Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast

In this in-depth episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers sits down with Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA, to discuss numerous facets of the short-term rental and hospitality industry. From the unexpected impacts of COVID-19 and its role in reshaping market dynamics to the economic factors driving the current landscape, Jamie provides eye-opening insights and data-backed predictions for the future...

In this episode, Wil Slickers dives deep into the world of dynamic pricing and distribution optimization with guest Bart-Jan, co-founder of Otamiser and AutoRank. Bart shares his journey from a finance student in Belgium to a startup founder revolutionizing online distribution and booking optimization for hotels and short-term rentals. The conversation covers industry trends, the evolution of reve...

In this episode, Wil dives into an engaging conversation with Jasmine Seliga, Co-Founder of Affixify, a platform designed to help hotels connect with technology vendors. Jasmine shares her incredible journey from aspiring medical sales professional to becoming a leading figure in hospitality technology. The discussion covers the highs and lows of building Affixify, the common mistakes hotels make...

In this episode, Wil Slickers brings Arthur Colker from StayFi back for a deep dive into the role of AI in the hospitality industry, the growth and challenges of 2024, and StayFi's innovative email marketing solutions. They discuss how AI is not always the optimal solution and the importance of a well-constructed marketing strategy. Arthur also shares insights on booking trends, the significant ro...

In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Brian Meyer, co-founder of FLOHOM, an experiential hospitality company specializing in luxury houseboats as short-term lodging experiences. Brian shares his unique journey from growing up on the water to studying in Hawaii, becoming a competitive paddler, and eventually starting a paddleboard shop in Annapolis, Maryland. He also delves into the inceptio...

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers talks with industry expert Simon Lehmann live from VRMA. They discuss the critical need for professionalization in the short-term rental industry amidst economic challenges and regulatory impacts. The episode emphasizes the necessity of standards and accreditation akin to a 'driver’s license' for property managers, highlighting technological advancements...

Join us at the VRMA event for an exclusive interview with Nir Miamon, a prominent figure in luxury vacation rentals. Discover Nir's fascinating transition from nightlife entrepreneur to managing upscale properties, and learn the strategies behind successful property management, including the distinctions between exclusive and non-exclusive approaches.  Nir talks about building client relationships...

In this episode, Wil Slickers engages with Emily and Mauricio from Hinter. They explore the inspiration behind their unique, Scandinavian-inspired brand, which focuses on minimalist and sustainable hospitality designs. Discussions cover the importance of simplicity, craftsmanship, and the five senses in creating extraordinary guest experiences. The episode also delves into Hinter’s brand evolution...

Join us for this special episode of Slick Talk, recorded live at the VRMA event, where we sit down with Sean Breuner, the founder of AvantStay. Sean shares the story of AvantStay's inception, the challenges faced in the dynamic short-term rental industry, and the impact of natural disasters and the pandemic.  Dive into how AvantStay focuses on luxury rentals and uses technology and infrastructure...

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil converses with Robyn Bridges, President and CEO of Visit Auburn Opelika, to delve into the transformative role of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in community and tourism development. The podcast explores various facets, including the importance of fiscal responsibility, community service, and sustainable growth facilitated by DMOs. Listeners gain val...

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil shares personal anecdotes, including the story behind his Good Morning Hospitality (GMH) tattoo. The discussion covers Wil's adventures in New York City, the impact of his decision to get a GMH tattoo, and his drive to keep innovating in hospitality media. The podcast explores the growth of Slick Talk, Will's podcasting journey, and the evolution of the hospitali...

In this episode, Wil is joined by Katie Cline, a hospitality PR expert with a deep background in luxury hotel brands like Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott, who has recently ventured into the world of short-term rentals. They discuss the transformative power of travel, the importance of guest expectations, and the evolving nature of hospitality. Katie shares her personal journey into the short-term ren...

In this episode, we dive deep with Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House. Christian shares his journey from corporate giants like Citigroup and Time Warner to his foray into the startup world with WeWork and now Mint House. We discuss the importance of building a robust infrastructure for scaling businesses, the unique demands of corporate and leisure travelers in the alternative accommodation space, a...

Join us as Ben Wolff takes us on a tour of Onera's newest landscape hotel in Wimberley, Texas. This stunning location features 28 unique units, including greenhouse-style lodgings and spyglass tube tree houses with breathtaking views. Ben shares insights on the design process, learnings from previous projects, and challenges in developing Onera Wimberley. We also discuss the importance of communit...

In this episode, you’ll hear an episode and conversation from this week's Good Morning Hospitality podcast. Hosts Wil, Brandy, and Michael start with an article about guests' rising expectations in short-term rentals, particularly Airbnbs, and how small-scale hosts feel pressure from demanding guests.  They explore the challenges of balancing hotel-like amenities with affordability and the evolvin...

Join us in this captivating episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Michael and Nathan, co-founders of Howzit Hostels. Discover how their vision evolved from sales leadership to revolutionizing the hostel industry in Maui, Hawaii. They share their insights on maintaining long-term success, building a dedicated team, and navigating the challenges of launching a hospitality brand during a glo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of sustainable hospitality products with Ludo, co-founder of Fox Fold. Join us as Ludo shares his journey from a stable finance career to pioneering a range of innovative, eco-friendly toiletry solutions for hotels and beyond. From sophisticated toilet paper dispensers to groundbreaking refillable facial tissue boxes, learn about the entr...

In this insightful episode, we welcome Matt Curtis, an expert in short-term rental regulations and local government interactions. Matt shares his remarkable journey, including his weight loss and professional transitions, that led him to work closely with local governments on vacation rental policies. He discusses the importance of creating balanced, fair regulations and addressing misconceptions...

In this episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Franklin Dusserre, co-founder of French Cowboys. Franklin shares his journey from growing up in Paris and the U.S. to founding a unique hospitality brand that blends hotels with vacation rentals. We explore his experiences with WeWork, the creation of Outpost Capital, and how French Cowboys is revolutionizing boutique hospitality in Tex...

In this compelling episode of Slick Talk, we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation with Nic, Co-Founder of SendSquared. Discover Nic’s inspiring journey from a challenging past to starting SendSquared in 2018 with his Co-Founder Roy. Nic shares his experiences at the VRMA executive summit in Boca Raton, the mission of SendSquared, and why it's known as the 'HubSpot of Hospitality.' The episode a...

In this special recap episode of Slick Talk, Kelsey Tran (HFM Producer of Slick Talk) returns after her maternity leave, sharing her journey into motherhood and experiences of labor and delivery with host Wil Slickers. They discuss exciting updates within the Hospitality. FM network, including new hires, adding a European crew to Good Morning Hospitality, and the revival of 'Workflows and Espresso...

This episode is extra special as we sit down with Rachel Alday to discuss her journey in the luxury vacation rental industry. We talk about the beginnings of Abode Luxury Rentals, the importance of authenticity, and how luxury and high-end services have evolved over the years. Rachel shares personal experiences about growing her business organically, maintaining high standards, and expanding into...

In this episode, the host welcomes Wes Smithe, co-founder and CEO at Direct, to discuss the evolving landscape of vacation rental management technology. The conversation covers Wes's personal journey in the industry, the challenges and innovations in property management systems (PMS), and the importance of data management. Wes also dives into the significance of AI and machine learning in the indu...

Join us in this insightful episode as Wil sits down with Ashley Ching, founder of Inhaven, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey from consulting at Deloitte to starting a pioneering business to standardize the vacation rental industry. Ashley shares her experiences, industry challenges, and the strategic steps Inhaven is taking to bring hotel-grade standards to vacation rentals. Learn about the i...

Join us as we welcome back Ryan Killeen, co-founder of Annex Hotel, and introduce his partner, Ben Hoffman. In this episode, we dive deep into the Annex Hotel's expansion from Toronto into the US, specifically focusing on their new project in Palm Springs. Learn about their unique approach to merging the best elements of hospitality and tech, their journey through various market ventures, and the...