--- title: Turn Your Airbnb into a Money-Making Machine with These Upgrades - with Mark Lumpkin description: In this episode of SmartStayShow, we uncover the secrets behind top-performing vacation rentals with Mark Lumpkin, sales director at STRCRIBS. image: https://str.legal/hubfs/CleanShot-2024-02-19-at-17.36.46.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://str.legal/smartstay-show/mark-lumpkin#main) [![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png) ![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png?width=300&height=82&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-2.png)](https://str.legal) - [Podcast](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) - [Contact Us](https://str.legal/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Podcast](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) - [Contact Us](https://str.legal/contact) - Search - [Get Started](https://str.legal/get-started) [Get Started](https://str.legal/get-started) Search [SmartStay Show](https://str.legal/smartstay-show) # Turn Your Airbnb into a Money-Making Machine with These Upgrades - with Mark Lumpkin ![Rory Gill](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/52a7403c0c5152799543ceb531cdb16d) Mar 11, 2025 7:00:00 AM In this episode of SmartStayShow, we uncover the secrets behind top-performing vacation rentals with Mark Lumpkin, sales director at STRCRIBS. From bachelorette-themed escapes in Nashville to hidden speakeasies and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, Mark shares expert tips on designing spaces that attract guests—and boost revenue. We dive into bold colors, eye-catching murals, and Instagrammable moments that make listings pop. Whether you're a new host or a seasoned investor, this episode is packed with game-changing insights to help you stand out. Things we discussed in this episode: - Evolving Guest Expectations – How short-term rental guests expect more than they did 10 years ago, making amenities and design essential for success. - Defining Your Guest Avatar – Understanding your ideal guest (families, couples, bachelor/bachelorette groups) and tailoring the rental experience accordingly. - Themed Rentals & Market-Specific Design – Examples like bachelorette-themed homes in Nashville, Disney-themed rentals in Orlando, and ski-lodge aesthetics in Colorado. - High-Impact Amenities – Features that increase bookings, such as hot tubs, barrel saunas, coffee bars, and even pickleball courts. - Balancing Niche vs. Broad Appeal – The risk of hyper-themed rentals (like college football houses) and finding the right level of specialization. - Bold Design & Color Psychology – How vibrant colors, murals, and statement pieces help listings stand out in crowded markets. - Photography & Staging Strategies – Using professional photos, lifestyle images, and seasonal shots to capture attention and increase bookings. - Budget-Friendly Upgrades – Small investments like blackout curtains, high-quality bedding, and unique wall art that enhance guest experience. - Financing for Rental Upgrades – STR Cribs' 0% financing option to help hosts afford high-impact improvements without upfront costs. - Innovative & Unique Amenities – Creative installations like speakeasies, indoor mini-golf, and hidden game rooms to create unforgettable stays. Get in touch with Mark: - Linkedin - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/linkedin_1x.png) / mark-lumpkin-84b173142  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa21aazZNU1FmNXVBWVZEZk14TTMwd0RYakZZQXxBQ3Jtc0tuRmViVE1vS3EySDJ6YXRSOGYwdEczWmJyZ3RmNERPd2dTS0VBOVV6UWQ5RWpuajlETHN6Wjd4NmVzVVQ4YmxQcDhhM3lrOVRKdnVrWkZSeXFuVmlhWnh3clBHQ1RMX1QtNUI0UDdPeEEySlF6SU52MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmark-lumpkin-84b173142&v=EGLBoaYGDmQ) - Facebook - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/facebook_1x.png) / strcribs  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbllrOVRVcWxTQURnc2tIU1VobU1XUW9iQklfQXxBQ3Jtc0ttWGFPSXR2Q2dHSE1ldkE1YTYtcVV5OWlqaHl3ZFdQWVphNEYtY0xUdEVlNjE4WXMtdXN0NFdoM01OVDBJTy1qeElOZXIzdmtLQWNBVVpSOUdLYWtTalNONUJRWkNYYmNDTl8ySm4zS0tnRHJicHMzRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstrcribs&v=EGLBoaYGDmQ) - Instagram - [ ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/social_media/instagram_1x.png) / strcribs\_  ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazhiZDQtOXo5WkFCWTRvZUJPSEVKaGswRDI0Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttRXhQMzRoMWdzZlhuQ2d5ZEM4aUpLZl9JMHAtbzROLVFTRmE2ckJXZ0xuaWNNZnJDU1dta3Iwb0pmTHBLaGlDanB5RkJDeUd6Vk5FTnFnQkVXNk94WVJIOVZuRGl0czlNUXRaM3l6VzE1OW9EeUpJNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fstrcribs_%2F&v=EGLBoaYGDmQ) - Website - [https://strcribs.com/](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbndMVGtfUFZ0MmZzNUJLWVZaS09oZnNUM21Hd3xBQ3Jtc0trLVlIYjZzWExpMnV6UG5EU0dSbENwa25aSy1SX3lZbTFYcVMxTlV2SjJ4emJvR1ZWMDAxNVV0VlhYYkR2empKNDhQR2VWWEs1ZzRZYU9TRmZSVXpYZ2d5Qk9fVUNDQldyUWtRM3Bid2VkX3o3Uy11VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fstrcribs.com%2F&v=EGLBoaYGDmQ) ➢ Subscribe: [  ![](https://www.gstatic.com/youtube/img/watch/yt_favicon_ringo2.png) / @smartstayshow  ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hSZeHoPAwF2bcEib0RCvg) - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ) – Intro & Guest Intro - [00:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=34s) – Guest Expectations - [01:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=88s) – Know Your Guest - [03:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=186s) – Winning Themes - [07:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=431s) – Best Amenities - [09:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=556s) – Murals & Instagram - [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=674s) – Power of Color - [23:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=1424s) – Why Photos Matter - [25:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=1541s) – Crazy Amenities - [28:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLBoaYGDmQ&t=1710s) – Future Trends What makes a short-term rental truly unforgettable? **Tags:** ### Related Articles ### Comments ![SmartStay Coaching (transparent background).png-3](https://str.legal/hubfs/SmartStay%20Coaching%20(transparent%20background).png-3.avif) ### Short-Term Rental Counsel + Coaching Welcome to the SmartStay Show, where profit meets strategy for short-term rental hosts. Hosted by STR.Legal Attorney Rory Gill and 30-time Airbnb Superhost Jason Muth, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the world of vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life strategies designed to help you maximize your income while safeguarding your property. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing listings, the SmartStay Show covers everything from pricing optimization and guest communication to legal compliance and automation tools. With expert advice from seasoned hosts and industry insiders, we provide the playbook for turning your rental into a top-performing asset. What sets us apart is our focus on owners of small but mighty portfolios. You don’t need to own dozens of properties to succeed — we specifically cater to hosts who self-manage and want to get the most out of their vacation rentals.   ###### Categories ###### Recent Posts [![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer](https://str.legal/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer.png?width=250&height=142&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer.png)](https://str.legal) 40R Merrimac Street, Suite 201 East Newburyport, MA 01950   [978-351-9050](tel:9783519050)   ©2026 STR Legal PC. All rights reserved. Licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  [Privacy Policy](https://str.legal/privacy). - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Rory Gill", "url" : "https://str.legal/smartstay-show/author/rory-gill" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-12T23:10:16.581Z", "datePublished" : "2025-03-11T11:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Turn Your Airbnb into a Money-Making Machine with These Upgrades - with Mark Lumpkin", "image" : [ "https://str.legal/hubfs/CleanShot-2024-02-19-at-17.36.46.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://str.legal/smartstay-show/mark-lumpkin", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://str.legal/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer.png" }, "name" : "STR Legal" } } ```