In this special episode from our Training Series, host Heather Bayer is joined by Brittany Blackman (Discover Freedom) and Sean Kemper (ETI Solutions) - two powerhouse professionals who are bringing serious change to the short-term rental industry through coaching, consulting, and training.

Together, they unpack the often unseen emotional weight of solopreneurship, why training isn’t just “nice to have” but foundational, and how leaders can prioritize people over process for long-term success. Whether you're doing it all in-house or looking to bring in outside expertise, this episode is a deep dive into the role of real education in our business.

👥 Meet the Guests

🔹 Brittany Blackman, Discover Freedom
Former property manager turned leadership coach, Brittany now supports high-performing professionals - especially women - who are tired of carrying it all. She helps teams repair communication, reset culture, and lead without burnout.

🔹 Sean Kemper, ETI Solutions
With over 20 years of experience in cleaning chemistry, Sean combines science and street smarts to train and consult with vacation rental operators. From inventory control to floor-cleaning pH levels, he’s turning “cleaning” into a fine art - and a powerful guest experience tool.

🧠 Key Topics Covered

• What solopreneurship really looks like behind the curtain - the wins, the loneliness, and the mental weight
• Why coaches, consultants, and trainers are the real backbone of the industry
• Common blind spots in property management companies - and how outside experts help uncover them
• How leaders can build effective in-house training (and what to do if they can’t)
• The emotional and operational ROI of investing in your people
• The differences between coaching, consulting, and training (and why many professionals blur the lines)
• Tips for choosing the right partner for your business development
• Why vulnerability, self-awareness, and slow growth might be your best business tools

📌 Episode Highlights

• “You don’t know what you don’t know… and your team probably does.” – Brittany
• “It’s just cleaning - until it’s not. Cleaning is your frontline guest experience.” – Sean
• “If you can’t invest an hour and a half a month in training, it might be time to bring someone in.” – Brittany
• “We’re producing more confident people. That changes your company culture.” – Sean

🧭 Resources & Links

• Connect with Brittany Blackman: LinkedIn | Website
• Connect with Sean Kemper: LinkedIn | ETI Solutions

🎤 Upcoming Appearances

• Brittany & Sean will both be speaking at the VR Nation Roadshow in Gulf Shores.
• Brittany heads to Spain this fall for the Women's Vacation Rental European Conference.
• Sean serves as Chair for VRHP, supporting housekeeping and operations professionals across the industry.

📣 Midroll Sponsor: STRAIT Chat & the AI Ambassador Program

This episode is brought to you in part by the STRAIT Chat Community - an exclusive space for short-term rental pros who want deeper conversations, smarter systems, and more collaborative learning.

And if you're curious about using AI in your business - whether it's for guest communication, operations, or even marketing - check out our AI Ambassador Program. It's designed to help you learn, lead, and get hands-on with the tools shaping the future of hospitality.

🌐 Learn more and join us at VacationRentalFormula.com/AI

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