The Cohost Bros

by Matthew Codd & Austin Spitzenberger

110 - 40K a Night and Celebrities on the Guest List: Inside Escape Luxury Hospitality | Kory Rankine

What if you could generate more revenue with 9 properties than most operators do with 50? That is exactly what Kory Rankine has built in Miami. Matt and Austin sit down with Kory Rankine, founder and CEO of Escape Luxury Hospitality, one of South Florida's premier luxury vacation rental companies catering to high net worth individuals, celebrities, and athletes in the Miami market. Kory started his career at 27 years old with zero experience in the STR industry, falling into vacation rentals after years of concierge work booking yacht charters, chauffeur services, and luxury experiences for travelers. Thirteen years later he has built a boutique portfolio of ultra luxury homes in Miami with nightly rates that would make your jaw drop, and a service model that goes far beyond what most STR operators are used to thinking about. Here is what you will learn: Why Kory spent the first decade of his business learning everything the hard way and how that experience shaped a complete restructuring of his systems and processes, what it actually takes to serve high net worth guests and why concierge level service like in person check ins, yachts, private cars, and on call guest services teams is non negotiable at the luxury tier, why Kory deliberately keeps his portfolio small and curated rather than scaling for volume and why that is a strategic advantage not a limitation, how his properties generate nightly rates that reach $40,000 and what types of guests are willing to pay that number, why portfolio character matters more than uniformity at the luxury level and how properties like his Mykonos style villa in Miami create unforgettable guest experiences, the honest truth about why most STR consultants fail their clients and what Kory had to relearn on his own, and what AI discoverability means for luxury operators and why getting found by AI tools is the next marketing frontier for high end STR brands. Kory's parting message is one the whole industry needs to hear: stop letting money be the driver, get more hands-on, and focus on building real community through exceptional guest experiences. Find Kory on LinkedIn and follow along at @escapelux on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at escapelux.com. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E110

Jul 22, 2026

1:10:24

109 - How to Win in the Most Competitive STR Market in America | Brendan Davis

The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most visited and most competitive STR markets in the country. Over 12 million tourists a year, but also one of the toughest places to stand out when every cabin on Airbnb starts to look exactly the same. Brendan Davis figured out how to win anyway. Matt and Austin sit down with Brendan Davis, founder and CEO of Magnolia Vacation Rentals and co-founder of Southern Hospitality by Magnolia in Nashville. Before ever buying a short-term rental, Brendan spent over a decade in law enforcement including training new officers at a large agency. In 2022 he sold a long-term rental, used the proceeds to go all in on STR in the Smokies, and never looked back. He now manages over 109 properties in the Sevierville and Gatlinburg area and is actively expanding into Nashville and beyond, all while stepping out of day-to-day operations and into a true CEO role. Here is what you will learn: Why the Smokies is simultaneously one of the best and hardest STR markets in the country and what separates operators who thrive from those who fall behind in six months, what listing fatigue is and why value stacking beyond just adding amenities is the key to standing out in a saturated market, how Brendan scaled to over 100 doors in just four years starting from zero STR experience, why he hired ahead of need and how that philosophy has kept his team from burning out, how his marketing partner built a Key Holders Club loyalty program from scratch that has attracted nearly 9,000 members and an email list of 13,000 subscribers with only a 1% unsubscribe rate, why Brendan is using PriceLabs as an assistant rather than an operator and what that distinction means for his revenue management strategy, and how he thinks about platform diversification and reducing reliance on Airbnb through direct bookings and brand building. Brendan also shares why earning trust with owners and guests is the single most important thing for anyone just getting started in the STR space, and what he has learned about building a business that can run without you in it. Find Brendan on Facebook and learn more about Magnolia Vacation Rentals at magnoliavr.net. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E109

Jul 15, 2026

43:34

108 - How to Build a Luxury STR Brand That PE Firms Are Knocking On Your Door For | Lucas Piper

Some people come into the short-term rental industry chasing money. Lucas Piper came in chasing something bigger and accidentally built one of the most respected luxury STR brands in Central Texas along the way. Matt and Austin sit down with Lucas Piper, founder of Five Star Vacation Home Rentals in Austin, for one of the most genuine and inspiring conversations the show has had. Lucas started as a social worker making $26,000 a year, backpacked through Latin America for two years, volunteered with the Mayan community in Guatemala, and eventually stumbled into short-term rentals the way most people do, by renting his own home. What he built from there is anything but ordinary. Five Star VHR is now one of Central Texas' premier luxury STR management companies with over 3,000 five-star reviews, a 95% Guest Favorite rate on Airbnb, and an average property generating over $120,000 in annual revenue. Private equity firms are calling. Lucas is not rushing to answer. Here is what you will learn: How Lucas went from Goodwill furniture and a $7,000 startup to managing a portfolio of Lake Austin waterfront estates and Hill Country retreats, why he chose to grow slowly and intentionally instead of scaling fast and why that decision changed everything about the quality of his business, how Five Star VHR achieved 500 Google reviews at a perfect 5.0 rating and what that means for your negotiating power with owners and acquirers, why Lucas merged with another top Central Texas operator and what that partnership unlocked that he could not have built alone, how he thinks about the build versus buy decision for owners in the current Austin market, why Austin STR regulations have shifted and what operators and investors actually need to know right now, and the mindset shift that changed his life, that you do not have to choose between doing good work, making great money, and living a balanced life. Lucas also runs quarterly STR meetups for the Austin community and moderates two Facebook groups for local hosts and investors. If you are in the Central Texas market, this is someone you want in your corner. Find Five Star VHR on Instagram at @fivestarvhr and learn more at fivestarvhr.com. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E108

Jul 8, 2026

59:42

107 - 0 to 200 Units in 4 Years, Sold to Vacasa, Now Serving the Military | Matt Hammlett

What if you could get more bookings, give back to veterans, and list your properties for free all at the same time? That is exactly what Matt Hammlett and the team at Crew Dogs have built. Matt and Austin sit down with Matt Hammlett, COO of Crew Dogs and a seriously impressive STR operator in his own right, for a conversation packed with operator insight and a genuinely compelling platform that every host and property manager should know about. Before landing at Crew Dogs, Matt built a vacation rental management company from scratch near Yosemite National Park, scaling from 4 properties to 200 in just four years before selling to Vacasa in 2021. He then took a stint at Guesty before joining Crew Dogs, a military-exclusive travel platform built by veterans, for veterans, that perfectly combines his background in military service and STR operations. Here is what you will learn: How Matt scaled to 200 units in four years starting from zero STR experience, what Crew Dogs is and how the platform connects STR hosts with verified military guests who get a 10 to 20% discount on every booking, how a portion of every booking goes to a military nonprofit of the host's choice including Fisher House and K9 for Warriors, why listing on Crew Dogs is completely free for hosts with no monthly fees and only a 1 to 2% transaction cost on bookings, how the platform integrates directly with your PMS so your calendar, pricing, and messaging all stay in sync, why military guests are some of the most trustworthy and respectful guests you will ever host (and what happens if they are not), how tax collection and government travel bookings work on the platform, and what is coming next as Crew Dogs prepares to expand to 70 to 80 thousand properties with a big UK launch on the horizon. Matt also shares the story of how Crew Dogs got its name, rooted in military aviation culture and what it means to be someone you truly want on your team. List your properties for free at crewdogs.com and connect with Matt on LinkedIn as Matthew Hammlett, COO of Crew Dogs. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E107

Jun 17, 2026

46:47

106 - Why Your People Are 40-60% of Your Cost Structure (And What to Do About It) | Steve Trover

there is one person in the vacation rental industry who has literally seen and done it all, it is Steve Trover. Matt and Austin sit down with the co-founder and CEO of Better Talent for a conversation that every STR operator and property manager needs to hear. With over 30 years in the space, Steve has founded 16 companies, built and scaled a four-location vacation rental management company to 400 properties, co-developed LiveRez (one of the first SaaS PMS platforms in the industry), served as President of the VRMA, and helped launch VR Nation as a national trade association. He has seen the entire evolution of this industry up close and has the scars and wisdom to prove it. Today, through Better Talent, the industry's first subscription-based talent acquisition company, Steve helps over 500 vacation rental and STR companies hire the right people using a combination of technology, behavioral science, and a database of over 700,000 industry professionals. Here is what you will learn: Why the people side of your STR business represents 40 to 60% of your entire cost structure and why most operators barely think about optimizing it, why hiring based on a resume is one of the most common and costly mistakes in the industry and what to do instead, how behavioral profiling and personality assessments tell you more about a hire than five years of experience ever will, why Steve always recommends building your org chart with your name in every box first, and then systematically removing yourself from the roles you hate most, what a People Stack is and why every STR operator should have one alongside their tech stack, why Steve would take the right personality profile over industry experience every single time if forced to choose, and what is coming next with VR Pro, Better Talent's new LinkedIn-style profile for STR professionals. This is one of those rare episodes where you get a true industry legend who has seen it all from the ground floor and is still actively building. Do not miss it. Connect with Steve at bettertalent.com, book a demo, or find him on LinkedIn at Steve Trover. You can also email him directly at steve@bettertalent.com. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E106

Jun 10, 2026

50:17

105 - Inside the Owner Relations Role: What Property Managers Need to Know | Stephanie Rounds

Not everyone gets into the short-term rental industry by owning or managing properties, and Stephanie Rounds is proof of that. Matt and Austin sit down with Stephanie, Owner Relations Manager at Beachside VR on Florida's Space Coast, who found her way into the STR world over 12 years ago through photography and conference work with VRMA, eventually landing at Better Talent as a Talent Relationship Specialist before transitioning to the property management side of the business. This one is a fun, candid conversation about what the owner relations role actually looks like from the inside, what owners really complain about, and why building genuine human relationships is still the most important skill in this industry. Here is what you will learn: How Stephanie built her career in STR entirely through relationships and networking rather than property ownership, what surprised her most about the owner relations role (hint: it is a lot more revenue management than you would expect), why "why is my property not booked more" is the most common owner complaint and how to handle it, how to set realistic revenue expectations with owners from the start before it becomes a bigger issue, why reviews, maintenance, and proactive communication are all connected and how one small fix can prevent a cascade of problems, and what it looks like to work for a fast growing company like Beachside VR that currently manages over 300 properties on the Space Coast. Stephanie also gives a great reminder that there are many ways to build a career in the short-term rental industry beyond owning or managing properties, whether that is through photography, recruiting, hospitality operations, or owner relations. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn and find out more about Beachside VR at beachsidevr.com. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E105

Jun 3, 2026

42:49

104 - Why Your STR Marketing Is Not Working (And What to Do Instead) | Chantell Hammond

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by marketing your STR or co-hosting business, this episode is exactly what you need. Matt and Austin sit down with Chantell Hammond, business and marketing strategy coach and founder of Strategy Square, who helps short-term rental operators cut through the noise and build marketing strategies that actually fit their business. Chantell did not start in the STR world. She ran a Pilates studio, sold a marketing agency, and found her way into the vacation rental space after STR operators kept showing up as referral clients. What she found was an industry full of smart operators who were completely lost when it came to marketing and she made it her mission to fix that. Here is what you will learn: Why trying too many marketing channels at once is one of the biggest mistakes STR operators make and what to do instead, how to identify the one or two tools that are actually right for your specific business, why paid ads can hurt you if you turn them on too early and what needs to be in place first, how to identify your guest avatar and use that to pick the right social media platforms, why luxury and experiential properties should be prioritizing influencer marketing and high end video content, how to use email marketing to build a direct booking engine that you actually own, and the difference between strategy consulting and just getting told what everyone else is doing. Chantell also shares how she is currently running Marketing Mondays inside the Systems Society community alongside Marissa Grover, a weekly office hours session built specifically for property managers who want real time marketing guidance. If you are managing between two and 40 properties and want to get serious about your marketing, that community is a great place to start. Connect with Chantell on Instagram at @strategy.square or find her on Facebook at Chantell Hammond. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E104

May 27, 2026

36:14

103 - The STR Designer's Playbook: Amenities, Aesthetics, and More Bookings | Andrea Moxham

Design is one of the most underrated revenue drivers in the short-term rental business, and this is the first time in over 100 episodes that the Co-Host Bros have had a designer on the show. Episode 103 brings in Andrea Moxham, virtual STR designer and founder of Moxie and Co., to break down exactly how thoughtful design translates directly into more bookings and better reviews. Andrea started her career running a marketing agency before selling it and going all in on short-term rental design. Based in Ontario, Canada, she designs exclusively for US properties 100% virtually, using tools like Matterport to get precise measurements without ever setting foot in the space. Her background in marketing means she does not just make properties look pretty, she designs them to perform. Here is what you will learn: Where to splurge versus save when furnishing your STR and why amenities almost always beat renovations, why space planning and seating for your full guest count is one of the most overlooked design mistakes, how to stand out in a competitive market by researching what your competitors are missing, why wellness inspired amenities like infrared saunas, cold therapy, and yoga studios are trending hard right now, the genius glam room hack for properties with extra walk in closets, and how wallpaper can be the difference between a fully booked property and a ghost town listing. Whether you are setting up your first property or looking to refresh one that is underperforming, Andrea's insights are practical, actionable, and built for operators who want real results. Find Andrea on Instagram at @andreamoxham and check out her services and weekly design newsletter at www.moxieandco.ca. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E103

May 20, 2026

47:13

102 - How Dawn Cornett Manages 40 Properties, Traveled Italy for 30 Days, and Still Has Time Freedom

f you have ever thought about taking your STR or co-hosting business to the next level, this episode is your roadmap. Matt and Austin sit down with Dawn Cornett, Texas-based STR investor, co-host, and boutique hotel operator behind Skyview Vacations, as well as co-founder of Hospitality Hustle. With nearly a decade in the short-term rental space, 40 properties under management, and her own micro resort plus multiple boutique hotels in her portfolio, Dawn is the real deal. Dawn shares how she and her husband Greg went from buying their first lake house after a lightbulb moment at a lakeside vacation rental, to building a multi-state STR operation and expanding into historic boutique hotel renovations. She also opens up about using The Pumpkin Plan methodology to audit and streamline their portfolio, why she is embracing AI to cut costs and free up time for higher touch hospitality, and what a 30-day trip through Italy taught her about the future of the guest experience. Here is what you will learn: How to apply the 80/20 rule to your STR portfolio and cut what is not working, why boutique hotels are where STRs were five years ago and why now is the time to get in, how Dawn is using AI to replace costly subscriptions and run a leaner operation, what the difference is between Cloudbeds and traditional PMS software for boutique hotel management, and how she is building a business designed to run without her so she can travel internationally four months a year. This one is packed with mindset, strategy, and hospitality gold. You do not want to miss it. Connect with Dawn on Instagram at @dawnofagreatday and learn more about boutique hotel coaching at thehospitalityhustle.com. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E102

May 13, 2026

46:46

101 - Hot Take: The Airbnb Split Fee Switch Could Cost You More

Austin's out, the guests cancelled, and Matt is flying solo for Episode 101! But don't sleep on this one because he drops some real talk on one of the hottest topics buzzing around the STR community right now: the return of Airbnb's split fee model. Should you switch back? Matt breaks down exactly why he thinks staying on the simplified fee structure is the smarter move, and walks through the math that most operators are overlooking when they get excited about the split fee option. Here is what Matt covers: Why the split fee actually ends up pricing your listings HIGHER for guests, how Airbnb can flip the script on you anytime they want (and why that risk is real), the competitive advantage you have right now by staying on simplified fees, and why he is not running the fees most people assume he is. Matt also pulls back the curtain on a brand new project he has been building: his own AI guest messaging agent that you OWN instead of rent. No monthly subscription, hosted on your Google Drive, and running for about two bucks a month in API costs. He is looking for a few beta testers with Hospitable and a Google Drive account. If that is you, DM Matt on Facebook or email matt@cohostbros.com with the subject line "beta tester." Short episode, big value. Be a bro and share the show! 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/

E101

Apr 15, 2026

12:41

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