Established in 2024, our mission is to offer vibrant, comfortable spaces that foster connections and create unforgettable experiences. We currently have our first location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, listed on Find homes on Airbnb.
Founder’s Bio: Madelynn Duffield is currently an MBA student at Western Carolina University, expected to be graduating this coming Spring 2025. She graduated from WCU December 2023 with a BSBA in Entrepreneurship Innovation Leadership. She has a steady focus on entrepreneurship as a collective study, with aspirations in real estate and rental properties. This site and the following post are dedicated to entrepreneurial studies and classwork throughout her MBA journey. The content displayed under the ‘May’s Realty’ section, as well as within this post depicts potential career aspirations. This is Madelynn’s way of immersing academic journey within my prospective career endeavors.
Core Message: Our mission is to provide a funky, fresh, and celebrational experience for those looking to alleviate stress, relax, reconnect, and have fun.
Service Description: Our marketing strategy and property designs will be centered around friendly gatherings, opposed to family vacations and outings. We strive to serve as a unique and exciting space for bachelorette parties, friend reunions, girls’ trips, and birthday events.
Process Description: Our properties will be listed through Find homes on Airbnb. The design features will display strong feminine energy and buoyancy. Our properties will be marketed as a brand. As we expand, our numerous properties (featured across various cities) will not be marketed as individual spaces for people to rent. Instead, they will be portrayed as a brand, a line of properties, all interconnected.
THE FOLLOWIING PRESENTS A HYPOTHETICAL STORY
PRESS RELEASE—
From Heartbreak to Unforgettable: How May’s Rentals Turned Disappointing Bachelorette Plans into a Celebration of Friendship
August 9, 2024 – [Philadelphia, PA] – In a twist of fate that could have turned a much-anticipated bachelorette party into a disappointment, May’s Rentals turned a challenging situation into a celebration of friendship, joy, and laughter.
[Name], a 26-year-old marketing executive from Philadelphia, had been eagerly planning her bachelorette party for months. She envisioned a weekend filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories with her closest friends. However, just weeks before the big day, [Name]’s fiancé called off their engagement, leaving her heartbroken and questioning the future of her bachelorette celebration.
Amidst the emotional whirlwind, [Name] decided to proceed with the plans she had so meticulously organized. Her friends rallied around her, encouraging her to embrace the weekend as a celebration of their friendship and resilience. Enter May’s Rentals, the company known for its vibrant, women-centric vacation homes designed to elevate gatherings and foster connection.
The group arrived at one of May’s Rentals’ newly launched properties—a stunning home known for its eclectic decor and inviting spaces. The house, with its bold colors and quirky furnishings, seemed to wrap them in a warm embrace, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend.
The Weekend Unfolds:
- Setting the Scene: The property, a vibrant haven adorned with artistic touches and spacious social areas, provided the perfect backdrop for their gatherings. The expansive living room became the heart of their weekend, filled with laughter, late-night talks, and impromptu dance parties.
- Reconnecting and Healing: The weekend was not just about celebrating; it was a time for [Name] and her friends to reconnect and support each other. May’s Rentals’ thoughtful design, including comfortable seating areas and a fully equipped kitchen, made it easy for them to bond over shared meals and heartfelt conversations.
- Joy and Celebration: Despite the emotional turbulence leading up to the event, the group found joy in every moment. From a surprise spa day to a DIY craft night, May’s Rentals’ home became a sanctuary where they could create new, joyful memories and celebrate their enduring friendship.
“May’s Rentals didn’t just provide us with a beautiful place to stay; they gave us an environment where we could heal, reconnect, and celebrate our friendship in style,” [Name] shared. “What could have been a devastating experience turned into a weekend of support, laughter, and unforgettable moments. I’m so grateful for the experience.”
Madelynn Duffield, Founder and CEO of May’s Rentals, expressed her joy in being a part of [Name]’s story: “We’re honored that our properties could be a part of such a meaningful experience. Our goal is to create spaces that foster joy and connection, and we’re thrilled to hear that [Name] and her friends found comfort and celebration in our home.”
May’s Rentals is committed to offering more than just vacation homes; they create environments that turn challenges into cherished memories. For more information or to book your own memorable escape, visit https://entea.info/references/mays-realty/.
About May’s Rentals:
May’s Rentals, established in 2024, is dedicated to providing unique, design-forward vacation homes tailored for women’s gatherings. Our mission is to offer vibrant, comfortable spaces that not only provide a place to stay but also foster connections and create unforgettable experiences.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE–
May’s Rentals Launches Vibrant Vacation Homes Tailored for Women Gatherings
Bringing Unique, Stylish Escapes for Unforgettable Experiences with Friends
August 4, 2024 – [Philadelphia, PA] – May’s Rentals is delighted to announce the debut of its exclusive collection of vacation homes, meticulously designed to cater to women’s gatherings. Perfect for bachelorette parties, girls’ weekends, or rejuvenating retreats, May’s Rentals offers a range of properties that combine funky, fresh designs with unparalleled comfort.
With a commitment to creating memorable and stylish getaways, May’s Rentals presents a selection of homes featuring eclectic decor, modern amenities, and inviting spaces. Each property is designed to inspire joy, creativity, and fun, making every gathering a special occasion.
Key Highlights of May’s Rentals:
- Distinct Design Aesthetic: Our properties are renowned for their bold, artistic interiors that seamlessly blend vibrant colors and quirky furnishings with sophisticated touches. Experience a space where every detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance your stay.
- Tailored for Women’s Gatherings: At May’s Rentals, we prioritize amenities that cater to women’s needs, including spacious social areas perfect for bonding and group activities.
- Prime Locations: Our vacation homes are situated in top destinations that offer both urban adventure and vibrant local culture, ensuring a perfect balance between the art of staying in and the art of going out.
“We are thrilled to offer women a unique space where they can unwind, celebrate, and connect,” said Madelynn Duffield, Founder and CEO of May’s Rentals. “Our goal is to provide more than just a place to stay; we want to create an environment that fosters joy, comfort, and meaningful connections. Each property reflects our dedication to style and hospitality.”
May’s Rentals is now open for bookings at its newly launched properties. For more information or to reserve your stylish vacation rental, visit https://entea.info/references/mays-realty/.
About May’s Rentals:
May’s Rentals is an innovative vacation rental company specializing in unique, design-forward properties tailored to women’s gatherings. Established in 2024, our mission is to offer vibrant, comfortable spaces that foster connections and create unforgettable experiences.
Top 30 List:
The following list was gathered from Top 70+ Short-Term Rental Influencers to Follow in 2023 (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and more) : Wheelhouse Blog (usewheelhouse.com)
1. Richard Vaughton
- Current role: As the co-founder of an EU rental management company, he saw it expand to greater than 900 contracted properties during his tenure there, and now teaches other property owners how to scale their rental income.
2. Eric Mason
- Current role: His primary goal in business is to close the gap between traditional and emerging companies. He’s passionate about start-ups, Airbnb, innovation, and mentoring, and works as an advisor for several organizations. He’s also the founder of the largest professional vacation rental LinkedIn group (with more than 15K+ members).
3. Easton Hill
- Current role: His company works tirelessly to lease, sublet, and furnish turnkey rentals and other similar properties in the greater Phoenix metro area, and he blogs about the entire process with a minimum of five posts per week.
4. Wil Slickers
- Current role: As the founder of Hospitality.FM and the co-founder and CHO at Recreation Rentals, he is undoubtedly one of the top short-term rental influencers to follow on LinkedIn. Slicker’s personal motto is “Exceeding Expectations and Creating Destinations”.
5. Mark Simpson
- Current role: The Book Direct Guy – and for good reason. He found his footing in helping high-profile companies such as Airbnb increase their direct bookings, but as the founder of Boostly, his sights are set also on much bigger things, as well. His goal is to help one million hospitality owners in the vacation rental industry convert views into bookings, and his highly effective training program has been proven to work across a wide range of hospitality accommodations, including both high-end mansion rentals and more intimate, cozy bungalows.
6. Thibault Masson
- Current role: Based out of Amsterdam, but with a global reach, Masson is focused on helping vacation and short-term rental companies grow their businesses. Through his association with Rental Scale-Up, this rentalpreneur has the ability to guide vacation rental businesses into greater revenue by tracking down hot leads. Other services he provides include public relations, marketing and strategy, and business consulting and coaching.
- Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmasson/
7. Chris Maughan
- Current role: His first company, AES Group, currently manages nearly 250 luxury turnkey rentals and upscale properties on the French Riviera.
8. Annie Holcombe
- Current role: With over thirty years of experience in sales and marketing, she is a powerful influencer in the short-term and vacation rental industry. In addition to being the Vice President at Business Development Lexicon Travel, she’s also the co-host of the educational platform, the Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals podcast.
9. Conrad O’Connell
- Current role: He’s the founder of Vacation Rental Marketing Agency and is eager to help various brands build up their revenue and increase guest bookings. Through digital marketing, his team helps rental businesses grow without compromising quality or customer satisfaction. With a results-driven approach and a hefty dose of curiosity and action combined, O’Connell can help promote your vacation rental company and also help improve your bottom line.
10. Tony Stancato
- Current role: For those who are looking to get started in this industry, his company’s White Glove Service through Book N Gather Property Management can help make it possible.
11. Deborah Labi
- Current role: After spending fifteen years working in the vacation rental industry, Labi moved on to found The Guest Innspector and became the co-host for the Book Direct Show. Labi’s also the founder of Have You Got, a guest referral and booking platform for short-term and vacation rental managers and owners, and Your Coucou, a mental health application. She provides services for short-term rental businesses to help them improve their business systems and help assist with property and guest experiences.
- 12. Amy Hinote
- Current role: Amy Hinote is the editor and founder of VRM Intel: a tool for the fast-growing and rapidly-evolving vacation rental industry. The site is focused on the professionally managed vacation rental sector, with a mission to provide relevant, factual, timely industry-specific news, information, and resources to help vacation rental professionals build their businesses, to address the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and to positively contribute to the vacation rental ecosystem.
- Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymutual/
13. Fiona Quinn
- Current role: Fiona Quinn is the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs at AvantStay, a short-term rental site that provides vacation rental management services. Throughout her notable career, she’s had the pleasure of working with both start-ups and high-growth firms across Asia, Australia, and the United States.
14. Steve Milo
- Current role: He is the founder and CEO of VTrips. As one of the fastest-growing vacation rental businesses in the country, this self-taught entrepreneur is one of the more impressive case studies in the power of hard work and dedication, having grown his company into thirty markets, with over 7,000 properties.
15. John Hildebrand
- Current role: John Hildebrand is more than just an Airbnb Ambassador: he’s the owner of Hilde Home Vacation Rentals, a short-term vacation rental company that seeks out the perfect locations and then fully remodels each home with all the latest smart technology, as well as provides a team of concierge services.
16. Sarah Franzen
- Current role: As the director of revenue management and analytics for Natural Retreats, Sarah Franzen is a highly experienced professional in the short-term rental industry. Natural Retreats is a luxury vacation rental management company.
17. John An
- Current role: John An is the founder and CEO of TechTape and the president of Ohana Stay LLC. TechTape provides expert revenue management services and semi-customized short-term rental technology solutions. Ohana Stay LLC is a short-term rental management company focused on exceptional guest experiences. John is a short-term rental industry expert with experience in building short-term rental brands that generate millions of dollars in annual revenue.
18. Scott Sutherland
- Current role: He is a real estate broker and investor, who founded RealtyStake in 2011 and continues to run the business to this day, helping people interested in investing in rental properties in Austin. Scott is a true expert in the real estate industry with over 14 years of experience as a broker and investor.
19. Samuel Awosolu
- Current role: Samuel has been an associate broker at Sobi Capital for the past 4 years. Just two years ago Samuel started working as a mortgage loan officer for Rocket Mortgage as well.
20. Simon Lehmann
- Simon Lehmann is an award-winning pioneer in the short-term rental and vacation rental industry, as well as a global thought leader and public speaker for short-term rental, vacation rental, and travel or property-related events. CEO and Co-Founder of AJL Atelier, Simon shares his experience and expertise on travel trends, proptech landscape, market fragmentation, and M&A perspectives. He’s also an angel investor, board member, and established key-note speaker thanks to his 20+ years of experience in the industry.
21. Alex O. Husner
- Current Role: Alex O. Husner has been the Chief Marketing Officer at Casago since 2009, and has been the Co-Host of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals Podcast since 2021. Alex has led the strategic business development and marketing efforts that have grown Casago from 150 units to 500 and manages an in-house tech team that has built their own proprietary technology, including a property management system, channel manager and revenue management system.
- Profile: Link
22. Hans Lorei
a. Handle: @hanslorei
b. Twitter Bio: Aesthetics obsessed STR Design & Developer / Sauna Evangelist
c. Hans Lorei shares advice and insights about short-term rental design. Learn how to get the highest return on investment with design ideas that are sure to draw renters to your property.
d. Profile: https://twitter.com/hanslorei
23. StripMallGuy
a. Handle: @realEstateTrent
b. Twitter Bio: Candidly sharing 20 years of real estate knowledge while trying not to be boring. Neighborhood strip mall real estate fund GP. Tweets are opinions, not advice.
c. StripMallGuy tweets about improving property value, business management, investing, and education.
d. Profile: https://twitter.com/realEstateTrent
24. Taylor Jones (Short Term Rentals)
a. Handle: @MrJonesSTRs
b. Twitter Bio: Short Term Rental Investor – 9.3 Handicap ⛳ Want To Invest In Our STR Portfolio? Want Your Own Airbnb? http://linktr.ee/Taylor.Jones
c. Taylor Jones tweets about all of his short-term rentals through Airbnb as well as about current news in the industry. His posts are upbeat and positive, and he gives advice on mortgages, marketing, taxes, and investing.
d. Profile: https://twitter.com/MrJonesSTRs
25. Levi Benkert
a. Handle: @Levijameshere
b. Twitter Bio: Levi Benkert – CEO of Harbor Capital – All Texas industrial, all the time.
c. Levi has a wealth of knowledge about industrial real estate in Texas, including manufacturing, taxes, management, and portfolio purchasing. He also discusses his experience with Harbor Capital, the industrial real estate business that he started.
d. Profile: https://twitter.com/Levijameshere
26. Isaac French
a. Handle: https://twitter.com/isaacfrench_
b. Twitter Bio: Creating nature-immersive, tech-enabled short term rentals 🔥 Just finished: @liveoaklake 🏡 Consulting, newsletter, YouTube👇🏼
c. He offers insights into what it is like to run multiple short-term rentals and how he has improved profitability over time.
d. Profile: https://twitter.com/isaacfrench_
27. Erik Goins
a. Handle: @erikgoinsHQ
b. Twitter Bio: Building @flywheel_studio & @get_thyme Nomad since ’20
c. He is the founder of Flywheel Studio and Get Thyme. Flywheel Studio is a software company that builds mobile apps and Get Thyme is a real estate accounting app that allows investors to better manage their accounts.
d. Profile: https://twitter.com/erikgoinsHQ
28. Michael Elefante
a. Michael Elefante provides daily content on how to make money investing in short-term rentals. Michael covers investments, financial freedom, Airbnb design, and “rental arbitrage.”
b. Profile: https://www.instagram.com/melefante6/
29. Tony Robinson
a. Shows STR success and provides great content for those looking to invest, start an STR business, and what mistakes to avoid. He also hosts short-term rental investing events like his Short-Term Rental Summit and hosts a podcast and YouTube channel.
b. Profile: https://www.instagram.com/tonyjrobinson/
30. Sarah Robinson
a. Running a successful short-term rental management business. Covers Airbnb investments, managing your properties, and how to manage issues with Airbnb guests.
b. Profile: https://www.instagram.com/saraaraad/
See all references for this content here!
2 responses to “Publicity Kit (Press Release & Top 30 List)”
Maddie,
Nice job putting this together in one cohesive place. I really liked that you kept things concise and brief, though I think as you continue on the journey of your business, you can expand your backgrounder, company history, and founder’s bio to incorporate more details, success stories, and wins. Likewise, as you begin to find your place in the market, your product and service offerings can likely expand or be refined with additional details. The level of detail you included in your top 30 list was spot on and very nicely put together as well. I look forward to seeing how this continues to take shape and keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Zane Breeding
Zane,
Thank you! Looking at your publicity kit gave me ideas to further enhance my ideas and information into more individualized and visually appealing marketing materials.
Best,
Maddie