Welcome to "The Art of Hospitality," where the Operator meets the Philosopher to unravel the intricate tapestry of the vacation rental industry. Led by Conrad O'Connell, the Digital Strategist who turns clicks into bookings, and hosted by Scott Fasano, the "Operator," and Adam Norko, the "Philosopher," our podcast presents a trinity of perspectives that uniquely positions us at the intersection of practical operations, philosophical depth, and digital innovation. We tackle the gamut—marketing strategies, guest relations, property management, and internal operations—all while keeping an eye on the ever-changing landscape of our industry. This isn't just about running a vacation rental management business; it's about mastering the Art of Hospitality, where operational precision and thought leadership intersect to create extraordinary experiences. So, if you're keen on listening to discussions that marry tactical excellence with intellectual depth, all underpinned by game-changing digital strategies, you're in the right place. Join us as we redefine what it means to excel in the vacation rental industry.
In this episode, we break down what many hosts miss when it comes to the in-property experience, how product placement works in vacation/short term rentals, building a business while hosting and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell UpClose MarketingRachel Vigil
11/5/25 • 52:44
In this episode, we chat about PR, brand, building trust, AI and a LOT more with Jessica Gillingham.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Jessica GillinghamAbode PRJessica's Book: Tech-Enabled Hospitality: Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency
10/29/25 • 52:12
In this first ever in-person recording, Conrad O'Connell and Adam Norko pack the mics and go to Las Vegas for VRMA 2025! A HUGE thank you to VRMA for hosting us at the conference and allowing us to cover this critical moment in the industry for our events. We interview four amazing industry experts across OTA, property management and more. Another huge thanks to: JJ King, Alex Alioto, Dennis Goedheid & Jamie Lane.For taking time from their VRMA schedule to record with us. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell VRMA 2025JJ KingAlex AliotoDennis Goedheid Jamie Lane
10/22/25 • 85:43
In this episode, we chat about the "digital sharecroppers" commonly known as the OTAs with Humphrey Bowles, the CEO of Truvi. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Humphrey BowlesTruvi
10/15/25 • 51:54
In this episode, we deal with a tough one: we say goodbye to Scott Fasano, our original co-host as part of the trio. Scott shares about his new non-vacation-rental journey and what he's working on now. It's not goodbye. It's bye for now, Scott! ♥️ ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellScott FasanoScott's Substack
10/8/25 • 30:40
In this episode, we're chatting with Zach Arko from Breezy Vacays to talk investing, areas to consider, buying islands, New Mexico and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellZach ArkoRuidoso CabinsLittle Raccoon KeyMissing Hotel
10/1/25 • 38:21
In this episode, we're chatting with Michael Vialpando of Renjoy to talk all things operations, scaling, growing and headed to the next level in their vacation rental company. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMichael VialpandoRenjoy
9/24/25 • 49:53
In this episode, we're solo dolo again to chat all things marketing, Airbnb changes (taking more of your $$), the four box framework for marketing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
9/17/25 • 56:42
In this episode, we're back with two awesome guests from "Stay" (https://staywithstay.com/): Paul Buonopane & Jeffrey Manheimer to talk all things marketplaces, OTA, direct vs control, platforms, growth, marketing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellPaul BuonopaneJeffrey ManheimerStay
9/10/25 • 52:53
In this episode, we're joined by newly minted "Pioneer" Jodi Refosco of Deep Creek Lake to talk across a wide variety of topics including growing to 500+ units, selling her business, building something new in DCL, previewing VRMA 2025 and a LOT more. Awesome bonus: use promo code ART100 to save $100 on your VRMA Registration if you purchase before September 5th, 2025. Terms apply. https://www.vrma.org/vegasEnjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellVRMA Tickets - use promo code ART100Jodi RefoscoTimber Rock Village
9/3/25 • 52:32
In this episode, we're solo dolo to chat on a grab bag of topics: AI, building apps, tech stack, marketing, how Summer 2025 went in the industry and a lot more! Don't worry - guests return next week. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
8/27/25 • 39:48
In this episode, we're joined by Erin Lenhardt of The Brighthouse to talk building, market focus, design of winning STRs, guest experience, investing and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellThe BrighthouseErin Lenhardt
8/20/25 • 50:35
In this episode, we're joined by Mark Lumpkin of STR Cribs to talk all things, design, returns, performance of commodity listings vs designed listings, where most property managers fail, winning on Airbnb, how to get more bookings with design and a LOT more. Buckle up.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSTR CribsMark Lumpkin
8/13/25 • 54:07
In this episode, we're joined by Amber Knight from BookingsCloud to talk advertising, marketing teams, budget, AI/ML, targeting and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellAmber KnightBookingsCloudEditor's note: we had some minor audio issues during recording.
8/6/25 • 45:03
In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Stahl to talk all about her experience growing a unique stays brand in Alabama, using content creators, generating brand awareness and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellSarah Stahl WebsiteSarah Stahl LinkedIn
7/30/25 • 49:40
In this episode, we're joined by Marisa Grover to talk all things "markets", systems, Airbnb vs direct, working in your own backyard, and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellMarisa GroverFollow Marisa on InstagramHome On The Range
7/23/25 • 54:56
In this episode, we're solo to talk all things marketing, direct booking fees, investment, margin and even more. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell
7/16/25 • 24:06
In this episode, we're joined by Alex Husner AND Chad Blankenship to talk all things growth, marketing vs ops, revenue, pricing, brand building, consulting services for VRMs and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellChad BlankenshipAlex HusnerAlex & Annie PodcastDirectly Alex
7/9/25 • 49:23
In this episode, we're joined by Simon Seroussi from SuiteOp to talk all things operations, software, PMS vs bolt-on tools, running a PM company, tech, investor software companies and more! Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellSuiteOpAbout Simon
7/2/25 • 49:06
In this episode, we're joined by advertising expert Anthony Chiaravallo of Vallo Media to talk all things paid ads, industry experts, growth, focusing on the right channels, data collection and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellVallo MediaAnthony Chiaravallo
6/25/25 • 55:07
In this episode, we're joined (again) to chat again with Matt Landau on his new ventures, Here Goes Nothin, growth, new horizons, focus, investments into people, leadership and a LOT more...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMatt Landau Here Goes Nothin
6/18/25 • 52:57
In this episode, we chat with Shawn Moore of Vodessey on picking the right properties, spending on guest experience, and why the top investors love using property managers...Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellVodesseyShawn MooreVacation Rental Revolution PodcastWhat the Hell Is a Lifestyle Asset?: How To Build Lifestyle & Financial Freedom Investing In Vacation Homes
6/11/25 • 52:37
In this episode, we chat with North Carolina's very own Caleb Hannon on all things growth, scaling a business, partnerships, AI, local hospitality vs service and a LOT more... Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellCaleb HannonStay Lake Norman
6/4/25 • 55:29
In this episode, we bring back Lorraine Woodward to give us an update on all things accessible travel, how the vacation rental industry is embracing accessible properties, how Vrbo is helping and a LOT more!Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellLorraine WoodwardBecoming rentABLEVrbo - More Travel
5/28/25 • 47:37
In this episode, we're joined by industry legend Michelle Marquis and Jessica Singer to talk all things franchise, growth, brand awareness, the future of the industry and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMichelle MarquisJessica Singer Grand Welcome Franchise
5/21/25 • 52:05
In this episode, we're joined by Mike Sebastian who tells us his story on selling his digital marketing agency, investing into Vacation Rentals, moving to better serve guests and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellMike Sebastian Build Your Hideaway
5/14/25 • 53:42
In this episode, we're thrilled to have both Ginger Harrelson & Hunter Harrelson to about their unique path to success in Alabama, regulations, OTAs vs "the little guys" and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellHunter Harrelson Ginger Harrelson
5/7/25 • 55:06
In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined again by Pierre-Camille Hamana of Hospitable to talk about product features, new pricing tools, building for Vacation Rental hosts and managers and a LOT more...Enjoy! ⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellPierre-Camille HamanaHospitable
4/30/25 • 55:09
In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Fonvielle from Atlantic Vacation Homes on growth, marketing, brand, a long company and local history and a lot more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellJonathan Fonvielle Atlantic Vacation Homes
4/23/25 • 43:20
In this episode, we chat with Blendi Muriqi on building teams, delegation, short-term rental staffing needs, AI vs personal touch and a LOT more.Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoScott FasanoConrad O'ConnellBlendi MuriqiDelegate.co
4/16/25 • 50:55
