What does it take to turn a 10,000-square-foot building into a thriving short-term rental that can host up to 42 guests? For Andrew Llewellyn, the answer included grit, rejection, and relentless problem-solving.
In this episode, Sarah and Annette sit down with Andrew to hear how he went from running ice cream shops and a food truck to becoming a real estate developer along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Andrew shares how he convinced a bank to back his vision (after 40 rejections), why he leans on parent-child listings to maximize occupancy, and the systems his team uses to pull off back-to-back turnovers for massive groups.
You’ll learn:
- How Andrew pivoted from muffins to multi-unit rentals during COVID.
- Why defining your ideal guest avatar matters for large group stays.
- How to set up parent-child listings that increase revenue and flexibility.
- What it takes to build cleaning systems that can handle 42-guest turnovers.
- Why direct bookings and SEO fuel long-term sustainability.
- Andrew’s hard-won advice for dealing with city regulations and securing financing.
This conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable strategies—whether you host a one-bedroom cottage or are dreaming about your own large-scale project.
Resources:
PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand.
SuperStay STR – Andrew’s direct booking site for large group stays in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mentioned in this episode:
Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
