Short Term Rental Secrets Podcast Ep 244 - From Banking to 96 STRs: Why Fouad Built a Bankable Airbnb Empire
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Jun 2, 2025 Fouad Badzi, with 31 years in banking and consulting, shares his exhilarating shift to short-term rentals, managing 96 properties. He reveals how a medical emergency sparked his journey into Airbnb and emphasizes the importance of using math for pricing strategies. Fouad explains the distinctions between luxury and comfort stays and the tech stack he employs. He also discusses scaling to a $12 million target, the necessity of reverse-engineering an exit strategy, and the mindset needed for sustainable business success.
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Family Emergency Sparks STR Start
- Fouad started short-term rentals due to his daughter's medical needs requiring frequent visits to Los Angeles.
- He shifted from long-term rentals and a coffee shop to investing in STRs and grew to 96 listings by partnership.
Separate Teams for Different Guests
- Separate teams and tech stacks for luxury and comfort stays to match their guest expectations.
- Luxury guests want concierge-level service; comfort guests require more technical, hands-on support.
Commit to a Stable Tech Stack
- Choose a tech stack considering both customer-facing booking site and owner financial reporting.
- Commit to a tech stack for at least 12 months to avoid stressing your team with constant changes.