Is your short-term rental business growing, or just getting harder to manage?
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Stewart, CEO of Grand Welcome, to explore how franchising offers property managers a scalable and sustainable path to success in today’s competitive STR market.
Grand Welcome is one of the fastest-growing franchise-based vacation rental management companies in the U.S. The brand provides local operators with the tools, systems, and support they need to grow efficiently while delivering exceptional guest experiences and building strong homeowner relationships.
With a background in fashion retail franchising, Patrick shares how those same principles of consistency, structure, and support can transform how short term rental rental businesses operate. At Grand Welcome, his mission is to help local operators grow profitably, simplify their operations, and build a business they enjoy running.
Key Topics Discussed:
00:00 – Intro
03:25 – Patrick’s Background in Franchising and Transition to STRs
06:46 – Why the Franchise Model Works for STR Operators
07:54 – What Grand Welcome Takes Off Operators' Plates
10:32 – The Grand Welcome Difference for New Operators
10:55 – Support Systems for Guest Services, Pricing, and Growth
15:06 – Helping Franchisees with Marketing and Owner Acquisition
16:33 – Overcoming Fear and Risk as a New STR Entrepreneur
18:38 – Franchise Network Support and Shared Best Practices
20:48 – Grand Welcome’s Growth, Tools, and Focus on Franchisees
23:53 – Choosing the Right Tech and Vendor Partnerships
24:50 – Test-and-Learn Approach for Rolling Out New Tools
Whether managing 20 properties or 200, this episode offers a new perspective on what it means to scale. With the right partner, growth becomes more strategic, more profitable, and far less overwhelming.
Connect with Patrick & Grand Welcome:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickstewartceo/
Website: https://www.grandwelcomefranchise.com/
Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:
Go live with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy by August 4, 2025, and receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Status for one year, 36000 bonus points, and a marketing feature on a Homes & Villas marketing channel after you launch:
https://partners.homes-and-villas.marriott.com/s/event-property-managers-contact-us?ev=AApod25
Get a free Growth Hack Review and P&L Evaluation when you mention “Alex & Annie” during your discovery call with the Grand Welcome team:
https://calendly.com/jessica-singer-grandwelcome/intro
#vacationrentals #franchisebusiness #propertymanagement