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In this captivating episode of “Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Tom Goodwin, a seasoned professional in the vacation rental industry, to explore his remarkable journey and the transformative power of community and branding in business.

Tom's Journey:
Discover how Tom's unexpected entry into the vacation rental world, through his wife's family-run business in Gatlinburg, evolved into a thriving venture. His initial 18-month commitment turned into an 11-year commitment, filled with challenges and triumphs.

Community and Branding:
Explore Tom's insights into the profound impact of community involvement and branding in the hospitality industry. Learn how his diverse background seamlessly translated into revitalizing the Mountain Laurel Chalets brand.

Looking to the Future:
Tom shares his excitement for the future, including the acquisition of a new business and plans for a local podcast. Stay tuned as he promises to keep us updated on his journey throughout the year.

Key Takeaways:
💪 Community Resilience: Witness how the Mountain Laurel Chalets community not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity, exemplified by the creation of the "Family First" program after the 2016 Gatlinburg fires.

🍀 Guest Experience Philosophy: Delve into Tom's philosophy on guest experiences and how it influences the company's reputation and customer loyalty.

🤝 Building Lasting Relationships: Uncover the significance of strong relationships with property owners, highlighted by the annual owner meetings that not only retain existing owners but attract new ones, creating a familial atmosphere within the business.

Join us in exploring more stories and insights from the vacation rental industry. Share your thoughts, subscribe, and stay engaged as we continue to learn that success is about more than just the properties we manage—it's about the relationships we build and the communities we serve.

Timestamps:
0:02 Vacation rental industry experience and branding.
4:26 Differentiating vacation rental companies in a crowded market.
7:19 Shifting mentality from scarcity to collaboration in business.
8:30 Hospitality, repeat business, and legacy in the vacation rental industry.
13:17 Legacy, hospitality, and repeat business in a family-owned hotel.
18:15 Simplifying and automating cleaning management for short-term rentals.
22:58 Hosting a successful event for vacation rental owners.
28:13 Property management and owner engagement.
33:37 Pruning properties, acquiring new businesses, and documenting the journey.

Mentioned in this Episode:
Auntie Belham’s
Corey Hawks
David Angotti
Lauren Madewell
Jordan Watts
Trey Barton
Xplorie
Sarah Bradford

Connect with Tom:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trgoodwinmlc/
Website: https://www.mtnlaurelchalets.com/

This episode is brought to you by Turno: the smart way to schedule, pay, and find vacation rental cleaners. Join hosts and property managers worldwide who put their short-term rental and Airbnb cleaning on autopilot with Turno.

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#vacationrentals #galtinburg #hospitality