Ep 247 – The Identity Shift That Unlocks Everything (And How to Use AI to Scale Smarter)
Most people quietly self-sabotage… Not because they don’t want success. But because they still talk like the person who doesn’t have it yet. In this solo episode, Mike and E break down how internal dialogue shapes your future, and how AI can help you become the version of yourself that already wins. What you’ll learn: How to reprogram your self-talk to unlock growth Why “watering down” your vision is killing [...]
Ep 246 – He Scaled to 70 STRs While Running 2 Companies with Buck Cumbo
Most people can barely handle one business. Buck scaled two. In this episode, we break down how he went from managing one unseen unit in Nashville to running a 70-property short-term rental operation and a digital marketing agency at the same time. No fluff, just systems, AI, and strategic growth. What you’ll learn: How he jumped from 5 to 20 units with one key client The team structure and cashflow [...]
Ep 245 – From Tragedy to Terra: How Diana & Josh Built Palm Springs’ First Wellness Hotel
This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose. Diana and Josh, two married architects, were forced to reimagine their future after losing both their fathers in 2021. What began as a journey to escape the W-2 grind became Terra Palm Springs, the city’s first true wellness boutique hotel. They reveal how they: • Pivoted from flips and BRRRRs into commercial real estate • Used their design and construction [...]
Ep 244 – From Banking to 96 STRs: Why Fouad Built a Bankable Airbnb Empire
Fouad spent 20 years in banking and 11 more consulting banks before walking away from corporate life when his wife’s income surpassed his. What happened next? A wild ride through the world of short-term rentals, driven by family, strategy, and a long-term vision few operators ever reach. In this episode, Fouad breaks down: • How a personal medical emergency forced him to buy his first Airbnb • Why most operators [...]
Ep 243 – From Zero to $1B: Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader on AI, Talent, and the Brutal Truth About Scaling
In this raw, no-fluff episode, Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader shares the hard-won lessons behind building a billion-dollar vacation rental software company, starting with zero industry experience. Marcus breaks down: Why most entrepreneurs aim too small and why it costs them everything The mental and physical toll of building at scale (including 7 years without a dentist visit) How he filters “good money” vs “bad money” when raising capital The future [...]
Ep 242 – How AI & Leadership Are Scaling the Best STR Businesses in 2025
This episode unpacks the real playbook behind scaling short-term rental businesses with AI, leadership, and culture. Straight from the STR Boardroom event in Salem, hosts Chris and E break down their biggest takeaways from Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh's AI workshop to the emotional breakthroughs in hot seats, to Mark from Minoan’s CEO mindset at 50+ employees. What you’ll learn: • The AI stacking method Rachel used to double her [...]
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