Ep 266 - The Harsh Truth: If You Don’t Have Systems, You Don’t Have Freedom with Michael Dinwiddie

You didn’t start an STR business to be a full-time cleaner, guest texter, or firefighter. This episode breaks down how most hosts trap themselves in operations — and how to build systems that finally let you step out and scale up. • Why “hustle” kills long-term growth • The systems that keep your business running without you • How to delegate without losing control • Why buying back your time is your real ROI • A blueprint to turn chaos into clarity If you’re tired of putting out fires and want your STR to finally run smoothly, go to strsecrets.com/ops 00:00:12 – Why Every STR Needs an Operating System 00:04:28 – Automating Guest and Team Communication 00:08:17 – Tracking Operations Like a Real Business 00:11:45 – How to Build Repeatable Systems That Scale 00:15:33 – Managing 100+ Units Without Losing Control 00:19:58 – Training Teams to Operate Like Owners 00:24:40 – Optimizing Listings for Efficiency and ROI 00:29:25 – The Data Metrics Every Operator Should Track 00:33:54 – Using Tech and SOPs to Eliminate Chaos 00:38:42 – The Future of STR Businesses Runs on Systems Guest Bio: Michael Dinwiddie is a real estate investor, Airbnb Superhost, and leader in hospitality operation who combines short-term rental management experience with a background in product marketing and customer experience design. As the founder of Togethere Vacation Rentals, Michael manages premium short-term rentals and boutique hotels across Washington State, helping owners increase profitability while creating meaningful guest experiences. He also built Hospitality HQ, an operating system and training platform that equips hosts and managers with the tools, automations, and processes needed to scale efficiently. Michael’s work bridges the gap between hospitality and technology—bringing professional systems to help scale the next generation of short-term rental entrepreneurs. Guest Link: instagram.com/michael.dinwiddie/ Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings: https://group.strsecrets.com/