VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1. What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?

My journey started quite organically. While I was living in Vietnam, I began renting out a spare guestroom on Airbnb. What started as a side hustle quickly snowballed into one of the largest short-term rental operations in Ho Chi Minh City, with over 450 managed listings. That rapid growth was exciting but came with its own set of challenges. We relied heavily on manual labor, and without the right tech in place, we faced all the classic operational headaches. Eventually, I exited that business, but it sparked a deep interest in how technology can streamline operations. That curiosity led me to pivot from being an operator to becoming a tech stack consultant. Today, I focus on helping other property managers find the right solutions to scale smarter, not harder.

2. What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

We’re a company built by hosts, for hosts – and that’s not just a catchy line, it’s our core identity. Our founders still actively manage their own properties. Many of our team members started as operators themselves, and that lived experience is woven into everything we do. We know what it’s like to juggle check-ins, manage guest expectations, and troubleshoot tech while also running a business. That’s why our platform isn’t just functional – it’s intuitive, because it was built with the operator’s mindset at the center.

Every product decision is grounded in real-world application. When something isn’t working as it should, we’re often the first to feel it, because we’re using the platform ourselves. What truly sets us apart isn’t just the software, it’s the people behind it. We’re not trying to sell a platform. We’re trying to empower property managers to run better businesses, make smarter decisions, and grow without losing their sanity. That means honest conversations, tailored recommendations, and a product that evolves alongside the people using it. Our edge isn’t just technology – it’s empathy, experience, and a relentless focus on making things work where it counts. Of course, having amazing technology helps, too. We are proud to be awarded the top tier of partnership status from the largest channels in the industry: Airbnb (“Preferred Plus”), Vrbo (“Elite”), Booking.com (“Premier”), and Homes and Villas by Marriot Bonvoy (“Elite”).

3. If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? And looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?

The Vacation Rental World Summit holds a special place for me. Porto was my fourth time attending with Hostfully, and each year it gets better. What really stood out in 2024 were the round-table sessions. I love how the team created space for meaningful conversations, idea-sharing, and learning from others who are equally passionate about this industry. The setup in Porto was especially thoughtful by separating the presentation and round tables from the main expo area allowed us to stay focused without distractions.

Looking ahead to Rome, I’m expecting that same high standard. More than anything, I’m excited to reconnect with peers, see familiar faces, meet customers in person, and build new relationships. These events always leave me recharged and full of new ideas.

4. Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?

Definitely Vietnam. Even though I was born and raised in Germany, I spent over 20 years living in Ho Chi Minh City. That country shaped me in many ways – professionally and personally. It was in Vietnam that I truly learned the meaning of hospitality and saw firsthand how impactful and beautiful this industry can be. It’s also where my career in short-term rentals began. I moved back to Germany last year, but a big part of my heart is still in Vietnam. My wife and I even plan to retire there one day.

5. What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?

I actually love talking about my early missteps. 2 years ago, I spoke at the Strive To Thrive conference in Melbourne about how we built and scaled the largest short-term rental company in Ho Chi Minh City – with methods that were very unconventional. Some of them worked, many didn’t – but those missteps taught me more than any success ever could.

I believe sharing these stories helps others avoid the same pitfalls and opens the door for real conversations.

Oh, and here’s a fun tidbit: we once hosted Airbnb’s co-founder, Nathan Blecharczyk, and gave him a tour of the city on a little scooter, no less. Not your typical startup story!