APRIL 8, 2025

#127: From Dental Hygienist to STR Powerhouse: Denise Vaughn’s Success Secrets

Building a Thriving Short-Term Rental Business with Heart and Hustle

What does it take to transform your life, leave a stable job, and find true success in the world of short-term rentals? In this episode, I sit down with Denise Vaughn, a former dental hygienist who made the leap into STR and never looked back. Now a sought-after expert in the industry, Denise shares her journey from 9-to-5 to business owner and the practical wisdom that helped her rise to the top.

Denise opens up about the hard lessons she learned early on, including the biggest property management mistakes that investors make. But her story isn’t just about real estate—it’s about leadership, team-building, and creating systems that allow a business to thrive.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to streamline your operations, Denise’s insights offer a roadmap for turning your rentals into a scalable, profitable venture. From fresh decor tips to tough client conversations, she’s done it all—and now, she’s sharing the playbook.

Why Denise Vaughn’s Journey is a Must-Listen for STR Hosts In today’s fast-paced rental market, success goes beyond just having a nice property. Denise explains the importance of:

• Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Learn how to spot and prevent issues before they affect guest satisfaction and your bottom line.
• Creating a Team You Trust: Hear how Denise hires (and sometimes fires) based on core values, not just resumes.
• Mastering Guest Experience: Discover how small touches and clear systems can set your property apart.
• Leadership That Lasts: Learn what it means to be a great leader and empower your team to shine.

Why Short-Term Rental Hosts Need a Strategy

In an increasingly competitive short-term rental market, having a clear strategy is key to maximizing revenue and guest satisfaction. Christina’s approach includes:

• Property Assessment: How to choose the right property that fits within a growing portfolio.
• Strategic Renovations: How investing in unique amenities like a pickleball court boosted revenue and occupancy.
• Community Building: The power of networking and learning through local meetups.
• Team Management: The importance of outsourcing and delegating tasks to optimize productivity.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[00:01] A short introduction about our guest Denise Vaughn and her transition from being a dental hygienist to a short-term rental investor

[05:00] Denise shares her experience as a dental hygienist with some celebrities

[06:11] What are the biggest mistakes that investors make when it comes to the upkeep of their property

[08:37] Denise discusses the differences in how men and women approach short-term rentals

[11:12] Denise’ recommendations for maintaining properties to ensure cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and prompt upkeep to prevent issues from impacting bookings or reviews

[14:13] The importance of a mix of owner involvement and structured checklists for regular property maintenance to ensure guest satisfaction and address wear and tear 

[15:59] Denise’s recommendations for maintaining inventory and stock levels to ensure items are replenished as needed

[20:15] The importance of sharing listing photos with cleaners and inspectors to ensure consistency and help track missing or misplaced items

[21:55] Denise highlights the importance of collaboration between concierges and cleaning teams, emphasizing the value of clear communication and a team approach

[24:43] Denise shares a memorable experience where she walked into a property that was essentially a “grandma’s house” and not at all ready for rental 

[27:23] Denise shares her tips that helped her when having tough conversations with owners but yet not burn bridges

[28:54] How Denise manages unrealistic expectations from investors 

[29:56] The importance of setting clear expectations upfront and not being afraid to turn down clients who aren’t a good fit

[32:40] How Denise found success in hiring her ideal team members and emphasizes the importance of aligning with core values for long-term, sustainable working relationships

[36:04] The importance of placing team members in the right roles by assessing their strengths, interests, and growth

[37:35] What does “being the best leader for your team” mean to Denise

[39:19] How Denise develops her leadership skills and empowers herself and others alongside her husband

[43:41] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

• “One of the things that I feel is so important for property owners, obviously, during a turnover, to make sure that anything that’s missing or damaged is reported immediately.”
• “We’re all a team, so that’s really important to me, as we’re a team and we all make mistakes. Mistakes are only lessons that we get to learn from.”
• “I hire and fire by my core values, first and foremost… We can always teach skills, but when we don’t have people that are aligned with our values, it makes having a long term sustainable relationship, from a work perspective, very difficult.”
• “Being the best leader means that we are empowering our team to do their best job, and we’re removing roadblocks for our team.”
• “You have to stay passionate. If you don’t have something in life to be passionate about, you’re not going to have a great life.”

Build Your STR Empire with Confidence From dentist offices to designer properties, Denise Vaughn’s journey is proof that with the right mindset, team, and strategy, anything is possible. Her story is a testament to taking bold steps and building something meaningful in the STR space. Tune in now to learn how you can create a business that thrives—without losing your passion or peace of mind.

Let’s Connect!

• Website: denisevaughnconcierge.com
• Facebook: Denise Vaughn Concierge
• Instagram: @denisevaughnconcierge

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