What if you could turn everyday travelers into a social media content army - one that boosts your visibility, drives direct bookings, and promotes the local experiences your guests already ask about?

In this episode, Mark sits down with Maddie Rifkin, founder & CEO of Mount, to unpack how she’s helping short-term rental operators, property managers, and even mom-and-pop vendors monetize recommendations and go viral without relying on big-budget influencers or OTAs.

They dive into:

• How Mount connects hosts with local vendors & turns recs into revenue
• Why normal travelers often outperform big influencers in content creation
• What it takes to launch your own “content army” and build massive brand awareness
• The truth about follower count vs. post performance
• How one host added $200K in direct bookings with a single viral strategy
• The best platforms to focus on for real ROI in the STR space
• How to prepare for a viral spike so it doesn’t fizzle out

Plus: Maddie reveals what makes a great content creator, how her team trains and deploys stewards across the country, and why now is the best time to build your brand on social media before it’s too late.

If you’re tired of the OTA hamster wheel and want to future-proof your business with better guest experiences, content marketing, and direct booking strategies, this episode is your jump start.

Connect with Maddie: LinkedIn
Learn more about Mount: www.mountlocks.com

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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search

STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 255 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Monday Market Data
Boulder, CO

Airbnb Performance Data
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3 Bedroom

Annual Revenue
50th Percentile: $61,792
75th Percentile: $87,580
90th Percentile: $122,967

Average Daily Rate
50th Percentile: $347
75th Percentile: $445
90th Percentile: $550

Occupancy
50th Percentile: 53%
75th Percentile: 66%
90th Percentile: 78%
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4 Bedroom

Annual Revenue
50th Percentile: $93,943
75th Percentile: $104,806
90th Percentile: $148,924

Average Daily Rate
50th Percentile: $563
75th Percentile: $623
90th Percentile: $706

Occupancy
50th Percentile: 51%
75th Percentile: 59%
90th Percentile: 76%
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5 Bedroom

Annual Revenue
50th Percentile: $92,914
75th Percentile: $152,938
90th Percentile: $195,129

Average Daily Rate
50th Percentile: $664
75th Percentile: $796
90th Percentile: $1,197

Occupancy
50th Percentile: 44%
75th Percentile: 53%
90th Percentile: 60%
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6+ Bedrooms

Annual Revenue
50th Percentile: $279,871
75th Percentile: $300,064
90th Percentile: $422,097

Average Daily Rate
50th Percentile: $1,402
75th Percentile: $1,435
90th Percentile: $1,850

Occupancy
50th Percentile: 56%
75th Percentile: 60%
90th Percentile: 65%
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-Data provided by SummerOS-

Which market do you want to see next?

In this special co-hosted episode of the STR Investing Podcast, Mark Lumpkin and Taylor Jones sit down together for only the second time to deliver a real-time “State of the Union” for short-term rentals in mid-2025.

From front-end data and acquisitions to back-end renovations and management, they share what’s working, what’s not, and where the smart money is moving right now.

You’ll hear:

• Why investors are winning at the ends of the bedroom count spectrum and why 3-4 beds are becoming “no man’s land” in many markets
• How small, niche 1-2 bedroom getaways are rivaling the returns of mega properties
• The rising costs, permitting headaches, and contractor pitfalls impacting renovations
• Why picking the right property manager can make or break your investment
• How the “Big Beautiful Bill” is driving high-income earners into STRs for tax strategy and wealth building
• The design and amenity decisions that actually move the revenue needle
• How to think strategically about interest rates, seasonality, and timing your next purchase

If you want to understand the shifts shaping today’s STR market and how to adapt before you get left behind, this episode is packed with timely insights you can put into action.