Beachfront to Boardroom: An Accidental Empire | #31
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
Release Date: 07/18/2025
Investing Smarter in the Outer Banks with Jonathan St. Ledger. | #37
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
The Outer Banks market is shifting—so how do you stay ahead? In this episode, Randy sits down with returning guest Jonathan St. Ledger, an investor, developer, and builder, to unpack what’s really happening with rentals, construction, and investment opportunities in 2025. Jonathan shares how he balances buying and selling in today’s climate, why tax benefits like bonus depreciation matter more than ever, and the creative ways he adds serious value to his properties (rooftop pools and dive-in movie theaters, anyone?). Key takeaways include: Why short-term rental demand is evolving, not...
info_outline
When Community Becomes Family | #36
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What happens when life throws an unexpected tragedy your way? On today’s episode, Randy sits down with Patty McKenna, Executive Director of the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, to share how neighbors step in when storms of life hit hardest—not just hurricanes, but personal crises like illness, job loss, or family emergencies. Patty tells the story of how the foundation began with one little girl’s battle with leukemia and has grown into a lifeline for countless Outer Banks families. From helping parents keep their homes during medical crises to partnering with community surf contests that...
info_outline
From Belarus to the Outer Banks | #35
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What does it take to leave everything behind and rebuild a life from scratch? YuliYa Hristov moved from Belarus to the Outer Banks with little more than determination—and today she’s a thriving real estate professional, Airbnb host, and mom of two. In this episode, YuliYa shares her journey from growing up in Eastern Europe to carving out success in one of the most competitive resort towns in America. She opens up about the challenges of being an immigrant, finding her path in real estate, and balancing family with business. Key themes include: Starting fresh in a new country...
info_outline
From Surfboards to Community Bonds | #34
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What happens when a world-traveled surfer, board builder, and fisherman plants roots in the Outer Banks? You get David Rhode — a man who’s been shaping boards, riding waves, and shaping community for over 40 years on the Outer Banks. From surfing Oregon swells in 1968 to glassing over 65,000 boards, David shares his front-row view of the evolution of surfing, the unmatched outdoor opportunities here, and the tight-knit spirit that shows up when it matters most. David also talks about how the Outer Banks is vital to the surfboard manufacturing business on the East Coast. Themes you’ll...
info_outline
The Truth About Outer Banks Rentals in 2025 | #33
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
Are short-term rentals in the Outer Banks really slowing down—or just shifting? In this episode, Randy and Lynn break down what the numbers are really saying about the first half of 2025, from unexpected inventory dips to why some rental homes are sitting empty while others stay booked solid. They reveal how guest behavior is changing, why flexibility is crucial, and what smart homeowners and agents are doing to stay ahead in a market that’s anything but predictable. Key themes: Inventory is down for the first time in years Self-managed vs. professional property rentals How buyer and...
info_outline
Ocracoke: No Rush, No Noise, Just Magic | #32
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What’s so special about Ocracoke? Randy finally gets it. This week, he shares how a laid-back birthday weekend on this quirky North Carolina island turned him from a skeptic into a superfan. From ferry rides and food trucks to rooftop drumming and pirate stories, Randy uncovers the unexpected magic of a place where everything slows down—and that’s exactly the point. Key themes & takeaways: Slowing down is a superpower The best travel stories are found in the in-between moments Why a 12-year-old drummer might be the heartbeat of your vacation Let this episode remind you that...
info_outline
Beachfront to Boardroom: An Accidental Empire | #31
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What happens when a mom buys a condo for her son—and ends up building a 42-property vacation rental empire? Stacey St. John joins Randy to share how a last-minute real estate decision turned into a thriving short-term rental business, a booming property management company, and a 65,000-strong community of women investors. From accidental landlord to STR industry leader, Stacey unpacks what it really takes to succeed in today’s shifting market—and why a “lifestyle asset” may be your smartest investment yet. Key themes: How to pivot from a “failed” plan to financial freedom ...
info_outline
From Bar to Beach Concierge: Jenn’s OBX Hustle | #30
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What do you do when the beach is your backyard—but you still need to pay the bills? Jenn Crossman carved out a life on the Outer Banks through grit, hospitality, and an entrepreneurial spark that led her from bartending to launching a bespoke concierge service. In this episode, Jen shares how she built a life around making visitors’ vacations unforgettable—from private beach dinners to dolphin tours and surprise engagements. Takeaways: How living in a tourist town fuels creative side hustles Why great bartenders make natural connectors and entrepreneurs Insider tips on unique...
info_outline
Coming Back to the Outer Banks with Nick Graham | #29
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
What makes someone leave a big city life behind and return to their small-town roots? For Nick Graham, the answer is simple: the Outer Banks isn't just home—it's who he is. In this episode, Randy catches up with Nick, a local insurance agent whose deep ties to the Outer Banks go back generations. From growing up surfing and fishing with family to building a thriving career in a tight-knit coastal community, Nick shares what brought him back after college—and why he's never looked back. Key themes: Choosing purpose and place over prestige How to build a career in a referral-based town ...
info_outline
The Mirror Test: Why Your Rental Is Failing | #28
Beach Road Banter - The Outer Banks Podcast
It’s easy to blame the market, the algorithm, or even the guests—but what if the problem is you? In this episode, Randy shares a humbling lesson from his own vacation rental property on the Outer Banks, where slipping standards and unchecked expectations led to a wake-up call. Randy reflects on how we all sometimes stop doing the little things that lead to big results—whether it’s maintaining a rental, building a real estate business, or staying in shape long after the glory days of college sports. Key themes: Why five-star reviews can set you up for failure The danger of resting on...
info_outlineWhat happens when a mom buys a condo for her son—and ends up building a 42-property vacation rental empire?
Stacey St. John joins Randy to share how a last-minute real estate decision turned into a thriving short-term rental business, a booming property management company, and a 65,000-strong community of women investors. From accidental landlord to STR industry leader, Stacey unpacks what it really takes to succeed in today’s shifting market—and why a “lifestyle asset” may be your smartest investment yet.
Key themes:
-
How to pivot from a “failed” plan to financial freedom
-
What buyers must understand before investing in beach properties
-
The secret power of community—especially for women in real estate
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a beach house into a business, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take the leap.
Connect with Randy:
Randy Jones → @jonesgroupobx