Most of the coaching and "guru's" in the STR space are teaching algorithm hacks, arbitrage, scaling to 100 properties, how to use AI to take over your communications/hospitality business.... a set it and forget it mentality... literally the opposite of what true hospitality is all about - human connection, experience and forging memories that last a lifetime! When we started out STR journey, long before we actually opened up our cottage to travelers and we were in the planning stages of what our retirement might look like, Michelle and I talked about our passions. Michelle loves cooking and amazing food and I enjoy boating on the lake I grew up visiting at our 4th generation tiny cottage in NE Indiana and enjoy learning about the rich history of the lake. Our plan in retirement was to incorporate these passions into a business that wouldn't feel like work. A decade before our retirement age, the pandemic had other plans for us and it ended a market research firm we had run for 18 years relating to hotels and events. So in 2020, we fast-forwarded our retirement dreams and started renovating our little cottage with comfort and hospitality in mind. To have a guest side and an owner's side and we built a chef's kitchen in the cozy cottage and purchased a boat and set up a commercial tour business for conducting tours on the lake. We're still a decade away from retirement age, but are now in our 5th year of hosting and 7th year of doing the boat tours. We've had wild success with our STR (our goal is to only be 50% occupied since we enjoy using the guest side of our cottage ourselves with friends occasionally) and have done so well, that we wanted to share our experiences and knowledge from working in hospitality and how we've created our dream jobs that are tied into our STR so this community was created to teach and recognize others who are on a similar path as we are. To show how to move away from reliance on the platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) and how to create a brand, direct booking website, how to market and drive traffic to your brand and to inspire others to take the leap that we did 15 years early. To be able to do what you're passionate about and to live a rewarding life that doesn't feel like work. To connect with other humans through real hospitality (not AI driven or chasing algorithms or scale) and to create an experience that they will remember for a life time.

Welcome! Please copy the prompts below and paste them in a NEW post under the NEW MEMBER INTROS tag. DON"T POST YOUR ANSWERS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. Please answer thoughtfully. Short is fine—intentional is better. 1. Your name & where you host or will be hosting (Region/city and state/country is perfect—no need to share exact location) 2. Your place in a sentence or two. What makes it yours? (Age of the home, setting, story, or experience you’re creating) 3. Owner-occupied or owner-operated? How hands-on are you with your guests and the space? 4. How long you’ve been hosting? New, growing, or seasoned—all are welcome here. 5. What part of the guest experience you care most about (Arrival, comfort, food, design, communication, privacy, moments of delight, etc.) 6. Do you offer any "experienced- based", optional add-ons that set your listing apart from others (cooking classes, private chef, barista, tours of the city, art classes, etc.)? 7. What you’re currently refining or questioning? One specific thing you want to improve or think more deeply about. 7. What “unforgettable hospitality” means to you? There’s no right answer—this helps us understand your point of view.