Building a Scalable STR Brand Without Losing the Guest Experience

What does it take to scale a short-term rental business from one listing to a full-blown hospitality brand? For Taylor Gates, it started with one favor for a neighbor and a borrowed golf cart. What followed was over a decade of intentional growth, operational discipline, and a relentless focus on the guest experience.

In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Taylor breaks down how he went from managing a few rooms on Airbnb to building Stay Duvet—one of Charleston’s leading short-term rental brands—and launching Fluffy, a commercial laundry and housekeeping service designed specifically for STRs.

Here’s what hosts will take away from this episode:

1. It All Starts With Service—Not Scale

Taylor’s foundation in hospitality came from his family’s steakhouse business. That early exposure to service shaped everything: from how he talks to homeowners to how he trains housekeepers. Whether you’re managing one unit or 100, this episode is a reminder that the guest experience should never be treated as an afterthought. Taylor shares how thinking like a guest—not just a host—transformed his approach to design, comfort, and operations.

2. Cleanliness Is a Non-Negotiable—and an Opportunity

You’ll hear Taylor’s full breakdown of what goes into his clean duvet guarantee, why he refuses to use microfiber sheets, and how a well-laundered bed can drastically improve reviews and guest loyalty. He also reveals what most hosts get wrong when it comes to laundry—and why outsourcing to a commercial facility might save you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

3. Empowered Housekeepers Are the Backbone of Your Business

Taylor shares actionable tips on how to find, train, and retain high-quality cleaning partners. He walks through his team’s onboarding process, how they structure housekeeping in teams of three, and what to ask during the interview process to find cleaners who are aligned with your standards and values. If you’re struggling with turnover or inconsistency, you’ll want to take notes.

4. Design with Purpose, Operate with Systems

From investing in high-thread-count sheets to outfitting living rooms that match the home’s sleeping capacity, Taylor shares why every detail matters—and how those details impact both bookings and reviews. He also emphasizes the importance of thorough property onboarding, from photographing serial numbers to having a plan for preventive maintenance. For hosts ready to grow, he also outlines when it makes sense to invest in proprietary systems like a PMS (property management system) and when to bring services in-house.

5. Team Culture is the True Secret to Scaling

At the heart of Taylor’s success is his belief that empowered teams drive great guest experiences. He opens up about how his company fosters community across departments and vendors, and how simple things like twice-yearly soirees and direct, honest feedback loops have created a culture where people stay—and care.

This episode is a masterclass in what it means to grow intentionally.
Whether you’re new to hosting or actively scaling your portfolio, Taylor’s insights will help you think more clearly about quality control, systems, and the human side of hospitality. You don’t need 200 properties to benefit from this episode—you just need a mindset rooted in service, excellence, and care.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
• Stay Duvet – Taylor’s luxury short-term rental management company
• Fluffy – Commercial laundry and housekeeping service built for STRs
• #STRShareSunday: @goodspeed_getaways
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

#STRShareSunday

@goodspeed_getaways

Big group energy in all the best ways—Heron Hideaway is a recently remodeled retreat designed for relaxing pool days, cozy hangouts, and making memories with your favorite people. Tucked away on 2.67 private acres just outside Fort Worth, it’s a mix of boho charm and modern amenities that just works.

Inside, there’s a chef-worthy kitchen, a huge great room with a Frame TV, and bedrooms that are actually comfortable for adults (yes to multiple king and queen beds). And the bunk room? Total win. Custom XL-over-queen bunks, arcade games, skee ball—it’s as fun as it sounds.

Outside, the pool and lounge setup is the cherry on top. A peaceful setting close to the city = the best of both worlds.

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.