We’re excited to share the third episode of our new podcast, Walk ’n Talk: The Business Behind Vacation Rentals.
How do you build and operate a thriving company in the vacation rental space? This podcast answers that by drawing from the real, unfiltered conversations between OwnerRez co-founders Paul Waldschmidt and Chris Hynes. Their habit of taking weekly walks, pausing work to think through problems, debate strategy, and reset their perspective, became the foundation for the show. Now, those same discussions offer listeners a rare view into the decisions and lessons that shape OwnerRez.
EP3 - Myths vs. Reality: What It Really Takes to Succeed in Vacation Rentals
In Episode Three, Paul and Chris take a look at some of the biggest myths versus realities in the vacation rental industry. They talk through how the industry has shifted over the years from a hobbyist side gig into a competitive, professionalized market where standing out requires true hospitality, well-run operations, and a long-term mindset.
Drawing on Paul’s experience running Shenrent with his wife, along with years of watching thousands of OwnerRez users grow, they share what new owners often misunderstand, why a genuine interest in hospitality matters more than most people expect, and how having the right systems in place plays a major role in long-term success.
You’ll hear about:
- Some of the biggest myths in vacation rentals versus the day-to-day reality
- Which early STR “cheat codes” went away as the industry became more professionalized
- The difference a hospitality mindset makes when running a vacation rental
- Lessons from running Shenrent and how OwnerRez continues to be shaped through personal experience
- Why saying no early, buying the right properties, and understanding the true costs matter
- How having the right systems in place makes all the difference
- The balance between caring deeply for your property and giving guests space
- What mindset makes a vacation rental owner a good long-term partner
Listen Now
Watch Now
Walk ’n Talk: The Business Behind Vacation Rentals is available on:
We’ve already started on the next episodes, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
