The STR Sisterhood cover art

The STR Sisterhood

The STR Sisterhood

By: Stacey St. John
Listen for free

Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too! On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!Stacey St. John Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Systems, Leadership, and 115 Homes: Scaling in a Seasonal Market with Amanda Look

    Systems, Leadership, and 115 Homes: Scaling in a Seasonal Market with Amanda Look
    May 26 2026
    What does it really take to grow a boutique vacation rental management company from a single DIY renovation to more than 115 homes in a tiny, highly seasonal market? Most operators think scaling just means adding more doors, but the reality requires a complete evolution of infrastructure, systems, and leadership.In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Look, the founder of Salt Air Properties. We’re unpacking how she walked away from a vice president role in banking to build a thriving, guest-centric operation around Acadia National Park—all while navigating the journey as a single mom.We dive into:The exact guest interaction that pushed her to leave a stable commercial lending career and commit to her hospitality business full-time.Why jumping from 25, 50, 75, and 100+ properties forces a complete systems reset, and the specific tech stack needed to survive the growth.The logistical reality of building a 3,000-square-foot facility to house a commercial laundry operation capable of handling over 40 same-day turnovers.How partnering with local high schools and technical programs for internships solved the seasonal hiring crisis in a rural market.The hard-won lessons of firing problem properties quickly, saying no to misaligned owners, and trusting your gut to protect your team.We pull back the curtain on how a dedicated physical office with morning huddles and professional standards transforms the morale of a seasonal workforce and anchors homeowner trust. You’ll hear how to transition from a "basement days" mindset with a paper calendar into a sophisticated enterprise that trains staff to handle high-stress, fast-paced situations without spiraling.If you are trying to scale a short-term rental portfolio in a highly seasonal or rural market, this conversation is your operational blueprint. Get ready to learn how to scale with strict boundaries, smarter systems, and genuine heart.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:02] A short introduction about our guest Amanda Look and shares her journey from commercial lender for a community bank into short-term rentals[03:29] Amanda shares how her short-term rental management company began from early hands-on experience and growing demand for her help[06:05] Amanda talks about the biggest challenges in growing a short-term rental management company[09:51] Amanda reflects on how her tech stack and vendor relationships had to continuously evolve as her short-term rental portfolio expanded from just a few properties to over 100[15:21] Amanda describes how building physical infrastructure like offices, laundry systems, and on-site operations becomes essential to scaling a short-term rental business efficiently[21:25] How Amanda’s hiring strategy has evolved into a blend of structured partnerships and practical, on-the-ground evaluation of people’s ability to perform in fast-paced, high-pressure environments[25:32] Amanda explains how she develops interns through hands-on work, feedback loops, and allowing them to discover their strengths within the business [28:25] Amanda describes how she identifies potential in employees through core values, mindset, and real-world problem-solving behavior rather than just technical skills[37:35] Amanda discusses the difficult but necessary responsibility of addressing team members who are not a cultural fit, even when they may be technically skilled or operationally useful[39:59] Amanda outlines a structured, values-driven onboarding system that blends company education, hands-on training, and team-based operations to set standards and scale efficiently [43:54] How Amanda strategically pairs team members, sets operational boundaries, and develops leadership habits to protect team performance and business quality as she scales[51:23] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“The difference between my company and some others is just how we get the right people in the right seats.”“Having the right software for the right stage of business that you have is so important.”“When your cleaning team is full of people who don't care about your company, don't care about the guest experience, they're just looking for a paycheck, they're looking to get in and out as fast as possible. For me, that's not the right team member.”“When you provide a work environment that is empowering people to do their best and be their best and feel valued, they become 100% loyal to you like they will jump through fire for you.”Let’s Connect:LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-look-7a106a16/Website : https://www.saltairmaine.com/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/saltairpropertymanagement/Proudly sponsored by Futurestay: cleanconnection.futurestay.com Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The ROI of Design: How Strategy and Story Create Standout STRs with Courtney Petrovich

    The ROI of Design: How Strategy and Story Create Standout STRs with Courtney Petrovich
    May 19 2026
    What if the difference between an average short-term rental and a standout, revenue-driving asset came down to story, strategy, and a few well-placed details on your walls? Most hosts view design as a finishing touch; my guest today views it as the core of the investment.In this episode, I’m joined by designer, investor, and boutique hotel visionary Courtney Petrovich of Denori Designs. We’re talking about the intersection of high-level underwriting and high-impact creativity, and how you can use that balance to build properties that truly perform.We dive into:Why every creative choice, from a hot tub to a fire pit, must be backed by AirDNA data, pro formas, and a clear path to ROIDesigning for operational reality, turnover efficiency, and the hard truth about why white sofas and kids don't mixHow to create local resonance using custom pieces, regional cookbooks, and art that actually reflects the property’s locationA deep dive into using wallpaper at the beach, including how to handle humidity, vetting installers, and spotting quality paper.How Courtney is translating STR logic into the boutique hotel world with a massive project in Page, Arizona.Courtney pulls back the curtain on how a site visit and a fascination with local history can lead to a hotel concept that investors instantly understand and get behind. You’ll hear how she rethinks everything from lobby layouts to "cold plunge" amenities, ensuring that every design choice serves both the guest’s emotions and the owner’s bottom line.If you’ve been thinking of design as an optional expense rather than a strategic business tool, this conversation will completely shift your perspective. Get ready to start designing spaces that are profitable, operationally smart, and impossible to scroll past.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:00] A short introduction about our guest Courtney Petrovich, and how her passion for design unexpectedly evolved into building a business within the short-term rental space[02:33] Courtney explains how balancing design, guest experience, and operational practicality shapes successful short-term rentals[06:15] Courtney shares how she discovered that thoughtful design directly influences performance and revenue in short-term rentals[09:27] Courtney describes the overlooked details that elevate guest experience beyond just design and amenities[12:29] Courtney explains how intentional, place-based art choices play a key role in elevating short-term rental design[13:39] How Courtney evaluates wallpaper choices for beach and humid environments, balancing durability, installation quality, and design impact[17:24] Courtney shares practical guidance on how to find a qualified wallpaper installer, emphasizing starting with trusted referrals such as local networks, or community groups rather[20:03] Courtney describes the challenges of installing wallpaper in beach homes where walls and ceilings are often not perfectly level and how installers navigate them[22:34] How transitioning into boutique hotel design has introduced Courtney to a more complex, on-site, and collaborative development process compared to short-term rentals[24:44] Courtney describes how boutique hotel design operates on a different scale than short-term rentals[28:02] How boutique hotel design uses immersive storytelling rooted in local history to shape a fully themed guest experience that extends from branding and interiors to reflective moments[31:13] Courtney shares how short-term rental owners can uncover a meaningful design story by starting with the nature, geography, and local history as the foundation for creative direction[32:45] Courtney explains how AI can support storytelling design, and why on-site experience remains critical for shaping boutique hotel guest experience[34:37] Courtney shares how working on a boutique hotel project revealed an unexpected but critical role of design in capital raising[37:50] Courtney describes how property owners can determine whether a designer is the right fit by first reviewing their portfolio to understand their aesthetic style and experience level[39:53] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“We should be moving towards that level of detail that guests notice during their stay.”“When you're actually talking to designers in the short term rental space, it's important to find someone who's focused on short term rentals and not a residential designer. That can go really wrong, really fast.”“Always bet on yourself. So whatever your dreams are, your ambitions, whatever your heart desires, bet that you can do it and make that happen.”“What you believe about yourself, what you believe is possible, makes a huge impact on reality.”Let’s Connect:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/denoridesigns/Website : denoridesigns.com Proudly sponsored by Futurestay: futurestay.com/staceyEnjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • From Rock Bottom to STR Success: Rebuilding with Mindset and Strategy with Elle Anderson

    From Rock Bottom to STR Success: Rebuilding with Mindset and Strategy with Elle Anderson
    May 12 2026
    What would you do if you lost everything—twice—and had to rebuild your life, your finances, and your identity from the ground up? Most people would let the weight of that loss define them. In this episode, I sit down with acquisitions expert and STR investor Elle Anderson. We’re diving into her extraordinary journey from the depths of financial loss to building a business rooted in mindset, identity work, and high-level strategy.Inside the episode, I dive into:How Elle jumped into buying businesses with no money, raising equity, and learning the high-stakes game of investor relations on the flyWhat happened when Elle’s last $5 became the catalyst for a total identity shift, moving her from chronic worry to conscious creationHow Elle applies deep due diligence to real estate, spotting market gaps and adding high-ROI amenities like year-round pools to outperform the competitionA creative, guest-centric approach to winning over neighbors and building community goodwill around your rentalsExploring the connection between your nervous system, your identity, and the actual results in your bank accountBut this isn't just a story about a comeback. It’s about the freedom of choice. Elle pulls back the curtain on why she walked away from a company with 120 employees to find the flexibility and creativity of short-term rentals. You’ll hear how she designs for "memorable moments", from slides between floors to interactive design touches, and why she believes bold action is only possible once you’ve done the inner work to support it.If you’ve ever wondered if you can truly recover from a setback and build something even better on the other side, this conversation is your proof. Get ready to stop praying for things to go wrong and start training your mind for what’s possible.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:54] A short introduction about our guest Elle Anderson, and how she began her entrepreneurial journey with no experience or capital, relying on belief, resourcefulness, and investor support[04:12] Elle explains how she navigated entering business acquisitions with no experience or capital, relying on belief, resourcefulness, and investor support[06:05] Elle describes the wide variety of businesses she acquired and shares how her follow-up approach helped build trust and credibility with investors.[08:58] Elle recounts the second time she was left with only $5, no food for her two-year-old son, and describes how a profound shift in mindset transformed her path forward[13:01] How Elle recognized her lifelong tendency to worry and transformed it into intentional focus on positive outcomes.[15:29] Elle shares how she learned to harness awareness and intention to transform her mindset, even after repeated setbacks [18:37] Elle talks about the emotional impact after her first financial loss and how she began the long journey of rebuilding without the knowledge she needed[21:22] Elle describes her recipe for success, emphasizing the power of momentum and decisive action in rebuilding and growing her businesses[23:05] Why taking imperfect action and learning from mistakes is more powerful than waiting for the perfect moment[26:56] Elle’s transition from large-scale business acquisitions to short-term rentals and how she identifies gaps in competitive markets[32:38] Elle shares how she translates lessons from business acquisitions into short-term rentals, using due diligence, creative design, and strategic ROI-driven decisions [37:20] Elle talks about the foundational mindset shift that transforms success, even in moments of uncertainty or doubt[38:47] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“Where you put your attention is where your energy goes, and that grows.”“I would celebrate my success long before it happened. And it just kept coming and coming and coming.”“Worrying is one of the biggest wastes of energy ever possible, because you end up putting out into the world what ultimately you're going to attract.”“My brain is literally just a data center. It's just a big old, massive computer, right? And what we input into that computer directly affects the output that we're able to get from it.”“Once I understood about mindset and identity, like who you believe you are inside, then it all made sense. You don't have to be smart, you don't even have to be good, you don't even have to have the best tactics. You just have to believe that it's going to be successful.”“You have to have action, even if it's not perfect action. You're going to learn and you're going to adjust, and you're going to get better.”“Perfectionism is one reason why people don't take action because they're waiting to do something until they get that home run, or it's a slam dunk, or they know for sure.”“Failure comes from mistakes only when we don't learn from them.”Let’s Connect:Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/elle.ande.10Resource Mentioned: Innercise: The New Science to Unlock Your Brain's Hidden ...
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet