In July 2019, Theron Lewis was in the process of scaling a short-term rental business when he read about a proposed ban on Airbnb in the city of Detroit. And his business life flashed before his eyes. Theron had no prior advocacy experience, but he knew he had to do something.

Theron is the Founder of Sharing Detroit, a group of residents, small business owners and community leaders who support the fair regulation of short-term rentals in the State of Michigan. He is also the Founder and President of Capitol Rental Management, a full-service STR property management company with a portfolio of 18 properties in Detroit, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois.

On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Theron joins me to share his story of STR advocacy, beginning with the rocky first steps (and missteps) he took to fight the proposed ban in Detroit. He explains how to go about engaging members of City Council and why you should start building relationships with these local leaders NOW—rather than waiting until regulations are on the table. Listen in for Theron’s insight on demonstrating how STR rules will impact marginalized communities and learn how building an advocacy group can benefit your business beyond preventing a ban on Airbnb!