Ever worry that one bad cleaning review could shatter your STR returns or even threaten your bookings? Imagine systematically boosting your ratings, delighting guests, and generating reliable cash flow, all simply by revolutionizing your approach to quality and teams.

This episode, host Kenny Bedwell sits down with short-term rental powerhouse Stacey St. John, whose unique playbook has catapulted her from long-term investor to founder of a wildly impactful community and management empire. Together, they destroy myths about “minimum viable cleaning,” break down why most owners are still losing thousands, and share the real leverage hidden in systems, mindset, and (yes) the legendary “toilet test.”

If you’re serious about staying competitive, maximizing income, and avoiding industry shakeout, you need these exclusive upgrades now, not next season. Listen in for data-backed strategies that no other podcast is telling you about.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00] – A wild Ohio-to-beach vacation trend exposes a hidden rental goldmine

[00:02:13] – COVID, eviction bans, and the shocking trigger for a rental pivot

[00:03:33] – Why oceanfront for under $100k changed everything (and you missed it…)

[00:05:08] – Accidentally creating a 66,000-member community and why it matters

[00:11:46] – The real numbers: How “clean team” upgrades spiked ratings and revenue

[00:15:34] – Cattle call cleaners, uncomfortable truths, and busting industry norms

[00:29:40] – The “toilet test” and secrets of inspection culture that make or break your reviews

[00:41:56] – Building a true team: How to transform cleaners into your STR profit weapon

Mentioned Resources

About the Guest

Stacey St. John is a data-driven short-term rental investor, educator, and founder of Female Short-Term Rental Investors, the largest women’s STR community with over 66,000 members. Based in Cincinnati and operating properties across Myrtle Beach and Ohio, Stacey is also CEO of Cozy Getaways, where her focus on quality, systems, and empowering women has set new industry benchmarks for guest experience and financial performance.

🔗 LinkedIn | Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

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Cash Flow Positive is an original podcast hosted by Kenny Bedwell. Brought to you by STR Insights. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Part 2 - Stacey St. John - The “Toilet Test” Every STR Owner Should Use