Introducing Jordan Holmes, an innovative host who has been making waves in the short-term rental (STR) market since September 2022. Inspired by a conversation with a family friend, this host discovered a passion for real estate that blossomed into a thriving business focused on hospitality and design. Operating under the brand "The Hideaways" in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, Jordan co-manages 14 properties, including four personally-owned rentals. His success is driven by a commitment to providing unique experiences and exceptional guest satisfaction.
One of the key strategies behind Jordan’s business is the use of essential tools and systems to streamline operations. From Asana for task management to PriceLabs for pricing optimization, and, of course, Minoan for streamlining and saving on his ordering needs, every aspect of his hosting business is meticulously organized. He differentiates his properties by offering high-quality amenities and creatively utilizing social media for marketing.
By accessing insider pricing on top brands like Burrow, Ratio, and Caraway, while leveraging centralized ordering and customer support, Jordan has been able to use Minoan to improve the guest experience. All the while, he’s helping set his listings apart in what’s become a competitive market.
Jordan’s favorite part of hosting? Hearing glowing reviews and seeing guests share their experiences online, knowing he’s played a part in making someone's stay unforgettable.
We sat down with Jordan to learn more about his journey, challenges, and the valuable tips he has for fellow hosts looking to create memorable and successful short-term rentals.
Q: How long have you been a short-term rental host?
A: I’ve been a short-term rental host since September 2022.
Q: What inspired you to get into hosting?
A: My inspiration from hosting came from a conversation with a family friend about the power of real estate. What I discovered in this world of real estate was a passion for curating unique experiences through the lens of hospitality and design.
Q: What markets are you in currently?
A: Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Q: What markets, if any, are you interested in expanding into?
A: Our plan is to continue to expand to different markets. The next market we have identified as a possibility is Northwest Arkansas (Eureka Springs and surrounding areas).
Q: How many properties are in your portfolio?
A: I work alongside two business partners under our brand, The Hideaways. Personally, I have ownership of four properties (shown below), but The Hideaways brand encompasses 14 listings and is growing. Here are the links to my rentals:
Q: Do you self-manage the properties, or do you have a co-host?
A: I self-manage Cooper Pines, an a-frame cabin in Campton, Kentucky. I co-host the other properties with my amazing business partner, Mike Sebastian.
Q: What tools or systems are most important for managing your day-to-day hosting business?
A: Tools and systems are at the core of how we host successfully. Here are the tools that play key roles in our hosting business today:
- Asana – For daily tasks related to reservations and property upkeep.
- Zapier – To systematize and automate key components of our hosting business.
- Hostaway – To manage reservations, performance, and bookings.
- PriceLabs – To price each property competitively.
- Relay – For banking and deployment of the Profit First method.
- QuickBooks – For bookkeeping and financials.
- StayFi – For email and lead capture.
- Go High Level – For email marketing, text campaigns, landing pages, and more.
- Canva – For any graphic design or creative needs.
- Instagram – To establish brand recognition so we can drive 99% direct bookings.
Q: What are your biggest challenges as an STR owner?
A: One of the biggest challenges we face (especially trying to focus on the unique space) is how to become noticeable to the point that your property becomes the destination versus the market you exist within.
The other major challenge we face is financing for unique properties. We have to make 10 times as many calls to find a financing option that will take on the project and also work with our numbers.
Q: What are you doing to differentiate your properties from others in your same market to create a memorable guest experience?
A: We provide high-quality amenities and features that our guests will notice from the moment they walk in the door. We not only want to provide amenities such as hot tubs, saunas, and pickleball courts, but offer it to our guests in a unique way. Instead of installing a hot tub on an average back deck, we are currently working on a project now to build a deck with a hot tub that sits 15 feet off the ground on top of a boulder overlooking the cliffs of Kentucky. This is what allows us to stand out in the niche of unique stays.
We also put a significant amount of energy and effort into marketing through social and in collaborations with key influencers.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an STR host?
Q: If you could shout one thing from the rooftops to other STR hosts getting started, what would it be?
A: Providing high-quality furnishings and unique amenities with a killer design complemented with captivating photography will lead to ongoing success and maximized returns.
Q: Are there any specific items in your properties guests seem to always notice or ask about?
A: Guests typically ask what type of mattress we offer and the sheets that come with it. We believe the best guest experiences start with a quality night of sleep.
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands and why?
A: Burrow is a Minoan brand we had never heard of previously, but when the couch arrived and was assembled, we were instantly impressed with the comfort and quality. Ratio provides some of the best quality coffee machines, and Caraway’s quality is evident from the moment you open the box. Being able to pass that quality along to our guests makes it even better.
Q: How has Minoan helped you with your short-term rentals?
A: Minoan has helped us curate a truly unique and exceptional property all while saving us money through the process. Being able to access premium brands offered by Minoan while still staying within our budget is crucial.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Minoan?
A: My favorite thing about Minoan is the customer service. We had a tight deadline to get items delivered and to arrive on time. Through the help of that team, we were able to have 99.99% of our items delivered on time.
Q: What's one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you first started setting up your STRs?
A: If you have to furnish an empty property, managing the itemized list and corresponding orders can become a nightmare. Minoan solves that issue for the majority of our items which allows us to focus on more critical set-up tasks.
Q: Any other tips for your fellow hosts?
A: Take action, be bold, and don’t be afraid to create a property unlike anything people have seen in your market.
Q: What is your most rewarding experience or memory as a host?
A: The most rewarding experience for us was being able to partner with some amazing businesses and organizations. Early in 2024, we had the opportunity to work with Make-A-Wish to donate a free two-night stay to raise money for children across the state of Kentucky.
Would you like to be featured in our host spotlight series?
Email us at host-spotlight@minoanexperience.com
