The Boostly Podcast: Episode Summary Episode: The Guest Journey, Automated — Discover Enso Connect for STR Hosts
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Mark Simpson
Guest: Francois, Co-Founder of Enzo Connect

1. Introduction to the Episode

Mark Simpson welcomes listeners to a special episode of The Boostly Podcast, hosted on the new platform Crowdcast. He introduces Francois, the co-founder of Enzo Connect, highlighting his impressive background and the value he brings to the discussion.

Notable Quote:

Mark (00:00): "I've known this chap now for coming on three years now, right. And every single time that I chat to Francois I'm always impressed. I learn a lot."

2. Background of Enzo Connect

Francois provides an insightful overview of Enzo Connect, detailing its inception and evolution. Founded post-university during the COVID-19 pandemic, Enzo Connect focuses on transforming the guest experience in the short-term rental (STR) industry by leveraging technology.

Key Points:

• Mission: Digitize and monetize the guest experience at scale without losing the personal touch.
• Education: Francois studied computer science with a focus on computational linguistics and later pursued a master's in entrepreneurship.
• Objective: Increase revenue per guest, save operational time, and enhance five-star bookings through data-driven strategies.

Notable Quote:

Francois (01:15): "Our mission is simple, to digitize and monetize the guest experience at scale. So how do you make the entire guest journey a digital one without really losing that personal touch?"

3. Strategies to Make More by Doing Less in Vacation Rentals

The core theme revolves around optimizing operations to generate more revenue with less effort. Francois emphasizes the importance of automating guest interactions and strategically implementing upsells.

Key Points:

• Addressing common objections from property managers about implementing upsells.
• Introducing new revenue streams beyond basic bookings.
• Utilizing guest data to understand and cater to specific guest needs.

4. AI and Automation as Teammates

Francois delves into the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the hospitality sector. He highlights how AI can handle routine tasks, allowing property managers to focus on revenue-generating activities.

Key Points:

• AI Benefits: Enhances performance, increases speed, and boosts excitement while reducing frustration among users.
• Applications: Automating responses to common guest queries (e.g., Wi-Fi passwords) and managing guest communications efficiently.
• Outcomes: Higher booking conversions, increased guest satisfaction, and significant revenue growth.

Notable Quote:

Francois (08:30): "AI can handle the mundane and can flag when human intervention is required. It's about being proactive and anticipating what the guest wants at the right time, for the right price, and for the right person."

5. Enzo Connect's New Features: Inbox 3.0 and Beyond

Francois introduces Enzo Connect's latest product update, Inbox 3.0, designed to streamline and enhance guest communication.

Key Features:

• Inbox Zero: Aiming to keep the message inbox clear by categorizing and managing tasks effectively (00:09:10).
• Enzo Autopilot: Automates drafting responses and will be available for free for new sign-ups.
• AI Sentiment Analysis: Proactively gauges the tone of guest conversations to address issues before they escalate.
• Configurability: Adapts to various property management systems (PMS) to maintain consistency across different operations.

Notable Quote:

Francois (09:27): "Answering your guest messages is not the human touch that they're looking for. They're looking for a response to their question. The human touch is the personalization that you can drive throughout the guest experience."

6. Upsell Tactics and Revenue Streams

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on implementing effective upsell strategies to maximize revenue without overwhelming operations.

Key Strategies:

• Operational Upsells: Services like early check-ins, late checkouts, and midstay cleanings.
• Experiential Upsells: Unique offerings such as local experiences, transportation services, and specialized tours.
• Data-Driven Personalization: Understanding guest profiles to tailor upsell offers that resonate with their specific needs and preferences.

Notable Quote:

Francois (15:00): "Grabbing $50 extra on every single reservation can represent for certain property managers an increase of 30 to 40% in gross margins."

7. Experiential Upsells: Real-World Examples

Francois shares compelling examples of successful experiential upsells implemented by Enzo Connect's clients, demonstrating the tangible benefits of personalized guest experiences.

Examples:

• Restaurant Partnerships: Collaborating with local eateries to offer exclusive dining experiences.
• Telescope Rentals for Events: Providing specialized equipment for unique events like eclipses, enhancing guest stays.

Notable Quotes:

Francois (28:43): "My favorite one is a partnership with restaurants. You recommend your favorite place and offer it as a top option in your guidebooks with a tracking code."

Francois (29:57): "A telescope rental during the eclipse was a brilliant upsell. All the bookings in that region were specifically to see the eclipse."

8. Impact of Airbnb’s New Policies

The conversation shifts to Airbnb's recent policy updates and their implications for property managers and platforms like Enzo Connect.

Key Points:

• Policy Changes: Introduction of honest and fair pricing, elimination of hidden fees, and stricter regulations on off-platform transactions.
• Enzo Connect's Response: Emphasizing optionality in upsells and ensuring compliance with new regulations while continuing to provide value to property managers.
• Market Behavior: Airbnb's shift towards becoming a comprehensive travel marketplace, influencing how guests plan and book their stays.

Notable Quote:

Francois (24:24): "Airbnb is moving more into the actual management of your property without actually becoming a property manager. They're building a moat around their business."

9. Future Plans and Closing Remarks

Francois outlines Enzo Connect's vision for the future, focusing on expanding their guest experience platform and enhancing their product offerings.

Key Points:

• Positioning: As the "Zendesk of hospitality," aiming to be a multi-channel inbox that integrates seamlessly with various PMS.
• Expansion: Continuous development of features like the boarding pass and guidebooks to enrich guest interactions.
• Engagement: Encouraging listeners to connect via LinkedIn, Twitter, and their website for more information and support.

Notable Quote:

Francois (35:21): "Our mantra is, 'Every problem has a solution.' We aim to bring Zen to your guest experience through our platform."

10. Final Thoughts

Mark wraps up the episode by thanking Francois and encouraging listeners to engage with Enzo Connect through various channels. The episode concludes with a motivational note from Francois, emphasizing resilience and problem-solving.

Notable Quote:

Francois (36:15): "Every problem has a solution."

Conclusion

This episode of The Boostly Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of how Enzo Connect empowers STR hosts to enhance guest experiences and increase revenue through smart automation and strategic upsells. Francois's insights into AI integration, personalized service offerings, and navigating industry changes provide valuable takeaways for property managers seeking to optimize their operations and maximize profitability.

For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit enzoconnect.com and follow Francois on LinkedIn and Twitter.