David Angotti, a seasoned entrepreneur and the Chief Evangelist at Guesty joins us this week to discuss his journey into the world of short term rentals. Starting from humble beginnings without relying on traditional investments like 401ks or mutual funds, they delve into the real essence of building a successful business in short-term rentals, emphasizing the significance of work ethic, consistency, and strategic thinking. David shares his journey from launching and scaling a property management company in the Smokies, building a successful direct booking website, to eventually establishing a full-blown OTA (Online Travel Agency), demonstrating the power of innovation and customer-focused strategies. He provides valuable insights into the algorithms of OTAs, the importance of optimizing listings for better visibility, and how strategic actions can significantly impact your business's success on platforms like Airbnb. The conversation also covers David's personal philosophy on achieving balance and living a fulfilled life, showcasing the blend of professional drive and personal passions that has guided his success in the short-term rental industry.

00:00 The Journey Begins: Setting Realistic Goals and Work Ethic

00:17 Introducing Short Term Rental Nation: The Unconventional Path to Freedom

01:06 Catching Up: Life Updates and Future Plans

02:56 From Property Management to Building an OTA: David Angadi's Story

07:30 The Evolution of a Property Management Company

16:23 Creating a Successful OTA: Strategies and Insights

20:55 The Importance of Book Direct and Understanding OTAs

22:13 Scaling Success in the Smoky Mountains

23:25 Expanding Horizons: Florida and Hawaii Ventures

23:34 The Acquisition by Guesty and Its Impact

24:07 Deep Dive into OTA Strategies and Metrics

27:40 Maximizing Airbnb's Algorithm for Success

34:27 Transitioning to a Role at Guesty

36:27 Trends and Insights from the Field

38:47 Balancing Life, Work, and Extraordinary Goals

44:05 Final Thoughts on Success in Short-Term Rentals

David Angotti's Bio

David Angotti is a serial entrepreneur who founded and exited an EdTech startup, consulted with Fortune 100 brands, wrote for Search Engine Journal, and recently sold one of the fastest-growing property management brands in the country. He is currently laser-focused on developing the StaySense Amplify product into a legitimate Airbnb alternative for hosts, co-hosts, and property managers. In addition to StaySense Amplify, he owns multiple niche OTAs, owns properties in several locales, and built a purpose-built neighborhood in the Smoky Mountains. David’s primary strengths are business development, branding, high-level marketing, search engine optimization, and public relations. In addition to his business background, he was a commercial pilot for NetJets and is certified to fly the fastest passenger jet in the world.

Connect with David

https://davidangotti.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidangotti/

https://twitter.com/DavidAngotti

Connect with the Hosts

https://linktr.ee/mikesjogren

Emanuele Pani:

Ep 191 - Living an Epic Life with David Angotti

Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast