How Franchising Offers a Scalable Path to STR Success - with Patrick Stewart of Grand Welcome

Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals

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Is your short-term rental business growing, or just getting harder to manage?

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Stewart, CEO of Grand Welcome, to explore how franchising offers property managers a scalable and sustainable path to success in today’s competitive STR market.

Grand Welcome is one of the fastest-growing franchise-based vacation rental management companies in the U.S. The brand provides local operators with the tools, systems, and support they need to grow efficiently while delivering exceptional guest experiences and building strong homeowner relationships.

With a background in fashion retail franchising, Patrick shares how those same principles of consistency, structure, and support can transform how short term rental rental businesses operate. At Grand Welcome, his mission is to help local operators grow profitably, simplify their operations, and build a business they enjoy running.

Key Topics Discussed:
1️⃣ Why franchising is a smart strategy for scaling in the vacation rental industry
2️⃣ How Grand Welcome reduces operational load in guest services, pricing, and tech decisions
3️⃣ Ways the model supports both new and experienced operators
4️⃣ Approaches to navigating regulation, owner demands, and market shifts
5️⃣ The role of shared best practices and peer collaboration in franchise success
6️⃣ Grand Welcome’s current trajectory and upcoming international expansion

Whether managing 20 properties or 200, this episode offers a new perspective on what it means to scale. With the right partner, growth becomes more strategic, more profitable, and far less overwhelming.

Connect with Patrick & Grand Welcome:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickstewartceo/
Website: https://www.grandwelcomefranchise.com/

Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:

Go live with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy by August 4, 2025, and receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Status for one year, 36000 bonus points, and a marketing feature on a Homes & Villas marketing channel after you launch:
https://partners.homes-and-villas.marriott.com/s/event-property-managers-contact-us?ev=AApod25
Get a free Growth Hack Review and P&L Evaluation when you mention “Alex & Annie” during your discovery call with the Grand Welcome team:
https://calendly.com/michelle-marquis-grandwelcome/30min
#vacationrentals #franchisebusiness #propertymanagement