How I Built This with Guy Raz Expedia & Zillow: Rich Barton
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Jun 14, 2021 
Rich Barton, co-founder of Expedia and Zillow, revolutionized travel and real estate by empowering consumers with technology. He shares how his early days at Microsoft led to the creation of Expedia, transforming booking experiences amidst industry skepticism. Rich discusses the launch of Zillow, which faced a crash due to overwhelming traffic, and how it sparked a new era of transparency in real estate. Reflecting on the balance of passion and luck, he highlights Zillow's evolution through challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing the impact of digital innovation.
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Brand Name Advice
- When creating a brand name, consider making up a word for long-term ownership and value.
- Prioritize two-syllable names that resemble dog names and can be turned into verbs.
Airline Resistance
- Airlines initially resisted Expedia due to Microsoft's perceived threat and consumer empowerment.
- Barton argued that empowering consumers was key to success, despite industry pushback.
Early Zillow Experiments
- Zillow initially experimented with online home auctions, partnering with a regional broker for a test run.
- They learned about the complexities of home sales and gained appreciation for real estate agents.