In this episode of the no BS podcast, we explore the intersection of co-living and short-term rentals with guests Cliff Johnson and Atticus LeBlanc. The discussion delves into the benefits of co-living, the flexibility and financial empowerment it offers, and its role in addressing affordable housing issues.

Atticus shares his journey into creating PadSplit, including his experiences with real estate investment and the evolution of the co-living model. Cliff adds insights from his extensive background in vacation rentals and highlights how co-living can complement the short-term rental market.

The episode also covers regulatory challenges, the potential for commercial property conversions, and the community support PadSplit provides to both investors and residents.

PadSplit https://www.padsplit.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the No BS Podcast

00:57 Diving into Co-Living and Short-Term Rentals

02:31 Atticus LeBlanc's Journey and Vision

07:19 The Birth of PadSplit

13:10 PadSplit's Impact and Future

20:41 Challenges and Misconceptions

21:33 Regulatory Clarifications and Affordable Housing

24:15 Addressing Misconceptions About Co-Living

26:15 Making Co-Living Easy and Effective

28:19 Community and Peer Support in Co-Living

34:31 Scaling and Future Prospects of PadSplit

35:29 Innovative Housing Solutions and Conversions

40:34 Empowerment and Community Impact

41:39 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of the No BS podcast, we welcome back Marcus from Hostaway to catch up on the exciting developments since his last appearance in December 2022. We dive into Hostaway's impressive feats, such as raising a massive $175 million in Series A funding, followed by an even more staggering $365 million Series B funding round. Marcus gives us an inside look at the intricacies of running a top-tier business, emphasizing the paramount importance of stellar customer support and innovative technology. We also explore the future plans for Hostaway, the evolving landscape of the short-term rental industry, regulatory challenges, and what it takes to achieve market leadership. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with industry knowledge and future trends.

Link to Hostaway: https://www.hostaway.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the No BS Podcast

00:57 Welcoming Marcus from Host Away

02:26 The Simple Truths of Business and Life

04:56 Host Away's Major Funding Announcements

06:20 The Three Pillars of Running a Business

12:31 The Importance of Customer and Investor Relationships

20:45 The Future of Vacation Rentals and Direct Bookings

23:16 Investing in Technology and Customer Success

24:08 Acquisitions and Market Competition

25:55 Challenges of Following Playbooks

30:30 Valuations and Market Opportunities

35:20 Impact of Regulation on Real Estate

40:04 Company Culture and Employee Compensation

45:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode, we journey from the days of Big Printing, brush elbows with some very established brands, and take the learnings to Vacation Rental Operations with Brian Butler

The conversation covers the evolution and impact of technology in vacation rentals, the integration of AI and machine learning, and the balancing act of scaling while maintaining company culture. Brian also introduces his current project, EZcare, detailing how it revolutionizes property care and operations through innovative inventory management and scheduling solutions. The discussion is candid, insightful, and filled with valuable industry perspectives and future tech trends.

We LOVE this conversation and know you will too!

EZcare website: https://www.ezcare.io/

Contact Brian Butler: brian@ezcare.io

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the No BS Podcast

00:57 Hosts' Personal Updates and Banter

02:04 Introducing Guest Brian Butler

03:01 Brian Butler's Career Journey

06:09 Transition to the Hospitality Industry

07:42 Experiences at Navis and Vacasa

16:50 Challenges and Innovations in the Industry

22:12 The Rush to Grow: Is It Worth It?

23:16 The Impact of Rapid Scaling on Company Culture

24:34 The Rise of the Hobbyist in the Vacation Rental Market

25:42 Introducing EZcare: A New Approach to Business

26:16 Building Tools for the Vacation Rental Industry

32:24 The Importance of Inventory Management

39:54 The Future of Property Care with AI

42:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts