MAY 06, 2025

#131: How to Scale Your Airbnb Business Without Burnout: Carrie Drier’s Story of Intentional Growth

Can you really scale your Airbnb business without burnout or sacrificing the life you’re building it for?

In this episode of The STR Sisterhood Podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with the amazing Carrie Drier—an inspiring Northern Michigan-based host and entrepreneur who’s built a thriving short-term rental business while staying true to her values, protecting her time, and keeping the guest experience at the heart of it all.

If you’re craving a business that aligns with your life, not one that takes over it, Carrie’s story is one you don’t want to miss.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

Carrie didn’t start out with a grand plan or a massive portfolio. Like so many of us, she began her journey with curiosity and a single property. But what set her apart was her willingness to take action—even when the path wasn’t crystal clear.

Instead of waiting for the “right time,” she embraced uncertainty and leaned into learning. Over time, that approach led to purpose, profit, and a business model that supports her lifestyle rather than consumes it.

The Power of Mindset and Intention

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was hearing how Carrie shifted her mindset as she grew.

She let go of hustle culture and focused instead on what really mattered: her peace, her time, and her mission. That shift gave her permission to build her STR business in a way that felt good—aligned, intentional, and sustainable.

If you’ve been trying to force growth by doing more, faster… Carrie’s journey is a refreshing reminder that there’s another way.

Systems That Support (Without Sacrificing the Soul)

Carrie is a systems girl—but not in a cold, corporate kind of way.

She’s created processes that allow her to scale her Airbnb business without burnout, while still keeping the personal touches that make her properties shine. It’s not about stepping out of the business—it’s about building smarter, so she can focus on what she loves most.

From guest communication to cleaner coordination, she’s streamlined the back end so she can stay focused on the why behind her work.

Lessons in Letting Go of Perfection

We also talked about the reality behind the scenes—like managing expectations (especially your own), learning from mistakes, and getting comfortable with imperfect progress.

Carrie didn’t sugarcoat it—growth comes with growing pains. But through it all, she’s stayed grounded, resilient, and deeply connected to the vision she has for her life and business.

Build Your STR Business Your Way

If you’ve ever felt pressured to follow someone else’s formula or worried that success requires nonstop hustle, Carrie’s story is your permission slip to do it differently.

You can scale your Airbnb business without burnout. You can grow with purpose, protect your peace, and create a business that truly supports your life.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:11] A short introduction about our guest Carrie Drier and what inspired her to dive into short term rentals

[03:27] Carrie reflects on her initial thoughts when her husband suggested they move to Traverse City and become real estate investors

[08:45] Carrie discusses how she taps into her gut feelings to stay true to herself, prioritizing balance, family, and personal happiness

[12:04] Carrie shares how her journey of self-discovery taught her it’s okay to pivot, embrace discomfort, and stay true to her desires, creating an authentic life despite others’ perceptions of failure

[18:35] What are Carrie’s game-changing systems for scaling her portfolio while maintaining a personal touch

[24:11] Carrie shares how creating distance from her work helped her to break free from the limiting belief around pricing

[27:43] The importance of distancing yourself from the business, building systems and standards, and not taking reviews personally

[31:03] Carrie shares her experience navigating the challenges of building a team while balancing her naturally high expectations with her desire to avoid conflict

[35:55] The emotional and logistical consequences of keeping a team member who isn’t the right fit

[38:38] Carrie talks about the mindset shift from seeing herself as just a short-term rental host to embracing the role of a business owner and the importance of treating the business seriously

[41:00] The importance of paying yourself, creating separation between personal finances and the business

[44:53] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

• “This is your life, and you need to be living it the way that you want to live it.”
• “Try, I believe should be removed from everyone’s vocabulary, because I feel like it is a dangerous word, because it gives us an excuse for not actually stepping into the person or the human we want to be.”
• “For me, it has been a learning curve on hiring people, and I think by letting go of the people that I know aren’t going to work has been really helpful for me to find the people that do work.”
• “Whether you have one property, 100 properties, or anything in between, we are operating businesses. And when we make that mindset shift that we have to be the leader of a business, things tend to actually get executed very differently.”
• “Find the gratitude, find the joy. There’s a silver lining in everything. Sometimes it’s harder to see that silver lining, especially in the midst of the struggle, but it’s often revealed to us only when we’re looking for it.

Let’s Connect!

Follow Carrie Drier on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roostnorthrentals

https://www.instagram.com/carrie.drier/

Website: https://www.roostnorth.com/

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