In this episode of "Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals," hosts Alex and Annie are joined by Susan Barry, the president + “queen bee” of Hive Marketing and the podcast host of the “Top Floor” Podcast. Susan shares her journey in the hospitality industry, her experiences with Hive Marketing, and her insights on the evolving landscape of hospitality marketing and management.


Susan's Background and Journey:


Susan Barry, originally from Panama City, shares her background and how she became the queen bee of Hive Marketing. She discusses her early career in Tallahassee, Florida, working in the restaurant and catering industry, and her move to Denver, Colorado, which marked the beginning of her career in hotel management and marketing.


The Intersection of Hotels and Vacation Rentals:


The trio explore the relationship between hotels and vacation rentals, addressing the perception of competition and the potential for collaboration. They discuss the importance of offering a spectrum of lodging types and the need for hotels to recognize the impact of vacation rentals on the market.


Challenges and Opportunities in Hospitality:


The trio discuss the challenges faced by women in the hospitality industry, particularly in breaking through the "good old boy" network. Susan emphasizes the importance of recognizing systemic issues and the need for organizational support for women and people of color in hospitality.


Key Takeaways:


🌟 The Evolution of Hive Marketing: Susan's journey from catering to founding Hive Marketing and its growth over the years.


🔑 Challenges for Women in Hospitality: The systemic issues faced by women and the importance of organizational support.


🤖 The Impact of Technology and AI: Susan shares her thoughts on the role of technology and AI in hospitality, particularly in revenue management.


Connect with Susan Barry:


LinkedIn | The Top Floor Podcast


Connect with Hive Marketing:


Website