Ever heard of a Can Runner? 🏃🗑️

For those not in the US, that would be a Bin Runner. 

I certainly hadn’t until I spoke with Alex Shapiro, and it opened my eyes to innovative ways we can improve our industry. It made me realise that when innovation meets problem-solving, amazing startups can emerge. What excites me about the accommodation industry is the endless opportunities to solve problems. We all encounter issues we wish someone could ‘just solve’. Often, we remain oblivious to a problem until it’s highlighted by an innovative thinker. That’s why I’m particularly enthusiastic about this episode.

But how do you go from problem to solution, to a business? 

Starting a business is no small feat, and I think there’s so much we can learn from those who’ve walked the path before us. This week’s episode is particularly special because it delves into the real-world journey of building a startup, offering lessons that are highly relevant to the accommodation industry.
 

I had an enlightening discussion with Alex Shapiro, the CEO and co-founder of CanMonkey. We talked about the importance of recognising genuine market needs, the value of hands-on experience, and the strategies for scaling a business effectively. I believe these insights are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to enhance their accommodation offerings, whether you’re managing a hotel, a bed and breakfast, or short-term rentals.

What you will learn from this episode:

Discovering unmet needs in the market and capitalising on them 🚪

The role of direct experience in refining your services 🎯

Overcoming scaling challenges in a growing business 🌱

Building strong partnerships and navigating co-founder relationships 🤜🤛

How recurring revenue models can enhance business stability 📊

Alexander Shapiro’s journey into hospitality was anything but straightforward. With a strong background in corporate America, working with top-tier real estate companies, he had honed his skills in business and consulting. Everything changed when his business partner pitched the idea for CanMonkey, a service to help homeowners manage their rubbish bins in Scottsdale. Initially sceptical, Alex realised the potential when he saw a real need among his clients with short-term rentals.

Investing in the idea, he focused on serving STR hosts and managers. In May 2020, the pandemic shifted his career dramatically. After losing his corporate job, Alex dedicated himself fully to CanMonkey. Now, as CEO, he’s leading a unique service that supports STRs, property managers, and homeowners across the country.

I encourage you to listen to this episode because it provides actionable insights that can help you innovate and grow your own business. Alex’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic thinking in achieving success.

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