STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA The Business Behind Hosting: Mergers, Margins & Management
Jul 3, 2025
Patryk Swietek, owner of The Cohost Company, manages 100 listings in Joshua Tree. He shares his entrepreneurial journey from a tech employee witnessing rapid growth to acquiring three property management companies. Patryk discusses the challenges of thin margins in short-term rentals and the significance of integrating technology for operational efficiency. He emphasizes the competitive dynamics in Joshua Tree, the importance of proactive hospitality, and the value of high-quality service for owner retention, all while leveraging data for strategic growth.
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Patryk's Journey Into Property Management
- Patryk started in short-term rentals as a host with 5 properties before acquiring a management company.
- He shifted from owning properties to managing contracts for scaling and operational efficiency.
Buy to Skip Startup Challenges
- Buying property management companies lets you skip early branding and contract building.
- Focus your time on perfecting operations and increasing owner value.
Value of Management Contracts
- The lifetime value of a property management contract averages about 10 years.
- Acquiring companies is the fastest way to access quality properties and long-term owner relationships.