NOVEMBER 04, 2025
#157 Developing Your Short-Term Rental Tech Stack: How to Build Streamlined Systems for Growth
What if the right short-term rental technology could give you back your time—and your peace of mind?
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Margot Schmorak, CEO and co-founder of Hostfully, to talk about the power of designing a seamless tech ecosystem that supports both business growth and personal balance.
Margot isn’t your typical tech founder. After a successful career in big tech, she traded corporate life for a mission: to help hosts and property managers simplify their operations, elevate their guest experience, and reclaim their time. Today, her company, Hostfully, is one of the most trusted platforms in the short-term rental industry.
The Power of Streamlined Systems
If you’ve ever felt buried under spreadsheets, guest messages, and manual check-in processes—you’re not alone. Many hosts start with patchwork systems that eventually become bottlenecks. Margot believes the solution lies in short-term rental technology designed with intention, not overload.
She encourages hosts to think beyond individual tools and instead focus on building an integrated tech ecosystem—one where your property management system (PMS), pricing tools, guest communication platforms, and marketing channels all work together seamlessly.
“Technology should give you back your time, not take more of it,” Margot says.
Choosing the Right Property Management Software
The foundation of every efficient STR business is a strong property management system. But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you?
Margot recommends starting by identifying your business goals. Are you scaling rapidly? Managing multiple properties? Prioritizing direct bookings? Your tech stack should evolve with your vision—not the other way around.
Hostfully, for example, helps property owners automate repetitive tasks, streamline guest messaging, and manage distribution channels all from one dashboard. The result? Fewer late nights spent troubleshooting and more time spent on strategy—or family.
For a detailed comparison of PMS options and integrations, check out ShortTermRentalz’s guide on property management systems.
Building a Tech Ecosystem That Scales
Margot and I discussed how short-term rental technology becomes truly powerful when your tools are connected. She emphasizes that automation isn’t about losing the human touch—it’s about freeing you up to be more human.
When hosts use automation thoughtfully, they can shift their focus from repetitive admin work to creating meaningful guest experiences. Think personalized welcome messages, dynamic pricing strategies, and smooth communication across platforms—all powered by tech, yet infused with warmth.
Margot’s advice? Choose tools that speak to each other. Prioritize platforms that integrate well, so your systems stay cohesive as your business grows.
More Than Software: Leading with Heart
Beyond tech talk, Margot’s leadership philosophy shines through. She’s a mother, a lifelong learner, and a CEO who believes business success and personal joy don’t have to compete.
Her approach to leadership mirrors what she preaches: simplicity, alignment, and connection. By building a company that supports people as much as profits, she’s redefining what leadership looks like in the STR industry.
Margot reminds us that success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, with systems that allow you to focus on what truly matters.
Your Takeaway
If you’re feeling stretched thin or struggling to keep up with growth, it might be time to evaluate your tech stack.
Start by auditing what’s working (and what’s not). Then, look for opportunities to automate, integrate, and delegate. The right short-term rental technology doesn’t just simplify your business—it helps you reclaim your freedom, your creativity, and your energy.
And as Margot says, that’s where the magic happens.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[00:58] A short introduction about our guest Margot Schmorak and shares her vision for building Hostfully around human connection, real-world impact, and a culture that uplifts people
[04:07] Margot highlights how hiring for passion and fostering authenticity are key to building a thriving, people-centered culture
[07:15] Margot breaks down the essentials of building a strong tech stack that drives bookings, streamlines operations, and supports long-term business growth
[11:14] Margot emphasizes the importance of starting with the right property management software and choosing tools that can scale with your business through integrations
[14:22] How to shop smart for property management software and the importance of spotting red flags in emerging technology
[19:39] Margot’s insights on using AI to elevate customer experience, strengthen team efficiency, and personalize communication at Hostfully
[22:35] Margot’s perspective on overcoming “Shiny Object Syndrome” to build a focused, intentional tech strategy
[24:30] The importance of aligning technology and planning with clear goals to set up a strong start for the new year
[28:06] Margot’s perspective on revisiting annual plans and adapting to change while staying confident in the industry’s long-term growth
[29:39] Margot’s outlook on the next big shifts shaping the short-term rental industry from AI innovation to a new era of professionalism
[32:15] Margot’s reflections on rediscovering joy, grace, and the freedom to be imperfect outside of work
[37:55] Margot’s journey toward embracing joy, self-compassion, and the simple art of celebrating life’s small wins
[42:51] The lightning round
Golden Nuggets:
- “One of the most important things is to make sure that you’re hiring people into jobs that they’re really excited about.”
- “When you’re selecting tech, it’s really critical to not only know where your business is today, but where you want to be in the future.”
- “Find something that does grow with you, but also is, like, suitable for your needs.”
- “Having a partner and a team around you that is going to give you support and grace when you need it is really important.”
- “We have to celebrate the small stuff because those small things, when left unattended to, that’s when joy starts to head out of our lives.”
Let’s Connect!
Website: https://www.hostfully.com/
Email: margot@hostfully.com
Did you enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
