This week on the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather reconnects with long-time friend and returning guest, Lorraine Woodward, the unstoppable force behind Becoming rentABLE. Lorraine has been championing accessibility in the short-term rental industry for years, and this time, she’s back with big news - an exciting new partnership with Expedia Group through their Open World Accelerator Program.

Together, Heather and Lorraine dive into what accessibility really means today (spoiler alert: it’s not just ramps and wide doors), and how simple, low-cost features like under-counter lighting, secondary locks, and hard surface driveways can dramatically open your property to a broader guest base - including families with children, seniors, people recovering from surgery, and neurodivergent travelers.

Lorraine also shares her personal journey, building an inclusive rental to meet her family's needs, and the lightbulb moment that sparked the idea for a global platform. Her story is as inspiring as it is actionable.

This is a must-listen if you've ever thought, "Accessibility isn't for my market." Think again - Lorraine shows us why accessible design is not only the right thing to do, it's really good business.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS612

In this special replay episode in our Leadership Series, Heather reconnects with Rachel Alday, founder of Abode Luxury Rentals, for a powerful conversation on building a thriving business through intentional leadership and company culture. Rachel shares the real story behind how she and her husband grew their boutique vacation rental company from a few properties to a high-performing, values-driven team of nearly 60 people across three markets.

What started as a “mom-and-pop” business became a case study in leadership - rooted in authenticity, driven by values, and centered around a deep commitment to both team and guest experience.

Whether you’re managing five properties or five hundred, this episode offers practical insights on how to lead with purpose, build loyalty from the inside out, and create a culture that sustains long-term growth and excellence.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS611

In this landmark episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather Bayer is joined by Steve Schwab, the Founder and CEO of Casago, at a truly pivotal moment - not just in his personal journey, but in the history of the vacation rental industry. As Casago steps into a groundbreaking merger with Vacasa, Steve reflects on the path that led him here and the deeply held leadership values that have shaped the company’s evolution.

From climbing rooftops in Rocky Point, Mexico, to becoming the driving force behind a national franchise brand, Steve’s story is anything but typical. In this conversation, he opens up about the early moments that launched his career, the foundation of the ORANGE Credo that anchors Casago’s culture, and what it means to scale a values-based business without losing its soul - especially in the wake of one of the industry’s biggest mergers to date.

If you’re thinking about growth, culture, or the future of professional property management, this episode delivers both heart and strategy in equal measure.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS610