About Ankerpoint: The Vacation Rental Marketing Podcast
Welcome to the Ankerpoint Podcast! We love the vacation rental space! Here, we dive deep with industry pros, swapping stories, insights, and lessons learned.
From big wins to tough lessons, we uncover what it takes to thrive in this space. Let’s learn and grow together!
07 | Why The Best Vacation Rental Owners Use Property Managers (And You Should Too)
What does a vacation rental manager ACTUALLY do?In this episode, we sit down with Melinda Johnson, owner of Mountain Time Cabin Rentals, to break down the role of a vacation rental manager and why the right management partner can make all the difference for property owners.Melinda shares insight into common things vacation rental owners may not consider when it comes to managing a property, the resources and systems a vacation rental manager has access to that DIY owners may not, and solutions and strategies that she’s learned throughout her years in the industry.She also discusses handling challenging guest situations, building strong relationships with owners, and why the vacation rental industry is truly a “people business.”===========================Do you want to get more direct bookings? We can help! Schedule a free discovery call now:https://ankerpoint.marketing/Sponsored by - BrightSide Short-Term Rental SoftwareDo more. Work less.™https://bookonthebrightside.com/===========================Connect with us! LinkTree: ➡︎ https://linktr.ee/ankerpointIG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/ankerpoint/
30 Nov 2025
06 | How AI is Revolutionizing Vacation Rentals: With Heather Bayer
What does AI actually mean for vacation rental managers, property owners, and hospitality teams? Today we’re joined by one of the most influential voices in our industry — Heather Bayer, founder of Vacation Rental Formula and host of the long-running Vacation Rental Success Podcast.With 30+ years in short-term rentals and more than 600 podcast episodes, Heather has witnessed every major shift in our industry — and now she’s helping hosts understand one of the biggest yet: AI.In this episode, we explore how AI has been quietly shaping vacation rentals long before ChatGPT, where it truly belongs inside your business, and where the human touch still matters most. Heather breaks down how to choose the right tools without chasing every new shiny app, how to train AI to match your brand voice, and when it makes sense for AI to write your listings, blogs, guest messages, etc.She also shares practical examples from her work analyzing reviews, building prompts, and training teams, along with surprising ways AI can actually elevate hospitality rather than replace it. We wrap with a look at the future of AI in vacation rentals, insights from her AI Skills Lab at VRMA, and why she believes the right use of AI frees teams to offer more empathy — not less.Connect with Heather:Vacation Rental Formula – https://www.vacationrentalformula.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjUta2pueFI5bDhuQnB2Y01HY2tSSFpIZWtCQXxBQ3Jtc0tralJZQVo5R3FRYVFhRFJPT1ZtNjJqSjFWaEVsMzFNMWFyY3FvMU9NQzNXYlo5MEJZaEhHSE52N1VxaWZmRDU1NlZiSDNrbGZaYlJKUURDTGlkT3JiYlBoQlBNUEJkZmR1bnRULWtvZlF4Y3RUWlNEZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vacationrentalformula.com%2F&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)Vacation Rental Success Podcast – https://www.vacationrentalformula.com... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXVqMGp4TkdRbmxmLS1LRXdiM1EyWDh6VjY1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttRHpxS0hWcERkWjJCbWk0YmJuZ1l6RXhzTUVZY1ZranpMMjdLb3R1d0VYWEpxcVcwYVZwU05uSE1FdHFBNnpuY0kyVDFiRkw2UlRzY0hvSjBqWUMtVDE5TzR5NnYtLXFYZTZLVHZaa0FZa21DRHpnTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vacationrentalformula.com%2Fvacation-rental-success-podcast&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)STRAIT Chat AI Community – https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/ai (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmM1N05QVXZQZnJ1VDJFZXBLekdHYjRVNWhld3xBQ3Jtc0tuNEdFQVNsS19mbDNZTzNwRG5oTTdkd0dkWW84TjJkSDNtYnNDdmxFcFM4Z1A5b0g4dXphakNOWFJUd0dNb2pnc3ZxaWw0SU5sQTNqZHNvdDlLZlc0NEhSQ1o4LVhHSlh1SkRRU2pBcWhoNUJybEcxOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vacationrentalformula.com%2Fai&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)===========================Do you want to get more direct bookings? We can help! Schedule a free discovery call now:https://ankerpoint.marketing/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXZ4cWZKOWtoWXEyUEJVUFZQcWxrUTc4WHR4UXxBQ3Jtc0ttbXBHMDZQOE43WHVPX3prLXMyRmVRcXpjR2NFYlA1NEY5NDVtOVp0Qy1qMkdiR3hRZ21mcjYtNWZ1dHU1dlo4ZzcyTi1CeE9mYlVLRVAzRW81dXFlN0NGdWw3ZVdENzByWllPM0VxSmlueUI4UDdfZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fankerpoint.marketing%2F&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)Sponsored by - BrightSide Short-Term Rental SoftwareDo more. Work less.™https://bookonthebrightside.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblQ2NktZQzVQbTV2MWxZUUtHWjZfX28xRWlxZ3xBQ3Jtc0trZ2hKU2lVcUt3YVFmTWlPTXNDTkZ1YkZYWHlHWVFVa1Vfek1wOUxybFRaTy1lWDZ3b1V4VnNSS1c3Q3RscnA1NHBqUkFiVDRoMjRkU0hGTzhmUVRmbnZSTDBfQlBpREpneWlWMnF0OXV3NWFFMEVVcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbookonthebrightside.com%2F&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)===========================Connect with us! LinkTree: ➡︎ https://linktr.ee/ankerpoint (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0lqODZpd0pGdWpjY2ZEbXRzRFNjZm5UQUxEd3xBQ3Jtc0tubDdfMjFfb25sWlR0cmJDbVE0Uzhib1NiZ0xfWEpWOFVGenlQN3pTQ2I5OU01YTJmbTlkS1MyV3I4UUVONnFyTTItU2dUbnlyYmtIRWNCQ0xyakc2X1p0Z2wxWk5SUU82XzQ5MFF6ZTltdXNyZWc5QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fankerpoint&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/ankerpoint/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG5rUjZKb2M2UTNoZUtyUTlEVExnYWo4aXZyUXxBQ3Jtc0ttNXRlWE5kMFpsemlHSFZJdEJhOUFvbkpWNmVhdGkwQkVZT2R3U0tNUkdKZnY1a3ltYVllUTd2NTNaR2tUZVdwcGR4dlcyaVhtcXl3WDNHVU5FNFJ5Q3kySjh3S0UzRUZWdzRWQlY0WjVlQ0hnN1laUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fankerpoint%2F&v=8HIjE1jXN2M)
27 May 2025
05 | How One Host Built a $3M Vacation Rental Empire
A vacation rental host reveals to Ankerpoint how strategic systems, property acquisition, and marketing propelled their business from five properties to a $3 million empire in this interview.
19 Nov 2024
04 | How to Succeed as a Family-Owned Vacation Rental Business
Imagine losing 40 properties — yet somehow boosting your revenue by 60%. That’s exactly what Tom Goodwin, owner of Mountain Laurel Chalets, pulled off. He’ll share the surprising strategy behind this risky move that redefined his business. This is a business that’s survived fires, recessions, and the challenges of a fast-changing industry. So, what’s kept Tom steady through it all? A set of values passed down through generations—and a commitment to creating something no tech-driven rental giant can touch. Today, we’ll explore Tom’s journey from outsider to Gatlinburg local and his bold new project that might just be the key to the future of vacation rentals.
Resources:
Mountain Laurel Chalets - https://www.mtnlaurelchalets.com/
Tom Goodwin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/
For The Love of Gatlinburg Podcast - https://www.fortheloveofgatlinburg.com/
Sponsored by - BrightSide Short-Term Rental Software
Do more. Work less.™
https://bookonthebrightside.com/
===========================
Connect with us!
LinkTree: ➡︎ https://linktr.ee/ankerpoint
IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/ankerpoint/
===========================
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 Introducing Tom Goodwin
1:45 How It Started - "I Married Into Gatlinburg"
4:18 Overcoming Obstacles
7:17 The Community Wanted Us to Succeed
9:02 Discovering Our Core Values
14:51 The Future is Bright for Local, Family-Owned Businesses
17:22 Most Fruitful Marketing Tactics
21:50 Tom's New Podcast- "For The Love Of Gatlinburg"
26:20 What To Look for In A Podcast Guest
28:27 Community Stories Are Important
30:26 What's Next on "For The Love Of Gatlinburg"
35:37 How to Follow Tom Goodwin
Music Credit: Elevator Girl_Full-15638
Content found during: 37:34 - 37:54 - Mike Goudreau | David Elias
24 Jul 2024
03 | How to Create Lifelong Customers with Hospitality and Humor
What's the secret to turning a guest into a lifelong customer? Today, we’re excited to discuss this with Lauren Madewell, the Happy Operations Manager at Auntie Belham's Cabin Rentals. This family-owned business has served the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area for nearly thirty years, managing over 120 properties in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains. Their commitment to Southern hospitality is at the heart of everything they do.
Resources:
Vote for Auntie Belham's Cabin Rentals - https://www.pigeonforge.com/vote/auntie-belhams/
Auntie Belham's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/auntiebelhamscabinrentals/
Alex & Annie Podcast: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals - https://www.alexandanniepodcast.com/
===========================
Connect with us!
LinkTree: ➡︎ https://linktr.ee/ankerpoint
IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/ankerpoint/
===========================
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 Introducing Lauren Madewell
2:46 The Happy Operations Manager
4:23 A Day in the Life of Lauren Madewell
7:40 How to Cultivate a Happy Work Environment (Spicy Pickles)
18:57 How to Stand Out in the Vacation Rental Space
22:48 Good Humor Requires Real Intelligence
30:20 Email Marketing
35:47 Using Texting, Videos, & Humor to Cultivate Customer Satisfaction
42:35 Getting Guests to Complete Their Check-Out List
45:25 How to Deal with Unreasonable Guests
50:58 Random Acts of Hospitality
53:38 How to Start Being Hospitable (Advice from Will Guidara)
59:45 Resource Recommendations From Lauren
1:01:43 Follow Lauren & Auntie Belhams
===========================
#hospitality #vacationrentalmarketing #humor #ankerpoint #podcast #podcast2024 #businesspodcast #vacationrentals #panhandle #emeraldcoast
===========================
Music Credit: Elevator Girl_Full - Mike Goudreau | David Elias
8 Dec 2023
02 | Revolutionize Your Vacation Rental Business with AI Marketing
🤖Does artificial intelligence make you nervous? Do you feel like Ai is something you could never start incorporating into your marketing? Maybe you’re anxious to give it a try but don’t know where to start! This episode is for you!
Today I have the privilege of sitting down with AI Marketing Expert, John Demer. John is the owner and operator of Rule of Seven Marketing, a veteran-owned digital marketing agency based out of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
John strongly believes that social media is the cornerstone of future marketing departments and is utilizing AI to create hybrid human workflows that achieve better results with less effort.
Is Ai taking over the future of marketing? We’ll start the episode off with some general Ai marketing questions and then narrow our focus towards the Vacation Rental space. Finally, we’ll finish off by sharing practical ways you can start leveraging Ai to market your business more effectively today.
Check out our FREE ONLINE PRESENCE EVALUATION tool. Our Online Presence Evaluation tool helps you evaluate new, potential, or current clients (perhaps neglected) to ensure you serve them the best way possible. Click here to start evaluating: https://ankerpoint.marketing/resource...
===========================
Connect with us!
IG: ➡︎
/ ankerpoint
===========================
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 Introducing John Demer
3:36 John's Origin Story
7:32 Ai Marketing Overview
18:51 How Ai is Changing Vacation Rental Marketing
39:27 Getting Started with AI: Practical Steps
49:27 3 Main Ai Tools for Beginners
49:50 Next: Is Ai taking over the future of marketing?
===========================
#aiexpert #vacationrentalmarketing #aiforbeginners #aimarketing #ankerpoint #podcast #podcast2024 #businesspodcast #vacationrentals
===========================
Music Credit: Elevator Girl_Full - Mike Goudreau | David Elias
16 Nov 2023
01 | Why Your Business Needs a Podcast in 2024 (Expert Tips from Tim Stone)
🔥Ready to create a podcast for your business? Tune in as expert podcaster, Tim Stone shares why every business needs to be podcasting. Tim is the co-host of the highly successful "Things I Learned Last Night" podcast, and co-founder of Space Tim Media, a podcast production company dedicated to creating the highest quality content for your business. You may be surprised at the numerous benefits that come with starting a podcast for your business.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
5,193
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
Contact Ankerpoint: The Vacation Rental Marketing Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Ankerpoint: The Vacation Rental Marketing Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
