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Freewyld Foundry’s Revenue & Pricing Management service is driving an 18%+ performance lift for $1M+ STR operators, even in down markets.
If you’re managing 15+ listings and want a free pricing audit, apply here
Are you really maximizing your Airbnb revenue, or just relying on a pricing tool?
In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) and Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) dive deep into what separates million-dollar Airbnb operators from everyone else.
They reveal why so many hosts unknowingly leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table, and how the most successful CEOs are stepping out of the weeds, letting go of ego, and focusing on growth.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The mindset shifts that separate hectic hosts from strategic CEOs
- Why automation isn’t optimization, and what to do instead
- Real-world proof: Troy’s leap from $1M to $4M in revenue
- How Sheboygan Vacation Rentals grew 30% with zero new units
- Why expert revenue management is the missing link in scaling STR portfolios
Why It Matters:
If you’re running 15+ listings, small mistakes in revenue strategy can add up to six figures in lost profit every year. The difference between relying on a pricing tool and having a dedicated revenue manager could determine whether you plateau, or scale into the top 1% of STR operators.
We also talk about:
- The hidden cost of “doing it all” as a CEO
- How to recognize when ego is slowing your growth
- Why letting go of control creates space for opportunity
- The tax-prep analogy every host should understand about revenue
Mentioned in this episode:
- Freewyld Foundry: Revenue & Pricing Management: freewyldfoundry.com
- Book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
- Event: VRMA (Vacation Rental Management Association)
- Case Study: Sheboygan Vacation Rentals, Wisconsin
🔥 Favorite takeaway:
“Automation is not optimization. If you’re relying on a pricing tool alone, you’re leaving six figures on the table.”
Want to know how much revenue you’re leaving on the table? Apply for a free Revenue Review at freewyldfoundry.com/report.
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Kaye Putnam
There are so many Airbnb and short-term rental operators who look like they’re absolutely crushing it. We’ve had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of hosts generating over a million dollars in bookings every year. In this episode, we’re exploring the patterns and traits that define these million-dollar hosts.
I’m here with Eric. Let’s dive straight in.
Eric Moeller
Thanks, Kaye. This is such an important topic. Many hosts believe they’re maximizing revenue because they have a pricing tool, but that’s rarely the case. We’ve reviewed countless revenue reports, and we’ve always found opportunities to unlock more income.
If you want to scale beyond just managing a few properties, you need to understand revenue strategy early. Most people treat it like a set and forget process. But the truth is, without an intentional approach, you’re leaving money on the table.
Kaye Putnam
Exactly. The missing revenue isn’t obvious because it doesn’t appear as a cost on your P&L. That’s why many ignore it. The most successful operators are the ones who remove their ego and approach revenue management with curiosity.
So Eric, what kind of mindset defines these high-performing CEOs?
Eric Moeller
It comes down to being growth minded and willing to let go of control. CEOs who succeed recognize their strengths and delegate the rest. They know revenue management is critical, but they also know it’s not always their personal strength.
When we launched Freewyld cabins, I realized numbers weren’t where I added the most value. Jasper, on the other hand, was obsessed with revenue strategy, so he focused there. That’s what growth minded leadership looks like: putting the right people in the right seats and avoiding the trap of ego.
Kaye Putnam
That reminds me of parenting, releasing control as kids grow into teenagers. CEOs need to release control in a similar way and trust their teams or partners.
Eric Moeller
I think that’s a perfect analogy. Leadership means empowering the people closest to the problems to make decisions. If you try to control everything, you limit growth and leave money behind.
It’s not just about revenue, it’s a mindset. Ego kills companies over and over again.
Kaye Putnam
On a practical level, most million-dollar operators have at least 15 properties, though portfolios vary widely. What’s consistent is their growth mindset. They’re always learning, attending events, listening to podcasts, surrounding themselves with mentors.
Eric, you’ve mentioned how important this is for you personally. What have you seen in other CEOs?
Eric Moeller
For me, growth is a personal value. I call it “humble inquiry,” always asking questions, always learning, always pushing ego aside. The most successful entrepreneurs I know invest heavily in mentors and constantly challenge themselves to play at higher levels.
I think of my friend Dan Martell, who went from a few million in revenue to hundreds of millions. He invests hundreds of thousands just to learn from the best. That’s the growth mindset in action.
Kaye Putnam
That’s fascinating. Most of our clients are under 50 years old. Maybe it’s generational, millennials especially are used to having information at their fingertips. That curiosity seems to drive their success.
Eric Moeller
I agree. But regardless of age, it’s easy to get stuck in your ways. We recently spoke with a large STR company that resisted making changes even when we showed them clear numbers. They believed their pricing tool was enough. But automation is not optimization. Without daily management, they were losing hundreds of thousands.
Kaye Putnam
Exactly. A pricing tool is just one part of the equation. True revenue management requires someone actively owning it. CEOs are pulled in so many directions that revenue often falls to the bottom of their list. But it’s too important to ignore.
Eric Moeller
Right. Just like you wouldn’t do your own taxes, you shouldn’t DIY your revenue management. It’s a specialized role that pays for itself many times over. We’ve seen companies with great branding and beautiful properties still lose six figures because they don’t prioritize revenue.
Kaye Putnam
And it’s constantly changing. Jasper, who lives and breathes this, finds new updates in Airbnb’s system almost daily. If he can miss something, imagine what the average host overlooks. That’s why expertise matters so much.
Eric Moeller
Exactly. Most operators don’t enjoy revenue management, it’s not their passion. But for Jasper, it is. That obsession drives results. And if you don’t love it, get it off your plate. Hire in-house or work with a partner like us.
Kaye Putnam
Let’s share a few proof points. Troy started with 18 units and $1M in revenue. With proper revenue management, he’s now over 100 units and more than $4M in annual revenue. He even had his first $1M month.
Another client, Sheboygan Vacation Rentals, grew 30 percent, adding over $120,000, without acquiring new properties. He gained bandwidth to focus on what he loved: guest experience.
Eric Moeller
Those examples prove it’s not just about adding units. Revenue growth can and should come from optimizing what you already have. Scaling isn’t only about more properties, it’s about making current properties perform better.
Kaye Putnam
To summarize: the CEOs who win are focused on numbers, willing to delegate, and eager to learn. They invest in expertise, seek peace of mind, and know growth requires letting go of ego. They recognize that the game has changed, pricing tools are no longer enough.
Eric Moeller
Exactly. The new standard is expert revenue management. If you’re doing over $1M, it’s worth the investment. Either hire in-house or work with a partner like Freewyld Foundry. That’s how you unlock hidden profit and scale sustainably.
Kaye Putnam
And if you want to see what’s possible, we offer free revenue reports. We’ll analyze your portfolio and show you opportunities you might be missing.
Eric Moeller
That’s right. Whether you work with us or not, the insights can help you maximize your revenue. Don’t just rely on tools, invest in strategy.
