Introducing
THRIVE Essentials

The perfect onboarding tool to provide the foundational knowledge for anyone new to vacation rental management.
‍
Find out how the Vacation Rental Formula Business School can help you streamline your staff onboarding and have your new talent ready to THRIVE!
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Feel The Difference
With Vacation Rental Training

The Vacation Rental Formula Business School
offers expert guidance, practical tools, and proven strategies to help short-term rental professionals scale successful, hospitality-centric businesses that thrive in a competitive rental market.
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Heather Bayer
VRF B-School
Director of Education & Training
Photo of Heather Bayer

What is THRIVE?

Trust | Hospitality | Responsibility | Vibrant Environment

Struggling to align your team with their roles in vacation rental management?

The THRIVE Training System is your all-in-one solution!
Build a strong foundation in vacation rental management to empower your team then expand to role-specific training that drives success.

Comprehensive training

THRIVE offers a comprehensive curriculum covering core values, team dynamics, and industry-specific knowledge

Accessibility

The training is designed to be accessible online through desktop or smart devices but then integrated by trained in-house staff members

Individual Certification

Upon completion, team members receive digital certifications applicable to their LinkedIn profiles, enhancing their employability within the industry

Company Certification

Companies completing THRIVE training receive a certified company certification, signaling their commitment to excellence to stakeholders
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Master the Steps To Success For Your Short-Term Rental Business

Build a profitable rental business that stands out using these steps that help vacation rental owners reach a wider audience, increase bookings, and maximize revenue.

From starting out with one property to managing hundreds. These steps are the road map to success.

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Meet The Visionaries
Shaping The Future of Vacation Rentals

Our team of experienced professionals are passionate about helping short-term rental businessowners achieve success.

Heather Bayer

Co-Founder and Director of Training
Vacation Rental Formula
Heather is a 25 year veteran of the short-term rental business, former property manager, and industry expert with over 20 years of experience managing 180 rental properties.

Mike Bayer

Co-Founder and CEO
Vacation Rental Formula
Mike, an adult educator, multi-media creator and STR property maintenance expert has been the producer of our online vacation rental education resources since its inception in 2004.

Jason Beaton

Chief Technology Officer
Vacation Rental Formula
Jason is a digital marketing  and automation expert bringing over 10 years of experience. He excels in streamlining API systems and working with property managers to optimize business functions.
ABout Us
Courses
Podcasts
Articles

Expand your expertise in vacation rental management

Browse our curated course selection and elevate your short-term rental business with expert knowledge and guidance from the best in the industry.

Blog image of people smiling

The First 10 Minutes - A Guide To the Best First Impression

Master the art of creating unforgettable first impressions for your Airbnb short-term rental guests in just a few minutes. From the moment they arrive at your property to the wow factor inside, we cover it all, even the scent! Perfect arrivals start here.
$97
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The Foundations of a Short-Term Rental Business

Revitalize your STR business by providing the necessary skills and practices to adapt to the changing rental market, attract more guests, and increase revenue. 
$297
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Short-Term Rental Entrepreneurship

Identify your entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make informed business decisions and better strategize for success.
$97
View all Courses

The latest from the industry’s top podcast

Tune in to the latest vacation rental insights and discover new strategies and tactics for your STR. Our podcast is the go-to source for vacation rental owners and managers looking to scale their business.

1.4M
Downloads
500+
Episodes
256+
Reviews
Averaging 4.8* on Chartable
View all Podcasts

Articles for STR Business Owners

Since 2005, we’ve been sharing industry news and insights, covering everything from vacation rental trends to property management tips and tricks. Our blog is your one-stop-shop for staying in the know and implementing fresh strategies straightaway to keep your business thriving.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and insights on our blog to stay on top of the game and get the most out of your STR business.

Turning you Inside Out: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of the Vacation Rental Business

Explore the emotional journey of short-term rental owners through the lens of Inside Out 2 characters, with tips on managing guests, owners, and team
$2.99
read more

Addressing the Community Impact of Vacation Rentals: 7 Strategies for Sustainable Integration

Discover 7 ways vacation rental companies can support communities and foster positive relationships to ensure sustainable tourism and long-term succes
$2.99
read more

The Unsung Heroes of Vacation Rental Success: The Importance and Value of Cleaning and Maintenance Teams

Discover the crucial role of cleaning and maintenance teams in vacation rentals and how their recognition enhances guest satisfaction and operational
$2.99
read more
View all articles
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Master the Steps in Revitalizing Your Short-Term Rental Business

Build a profitable rental business that stands out using these steps that help vacation rental owners reach a wider audience, increase bookings, and maximize revenue.

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1. Research and Understand the Short-Term Rental Business
It’s a Business
Make informed decisions and set yourself up for long-term profitability.
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2. Prepare the Property for Rental
Revisiting the Basics
Optimize its layout, decor, and amenities to appeal to renters, while ensuring it’s clean, safe, and well-maintained.
learn more
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3. Create a Vacation Rental Marketing Strategy
Powered Up Marketing
Drive bookings and maximize your rental income. Create a marketing strategy that leverages your branding, listing, and social media to reach potential guests.
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4. Managing the Operations of a Rental Business
Running on Rails
Equip yourself with the tools and strategies you need to streamline your operations.
learn more
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7. Branding & Marketing as a Property Manager
Marketing Mastery
Develop a strong brand identity and create effective marketing campaigns that reach your target audience and drive bookings.
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6. Managing Properties for Others
the pm pro
Navigate the complexities of property management to build a successful and highly-profitable business.
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5. Create a Core Guest Experience Plan
Hospitality First
Deliver exceptional customer service and create memorable experiences for your guests to build a loyal customer base and drive repeat business.
learn more
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8. Attracting Owners
Owner Success
Create compelling value propositions and develop effective outreach strategies to build trust and credibility with property owners to expand your business and increase profitability.
learn more
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9. Effective Financial & Operational  Management
Data & Revenue Ninja
Implement financial and operational systems that maximize profitability, minimize risk, and optimize guest experience to drive long-term success and sustainability.
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10. Hiring & Managing a Team
Finding Talent
Work with a strategic goal for recruiting and hiring the right people to maximize business performance.
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1. Research and Understand the Short-Term Rental Business
hand holding a house
2. Prepare the Property for Rental
megaphone
3. Create a Vacation Rental Marketing Strategy
awards icon
4. Managing the Operations of a Rental Business
two people shaking hands icon
5. Create a Core Guest Experience Plan
hands presenting a house icon
6. Managing Properties for Others
awards icon
7. Branding & Marketing as a Property Manager
two people shaking hands, one has a briefcase
8. Attracting Owners
chart going up icon
9. Effective Financial & Operational  Management
person presenting charts infront of others icon
10. Hiring &Managing a Team

Unlock Your Short-Term Rental Business’ Full Potential

Whether you’re a new owner or an experienced property manager, our Business School provides personalized support and user-friendly courses to help you thrive in the digital age, overcome challenges, increase bookings and rental incomes, and achieve financial success.

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Online Education

Our flexible online education platform accommodates various learning styles and allows you to learn at your own pace and schedule.
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Expert-Led Community

Join our expert-led community, where short-term rental owners can connect, share ideas, and receive guidance from experienced professionals in a supportive environment.
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STRATEGIES NEWSLETTER

Ready to level up your short-term rental game? Subscribe to our newsletter and join our community of savvy industry insiders!
Learn more

Expand your expertise in vacation rental management

Browse our curated course selection and elevate your short-term rental business with expert knowledge and guidance from the best in the industry.

Blog image of people smiling

The First 10 Minutes - A Guide To the Best First Impression

Master the art of creating unforgettable first impressions for your Airbnb short-term rental guests in just a few minutes. From the moment they arrive at your property to the wow factor inside, we cover it all, even the scent! Perfect arrivals start here.
$97
Blog image of people smiling

The Foundations of a Short-Term Rental Business

Revitalize your STR business by providing the necessary skills and practices to adapt to the changing rental market, attract more guests, and increase revenue. 
$297
Blog image of people smiling

Short-Term Rental Entrepreneurship

Identify your entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make informed business decisions and better strategize for success.
$97
Blog image of people smiling

Owner Attraction & Acquisition

The STR Owner Acquisition Formula: Effortlessly Attract and Acquire New Property Owners for Your Management Business
$297
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Owner Onboarding

Provide a smooth personalized onboarding process that caters to your property owners’ unique preferences and needs, resulting in increased satisfaction and loyalty to your brand. 
$297
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The Foundations of Vacation Rental Marketing

Understand your unique selling points and target market to generate more bookings and revenue. 
$297
Blog image of people smiling

Branding Your Business

Identify what makes your business unique and valuable to customers by learning how to create a brand that resonates with your target audience and inspires loyalty.
$197

The latest from the industry’s top podcast

Tune in to the latest vacation rental insights and discover new strategies and tactics for your STR. Our podcast is the go-to source for vacation rental owners and managers looking to scale their business.

1.4M
Downloads
500+
Episodes
256+
Reviews
Averaging 4.8* on Chartable
see more
Photo of a woman holding a tablet.

Articles for STR Business Owners

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and insights on our blog to stay on top of the game and get the most out of your STR business.

Since 2005, we’ve been sharing industry news and insights, covering everything from vacation rental trends to property management tips and tricks. Our blog is your one-stop-shop for staying in the know and implementing fresh strategies straight away to keep your business thriving.

READ MORE