Scaling STRs Together: The Airbnb Sisters’ Secrets to Success with Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt

What happens when two sisters team up to build a powerhouse short-term rental brand in two of the most competitive markets in the country? Most people think working with family is a recipe for disaster; Jen and Lauren prove it’s actually a competitive advantage.In this episode, I sit down with Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt, better known as The Airbnb Sisters. We’re unpacking how they’ve grown a thriving portfolio across Nashville and 30A while keeping their standards sky-high and their sisterly bond intact.We talk about:How a single CMA Fest booking turned into a professional management career for Nashville’s biggest developersThe strategy behind their iconic pink-themed homes and how they attract high-value group stays like weddings and bachelorette partiesHow Jen transitioned from personal assistant to the engine of the business, managing guest flow and flawless check-insThe story of finding (and fiercely protecting) a standout cleaning crew to maintain five-star standards from hundreds of miles awayA candid look at hosting large groups, and how their branding and screening process attract guests who actually respect the propertyBut this isn't just a story about pretty houses. It’s about the evolution of a brand. Jen and Lauren pull back the curtain on the delicate conversations they have with owners about decor budgets and why they now insist on being involved before a home is even furnished. You’ll hear how they still run a high-volume business with a personal touch, and my honest take on where they can finally let technology take some of the weight off their shoulders.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a "side hustle" into a recognizable brand or how to successfully partner with family, this conversation is your front-row seat. Get ready to learn what it really takes to dominate the high-energy group stay market.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:15] A short introduction about our guests Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt, and share how they started and grew their short-term rental business together as sisters[05:42] Jen explains how she and Lauren divided roles while building their short-term rental business[07:16] Lauren shares why she brought her sister Jen into the short-term rental business[08:29] Jen explains how social media helped grow their short-term rental business and attract large group bookings[10:54] Lauren outlines their mixed short-term rental business model of ownership and management, and how a long-term developer partnership shaped their portfolio[13:41] Lauren highlights that running properties far from home, like their 30A beach rentals, is very different from managing Nashville homes[14:35] Jen and Lauren discuss managing long-distance properties and finding the right cleaning team [18:19] Lauren and Jen explain how they maintain quality and consistent design across their properties[20:12] Lauren describes managing guest communications themselves and my advice to them about dynamic pricing tool and property management software[26:57] Jen explains that their approach to adding properties is highly selective, focusing first on the relationship and communication style with the owner rather than just the property itself[29:19] How Jen and Lauren use experience and firm standards to guide budgeting and property fit decisions [33:12] Jen and Lauren debunks bachelorette myths and highlights the reality of high-quality group guests [36:00] Lauren and Jen share how they generally don’t actively screen bachelorette parties or other group bookings and they treat all guests equally and welcome those who want to book[37:47] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“It's so important that we've got backups and backups for our backups.”“You can have a beautifully designed property, but if it's poorly run, you're not going to get great reviews.”“If somebody is giving you trouble, kill them with kindness.”Let’s Connect:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the.airbnb.sisters/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!