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Hoppy Monday!

With Easter yesterday and spring finally starting to show up in the Poconos, I couldn’t resist this week's theme…

No bunny builds a great STR by accident.

I know, I know… a little (a LOT) cheesy. But stay with me.

This time of year is funny. It’s a far cry from peak season. The weather can’t make up its mind. Bookings might feel a little uneven. It’s easy to slip into “wait and see” mode and just hope things pick up.

But the best operators? They’re not waiting.  They know that hope is not a strategy.

They’re planting seeds.

They’re walking their properties and noticing the little things that need attention.
They’re refreshing listings, updating photos, dialing in pricing.
They’re tightening up systems, communication, and the guest experience.

None of it is glamorous.
Most of it is invisible.

But just like spring, this is where the magic actually starts.

Because a few weeks from now, when calendars fill up and guests start arriving in full force, 5-star reviews won’t be luck. It’ll be the result of the work you’re doing right now.

And here’s the other thing…

Nobody does this alone.

Whether it’s learning from others, staying ahead of what’s happening in our communities, or having a voice in the conversations that impact our businesses—those are all part of the seeds we plant, too.

So as we head into this new season, don’t just hope for a great year.

Build it.

Wishing you a strong spring, and a season full of growth (and maybe a little sunshine, too).

~Rebecca

• We have a FULL SLATE of webinars scheduled in April, great topics to prepare you for a successful harvest!
• Check out our Partners and Local Suppliers if you need help with your spring improvement projects!

The short-term rental industry has matured dramatically over the last decade. What started as a side hustle for a few adventurous homeowners has evolved into a major segment of the hospitality economy. And while some markets across the country are beginning to cool, the Poconos continues to stand out as one of the strongest and most resilient STR markets in the Northeast.

Why?

Because the Poconos offers something increasingly rare in today’s travel landscape: accessibility, affordability, four-season appeal, and the kind of vacation experience travelers are actively searching for.

Whether you already own a vacation rental in the Poconos, are considering investing in one, or simply want to better understand the regional STR landscape, here’s why the Poconos continues to outperform many competing mountain and vacation destinations.

A True Four-Season Destination

Many vacation markets rely heavily on a single season. Beach towns boom in the summer. Ski towns explode in the winter. But the Poconos has something many destinations envy: year-round tourism demand.

Winter brings:

• Skiing and snowboarding

• Snow tubing

• Cozy cabin getaways

• Holiday travel

Spring brings:

• Hiking

• Waterfalls

• Fishing

• Family travel during school breaks

Summer delivers:

• Lakes

• Pools

• Kayaking

• Family reunions

• Outdoor concerts and festivals

Fall?
That’s foliage season — one of the most beautiful and heavily traveled times of the year in the Northeast.

This diversity matters because it creates more consistent occupancy throughout the year and reduces dependence on a single “make or break” season.

For STR owners and operators, that means more opportunities to generate revenue across all 12 months of the year.

The Drive-To Advantage

One of the Poconos’ greatest strengths is location.

The region sits within driving distance of:

• New York City

• Philadelphia

• North Jersey

• Baltimore

• Washington, D.C.

Millions of people can reach the Poconos in just a few hours without needing to book a flight.

That became especially important during and after the pandemic, when travelers shifted heavily toward “drive-to destinations.” But even now, that trend remains strong.

Families increasingly prefer:

• Easier travel logistics

• Flexible weekend escapes

• Places where they can spread out

• Private accommodations instead of traditional hotels

The Poconos checks every one of those boxes.

When gas prices fluctuate or airline travel becomes frustrating, the Poconos often benefits rather than suffers.

The Poconos Appeals to Multiple Types of Travelers

Another reason the region remains so resilient is that it doesn’t rely on a single traveler demographic.

The Poconos attracts:

• Families

• Couples

• Outdoor enthusiasts

• Bachelor and bachelorette groups

• Multi-generational travelers

• Remote workers

• Wellness travelers

• Pet owners

• Wedding guests

• Corporate retreats

That diversity creates stability.

If one segment softens temporarily, another often remains strong.

For example:

• Couples may dominate during quieter winter weekends

• Families surge during summer vacation

• Friend groups fill homes during ski season

• Remote workers extend weekday stays during shoulder seasons

Successful STR markets are rarely dependent on one type of guest. The Poconos benefits from broad appeal across multiple travel styles and budgets.

Larger Homes Continue to Perform Well

One major advantage the Poconos has over many urban STR markets is inventory style.

The region is filled with:

• Cabins

• Chalets

• Lake houses

• Large family homes

• Properties with outdoor space

That’s important because traveler preferences have shifted dramatically in recent years.

Today’s guests increasingly want:

• Shared experiences

• Space to gather

• Kitchens

• Fire pits

• Hot tubs

• Game rooms

• Pet-friendly accommodations

A family that would need three hotel rooms can often rent a single Pocono vacation home instead.

For many travelers, that’s not only more comfortable — it’s often more economical.

The result?
The Poconos continues to perform particularly well in the “group travel” category, which remains one of the strongest segments in short-term rentals.

The Region Still Offers Relative Affordability

Compared to many Northeast vacation markets, the Poconos remains relatively accessible for both travelers and investors.

Compare the Poconos to:

• The Hamptons

• Cape Cod

• Vermont ski towns

• The Catskills

• Adirondack lake markets

In many of those destinations:

• Entry costs are dramatically higher

• Taxes are steeper

• Inventory is tighter

• Profit margins can be compressed

The Poconos still offers opportunities for:

• First-time STR owners

• Small portfolio operators

• Local entrepreneurs

• Families purchasing second homes

That accessibility helps keep the market active and dynamic.

Tourism Infrastructure Continues to Grow

The Poconos isn’t succeeding by accident.

The region benefits from strong tourism infrastructure, including:

• Waterparks

• Ski resorts

• Casinos

• Wedding venues

• Breweries and wineries

• Hiking trails

• Family attractions

• Event venues

• Restaurants and entertainment

Organizations like the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau continue investing heavily in promoting the region nationally.

That marketing benefits everyone:

• Hotels

• Attractions

• Restaurants

• Local businesses

• Short-term rentals

When tourism thrives, the entire regional economy benefits.

STRs Fill an Important Gap in the Hospitality Ecosystem

Short-term rentals aren’t competing against the tourism economy in the Poconos — they’re helping support it.

STRs allow the region to accommodate:

• Large families

• Wedding groups

• Youth sports travel

• Travelers with pets

• Multi-family vacations

• Longer stays

In many cases, traditional hotel inventory simply cannot meet those needs effectively.

Vacation rentals also spread tourism spending throughout local communities.

Guests staying in STRs often:

• Shop at local grocery stores

• Hire local services

• Visit nearby restaurants

• Explore smaller towns

• Spend money beyond major resort corridors

That broader economic distribution matters.

Professionalism in the STR Industry Has Increased

The early days of short-term rentals were often described as the “Wild West.”

But today’s successful operators increasingly run professional hospitality businesses with:

• Safety systems

• Noise monitoring

• Professional cleaning teams

• Guest screening

• Revenue management tools

• Maintenance systems

• Clear house rules

• Local response teams

Organizations like the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners have helped elevate standards throughout the region through education, advocacy, and initiatives like the Good Neighbor Program.

That evolution matters because sustainable STR markets require responsible operation.

The long-term future of the industry depends on balancing:

• Tourism growth

• Guest experience

• Neighborhood quality of life

• Property owner rights

• Reasonable regulation

Challenges Still Exist — But Strong Markets Adapt

No market is without challenges.

The Poconos continues to face:

• Regulatory debates

• HOA restrictions

• Rising operational costs

• Insurance increases

• Competitive pressure

• Seasonal weather variability

But mature markets adapt.

The strongest operators are focusing on:

• Better hospitality

• Smarter pricing

• Improved guest communication

• Stronger branding

• Direct bookings

• Professional operations

In other words: the industry is evolving, not disappearing.

The Bottom Line

The Poconos remains one of the strongest STR markets in the Northeast because it combines several rare advantages:

• Four-season tourism

• Drive-to accessibility

• Diverse traveler demand

• Large-group accommodations

• Relative affordability

• Expanding tourism infrastructure

• Strong regional identity

Could the market evolve? Absolutely.

Will regulations continue to develop? Certainly.

But the underlying fundamentals that make the Poconos attractive to travelers remain incredibly strong.

And as long as people continue looking for memorable places to gather with family and friends, disconnect from daily stress, enjoy nature, and create shared experiences, the Poconos will continue to be a destination people choose again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Poconos still a good place to invest in a vacation rental?

For many investors and owner-operators, yes. The region continues to benefit from strong tourism demand, drive-to accessibility, and year-round appeal. However, success increasingly depends on professional operations, good market research, and understanding local regulations.

What areas in the Poconos are most popular for STRs?

Popular STR areas include Lake Harmony, Tobyhanna, Pocono Lake, Bushkill, Albrightsville, Arrowhead Lake, and communities near major attractions and ski resorts.

Are STR regulations different across the Poconos?

Yes. Regulations can vary significantly by township, borough, HOA, or gated community. Owners should always research local requirements before purchasing or operating a property.

Why do guests choose STRs instead of hotels in the Poconos?

Many guests prefer vacation rentals because they offer:

• More space

• Kitchens

• Privacy

• Outdoor amenities

• Pet-friendly options

• Better accommodations for groups and families

How can owners operate responsibly?

Responsible operation includes:

• Clear guest communication

• Occupancy and parking enforcement

• Fast response to issues

• Proper maintenance

• Respect for neighbors and community standards

Happy Monday!

In case you missed our social posts, this past week, I spent some time in Harrisburg testifying before the PA House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee.

Let me just say… talk about “learning how the sausage is made”!

It’s equal parts fascinating, eye-opening, and—if I’m being honest—a little unsettling. Not because anything nefarious is happening, but because you realize just how much interpretation, opinion, and (sometimes) misunderstanding can shape the rules that ultimately govern our businesses.

And that matters. A lot.

I’ll admit something… back in my innkeeping days, I hated spending money on things I couldn’t see.
Marketing? Sure. I could track bookings.
Renovations? I could see and touch them.
But “advocacy”? That felt like invisible money that was hard to justify.

I get it. Truly.

But here’s the difference: as an innkeeper, I didn’t have a Borough, Township, HOA—or the State—actively considering rules, regulations, and fees that could fundamentally change (or even end) my business model.

Sorry folks… but you do.

And sitting in that room this week made one thing crystal clear: if we’re not at the table, we could be on the menu.

That’s why what we’re building with the Poconos VRO matters.
It’s not just about networking or education (though those are great).
It’s about making sure our voice is heard when decisions are being made that impact your livelihood, your investment, and your future.

Whether it’s pushing back on ideas that don’t make sense, offering real-world perspective, or working collaboratively toward better solutions—this is the work that happens behind the scenes so you can keep doing what you do best.

• If you’re already a member—thank you. You’re part of this voice & you’re helping to make it possible.
• If you’re not, I’d encourage you to consider joining us. Because this is one of those areas where sitting on the sidelines just isn’t a great strategy.

If you’re curious about the hearing, I’ll include a link below so you can watch (or listen to) the full hearing and see exactly what I mean.

And don’t worry… I’ll spare you any future sausage analogies.
(At least until my next trip to Harrisburg )

Have a great week,
Rebecca

PS - PA Tourism Committee Hearing:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BolSwbCt4MQ 

• My remarks start at 40:00
• Q&A starts at 55:30

Good morning,

The other day I had a great meal at a local Chinese restaurant, and the fortune in my cookie really grabbed me. It read:

“It’s better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly.”

Yes. Exactly.

But I couldn’t help feeling like it needed a second sentence…
Something like: as long as you’re committed to learning, improving, and getting a little better each time.

Because that’s really the point, isn’t it?

Perfection is paralyzing. Progress is powerful.

Here at the Poconos VRO, we’ve been living that philosophy in real time. Earlier this month, we hosted the Poconos STR Conference—far from “perfect” if you look closely, but absolutely a huge step forward.

And this week, we’re launching our brand new website!!

Will it be perfect? Probably not.
Will it be better? Absolutely.

And more importantly—it’s a foundation we can continue to build on.

That’s why we followed the conference with a survey. The feedback we received was thoughtful, constructive, and incredibly helpful. It’s already shaping what next year will look like—and making it better.

Now, we’d love your help again.  Tell us what you think about the new webiste.

Take a look: www.poconosvro.org
And if you have a few minutes, please respond to this email and let us know where we can build & improve.

Because growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we listen, adjust, and keep moving forward.

The same is true for your STR business.

You’re always striving for excellence—but how are you measuring it?

Beyond reviews…
Beyond occupancy…

Where are the friction points?
What could be smoother, clearer, more guest-friendly—or more profitable?
And how are you identifying those opportunities before they become problems?

The best operators I know aren’t waiting for perfection.
They’re testing, tweaking, learning—and improving.

One small step at a time.

So here’s your Monday musing:

Where can you choose progress over perfection this week?

Because done (and improved) will always beat stalled (and going to be perfect).

Wishing you a week full of forward motion,

Rebecca

PS - The post-conference survey participant who's the winner of a COMP registration for our 2027 Poconos STR Conference is Tai Li, Greenhouse Property Management LLC.  Congratulations!

Happy Monday Everyone!

It’s Mid-March, which means two things.

College basketball fans everywhere are filling out brackets…
…and somewhere a Cinderella team is about to bust everyone’s predictions.

That’s the fun of March Madness. It’s unpredictable. Upsets happen. Luck sometimes beats logic.

But here’s the thing.

If you’re running a short-term rental business, hope and luck are not a strategy.

There’s a big difference between a gamble and an investment.

A gamble looks like this:

• “Hopefully summer bookings will be strong.”
• “Hopefully my pricing is competitive.”
• “Hopefully guests keep leaving good reviews.”

An investment looks different.

Professional STR owners treat this time of year — the shoulder season between winter and spring — as strategy season.

• They’re reviewing their numbers from the past year.
• They’re investing in maintenance and upgrades before peak season hits.
• They’re evaluating new technology that can improve efficiency and guest experience.
• They’re learning — through podcasts, webinars, conferences, and conversations with other operators.
• And they’re taking a hard look at staffing and systems to make sure everything is ready before the busy season arrives.

Because the owners who treat their STRs like real businesses understand something important:

Success isn’t built during the busy season.
It’s built in the quiet season before it.

The March Madness teams that make it deep into the tournament didn’t get there by accident. They spent months preparing, practicing, adjusting their strategy, and building a strong system around them.

The same is true for great STR operators.

Spring is when the professionals sharpen their game plan.

Before you know it, the trails will dry out, the lakes will warm up, and the Poconos will be full of guests again.

The question is:

Will you be hoping for a lucky season…

Or prepared for a great one?

— Rebecca

PS - Looking to up-your-game?  Check out our upcoming webinars!

Good morning everyone,

Holy moly… what an event.

I’m still riding a wave of emotions from Thursday and all the incredible conversations, introductions, and moments that happened throughout the day. Everywhere I turned there was another group deep in discussion, another new connection being made, another “this is exactly what our industry needed” comment being shared.

And the kind words many of you have sent since then… wow. Thank you.

Moments like this make it very clear: something special is happening with the Poconos VRO.

Over the coming days we’ll start sending out a short surveys to attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, advertisers, and volunteers. That feedback will help us do the important after-action work so we can make next year’s event even better.

But for right now?

We’re just going to bask in the glow of a conference that truly seemed to hit the mark.

In fact, I’ve been trying to find the right words for how it feels… and I may need a thesaurus.

So here’s my current Top 10 Post-Conference Emotions List:

1. Grateful – for the people who showed up and believed in this vision

2. Proud – of what our team, volunteers, and partners pulled off

3. Relieved – because pulling off an event of this scale is no small feat

4. Inspired – by the ideas, conversations, and energy in the room

5. Encouraged – by the support for responsible STR ownership in the Poconos

6. Energized – because this momentum is real

7. Connected – seeing our community come together in person

8. Optimistic – about what comes next for this association

9. Motivated – to keep building something meaningful for this industry

10. Happy – just plain happy.

Thank you all for being part of it.

More to come soon… but for now, we’re celebrating a day that felt pretty extraordinary.

Rebecca

PS - If all this positive energy and momentum at last week's conference was the signal you needed to JOIN our association, you're in luck!  We've created a "Conference Momentum Membership" special.  CLICK HERE for the details... ride the wave!!!

Every short-term rental owner has a story. The one about “that guest” — the group that ignored house rules, threw a party, or treated your home like a hotel without a front desk. It’s the nightmare scenario we all want to avoid.

The good news? With the right screening tools, communication style, and local knowledge, you can drastically reduce the chances of booking a badly behaving guest — even in a high-demand destination like the Poconos.

Here’s how to protect your property, your neighbors, and your peace of mind.

 

1. Start with Your Listing: Set the Tone Up Front

Your website and booking platform profiles are the first filter. Guests who don’t align with your property’s purpose should rule themselves out before they even send a request.

Be clear and specific:

• Spell out that your home is intended for families, couples, or mature groups only — not party houses.
• Include your noise, occupancy, and parking policies in plain language.  Clearly describe your tools for monitoring and enforcing these policies.
• Post your township permit number and note that your property complies with all local ordinances — it signals that you take rules seriously.
• Use photos that show the property’s personality: calm, comfortable, upscale — not party-friendly.

When you make expectations visible, you naturally attract guests who share your values and discourage those who don’t.

 

2. Require a Personal Connection Before Confirming

Technology is great, but human instincts are better. Whether through direct booking or platform messaging, use short, purposeful communication to get a feel for your guest.

Ask questions that reveal intent:

• “What brings you to the Poconos?”
• “How many guests will be staying, and what’s the age range?”
• “Have you stayed in a vacation rental before?”

You’re not being nosy — you’re being professional.
Their tone, responsiveness, and willingness to engage tell you a lot.

If anything feels off — vague answers, resistance to providing names, or pushback on rules — trust your gut. It’s better to lose one booking than deal with a weekend of damage, noise complaints, or a township citation.

 

3. Leverage Technology to Screen Guests

There are excellent tools available now that make screening safer and more objective. Consider integrating one or more of these:

• Identity Verification: Require government ID matching the booking name (Airbnb and many direct-booking tools like OwnerRez, Safely, and Autohost can handle this).
• Guest Screening Services: Platforms like Safely, Autohost, or SUPERHOG check for prior damage claims, fraud, or risky booking patterns.
• Security Deposits and Rental Agreements: Always collect a signed rental agreement and deposit, even if your platform doesn’t require it. It weeds out guests who aren’t serious or who plan to bend the rules.

Screening tech doesn’t replace personal judgment — it supports it.

 

4. Make House Rules Unmissable

Don’t bury your rules in fine print. Make them a part of the pre-stay communication sequence and reference them in your rental agreement.

Smart practices:

• Include a “Top 5 Rules” sheet in your welcome message and in the home binder.
• Post a QR code linking to your full digital house manual.
• Use noise monitors like Minut or NoiseAware — they alert you to excessive sound without invading privacy.
• Install outdoor cameras at entry points (in compliance with local and platform policies).

When guests know you’re paying attention, most behave responsibly.

 

5. If a Bad Guest Slips Through: Stay Calm and Document Everything

Even with all the precautions, an occasional issue will arise. What matters most is how you respond.

If you suspect or confirm a rule violation:

1. Document immediately. Photos, timestamps, and screenshots of messages are your best friend.
2. Communicate clearly but calmly. Start with a polite, professional reminder:
   “Hi [Guest Name], our [source of awareness:  ie: Ring Doorbell, sound monitor] indicates a possible issue with [noise/parking/etc.]. Please review our house rules and resolve this within the next 15 minutes.”
3. Notify the platform or your insurance provider (if applicable) right away.
4. If necessary, call local law enforcement — not to escalate, but to protect your property and community.
5. After checkout, review honestly. Protect other hosts by leaving factual, unemotional feedback on the platform.

Remember: how you handle a bad guest says as much about your professionalism as avoiding one does.

 

6. Connect with Other STR Owners

Finally — and perhaps most importantly — stay plugged into the local network.
At Poconos VRO, we share experiences, vendor recommendations, and policy updates that help hosts prevent and address guest issues before they spiral. You’ll find templates for rental agreements, security partners, and a community of owners in our private Facebook Group who’ve been there.

 

The Bottom Line

Running a short-term rental is a business — and like any business, your success depends on choosing the right customers.

By setting clear expectations, communicating personally, and using the right tools, you can dramatically reduce the risk of problem guests. And if one slips through, you’ll be prepared to handle it confidently and professionally.

Because being a great host isn’t just about warm welcomes — it’s about protecting your investment, your reputation, and the community you’re part of.

Hey Everyone!

We are officially in the final stretch. Just 3 more sleeps until the big day!

If you’ve been meaning to register for the Poconos STR Conference, this is your nudge.

We're really excited because this year’s conference isn’t just “good.” It’s strong.
Strong program.
Strong speakers.
Strong exhibitors.

We’ve curated sessions that are tactical and relevant — real strategies you can put into place immediately. From revenue optimization and operations to advocacy, regulation, marketing, and direct bookings, this agenda was built for serious operators.

And the exhibitor hall? It’s stacked.
The partners and suppliers showing up are the real deal — companies that can help you run smarter, earn more, and protect what you’ve built.

If you care about your STR business in 2026 and beyond, this is where you should be.

Online registration is available online until noon on Wednesday, March 4th.  After that, you’re absolutely welcome to register on-site for an additional $50… if you’d prefer to fork over a little extra dough instead of clicking a button today. 

Either way, we’d love to see you there.

But truly — register now, save yourself the extra $ and walk in ready.

See you soon,
Rebecca

The Winter Olympics wrapped up and wow… what a ride.

The breathtaking wins.
The heartbreaking falls.
The moments where fractions of a second made all the difference.

But here’s what really struck me:

Those athletes didn’t wake up one day and decide to be world-class.

They didn’t just show up and hope for the best.

They trained.
They set goals.
They fell.
They adjusted.
They learned from coaches and teammates.
They committed for years before the spotlight ever found them.

And because apparently I filter everything through the lens of STRs and the Poconos VRO … it got me thinking:

That’s exactly what we’re doing.

The Poconos VRO Is Training Like a Champion

We didn’t become a respected voice overnight.

We’ve been building intentionally.

Learning from fellow industry pros
We collaborate with and learn from organizations like Rent Responsibly, VTSTRA, COSTRA, and MOVHA.  We don’t reinvent the wheel — we study what works and bring those best practices home to the Poconos.

Hosting webinars & masterclasses
Training doesn’t happen once a year. It’s ongoing. Education sharpens our skills and elevates our professionalism.

Advocacy work
Champions don’t avoid tough competition — they step into it.
Whether it’s township meetings or state-level legislation, we show up prepared and unified.

In-person meetups
Even elite athletes don’t train alone. Community builds resilience. Shared wisdom makes everyone stronger.

Our annual conference
That’s our Olympic stage.
Months of preparation.
Dozens of speakers.
Incredible sponsors and exhibitors.
And an experience designed to be nothing short of gold-medal worthy.

And let’s talk about sponsors for a minute.

Olympians have corporate partners who believe in their potential and invest in their success.

So do we.

Our partners don’t just write checks — they show up, teach, innovate, and help raise the bar for professionalism in our region.

Huge shout-out to our amazing partners, conference sponsors & exhibitors. You make this possible.

Here’s the truth:

Being part of the Poconos VRO means you’re part of something bigger than your individual property.

You’re part of a disciplined, strategic, forward-thinking community that is training, preparing, and delivering at a high level.

That’s something to be proud of.

And if you haven’t joined yet?

This is your moment. 

Championship teams aren’t built by spectators.
They’re built by members who commit.

Let’s keep training.
Let’s keep improving.
Let’s keep going for gold.

Warmly,

Rebecca

Good Mornin'!

Rebecca here… coming to you after a late-night binge of Lincoln Lawyer (great Netflix show, by the way).

In one episode, Elliot Gould’s character says something that stuck with me (I was a baseball Mom...!):  Not every hit has to be a home run. Sometimes a base hit is exactly what you need.

And of course… my brain immediately went to STRs.

Because if there’s one thing vacation rental owners understand, it’s the temptation to swing for the fences every single time.

So here are my Top 5 Baseball Analogies for STR Owners (and yes, STR associations too):

1.    You Don’t Need a Home Run Every Time

Not every decision requires a massive overhaul.

• Raising rates 3% instead of 15%
• Improving your listing photos instead of gut-renovating the kitchen
• Tightening your guest messaging instead of switching PMS systems

Those are base hits.

Stack enough base hits together and you win the game.

Consistency beats occasional grand slams.

2.    Defense Wins Championships

You can’t just score — you have to prevent runs.

In STRs, defense looks like:

• Strong house rules
• Clear guest communication
• Solid screening
• Backup systems (because yes… power does go out)
• Adequate insurance

It’s not flashy. But it protects your bottom line.

Professionals play defense.

3.    It’s a Long Season

Baseball teams play 162 games.

You will have:

• A slow booking week
• A guest who tests your patience
• A township meeting that raises your blood pressure
• A “why am I doing this?” moment

But one bad inning doesn’t define the season.

Serious operators zoom out. They manage for the long game.

4.    Know When to Bunt

Sometimes the smartest move is the quiet, strategic one.

• Joining your local STR association
• Showing up to a municipal meeting
• Investing in systems
• Taking a compliance training

You may not see fireworks immediately… but you move the runner forward.

Advocacy especially? Lots of bunts.
Occasional home runs.
But mostly disciplined, strategic play.

I'm going to mix analogies here, but "Slow is smooth, Smooth is fast!"

5.    Great Teams Win — Not Solo Players

Even the best hitter only bats once every nine players.

Running an STR can feel solo.
Advocacy can feel lonely.

But the strongest operators build a team:

• Cleaners
• Handymen
• Tech partners
• Fellow owners
• Associations that have their back

That’s how championships are built.

So tell me… did I miss one?

Is there a baseball analogy you use when running your STR business?

Hit reply and let me know.

And by the way — for this year’s Poconos STR Conference?

We are absolutely, unapologetically swinging for the fences.

It’s going to be strategic.
It’s going to be powerful.
It’s going to be worth showing up for.

(Too much? Maybe. But I mean it.)

See you on the field,
Rebecca