Podcast
STR Global Unlocked with Simon Lehmann: Unfiltered knowledge for the short term rental industry
Hosted by Powered by AJL Atelier · EN
The short-term rental industry is evolving fast, and Simon Lehmann isn’t afraid to say what others won’t.
STR Global Unlocked is where property managers, STR tech founders, vacation rental investors, and hospitality leaders get real about the business. Each episode breaks down what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s coming next: property management operations, direct bookings, vacation rental software, pricing strategies, mergers and acquisitions in real estate, professional host challenges, and the future of automation, AI, and tech stacks.
Hosted by Simon Lehmann, CEO of AJL Atelier and one of the most trusted voices in the global STR space, the show delivers unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the industry. Simon has decades of experience in vacation rentals, travel tech, and hospitality, including leadership roles at Vacasa Europe, PhocusWright and HomeAway.
If you’re scaling a property management company, building short-term rental technology, investing in vacation rentals, or entering this fast-moving market, this podcast is your seat at the table.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
041: This Property Manager Increased Profit by 160% With AI | Alex Zemianek
4d ago00:52:06Tap to summarizeBook a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultationIn this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Alex Zemianek, CEO of JZ Vacation Rentals, about how he rebuilt his operations around internal AI agents. From finance and marketing to security, development and daily reporting, Alex explains how his company increased operating income by 160% without significantly increasing its unit count or headcount.You’ll discover how AI agents can reduce manual work, replace an overloaded tech stack and help property managers operate more efficiently. Alex also reveals why AI should support employees rather than replace them, how his company continues working while he sleeps and which tasks still require human judgement.Which questions are answered in this episode?- How can property managers use AI agents to increase profitability without adding more units or employees?- Why is the traditional property management tech stack becoming increasingly inefficient?- What is the difference between using AI as a simple tool and building an AI-powered operating system?- How can internal AI agents support finance, operations, marketing, security, and development?- Which property management tasks can run autonomously, and where is human approval still essential?- How should operators onboard and train AI agents like new team members?00:00 – How AI is reshaping property management03:02 – The biggest lie in property management05:13 – Automating a critical operational role08:54 – 160% more operating income without more units12:20 – Inside the AI-powered “Mission Control”19:02 – How 12 specialized AI agents work together26:23 – Running a property business that never stops29:56 – Three rules for successfully implementing AI37:48 – Where property managers should start with AI44:11 – Why humans remain essential in hospitalityResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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The 5 Levels of STR Companies Explained
1w ago00:14:19Tap to summarizeMany property management companies grow quickly - until they suddenly hit an invisible ceiling. But why do some short-term rental businesses successfully scale to thousands of units while others struggle to grow profitably despite increasing bookings?In this video, i explain the five key growth stages of a professional property management company - from the founder-operator managing a small portfolio to an international industry leader with more than 2,500 units.You will learn which structures, systems, and leadership roles are required at each stage, why more than 80% of PMCs get stuck during the transition from Level 2 to Level 3, and why working harder alone is not enough to reach the next level of growth.ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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040: How to Turn STR Guests Into Loyal Customers | Matthew Orley
2w ago01:00:31Tap to summarizeMost short-term rental operators focus on adding more units, entering new markets, and automating their operations. But what if the strongest competitive advantage is not the size of your portfolio, but the relationship you build with your guests?In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Matthew Orley, CEO of Red Cottage, about how STR operators can build a memorable brand that drives guest loyalty, repeat stays, and direct bookings.Matthew explains why many property managers do not truly own their guest relationships, how Red Cottage built a successful membership program, and why loyalty needs to offer more than simple discounts. He also shares how a clearly defined target guest, a consistent portfolio, and proactive communication can turn one-time bookings into long-term customer relationships.Which questions are answered in this episode?- How can STR operators build a brand guests actively return to?- Why do many property managers still not truly own their guest relationships?- What makes a membership and loyalty program work in short-term rentals?- How can STR brands increase repeat stays and direct bookings without relying on discounts?- Why are brand consistency, guest communication, and a clearly defined target audience so important?- How should operators balance AI and automation with high-touch human service?- And why could the human relationship become the strongest competitive advantage in an increasingly automated STR industry?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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039: Hospitality Isn’t Ready for the Future Guest | Jamie Lane
4w ago01:00:29Tap to summarizeAI is changing hospitality, but I believe the bigger question is not just how AI will change our tools, our operations, or our businesses.The bigger question is: what happens when AI starts changing the customer?In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I’m joined by Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA and one of the leading voices on travel demand, market trends, and the future of short-term rentals.Together, we talk about how AI-driven productivity, job shifts, income distribution, and changes in disposable income could reshape travel demand in the years ahead.Because while many operators are focused on how AI can improve pricing, guest communication, automation, and efficiency, I think we also need to understand what AI could do to the wider economy around our guests.Which questions are answered in this episode?What happens when AI starts changing the customer, not just hospitality businesses? How could AI-driven productivity, job shifts, and income distribution affect travel demand? Why should short-term rental operators pay attention to macroeconomic trends? Could changes in disposable income reshape who travels, how often they travel, and where they stay? And what can hospitality leaders do today to prepare for the future guest?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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038: Short-Term Rentals Are Entering Their Most Dangerous Era | Shaun Shirazian
Jun 3000:58:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Shaun Shirazian, CEO of Lodgify, about one of the biggest shifts happening in short-term rentals and hospitality: the rise of AI search, direct bookings, and the future of guest experience.Shaun shares what Lodgify is seeing across more than 30,000 hosts and 100,000 listings, why the short-term rental market has become more competitive, and why the old price advantage over hotels is disappearing. He explains why direct bookings are becoming more important, how hosts can reduce dependency on OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, and why some operators are already seeing bookings come directly from ChatGPT.Which questions are answered in this episode?How is AI changing the way travelers search for short-term rentals?Why are hosts already getting bookings from ChatGPT?Are direct bookings becoming more important for STR operators?What percentage of direct bookings is realistic for hosts today?Why is the short-term rental price advantage over hotels disappearing?What do the best operators understand that average hosts still miss?How can hosts reduce their dependency on Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia?Why is guest experience becoming the real competitive advantage?What role will technology play in professionalizing short-term rental operations?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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037: Will AI Replace Hospitality Teams? | Stone Fish, Vancauwenberghe, Ullrich, Rubin
Jun 2301:03:11Tap to summarizeBook a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultationAI is transforming guest communication in short-term rentals and hospitality. In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with industry leaders Aarlo Stone Fish, Anthony Vancauwenberghe, Jay Ullrich and Cole Rubin about AI agents, automation, guest experience, operations, reviews, upsells, and the future of hospitality.We discuss what operators often get wrong about automation, why guest communication is no longer just a support function, how AI can improve response times and guest satisfaction, and where the human touch still matters. The conversation also explores the future of STR operations, revenue opportunities through upsells, and whether guests will still talk to humans in an AI-powered hospitality world.Which questions are answered in this episode? How is AI changing guest communication in hospitality and short-term rentals? What do operators often get wrong when implementing AI agents? Should AI fully replace human guest communication teams? Where is the line between automation and human hospitality? How can AI improve response times, reviews, and guest satisfaction? What is the real ROI of AI automation for property managers? Can AI reduce headcount and increase company value? How can AI identify upsell opportunities like early check-in, late checkout, and add-on services? Why is guest communication connected to operations, cleaning, locks, PMS, and workflows? Will guests still talk to humans in the future of hospitality?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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The Margin Mistake Killing Most STR Companies!
Jun 1600:14:34Tap to summarizeBook a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultationProfit margins can make or break a short-term rental business - but most operators are looking at the wrong numbers.In this video, I break down the real profit benchmarks for STR operators across different business models, including property management companies, aparthotels, hybrid models, urban portfolios, and resort/vacation rentals.You’ll learn what healthy gross and net margins look like, why revenue alone can be misleading, and which KPI reveals whether your business is truly profitable or just looks good on paper: contribution margin per unit per year.ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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036: How to Build a Business That AI Can’t Replace | Siddhi Mittal
Jun 900:53:18Tap to summarizeBook a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultationIn this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I sit down with Siddhi Mittal, co-founder of yhangry, a Y Combinator–backed hospitality marketplace scaling across the UK and US.Together, they explore what AI-first hospitality really means beyond faster guest messages, automation tools, and surface-level efficiency. Siddhi shares how yhangry is rebuilding parts of the company around AI-native workflows, including an internal agent that reached 75% autonomous bug resolution in under 14 days.This conversation dives into the future of hospitality, marketplaces, operations, AI agents, customer experience, and human value in a world where execution is becoming automated. We discuss why average businesses are becoming more exposed, why technical competence alone is no longer enough, and why the next competitive advantage may come from judgment, taste, curiosity, trust, and emotional intelligence.Which questions are answered in this episode?- What does AI-first hospitality actually mean beyond faster guest communication?- How is AI changing the way operators, founders, and leaders think about work, value, and execution?- Why is “being good” or technically competent no longer enough in an AI-native business environment?- What happens when operational consistency, SOPs, and execution become easier to automate?- How can hospitality companies use AI to remove manual workflows without losing the human experience?- Why does Siddhi Mittal believe curiosity, judgment, taste, character, and emotional intelligence are becoming more valuable?- What can operators learn from yhangry’s AI-first rebuild across product, operations, and customer experience?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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035: The Best Way to Make Money in Property Management | Julie Brinkmann
Jun 200:53:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I sit down with Julie Brinkmann from Beyond to discuss how short-term rental operators can move from simple dynamic pricing to true profit-first property management.We explore why revenue management is no longer just about changing nightly rates, why occupancy can become a vanity metric, and how property managers can use better data, smarter pricing strategies, and AI to make more profitable business decisions.Julie shares her perspective on the evolution of the short-term rental industry, the shift from revenue growth to profit optimization, and why the next generation of hospitality companies will need to think beyond bookings, RevPAR, and occupancy. The conversation also covers market normalization, operator behavior, private equity in STR, AI adoption, owner lifetime value, direct bookings, brand visibility, and the future convergence of hotels and short-term rentals.Which questions are answered in this episode?How can property managers move from simple dynamic pricing to true profit-first revenue management?Why is occupancy often a misleading metric, and what should operators focus on instead?How can pricing data reveal deeper insights about market demand, guest behavior, owner profitability, and business performance?What mistakes are short-term rental operators making when it comes to pricing, booking windows, and last-minute discounts?How can AI create real value in property management, and where is it currently being overestimated?Why is clean, structured, proprietary data becoming so important for STR operators?How should property managers think about owner lifetime value, unit economics, profitability, and long-term growth?What role will brands, direct bookings, and AI-powered search play in the future of hospitality?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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034: The AI Shift Most Property Managers Are Missing | Sab Mulligan, Arnon Cavaeiro, Chris Sorensen
May 2600:57:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of STR Global Unlocked, we explore what an AI-native property management company really looks like and how AI is already changing operations, guest communication, distribution, PMS systems, scaling, and hospitality brands.Together with Sab Mulligan, Arnon Cavaeiro and Chris Sorensen, we break down why AI is not just another tool or chatbot, but a deeper shift in how short-term rental and hospitality companies operate. The conversation covers where AI is already reducing costs, where it still fails, why human expertise remains essential, and how property managers can prepare for a future where AI, automation, brand, and guest experience become increasingly connected.Questions answered in the episode:What does AI-native property management actually mean?How are leading property management companies already using AI in daily operations?Where can AI reduce costs without damaging the guest experience?Why is the PMS no longer the brain of the business?What happens when broken processes are automated with AI?Where does AI still fail in hospitality and short-term rentals?Should property managers build their own AI tools or work with tech partners?How could AI change travel discovery, direct bookings, and OTA dependency?Why will human connection still matter in an AI-driven hospitality business?What will property management companies look like in the next five years?ResourcesAJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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