Fred Boothby's entrepreneurial journey into the vacation rental industry is a story of adaptability, innovation, and a keen understanding of both the real estate and hospitality aspects of the business. His path, marked by a series of strategic decisions, led to the creation of Enjoy Unique Stays, a company that focuses on providing memorable and unique vacation experiences.

An Unplanned Beginning 

Fred's first step into the short-term rental market was, in his own words, somewhat accidental. While living in Florida, he found himself with an empty house when his wife made extended visits to Michigan. Instead of letting it sit vacant, he listed it on Airbnb and quickly recognized the potential of this market. He also rented out a room in his house while living there with his family to create social opportunities for his homeschooled children. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future ventures.

A Shift Towards Entrepreneurship 

Before diving into vacation rentals, Fred worked as a commercial lender. Seeking a more entrepreneurial path, he left the banking world and relocated his family to Orlando, Florida, to manage a lawn care and landscape business. This move demonstrated his willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges.

The Birth of Unique Stays 

As Fred managed the landscaping business, he continued to explore the vacation rental market. He began converting long-term rentals into short-term properties. It was during this time that he realized that the real opportunity was in creating unique properties and experiences. Inspired by treehouse concepts he saw in Chattanooga, he decided to focus on developing distinctive lodging options. This pivotal decision led to the creation of Enjoy Unique Stays, a company committed to providing memorable and exceptional vacation experiences.

Treetop Escapes: A $4 Million Vision 

Fred's ambition to create unique properties is exemplified by his $4 million project, Treetop Escapes, in Wildwood, Georgia. This ambitious project showcases his dedication to non-conventional construction and unique guest experiences, further solidifying his commitment to the distinctive nature of his brand.

Balancing Investment and Hospitality 

Initially, Fred's perspective on the short-term rental business was purely from a real estate investment viewpoint. However, he soon recognized the vital role that hospitality played in the success of the industry. This realization prompted a shift towards prioritizing the guest experience, leading to a more comprehensive approach to his business model.

Building a Strong Team and Learning from Others 

Fred understands the importance of team building and mentorship. He actively networks at industry conferences and seeks to learn from other professionals. He is willing to share his knowledge and collaborate, even with competitors, to continuously improve.

Data-Driven Decision Making 

Described as a "numbers guy," Fred utilizes data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the financial performance of his properties and management company. This data-driven approach allows him to make well-informed decisions and optimize his business for better outcomes. He also understands the importance of financial analysis for evaluating returns.

Overcoming Obstacles 

Fred's journey has not been without its challenges. He has navigated hurdles such as non-conventional construction, infrastructure, utilities issues, and the difficulties of growing a business while managing another. He has also encountered operational problems, accounting issues, and technological challenges with software implementation, spending up to 3-4 hours trying to resolve issues.

A Focus on Direct Bookings and Future Growth 

Currently, Fred is focusing on enhancing marketing and sales strategies, with a particular emphasis on increasing direct bookings, which have grown from 0 to 18%, with a goal of reaching 25-30%. Through resourcefulness, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to creating unique guest experiences, Fred Boothby has successfully grown Enjoy Unique Stays from a side venture into a thriving business. His journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt in the ever-changing vacation rental market.