Speakers

STR SECRETS

Michael is a husband, father, investor, entrepreneur, CPA, mentor, podcast host (Short Term Rental Secrets) and short term rental expert. Michael is also the founder of Short Term Rental Secrets, a mentorship program to help new and seasoned real estate investors launch, automate & scale their short term rental portfolio to fast track their financial freedom. He currently has a portfolio of 82 short-term rentals across three states including 2 boutique hotels on Boston’s north shore. Michael also co-founded the industry’s largest host-driven conference - STR Wealth Con. 

STR SEARCH

Taylor Jones is the Head of Acquisitions for STR Search and has helped investors acquire over 200+ cash flowing Short Term Rentals the past 3 years across the US. As a washed up baseball player, underwriting deals and evaluating numbers on a daily basis fits in well with his background. Buying top performing Short Term Rentals is all about the numbers and making data backed decisions is critical for investing success. When Taylor isn't sourcing STRs, you can find him on the golf course or talking to investors on his podcast (STR Investing, The Podcast)

SHORT TERM GEMS

Dr. Rachel, originally from Haiti, possesses an unwavering drive to make a difference. As a doctor raised in Miami burdened by 500K in student loans, she embarked on a relentless journey to pay them off. Discovering the immense potential of AirBNB STR and MTR investing, she achieved a remarkable return through short-term rental estate rentals. Today, Dr. Rachel adeptly balances her roles as a owner/manager of 18 STR/ MTR luxury rentals, devoted wife, mother, and real estate coach. Her passion lies in helping professionals create a fulfilling life through lifestyle real estate investing, believing that just two properties can make a significant impact. Her expertise and captivating story have even landed her a feature on Netflix, showcasing her remarkable achievements.

RENT RESPONSIBLY - CO-FOUNDER & CEO

DDavid Krauss is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rent Responsibly where he leads a passionate team creating the short-term rental industry’s first community-building and education platform. David discovered his hospitality and entrepreneurial genes through becoming an STR host 2012. Before hanging up the keys in 2019, he was honored as one of the longest-tenured Superhosts in the world. Early in his hosting journey, an incident with loud guests inspired him to co-found NoiseAware, a “smoke detector for noise.” Through this work, he met thousands of passionate STR hosts and managers who wanted to build a local STR community but lacked the tools or support to do so. In 2019, he and his co-founder, Alexa, decided to take the lead in creating the industry’s first community-building and education platform. That platform is Rent Responsibly.

TIMONEY KNOX, LLC

Eric is a partner with the mid-sized law firm Timoney Knox, LLP and serves as chair of its Litigation Group.  He has been practicing litigation, with a focus on real estate litigation, since 1998.  Eric attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA and Dickinson Law School in Carlisle, PA.  He became President of the Montgomery Bar Association in 2017.  Eric's practice takes him to counties throughout the Commonwealth and all of its regions.  His real estate litigation practice includes Short-Term Rental rights, property restrictions, easements, adverse possession, quiet title and partition, and related disputes.  Eric also practices in the area of commercial litigation and business disputes.  He has been recognized by Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars® since 2005. Eric was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley just minutes from the Appalachian Trail and loves a good hike in the Mountains of Pennsylvania.   

HOSPITABLE - VP Sales and Partnerships

Derek has been a STR/MTR operator in the north Atlanta, GA market for 10 years, managing 16 properties while maintaining a W-2 job using Hospitable.com. I got into real-estate because I hated seeing so much of my W-2 income go to taxes and real-estate was the ticket to keep the money I was earning. Today at Hospitable I lead sales, onboarding, and customer success so I see what separates the best of the best STR/MTR operators daily and I love to share those insights!

REDSTONE RUN REALTY - President

Xander grew up in Cherry Valley, Stroudsburg, PA, learning from his father, Bruce, who developed thousands of homes in the region. After college, he returned home to co-found Redstone Run Realty with his family in 2011. Following his father’s passing in 2022, Xander became President in 2023, leading operations and vision for the largest fully independent brokerage in the Poconos. Xander has overseen over 250 home flips, long-term investments, and 150+ STR transactions, making him a leading expert in the Poconos market. As the region’s top sales agent, he manages 150+ transactions annually. Redstone Run Realty, with its skilled team and full-service approach, completes over 300 deals yearly, offering clients unmatched market insights and resources. Living in downtown Stroudsburg with his wife, Deisi, and their daughters, Xander balances running the firm with family time, enjoying hikes and relaxing weekends.

SAVVY STR AGENTS

Michael has 10+ years experience in the short term rental industry and specializes in helping investors buy and sell short term rentals in the Poconos, PA. He's grown his own portfolio of STRs in the Poconos and uses his experience to help his clients exceed expectations.  Previously he led Business Development at onefinestay, a short term rental operator with 2,000+ luxury properties in NYC, LA, Miami, Hamptons, and Hudson Valley that was acquired by Accor Hotels for $170M. Before that, he worked in finance and venture capital at Canaan, a $5B AUM venture investor based in San Francisco, CA.

PRICELABS

Monique DeLorenzo is a Solutions Consultant with PriceLabs, a revenue management tool for vacation and short term rental property managers which provides users with data-driven dynamic pricing and powerful market insights. Monique began her career in various sales positions but found her passion in the vacation rental industry after becoming a host herself. She has been with PriceLabs since September 2022 and now helps vacation rental owners and property managers implement pricing and minimum stay strategies to maximize revenue.

WANDER HOME

Prior to creating Wander Home. Nate enjoyed a 12 year long career in multi-family real estate development and construction management in Washington DC. Nate has overseen the on-time and on-budget completion of over 3000 apartments in mixed-use commercial buildings. He has a dual degree in civil engineering and sustainable construction management from SUNY ESF/Syracuse University where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Nate loves working with people, solving complex challenges, and creating streamlined systems and operations that improve Wander Home's hospitality and partner services. When he is not working, Nate loves to spend time with his friends and family, rooting for Philadelphia sports teams, running, hiking, biking, playing volleyball, traveling the world, and working in his vegetable garden.

STAY BOOKED - Co-Founder & President

With 15 years of experience in real estate, technology, and project management, Andrew oversees daily operations of Stay Booked’s property management and property acquisition businesses. Andrew is passionate about bringing unique properties to life that provide memorable experiences to guests and superb financial returns to their owners. Additionally, Andrew is responsible for managing vendor relationships and ensuring that every member of our team feels trusted, respected, and appreciated.

MRS. DOMESTIC SERVICES

Colleen Dykas, the founder of Mrs. Domestic Services, established her first cleaning company in 1993. With over 25 years of experience, Mrs. Domestic Services is the premier cleaning service in the Poconos, specializing in STR rental cleaning and maintenance. Committed to providing reliable and outstanding service, Mrs. Domestic Services prioritizes the well-being of guests, clients and staff. Through continuous training and certification in infection prevention and disinfection, including COVID-19 best practices, the company ensures a safe and sanitized environment. Moreover, Mrs. Domestic Services gives back to the community by partnering with Cleaning For A Reason, offering free house cleaning for women battling cancer. Fully insured and dedicated to client satisfaction, Mrs. Domestic Services sweeps success into everyday lives.

BAREFOOT TECHNOLOGIES - CEO

Edward Ulmer is the CEO of Barefoot Technologies, a cutting-edge system with over 20 years of innovation in the industry. With an average client size of 215 units and a 95% retention rate, Barefoot stands out as the gold standard for trust accounting and is consultative in nature. Before joining Barefoot, Ed served as Executive Director for Destination Plymouth, MA, and the Bar Harbor Area Association, managing tourism for both towns. He also worked as Marketing Director for a Pyramid Mall property, where he entered the real estate and rentals world. A licensed real estate professional in NH and MA for 25 years, Ed has handled sales and rentals across vacation, seasonal, long-term, and commercial properties. He serves on the Board of Directors for Prime MLS and the Executive Board of the Capitol Board of Realtors. Ed's extensive experience includes tourism consulting, setting up a Duck Boat business, teaching hospitality and tourism courses at Quincy College, and delivering seminars on topics like revenue management and guerrilla marketing. As the 2025 Chairman of the VRMA Membership Committee, he continues to contribute to various VRMA initiatives, including Supplier Advocacy and Event Strategy.

GALVANIZED MANAGEMENT

Jeremiah started his professional career in the Poconos as a Math teacher. Trained to find patterns and to be a systems thinker he approaches real estate investing like an educator. Jeremiah became a landlord before he was 30 years old and continues to practice real estate in an effort to elevate the living conditions in the Pocono region. Jeremiah owns and operates a property management brokerage which employs 10 full time and 3 part time employees with over 120 units under active management.

HOSTGPO

Alicia Buerger is the Strategic Accounts Manager at HostGPO, specializing in sourcing, procurement, and project management support. She has successfully procured all FF&E and OS&E for over 700 short-term rental properties.

OWERREZ

STR Owner and Father of two children. In my free time I enjoy watching my son's competitive soccer matches, and my daughters dance recitals.

BREEZEWAY

Paige Curasi is a Global Sales & Enablement Specialist at Breezeway, where she’s committed to helping short-term rental hosts craft unforgettable guest experiences by streamlining their operations. Exposed to property management at a young age, Paige understands the challenges and opportunities that arise within this ever-evolving industry. When she’s not equipping hosts with tools for success, you can find her exploring Earth’s natural wonders and vibrant cities, attending concerts, or spending quality time with her family, friends, and adventurous dog!

GUESTY

Tom has over 30 years of experience in the real estate space, managing both short and long-term rentals, which has led to an expert understanding of the vacation rental tech landscape. Having successfully scaled his own vacation rental management company, he understands the challenges property managers face at all stages of the journey and offers invaluable insights into what it takes to run a rental business at the highest level.

ACRE AND ESTATE - Local Realtor

Heather's deep roots in the Pocono Mountains stem from her upbringing in a community her family has called home for decades. Growing up amidst the evolution of the region, she developed a profound appreciation for the local landscape and the real estate industry, which has been part of her life since childhood. In 2024, Heather was voted the #1 Agent in the Poconos, reflecting her dedication and expertise in assisting buyers, sellers, and investors. Her hands-on experience as a short-term rental property owner and manager adds valuable insights into property management and market dynamics, further enhancing her ability to serve her clients. With a strong foundation in local knowledge and a passion for real estate, Heather excels in analyzing market trends and guiding clients toward smart, strategic decisions. Whether selling homes or securing income-generating properties, Heather is a trusted partner for navigating the Pocono market.

MB CAPITAL SOLUTIONS

Nick DiFederico launched his entrepreneurial journey in 2004 by establishing his own mortgage brokerage right out of high school. In 2007, he expanded his endeavors by founding a jewelry wholesaling business, quickly earning recognition as one of the leading buyers of precious metals in the tristate area. By 2015, Nick’s experience as a small business owner led him to collaborate with MB Capital Solutions as he began to invest in real estate. Inspired by the transformative coaching and guidance he received, he joined the company in 2017 as Lead Funding Strategist. Leveraging his extensive background as a business owner and real estate investor, Nick helps clients grasp the significance of credit and capital positioning, empowering them to achieve sustained long-term success.

RUEBARUE - CEO

Nars Krishnamachari, founder and CEO of RueBaRue, is transforming the vacation rental industry with an innovative communication platform. RueBaRue empowers vacation rental companies with smart text messaging, AI tools, and digital guestbooks with add-ons and payments to enhance guest experiences, maximize revenue, and streamline operations.

REST EASY PEST CONTROL

Jeffrey White holds a B.S. from Rutgers University, an M.S. in entomology from the University of Florida, and is a Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) recognized by the Entomological Society of America. With over 18 years of experience, he is a leading expert in bed bug management, having developed innovative products such as the SenSci BlackOut Detector and SenSci Activ Bed Bug Lure. In 2015, he was named one of the National Pest Management Association’s “Next Generation of Leaders.” White has presented at major industry events, including the National Pest Management Association and the Entomological Society of America, and has appeared on media platforms like ABC's The View and NBC’s Today Show. He created BedBug TV, an educational video series with nearly six million views worldwide. As owner of White Mantis Consultants, White develops pest control training programs, advises on pest infestations, and speaks on pest management topics. He also serves as COO of Rest Easy Pest Control, operating in NY, NJ, and PA.

TRUVI – Head of Sales

Cali is a passionate leader in the short-term rental tech space, known for her hands-on approach to sales growth, industry innovation, and helping property managers streamline operations. With a background in both SaaS and property management, she blends strategic thinking with real-world experience to drive meaningful connections and solutions.In the evolving world of short-term rental risk management, Cali is a strong advocate for fair, data-driven screening and protection solutions. She believes relying on gut feelings or outdated methods leaves property managers exposed to unnecessary risks, financial loss, and operational setbacks. By leveraging modern screening, damage protection, and safety tools, she helps hosts create safer, more trustworthy, and scalable rental businesses while promoting inclusivity and fairness in the industry.

TRUVI - Sales Enablement & Product Expert

Danielle is a trusted resource in the short-term rental industry, known for her genuine, solutions-driven approach and ability to build strong, lasting connections. As a Sales Enablement & Product Expert at Truvi, she works directly with hundreds of property managers and hosts, helping them implement risk management strategies that protect their businesses.Danielle takes a strategic yet hands-on approach to solving industry challenges, combining her deep understanding of screening, damage protection, and operational efficiency to create tailored solutions for every client. Passionate about empowering STR professionals with the right tools, she ensures that hosts and property managers can operate with greater confidence, security, and peace of mind.

VACASA

I am a licensed Realtor in Pennsylvania and Delaware and have been with Vacasa as a Sales Executive and Regional Sales Manager since 2019. Currently I work with owners throughout the Northeast who are looking for rental management options.

RED COTTAGE - CEO

Matthew Orley is the CEO of Red Cottage, a premier vacation rental management platform. Under Matthew’s leadership, Red Cottage has built a reputation as a leader in the vacation rental space for their exceptional portfolio of homes, and industry-leading direct and repeat booking rates through their innovative guest membership program. With a deep understanding of both hospitality and real estate, Matthew is at the forefront of shaping the future of vacation rentals by blending high-touch service, technology, and innovative growth strategies.

CARR REALTY

Cindy Knecht is the Broker/Owner of Carr Realty of the Poconos, a family-run real estate business with over 60 years serving buyers and sellers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She is a Director of the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors, Chair of the Short Term Rental Committee, and a member of the Government Affairs and Public Policy Committees. Cindy is also active in the Pocono Chamber of Commerce. Cindy’s connection to the Poconos began in childhood, vacationing with her family before moving there full-time. She started working for her father in the 1990s, learning the real estate market and the value of personal service. Cindy carries on the family tradition, blending sales and property management with a focus on customer satisfaction, fostering lifelong client relationships.

TECHVESTOR

Sief Khafagi is an ex techie turned real estate investor who has helped thousands invest into real estate. Today, he’s the founder of Techvestor, the institutional leader in STR Asset Management with 150+ acquisitions under their belt and a $100M+ STR portfolio that hosts more than 125,000+ guests per year across 8+ markets. 

VINTORY

Brooke Pfautz is a leading expert in the short-term vacation rental industry, known for his innovative strategies in inventory growth. He authored two Amazon bestsellers, including "Vacation Rental Secrets" and "From 0 to 500 Properties in 5 Years," both widely recognized in the industry. Brooke's career began in 2007 with founding of Vantage Resort Realty, rapidly expanding it to over 500 properties in five years. He later played a key role in enhancing inventory for various major vacation rental brands as Chief Business Development Officer. Currently, Brooke heads Vintory, the first specialized Sales and Marketing Platform for Short-Term Vacation Rental Managers, contributing to the growth of over 800 companies. He also founded Comparent, the foremost marketplace connecting vacation rental homeowners with professional managers, listing over 5,000 companies at launch, thereby creating the largest such platform worldwide.

Brenda Figueroa is a psychologist by trade, but an entrepreneur at her core, driven by a passion for short-term rentals and home flipping. As the owner of multiple thriving properties in the Poconos, she specializes in curating unique, one-of-a-kind stays that captivate guests both in the U.S. and abroad. With a relentless commitment to raising the bar in the STR community, Brenda is not only an accomplished investor and builder, but also the proud host and mentor behind Pocono Excellence. This powerful group of female STR owners in the Poconos is a testament to Brenda’s dedication to empowering others, inspiring them to reach their short-term rental dreams all while hosting with heart and purpose.

As a seasoned corporate tax accountant, Juana brings a unique blend of financial acuity and real estate expertise to the short-term rental industry. She owns and operates a diverse portfolio of properties across the Poconos, New Jersey, and the Dominican Republic. With 8 years of experience as a short-term rental Superhost, Juana has honed skills in property management, listing optimization, and guest experience excellence. Those expertise extend beyond profitable short-term rentals, as she has successfully navigated the complexities of real estate development and flipping. As part of Pocono Excellence, she shares her knowledge insights and best practices with fellow hosts, mentoring both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the short-term rental space.

MONROE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - LEAD SENIOR PLANNER

Eric Koopman is the Lead Senior Planner for the Monroe County Planning Commission and a Board Member for the Monroe County Transit Authority. He graduated with honors from Bloomsburg University with a degree in Geography and an emphasis in Regional and Urban Planning. After joining the planning commission as an intern, he has been with the office for 18 years. In that time, he has developed the County’s Model Ordinance for Short Term Rentals and has facilitated its implementation throughout the region. Eric currently lives in downtown Stroudsburg and has been a Monroe County resident for over 30 years.

SEO, Soil Scientist

Experienced field soil scientist with 49 years of experience working in the environmental profession. Eleven years of public health experience and 38 years experience as a consultant in land application and treatment of wastewater, soil classification, alluvial soil studies, storm water infiltration and wetland delineations. Adjunct instructor in Soil Science since 1992 at Delaware Valley University.