

How Wander Went Asset-Light and 100x'ed its Locations: A Deeper Dive with John Andrew Entwistle
7 snips May 28, 2025
John Andrew Entwistle, CEO of Wander, shares insights on transforming his vacation rental company to an asset-light model, growing from 13 to over 1,000 locations. He discusses the switch from a REIT approach, emphasizing adaptability and high customer satisfaction in a competitive market. The conversation highlights strategic partnerships with homeowners and the importance of data-driven scaling. Entwistle unveils ambitious plans for the future, including expanding to 300,000 locations and enhancing services with a unique concierge experience.
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Pivot from Owning to Asset-Light
- Wander initially owned properties to control quality and scale the business through a REIT model.
- Due to macroeconomic shifts, they quickly pivoted to an asset-light model with third-party homeowners while maintaining quality.
Control Over Ownership
- Control of property quality is more critical than ownership for maintaining guest satisfaction.
- Proprietary software orchestrates third-party vendors to ensure consistent quality across homes.
Focus on Unit Economics
- Founders must shift focus at growth stages from discovery to optimizing proven scalable channels.
- Maximize longevity by honing unit economics and profitability rather than chasing all growth opportunities.