The Independent Host Summit

STR Investor, Mentor & Superhost

Zoey Berghoff didn't just build a short-term rental business. She built the kind of stays people save screenshots of: design-forward mountain properties that have earned her five consecutive years as a Superhost. Through Rooted in Rentals and Soul Terra Hospitality, she now helps other hosts do what she did, turning one-of-a-kind spaces (including land development and creative stays) into scalable, profitable businesses without losing the soul of what makes them special.

STR Host & Podcast Host

Katie Cline spent years in five-star hotel PR before asking herself: why can't a short-term rental feel just as elevated? Now she runs her own portfolio of standout properties (Trout Landing, Gallant Fox, The Lazy Oar) and hosts two industry podcasts, Second Home First and Suite Success. She's on a mission to prove that top 1% hospitality isn't reserved for hotel lobbies, and she's got the playbook to back it up.

Founder of Hatch Capital

Brian Hatcher's path to short-term rentals wasn't exactly typical. He started in accounting, moved into Fortune 100 data analytics, and built a real estate operation through Hatch Capital before landing on what he's most passionate about: building AI agents and workflows that actually make hosting easier. His focus is giving independent hosts the same pricing, guest experience, and reporting systems that used to be reserved for large-scale operators.

STR Owner & Operator

Nicola Cheah runs short-term rental properties across North America, with primary markets in British Columbia and Texas. What sets her apart is how she got there: budget-friendly, ROI-driven design paired with a co-hosting model that keeps both the guest experience and the numbers where they need to be. She's built a top 1% operation by being smart about every dollar that goes in and making sure more comes back out.

STR Owner & Renovator

Katie Hanes bought a condemned house at auction for $10,000. Two years later, with her dad by her side for every demo day and late night, it became Pink Dreams Cottage, a luxury pink Airbnb that's booked solid. She documented the entire journey on Instagram, building a community of almost 500,000 followers along the way. Her story is proof that top 1% hosting doesn't require a big budget. It requires a big vision and the willingness to do the work.