure short-term rental business. That's right, we're talking about you! In this episode, we'll dive into my personal journey in the short-term rental space, where I went from novice host to successful[...]
Investing in quality furnishings that are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing can help attract more guests, receive positive reviews, and ultimately increase your Airbnb property's revenue. But actually finding quality furnishings that fit with your design plan and within your budget can be a challenging (and super time consuming) task. That’s where having the right[...]
Traveling healthcare workers are an invaluable asset to the healthcare industry. They provide quality services to patients in areas with a shortage of qualified medical professionals. However, they often face the challenge of finding a good place to stay while on their job. Providing a good place for traveling healthcare workers to stay is crucial[...]
When venturing into short-term rental space, there’s a lot to learn, and the learning curve can be daunting. Personally, I’ve found that connecting with a community of like-minded people has been incredibly helpful for me – in SO many ways. I’ve been able to learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights, avoid costly mistakes, and[...]
If you’re looking to increase your revenue, focusing on your property’s design can make a huge difference. By paying close attention to the design of your Airbnb, you can attract more guests, enhance the experience during their stay, and increase your average daily rates (ADR). And, as a result, you can increase revenue while setting[...]
Being an Airbnb co-host can be a rewarding “career” that offers a range of benefits. Whether you're looking to earn extra income or gain new skills and experiences, co-hosting can be a great opportunity. In this episode, I sit down with Chelsey Jones and discuss how she’s personally found success in the co-hosting business. As[...]
AirDNA is a powerful platform that offers data-driven insights for short-term rental properties worldwide. With its help, you can make informed decisions when analyzing a market or property – and capture valuable information on pricing, occupancy rates, and more. By leveraging AirDNA, you can track performance, optimize your strategy, and stay ahead of the competition[...]
The #1 reason why a short-term rental investor might consider buying a commercially-zoned property: Fewer restrictions. In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Stacey Duvall, a successful real estate entrepreneur and the founder of Stacey Duvall Real Estate. Tune in to find how to find commercially zoned properties, what you should do before purchasing commercially[...]
The BRRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is a real estate investing strategy where you purchase an undervalued or distressed property, fix it up, rent it for some time, refinance it to purchase a second investment property, and repeat the cycle. The BRRRR Method enables investors to make money on their investments by taking[...]
In this amazing episode, I’m joined by Tracie Fowler, STR owner, consultant, and entrepreneur. Tracie’s love for traveling and interacting with the locals of the places she visited led her to stay for extended periods in many short-term rentals in different places. In 2015, while traveling to Thailand, Tracie met someone on a flight who[...]
A scarcity mindset is one of the biggest obstacles for entrepreneurs. It is a belief that there are not enough resources to go around and that people have to fight for their share of what’s available. People with the scarcity mindset believe that helping others to succeed will inevitably lead to their failure. The short-term[...]
Marketing to brides and bridal parties can be a smart strategy for short-term rental owners looking to tap into a growing and lucrative market. Weddings are a significant and growing market, and brides are looking for unique and memorable places to stay. By supporting brides and bridal parties, STR owners can get plugged into a[...]
While life’s challenges are inevitable, finding ways to overcome them is crucial. And as you’re finding ways to battling life’s troubling moments, you often grow, develop skills you never knew you had, and find meaning in life. Simply put, when you invest in improving yourself, your whole world changes. And self-improvement is a journey that[...]
Guest complaints can be a challenge for any host. It’s important to know the best way to handle them in order to maintain a positive experience for your guests and yourself. As a host on Airbnb, you want to make your guests feel welcome and provide them with a memorable experience. Many hosts think that[...]
There are many mortgage options available to people these days. However, not all of them are suitable for every individual. Find out how you can choose the best mortgage option for your STR business in today’s episode with Brenna Carles, Founder & CEO of The Mortgage Shop. Choosing the right mortgage option for you can[...]
Operating a short-term rental business at scale is no easy task and setting up (let alone managing) properties in different markets can be daunting. It’s thus essential to have the right systems and processes in place to help you streamline your operations and increase productivity and efficiency as you grow. It is also important to[...]
Real estate is a lucrative investment for so many people. Success factors are built around knowledge – knowledge of your market, real estate trends, and local economies. Although there can be a lot of uncertainty, one thing is for certain -- that a home will be worth more ten years from now than it is[...]
Tracey Northcott joined the short-term rentals and Airbnb business in 2011. At that time, she was fully invested as an Airbnb host, and her business was seamless and thriving. However, when regulations were put in place in her area, things changed abruptly, and her Airbnb bubble burst. This prompted her to “put on her big[...]
Join the conversation with Stacey as she interviews Helen Christopher. Helen and her hubby purchased a former girls camp and turned it into STR business that hosts weddings, birthday parties, and more. She reveals what inspired her to venture into the short-term rental business and how she transitioned from being a teacher to a short-term[...]
Miranda decided to have pet-friendly short-term rentals after her dog, Roxy, got cancer five years ago. She decided Roxy would accompany her everywhere she went, and it was then that she realized how important it was to her that she offered short-term rentals that also welcomed furry friends. Miranda owns STRs in Columbus, Ohio, and[...]
Renting a property is not an easy task. It requires a lot of planning and research to ensure the investment is worth it. Ashley Coen Guy, ‘The Femme Investor’, started investing in short-term rentals in 2020 while balancing 5 kids, a husband, and a full-time job. Ashley has navigated her way through the challenges in[...]
Today in the podcast, we have Avery Carl, an author, the host of The Short Term Show podcast, and the CEO and founder of The Short Term Shop, a real estate agency nationwide that specializes in helping investors get connected with the best properties in the best markets to invest in short-term rentals. In this[...]
How do we create a luxurious experience for our guests – and does it REALLY matter? In this episode, Stacey sits down with her good friend and professional short-term rental designer, Valerie Malone from Quill Decor. They discuss what it really means to have a luxury STR and why it’s important. Then, Valerie walks us[...]
Julie George is a best-selling author, coach, and speaker in the short-term rental industry and her success story has inspired us all. Yet, things weren’t always so rosy for her, and in this episode, Julie gives us the inside scoop as to what life was like before her short-term rental fame and fortune, how stress[...]
It takes more than just hiring a cleaning service and advertising your short-term rental on the OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) to make the most of it; you must make sure your ideal guests can discover your property and recognize your value. Can they tell what distinguishes your listing from other local listings in the area?[...]
In this episode, Chris Cash (who branched out from her career as an interior designer and real estate agent, to become a short-term rental business owner) shares her story. She walks us through how she got started, her experiences so far (including the highs and lows) as well as how she’s already giving back to[...]
Welcome to the FIRST episode of the STR Sisterhood Podcast! In this episode, Stacey St. John is joined with Amy Corbett, and they discuss how Amy and her husband walked away from a stable income, "tested" their short-term rental business for 1 year, and haven't looked back since! Connect with Amy: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok[...]

The STR Sisterhood

Life Before Becoming a Million Dollar Host: The Inside Scoop with Julie George

Key Highlights

Notable Quotes

Resources