Personal IPO From $19K to $7M: His Airbnb Got Banned… Then Went Viral | Isaac French
Sep 2, 2025
Isaac French, a designer and builder behind the successful Live Oak Lake micro-resort, shares his journey from $19K in savings to creating a $7 million business. He discusses the challenges he faced when Airbnb banned his listing just weeks after launch and how he pivoted to direct bookings. Isaac delves into the principles of biophilic design, the significance of nurturing creativity from a young age, and how storytelling propelled him to social media fame. It's a tale of resilience, innovation, and the beauty of creating memorable experiences.
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From $19K To Closing In 30 Days
- Isaac bought land with $19,000 and closed an all-cash deal for $135,000 within 30 days.
- He raised short-term loans from family and used multiple credit cards to fund the build when costs overran.
Airbnb Delisting Forced Direct Bookings
- Live Oak Lake opened and was suspended on Airbnb two weeks later with no support from customer service.
- Isaac launched a direct bookings site and used a $950 influencer giveaway to generate $40,000 in seven days.
Leveraging Family Credit And Co-Guarantees
- Isaac maxed seven or eight credit cards and leaned on his family's business credit line to cover early costs.
- He convinced his dad and brothers to co-guarantee loans when banks laughed at his pitch.
