Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Real Women of Vacation Rentals," where hosts Alex & Annie sit down with Vered Schwarz, the President and COO of Guesty, to discuss the vacation rental industry, the growth of Guesty, and the future of property management systems (PMS).
A Warm Reunion and Reflection on a Challenging Year
The episode kicks off with a heartfelt reunion, recalling the recent Women's Conference in Nashville and the importance of in-person connections. Vered shares the challenges faced by her country and company over the past year, including dealing with anxiety and the impact of military reserve duties on her team. Despite the hurdles, she reports that everyone is safe and the company is doing well.
Guesty's Growth and Vered's Journey
Vered takes us through her journey with Guesty, from joining a team of 80 to overseeing a global workforce of over 700 across 16 countries. She highlights the company's impressive funding achievements and the excitement of releasing new products and entering new markets. Before Guesty, Vered played pivotal roles in scaling companies like Fiverr, taking them public, and navigating acquisitions and sales.
The Impact of Remote Work and Hybrid Models
The conversation shifts to the evolution of remote work and its impact on the workplace. Vered emphasizes the value of face-to-face interaction but acknowledges the efficiency of remote collaboration. Guesty has adopted a hybrid work model, which Vered believes has increased employee satisfaction and productivity without sacrificing the quality of their output.
Guesty Lite and AI Innovations
Alex & Annie delve into Guesty's latest offerings, including Guesty Lite, a new package designed for hosts with one to three properties. This solution provides the robust features of Guesty Pro but is tailored for smaller users. Vered also discusses the company's foray into AI with the Guesty Reply AI, which suggests responses to guest inquiries with impressive accuracy, saving property managers time and enhancing guest communication.
The Importance of Education and Continuous Learning
Recognizing the need for education in the industry, Vered shares Guesty's commitment to providing resources for new and existing property managers. The Guesty Academy offers a wealth of knowledge, from video tutorials to articles, ensuring users can make the most of the platform and grow their businesses effectively.
Looking Ahead: Industry Consolidation and the Future
Vered shares her insights on the future of the vacation rental industry, predicting continued consolidation among tech companies and property managers. She explains that consolidation can lead to better products and services for clients, as larger companies can invest more in innovation and offer economies of scale.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Vered expressing her passion for the industry and her commitment to supporting her clients' growth. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to her on LinkedIn or through Guesty's contact information for further engagement.
Check out the full episode here:
This podcast episode not only provides a glimpse into the inner workings of a leading PMS but also showcases the resilience and adaptability of women leaders in the vacation rental industry. It's a testament to the power of community, education, and innovation in shaping the future of vacation rentals.
