How to Build a 320+ STR Business With Zero Outside Capital | S02E28

In this episode of The Hospitality Edge, we sit down with Dunniela Kaufman, CEO of Sojourn DC, to explore the behind-the-scenes journey of growing a hospitality brand into a full-service property management company. Starting from managing a single building on Capitol Hill to operating over 320 properties, Dunniela shares candid insights on how Sojourn scaled organically without outside funding, navigated COVID-19, and pioneered a flexible rental model that combines short-term and mid-term stays.

We also dive deep into the operational and legal challenges of running a growing property management business, and what it really takes to deliver a consistent guest experience at scale.

Whether you're a short-term rental operator, property manager, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on growth, operations, and brand-building in a rapidly evolving industry.

What You'll Learn:

• How to scale a property management company organically — without raising capital

• The evolution from hospitality brand to full-service property management, including in-house operations

• Why and how flex leasing (short-term and mid-term rentals) creates more value for owners and guests

• Key lessons from navigating COVID-19 and how to adapt in times of crisis

• The legal and liability considerations every operator should think about, especially with longer stays

• Why building a consistent guest experience is crucial — and how to achieve it, even with hundreds of properties

• The tech challenges of managing diverse rental types — and what’s still missing from current software solutions

Tune in to hear how Sojourn is redefining what it means to be a hospitality brand and property manager — and what it takes to grow and thrive in today’s market.