Your STR isn’t underperforming by accident — it’s underperforming because of decisions.
In this episode, Chris and E sit down with Mark Lumpkin from STR Cribs, the company behind 500+ STR setups, to break down the real reasons properties fail and what the best operators do differently.
If you’re buying, designing, furnishing, or managing STRs — this is a masterclass in thinking like a pro instead of an amateur.
Inside this episode:
• The biggest mistakes investors make when buying or furnishing STRs
• Why “more amenities” isn’t the answer — strategic amenities are
• How to work with (and filter out) bad owners
• The 80/20 rule for projects, clients, and portfolio performance
• Why elite STR teams operate like “SEAL Team 6”
• How culture, tension, and standards lead to scale
• The future of STR Cribs and Mark’s next business moves
Guest Bio:
Mark Lumpkin helps investors set up highly profitable STRs all over the country.
00:00 – How STR Cribs Started & Grew to 500+ Setups
00:04:45 – Why High-Net-Worth Investors Still Make Rookie Mistakes
00:09:10 – The Amenities Strategy That Actually Drives Bookings
00:13:55 – Institutional Investors vs Mom-and-Pop Operators
00:18:25 – The Problem With Owners Who Want to “Test It First”
00:22:40 – The 80/20 Rule, Pumpkin Planning & Firing Bad Clients
00:27:05 – Sniper vs Machine Gun: How to Focus Your Time as an Operator
00:31:30 – The STR Cribs Hiring Philosophy: SEAL Team 6
00:36:15 – Creating a High-Performance Culture Through Healthy Tension
00:41:50 – What’s Next for STR Cribs & Mark’s Personal Vision
Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lumpkin-84b173142/
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