Billy Perez, a former teacher turned entrepreneur, shares his journey of scaling Elevate Vacation Homes to 27 vacation rentals in less than a year. He discusses the power of networking and building genuine relationships for rapid growth. Billy also emphasizes confidence in establishing credibility in real estate, navigating regulatory challenges, and his unique venture into vending machines alongside managing properties. Tune in for insights on strategic partnerships and the importance of mentorship in achieving financial success!
Billy Perez successfully scaled his vacation rental management company by leveraging strategic networking and building personal relationships rather than relying solely on traditional marketing.
Recognizing the importance of delegation, Billy transitioned from managing all aspects alone to hiring a team, which facilitated greater focus on business growth and strategy.
Deep dives
Billy Perez's Transition from Teaching to Real Estate
Billy Perez transitioned from being a teacher to a successful real estate entrepreneur. Initially, he envisioned a stable teaching career, but after realizing the financial limitations, he sought opportunities to create a broader impact on people's lives through wealth. Inspired by podcasts like BiggerPockets, he yearned to help others while generating income. This led him to invest in Airbnbs, where he discovered the potential for significant cash flow, allowing him to quit his teaching job and pursue real estate full-time.
The Importance of Networking in Real Estate
Networking emerged as a key strategy for Billy's rapid growth in managing real estate properties. He emphasizes the value of personal connections, stating that most of his clients came through relationship-building rather than traditional marketing methods. Attending real estate meetups and events enabled him to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and potential clients, proving that face-to-face interactions can bolster business opportunities. This hands-on approach helped him quickly grow his client list while relying on interpersonal skills rather than complex marketing systems.
Scaling Operations and Delegation for Growth
Billy recognized the necessity of hiring and delegating tasks to facilitate his expanding business, which ultimately included the hiring of a virtual assistant after reaching 27 properties under management. He had been managing all aspects of the business himself, from guest communications to sales and accounting. With the addition of an operations manager and a virtual assistant, he began streamlining processes, allowing him to focus on growth and business strategy. This shift from a solopreneur mindset to building a proper company structure is vital for scaling effectively.
Future Aspirations and Growth in the Industry
Looking ahead, Billy aims to continue expanding both his Airbnb management company and his side business in vending machines. He has set ambitious goals to acquire additional management companies and significantly increase his client base by targeting the 100-property mark within the next couple of years. Leveraging partnerships is crucial to his plans, as he has found a partner with the necessary capital to help grow the business. These steps, combined with his proactive approach to learning and taking action, position him for long-term success in a competitive market.
We sit down with Billy Perez, a former teacher turned entrepreneur who has skyrocketed his vacation rental management company, Elevate Vacation Homes, to 27 units in less than a year. Billy shares his journey from the classroom to quitting his job in March 2024, scaling his business through strategic relationships and relentless action.
He dives into lessons learned from managing Airbnbs, leveraging trust, and building a thriving business in San Diego’s competitive market.
Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration from a true go-getter who proves that success starts with a handshake and a vision.