Have you ever dreamed of leaving your 9-to-5 and building a thriving business in short-term rentals? In this episode, I’m joined by Denise Vaughn, a dynamic entrepreneur who made the bold leap from dental hygienist to short-term rental powerhouse.
From avoiding costly mistakes to mastering guest satisfaction, Denise reveals the key strategies that set top-performing hosts apart. She breaks down how small but impactful changes—like fresh decor and a well-stocked inventory—can significantly boost bookings and revenue.
But it’s not just about properties—Denise dives into the power of team-building, sharing how she built a strong, cohesive team that aligns with her business values. Her insights on leadership and operations will transform how you approach property management and help you create a sustainable, profitable business.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, Denise’s journey and expertise will leave you inspired and equipped to elevate your short-term rental game. Tune in now to discover the game-changing strategies that can turn your rental properties into your most profitable venture!
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[00:56] A short introduction about our guest Denise Vaughn and her transition from being a dental hygienist to a short-term rental investor
[05:53] Denise shares her experience as a dental hygienist with some celebrities
[07:06] What are the biggest mistakes that investors make when it comes to the upkeep of their property
[12:07] Denise’ recommendations for maintaining properties to ensure cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and prompt upkeep to prevent issues from impacting bookings or reviews
[16:27] The importance of a mix of owner involvement and structured checklists for regular property maintenance to ensure guest satisfaction and address wear and tear
[22:28] The importance of sharing listing photos with cleaners and inspectors to ensure consistency and help track missing or misplaced items
[26:56] Denise shares a memorable experience where she walked into a property that was essentially a "grandma's house" and not at all ready for rental
[31:05] How Denise manages unrealistic expectations from investors
[34:53] How Denise found success in hiring her ideal team members and emphasizes the importance of aligning with core values for long-term, sustainable working relationships
[38:17] The importance of placing team members in the right roles by assessing their strengths, interests, and growth
[39:48] What does “being the best leader for your team” mean to Denise
[41:32] How Denise develops her leadership skills and empowers herself and others alongside her husband
[45:54] The lightning round
Golden Nuggets:
“One of the things that I feel is so important for property owners, obviously, during a turnover, to make sure that anything that's missing or damaged is reported immediately.”
“We're all a team, so that's really important to me, as we're a team and we all make mistakes. Mistakes are only lessons that we get to learn from.”
“I hire and fire by my core values, first and foremost… We can always teach skills, but when we don't have people that are aligned with our values, it makes having a long term sustainable relationship, from a work perspective, very difficult.”
“Being the best leader means that we are empowering our team to do their best job, and we're removing roadblocks for our team.”
“You have to stay passionate. If you don't have something in life to be passionate about, you're not going to have a great life.”
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Let’s Connect!
Website: denisevaughnconcierge.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082129156466
Instagram: https://instagram.com/denisevaughnconcierge
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