Slick Talk With Wil

Francois Gouelo is a serial entrepreneur and adventure traveler. Francois graduated from the University of Toronto with an honors degree in Computer Science, and Cognitive Science, and recently completed his Masters of Entrepreneurship at the University of Cambridge with a focus in prop-tech and real estate. Francois is the founder & CEO of Enso Connect, a travel-focused startup. Francois started the company at DCSIL and was able to survive and thrive to build the future of travel for the short-term rental industry. Backed by VCs in Europe and North America, Enso has scaled from 68 listings to over 12,000, joined Founder’s Factory, the UK’s top Accelerator program, and launched in over 17 different countries. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Jurny & NoiseAware!! Thank you for your continuous support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While I was in Florida, I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Goedheid who is the Founder & CEO of Casiola Vacation Homes & Guestor. I joined him and Michael Scott-Lester, CFO, to go through his founders' story and dive into the development of Guestor. If you like to talk stocks and investments then buckle up, this episode is about to take you back! This episode is brought to you by our friends at NoiseAware! Use SLICKTALK20 to get 20% off all noise sensors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a bonus episode that was recorded in person at the VRMA Conference in October where I got to sit down with Brandi Canaley who is the COO of Sextant Stays based out of Miami! In this episode, we lightly chat about her story of getting into the industry, the evolution of the brand, and of course... iPad robots! You can tune in to awesome episodes like this on Hospitality.FM or your favorite listening platform! Sponsored by NoiseAware! Uses the code SLICKTALK20 and you won't regret it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining me on the podcast, Mateo Bradford & John Stokinger, the hosts of the No BS Short-Term Rental Podcast. In this episode, we cover the golden nugget conversations that they have with industry leaders and experts and the importance of having the conversations that most are unwilling to face in our industry of hospitality. If you listen all the way through (about 42 min into the episode) you will hear a very exciting announcement about what's next for their podcast! https://thenobsshorttermrentalpodcast.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nobsstrpodcast/ www.slicktalkthepodcast.com & Hospitality.FM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have Launched our Industry Podcast Network, Hospitality.FM! With tons of different shows signed and ready to rock and roll, we couldn't be more excited to showcase the One Destination for all of your hospitality podcast needs! About Hospitality.FM: Hospitality.FM is a podcast network dedicated to bringing the best hospitality-focused podcasts to those in and around the industry. From Food & Beverage, Guest Experience, Diversity & Inclusion, Tech, Operations, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and so much more, Hospitality.FM is passionate about giving the industry a prominent and louder voice to reach more listeners by “Going All-In On Audio.” What started as a simple podcast for Wil Slickers, over the years of growing his audience and learning the ins and outs of the podcast world, and being mentored by others along the way, he is now going all-in on audio! Most podcasts statistically don’t make it past ten episodes when they launch and with HFM, we want to make sure that statistic no longer becomes true. The aud

After thirty years of forming and growing many different businesses, Steve has now come to the conclusion that his successes and failures hinged on the same thing. Identifying, hiring, and engaging people. When they were with the right people in the right roles, fully engaged, they were extremely successful. When they were not, no strategic plan or amazing vision mattered. They simply could not execute to the level required. It was a true honor to record this episode in person with Steve at the VRMA Conference back in October! As a property manager, business owner, and entrepreneur, you already have so much to do in a 24 hour time period. Don’t let the worry of your property being damaged and focus back on growing your business with Safely! Safely is a proud sponsor and I love that I can use them for my business to ensure my properties are safe, protected and my homeowners know that I think of their asset as my asset too! Go to Safely.com and sign up today and let them know Wil sent you!  Smart locks, Smart t

Josh Kopel is a restaurateur, tech pioneer and environmental advocate. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the spawn of bootleggers and retail giants, he was bred for the hospitality industry. Throughout Kopel’s 20+ year career in hospitality he has managed venues ranging from the Alligator Bayou Bar, located on Alligator Bayou Road, seated on Alligator Bayou (it was exactly how you’re picturing it in your mind) to the hottest Hollywood nightclubs, bars, and ultra-lounges (far less glamorous than you’re picturing it in your mind). Kopel went independent in 2010, opening his first concept Five0Four, a New Orleans-inspired bar, on the Walk of Fame in the heart of Hollywood. In subsequent years, he would open the Michelin-rated fine dining concept, Preux & Proper as well as South City Fried Chicken, voted the best fried chicken in Los Angeles by LA Weekly. Despite his success, he saw foundational issues within the industry and set out to fix them himself. In 2018, Kopel founded FLO Hospitality Solutions, a company s

Brittany Blackman is full of sunshine, Southern hospitality, and a crazy passion for the vacation rental industry. She’s been working in STR for over 10 years now and hasn’t found a day that's boring yet. After her stint as Operations Manager for the majority of that time, she left in September 2020 (yes, during the worldwide pandemic), to fly freely and start her own gig. It's been fun for her swerving around obstacles, climbing mountains, and building something from scratch.  This episode is sponsored by our friends at NoiseAware! NoiseAware is the only 100% privacy-safe noise monitoring solution so get with NoiseAware so you don’t waste any time while you grow your professional and amazing business! Use SLICKTALK20 to get 20% off your noise devices with NoiseAware! This episode is sponsored by Hostfully! Hostfully is an industry-leading software company that provides property managers and hoteliers with a property management platform and amazing digital custom guidebooks that will make your guests' experie

Matthew Loney currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Xplorie, the leading guest experience platform for U.S. leisure markets. Delivering best-in-life moments for millions of guests annually, Xplorie has nearly quadrupled in size over the past five years under Mr. Loney’s leadership. Prior to joining Xplorie, Mr. Loney served as an attorney and held executive positions at two national restaurant chains. This episode is sponsored by Hostfully! Hostfully is an industry leading software company that provides property managers and hoteliers with a property management platform and amazing digital custom guidebooks that will make your guests' experience with you 10X better! Use SLICKTALK20 to get $100 off of their property management platform and two months free of their premium digital guidebooks! This episode is sponsored by our friends at NoiseAware! NoiseAware is the only 100% privacy safe noise monitoring solution so get with NoiseAware so you don’t waste any time while you grow your p

An accomplished, forward-thinking, and customer-driven visionary, Brian leverage a strong business acumen with an entrepreneurial mindset to build companies from the ground up, providing the strategic vision for long-term growth and facilitating industry partnerships that drive market penetration, grow revenue, and deliver customer service excellence in diverse enterprises, including the Hospitality Services and Vacation Rental industries. Able to see the big picture and transition vision into innovative, industry-changing solutions, he has been recognized for launching products that drive consumer demand and transform customer engagement. A known subject matter expert and consultant, he recommends policies and technology that assist vacation rental companies in developing programs and strategies that best fit the needs of his clients. Featured in Yahoo Finance, Wall Street Journal, and Travel Weekly, he was also a competitor at the Battleground Phocuswright Conference in 2016. Leading with the understanding

Since 2009, Greg has worked to transform TripShock into a leading booking engine for tours and activities. Proactive and personable, Mr. Fisher first developed a passion for tourism while studying hospitality at the University of Central Florida. Since then, he has grown TripShock by cultivating strong relationships with partners and employees alike. In his free time, Greg enjoys reading biographies, watching college football, and relaxing with friends and family. This episode is sponsored by Hostfully! Hostfully is an industry-leading software company that provides property managers and hoteliers with a property management platform and amazing digital custom guidebooks that will make your guests' experience with you 10X better! Use SLICKTALK20 to get $100 off of their property management platform and two months free of their premium digital guidebooks! As a property manager, business owner, and entrepreneur, you already have so much to do in a 24 hour time period. Don’t let the worry of your property being d

Co-Founders of Neat Suites based out of the Cincinnati, OH area, Edward and Jeremiah co-founded the company in 2017 to address the growing need for management in the STR space. Neat Suites recently opened the Pickle Factory Boutique Hotel in Covington KY, which is a product we are really excited about sharing with our guests. Our friends at NoiseAware sponsor this episode! NoiseAware is the only 100% privacy-safe noise monitoring solution so get with NoiseAware so you don’t waste any time while you grow your professional and amazing business! Use SLICKTALK20 to get 20% off your noise devices with NoiseAware! Our show partners at Operto are the leading solution for operators to enhance their operations by integrating with your property management software and making sure all smart devices create a contactless guest experience while streamlining operations. Check them out on their website, send me a message, or just let them know Wil sent you and you’ll be in great hands! Jetstream also sponsors this episode!

This is a special bonus episode to feature and recap the LiveRez Partner Conference that was happening in Boise, Idaho this week! In this episode, you will hear from Amber Knight who is the GM of LiveRez and we cover her career and personal story and then, of course, the story and evolution of LiveRez. I was honored to be the Emcee of the Partner Conference and to meet the LiveRez team & partners! To learn more about LiveRez and who they are, check out these links! Website: https://www.liverez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveRezSoftware Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liverezsoftware/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liverez/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse is a growth-oriented serial entrepreneur with a passion for Product, UX, and Technology. Jesse is the Chief Product Officer and Co-founder of Frontdesk, a leading tech-enabled urban short-term rental brand. Today, Frontdesk operates in 35 cities with over 250 talented employees. Jesse is a champion for all-things growth at Frontdesk, which includes leading the technology, sales, and marketing teams, while also nurturing key strategic relationships for the company. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Milwaukee. Jesse is a proud husband and father of three boys, and a complete nerd at heart. This episode is sponsored by our friends at NoiseAware! NoiseAware is the only 100% privacy-safe noise monitoring solution so get with NoiseAware so you don’t waste any time while you grow your professional and amazing business! Use SLICKTALK20 to get 20% off your noise devices with NoiseAware! Smart locks, Smart thermostats, automation, and a solution for any hotel and vacation rental company. Our sho

Lee Curtis, CCHP, co-founded RESIDE Worldwide, Inc. in November 2017. Lee and his partners believe that the traditional corporate housing industry is in a state of evolution and is being driven by the acceleration of interest in alternative housing globally. RESIDE’s core purpose is to transform the way that extended stay travel is purchased with a focus on delivering global travel solutions for enterprise companies with global needs. Mr. Curtis is active in the corporate housing industry, having served on the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) board of directors from 2003-2008 and then again from 2015-present. From 2004-2007 he additionally served as Vice President and Chairman and again as Chairman from 2019 through 2021. His companies have won over 13 Tower of Excellence awards for Company of the Year, Marketing Campaigns of the year, and various other accolades from the association. He is also the recipient of CHPA’s “Provider Member of the Year – Individual” award. In June of 2020, Lee was a

Autohost CPO and co-founder, Ela Mezhiborsky, handles the intersection of customer success and product development, setting priorities and driving the product roadmap based on client feedback. Before transitioning to SaaS, her career involved working in risk management, running her own digital marketing agency, and managing a successful short-term rental business in Toronto. In fact, it was her experience in the short-term rental industry that exposed her and her co-founders to the massive security void plaguing property managers. It’s the reason they built Autohost. This episode is in honor of Anton who was also a co-founder of Autohost and unexpectedly passed away a little over a year ago today. Please go listen to Antons previous episode that came out exactly one year ago today, September 30th. This episode is sponsored by our friends at NoiseAware! NoiseAware is the only 100% privacy-safe noise monitoring solution so get with NoiseAware so you don’t waste any time while you grow your professional and am

Michael is the head of business development for NoiseAware and has been a part of the short term rental community since 2015. He is a 2x Phocuswright 35 under 35 leader who is committed to bettering the short term rental industry. Michael's role is focused on collaboration with the OTA's, partnering with cities for sensible regulation, developing key industry partnerships and leading the charge into new segments of hospitality like flexible rentals. On a personal side, he is obsessed with travel, volleyball, and the dad of a 2 year old boy! This episode is sponsored by Hostfully & Operto! Running a great property management company means you need a great property management platform and the ability to give automated access to your guests so you don’t waste your time doing things manually all the time! Upgrade your techstack and get this dynamic duo to power your business! This episode is also sponsored by Jetstream! Jetstream is a full-service hospitality solution with a powerful team behind it! To learn mo

Ryan Killeen’s hospitality career officially began after participating in the hotel management program at Vancouver Community College. While in school, Ryan started cleaning bathrooms and making beds with the housekeeping team at the Fairmont Pacific Rim — considered Vancouver’s definitive luxury hotel. He was climbing the ladder at a healthy pace and was presented with an opportunity to join the opening team in Dubai at Fairmont the Palm. Without processing what this meant, Ryan said yes. Living in Dubai, working with 52 different nationalities, and leading the guest services team was the most eye-opening experience of my life. For Ryan and fellow North Americans, it was an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and open the floodgates to new opportunities back home. For others, it was an opportunity to provide for their families and give their children a future. After returning to North America, Ryan took on progressive roles in Vancouver, Calgary, Boston that included sales, business development, le

Alex has led the strategic marketing and business development efforts for Condo-World since 2009. She manages a team that has grown the company from a local vacation rental business into a nationally recognized condo marketing and technology enterprise. Alex has a passion for developing strategies that drive sales overnight and brand over time, connecting all aspects of digital, social and traditional marketing to keep Condo-World at the forefront of their highly competitive market.  This episode is sponsored by Hostfully! Hostfully is an industry-leading software company that provides property managers and hoteliers with a property management platform and amazing digital custom guidebooks that will make your guests' experience with you 10X better! Use SLICKTALK20 to get $100 off of their property management platform and two months free of their premium digital guidebooks!  As a property manager, business owner, and entrepreneur, you already have so much to do in a 24 hour time period. Don’t let the worry o

Brooke Pfautz is one of the industry's foremost experts in growing vacation rental inventory. He got his start in the industry 14 years ago when he founded Vantage Resort Realty in Ocean City, MD and took an idea on a napkin to more than 500 properties in just five years. After a successful exit, he went on to grow inventory for other major vacation rental brands as a Chief Business Development Officer in multiple destinations. Most recently, as an executive at a leading vacation rental software company, he saw first-hand through MasterMind groups that he launched and facilitated what worked and what didn’t for the 20 largest and most successful companies in the country. Today, Brooke leads Vintory, the 1st and only CRM & Sales and Marketing automation platform designed exclusively for Vacation Rental Managers to grow their inventory. At Vintory, a team of over 50 growth experts are laser focused on one thing: helping VRMs hit or exceed their growth goals. This episode is sponsored by Hostfully & Operto! Run