Brand & Market - Turning Airbnb Listings into Legacies

What’s the secret to success in securing capital? In today’s episode, I’m talking with hard money lender Haydynn Fike about securing loans for your next investment. Plus, the power of a personal brand in connections and networking.

Time-stamps:

Meet Haydynn (1:13)

The power of getting in the room and old-school networking (3:08)

Haydynn’s experience with personal branding (17:08)

20% off Lodgify (20:36)

Acadia Capital (21:43)

One of Haydynn’s favorite deals (23:55)

What to prepare for a first-time real estate investment (28:48)

Understanding hard money versus DSCR loans (33:49)

The biggest myth about lending (37:33)

What separates those who scale versus those who stay stuck (39:58)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPOD20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

Connect with Haydynn:

Website: https://acadialoans.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydynnconnects/

The Art of Connecting Podcast: https://linktr.ee/artofconnectingpodcast

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

How is my first boutique hotel project coming along? In today’s episode, I provide a much-needed update on my assisted living to boutique hotel conversion project. I’m diving into some of the small challenges we’ve faced along the way, plus what we envision for the project.

Time-stamps:

The boutique hotel conversion project (1:21)

Why we’re not pursuing the historical tax credits (5:50)

Our second walk-through and renovation estimate (10:45)

20% off Lodgify (17:46)

Our final walk-through and submitting the LOI (18:52)

Our vision for the branding and project overall (24:32)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPOD20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

Have you heard about Airbnb’s new “direct booking” incentive? In today’s episode, I’m explaining what’s changing with the platform and how it’s still not the most beneficial option for short-term rental owners. Plus, what true direct booking looks like and how to set it up for your rental business.

Time-stamps:

What is a direct booking to Airbnb? (3:26)

How actual direct booking avoids Airbnb fees (3:57)

20% off Lodgify (5:15)

Using Lodgify to set up your direct booking site (6:22)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPOD20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

Episode 82: Why Now is the Right Time to Implement a Direct Booking Site for Your Short-Term Rental: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/82-why-now-is-the-right-time-to-implement

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

Are you holding your own business back? In today’s episode, I’m diving into how I discovered that the biggest constraint in my short-term rental branding business might just be me. Plus, other takeaways from my recent experience at the Action Academy mastermind retreat.

Time-stamps:

What I expected from the Action Academy mastermind retreat (1:41)

Discovering my actual limiting belief (4:05)

My limiting belief was holding back my business (12:46)

20% off Lodgify (18:03)

Have the hard partnership questions early (19:10)

Sweat equity can be a cage (21:06)

Using AI to strategically elevate the client experience (28:04)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPOD20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my daughter, Huxley! Enjoy this short and sweet talk about her experiences with starting second grade, what she wants to be when she grows up, and her dreams for the year ahead.

Time-stamps:

Meet the birthday girl, Huxley (1:20)

Huxley’s favorite memories of the past year (3:15)

Starting second grade (5:35)

What Huxley wants to be when she grows up (7:09)

What Huxley wants for her 8th birthday (8:21)

How Huxley wants to help with Brand & Market (13:57)

What Huxley wants to do in the next year (15:41)

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

How can you build a reputable name for yourself in hospitality and real estate? In today’s episode, I’m joined by investor Gideon Spencer. We’re taking a look into his journey of building a real estate portfolio and rockstar team, plus how he is developing AI technology to help with his business and investments.

Time-stamps:

Meet Gideon (1:12)

Starting a rental portfolio with a 4-plex (3:36)

Gideon’s recommended reading list (8:07)

Deciding to invest in commercial real estate (10:43)

Bringing value to potential partners (14:39)

Building a rockstar hospitality team (20:45)

20% off Lodgify (24:51)

Raising capital the first time and beyond (25:56)

The value in having a personal brand (30:56)

From boutique hotels to micro-resorts (35:13)

Using AI to improve deal flow (41:51)

Keeping up with AI technology development (45:45)

The AI side of Gideon’s business (50:40)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPOD20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

Crushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate by Brian Murray: amazon.com/dp/B01N6DKA10

Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth by Avery Carl: amazon.com/dp/1947200445

Connect with Gideon:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gideonspencer_/

The Hunt for Incredible Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hunt-for-incredible

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

You can post great content to social media, but then what? In today’s episode, I’m looking at how social media fits into your overall short-term rental marketing strategy. Instead of just planning what to post, I’m helping you decide what you want each post to do for your rental.

Time-stamps:

Your future guest probably isn’t ready to book yet (1:58)

Your marketing strategy is a spiderweb (4:11)

20% off Lodgify (8:12)

Your social media is for discovery and connection (9:17)

Create an easy “next yes” (10:56)

Why a quality direct booking site matters (12:49)

Get your future guest onto something you own (14:13)

Where to start with your STR marketing (16:26)

Mentioned in This Episode:

How Should You Be Marketing Your STR? Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/67b64381e7fc2f0015f9ad97

Use code BMPOD20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

25% off your first year subscription to Flodesk: https://partners.flodesk.com/brand-and-market

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

Are you willing to be on camera? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a hard truth: people connect with other people. And in order for people to better connect with your hospitality brand, they have to get to know the person behind the experience (you!).

Time-stamps:

Your property’s strength is in the human connection (3:11)

Being in the content doesn’t mean making the content ABOUT you (5:37)

20% off Lodgify (9:57)

What you, the founder, should actually talk about in your content (11:03)

Founder content builds familiarity before the reservation (14:54)

“I’m awkward on camera” (16:30)

This is where b-roll becomes your best friend (18:08)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code bmpod20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

30 B-Roll Shots Every STR Owner Needs: https://brandandmarket.myflodesk.com/b-roll-checklist-podcast

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my son, Jackson! Enjoy this short and sweet talk about his experience with starting kindergarten, his favorite memories from the past year, and his plans for turning 6.

Time-stamps:

Starting kindergarten (1:09)

When Jackson grows up, he wants to be… (3:19)

Jackson’s 6th birthday celebration (4:02)

Jackson’s favorite memory from the last year (6:15)

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

You’ve got your brand strategy, you’ve determined your content pillars, but getting started with creating content still feels… next to impossible. In today’s episode, I’m showing you how I take a brand strategy and turn it into actual reels, carousels, stories, and more that your ideal guest will actually care about. I’ll show you how to stop treating content pillars as just topics and start using them as a means to generate endless content.

Time-stamps:

Start with the guest in mind (2:13)

Breaking down content pillars to create content (6:03)

20% off Lodgify (11:29)

Content for a personal brand in hospitality (12:33)

Layer in your brand voice (17:25)

Utilize b-roll footage (19:56)

The content formula (22:18)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code bmpod20 for 20% off yearly and bi-yearly Lodgify plans: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=ea1

30 B-Roll Shots Every STR Owner Needs: https://brandandmarket.myflodesk.com/b-roll-checklist-podcast

Episode 111: Building Your Dream STR Portfolio with Zack Metcalf: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/111-building-your-dream-str-portfolio-with-zack-metcalf

Episode 79: Creating a Unique Rental Experience Through Boutique Hotels and Micro-Resorts with Ian Joseph: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/79-creating-a-unique-rental-experience-through

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

How are you marketing your short-term rental on Instagram? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a mini audit and what I’d do if I took over as your social media manager tomorrow. We’re diving into every detail of your account setup and content, plus how to create an easy booking process for your ideal guest.

Time-stamps:

Name field (3:45)

Bio (6:36)

Profile photo (8:38)

Link (10:47)

Highlights (14:10)

Pinned posts (20:05)

Overall feed (23:14)

Calls to action (24:12)

Brand consistency (25:25)

The content gap analysis (26:26)

Using b-roll content (27:16)

The 10-second stranger test (29:52)

Mentioned in This Episode:

30 B-Roll Shots Every STR Owner Needs: brandandmarket.myflodesk.com/b-roll-checklist-podcast

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Have a question, an episode idea, or some feedback for The Brand & Market Podcast? Text me anytime at (919) 626-2517—I’d love to hear from you!

Description:

How does a multi-passionate entrepreneur build their dream brand and portfolio? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with friend and client Zack Metcalf. Zack has been my client for two projects, including his micro-resort in Joshua Tree as well as building a community-focused platform for men’s self-improvement.

Time-stamps:

Meet Zack Metcalf (1:48)

Zack’s first property and its evolution (2:53)

The micro-resort name change story (9:46)

Incorporating core values into the brand (14:49)

How brand strategy impacted the rest of the project (17:24)

Zack’s next big property, Stone Tavern (20:43)

Building a partnership with an international company (30:44)

How lessons from INTRVL apply to Stone Tavern (33:28)

Zack’s latest project, LNGLIV (35:08)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Action Academy Podcast Episode: actionacademypod.com/from-a-400k-career-to-a-240-acre-micro-resort

Zack Metcalf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackmetcalf_/

Stay INTRVL: https://www.stayintrvl.com/

Stay INTRVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayintrvl/

LNGLIV: https://www.lngliv.com/

LNGLIV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lng_liv/

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Want to bring your brand to life inside your rental property? In this episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m sharing 5 ways that you can incorporate your brand into the physical space of your short-term rental.

Time-stamps:

Welcome mat (1:19)

Coffee mugs (2:09)

Guidebook and guestbook (3:12)

Souvenirs (4:19)

Memorable photo moment (5:02)

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my youngest son, Emerson, for his 4th birthday! Enjoy this short and sweet talk about his favorite memories from being three, what theme he wants for his birthday party, and his plans for when he grows up.

Time-stamps:

Meet the birthday boy (1:09)

Emerson’s favorite thing about being three (1:25)

Why Emerson loves our property, Luna (1:56)

One of my favorite Emerson memories from this past year (2:55)

This year’s birthday theme (4:00)

What Emerson wants for his birthday gifts this year (4:50)

What Emerson wants to be when he grows up (5:44)

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Want to make your marketing strategy a little smarter? In this episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m sharing how one of my clients is using Yada AI technology to directly reach out to his guests and secure more bookings. Plus, I’m sharing my favorite features of Yada, including the SMS text message marketing capabilities.

Time-stamps:

Incorporating Yada AI into a portfolio marketing strategy (2:02)

Reaching out to guests to book directly (3:14)

Tracking when guests are likely to book (4:03)

Split up your marketing strategy based on each property (5:41)

Securing longer bookings during the off-season (6:33)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Yada AI: https://www.yada.ai/

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

How do you react when booking is slow and revenue is down? In this episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m being open and honest about the slow traction that we’ve had on two of our properties. Plus, our experience with hiring a revenue manager to hopefully get our listings back on track.

Time-stamps:

How the hosting experience has changed in 2026 (1:24)

Deciding to hand over the responsibility of revenue management (2:51)

Lowering rates to raise occupancy (4:38)

Revenue management results at our Luna rental (6:53)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Stay at Elysian (Luna): https://www.stayatelysian.com/

The Commonwealth: airbnb.com/rooms

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

What all goes into finding a short-term rental property? Today, I’m chatting with my aunt Laurie Henry and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at our search to find her dream property in Montana. We’re discussing the properties we’ve seen so far, including the ones that have broken our hearts and the ones we still have hope for.

Time-stamps:

Laurie’s long-term rental history (1:37)

Laurie’s current management portfolio (4:01)

Our worst tenant stories (4:36)

Why Laurie is looking for a property in Montana (10:59)

The story of the heartbreaker house and other potential properties (13:58)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (22:58)

The second trip to Montana and the renovated church (25:37)

The house with wow-factors and a view (35:07)

Lessons learned from the trips to Montana (39:35)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code “bmpod20” 20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify: http://www.brandandmarket.co/lodgify

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

What do you do when purchasing a property that is already a short-term rental? In this second episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m sharing my recommendations for taking over an existing listing and what we’ve previously done in this situation.

Time-stamps:

The surprise booking on closing day (1:10)

Allow the previously booked reservations to continue (2:13)

Cancel the previous reservations and send them your link to re-book (3:23)

Cancel the previous and start completely fresh (4:32)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (4:43)

Another solution through our property management system (5:55)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code “bmpod20” 20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify: http://www.brandandmarket.co/lodgify

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

What Property Management System (PMS) should you use to create your custom direct booking site? In this first episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m ranking a number of property management systems in terms of the best user experience and site customization.

Time-stamps:

My experience with property management systems (1:51)

How we build custom direct booking sites (4:12)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (5:35)

Adding code to your custom site (6:37)

Not all property management systems are created equal (7:31)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code “bmpod20” 20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify: http://www.brandandmarket.co/lodgify

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Are you making the most of your 5-star reviews? Today I’m sharing a replay of episode 53, which is all about utilizing your short-term rental’s 5-star reviews throughout your marketing. Tune in for action steps beyond simply just posting the reviews to your Instagram story.

This episode originally aired as episode 53 on July 23, 2025.

Time-stamps:

Why you need to ask for 5-star reviews (5:56)

How to ask for a 5-star review (10:19)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (13:30)

What to do with your 5-star reviews on Airbnb (15:37)

Reviews aren’t just for marketing (18:24)

When you earn less than 5 stars (19:58)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code “bmpod20” 20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify: http://www.brandandmarket.co/lodgify

Connect with Ali:

Website: https://brandandmarket.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandandmarket.co/

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling