This week, we’re continuing our Building It series, Season 19, Episode 2, where I sit down with founders in the accommodation space to unpack exactly how they built their businesses from the ground up. We’re talking grit, strategy, systems, pivots, and the behind-the-scenes realities that rarely get shared.

If there’s one thing I wish more operators would take seriously, it’s planning. Planning is something you need to prioritise above everything else in your business.

Having a clear plan might not sound sexy, but without one, it’s far too easy to burn out, stall your growth, or chase the wrong opportunities. That’s why this week’s episode with Tim Mortimer is such an important one. He scaled from 1 to 250 properties by planning smart, making thoughtful decisions, and keeping his values at the centre.
 

This episode explores what it takes to build a resilient and scalable STR business. Tim doesn’t hold back. He shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how he’s stayed aligned with his vision through every stage of growth. Whether you’re operating five properties or 500 rooms, the way you plan impacts everything from guest satisfaction to staff performance to long-term profitability.
 

I know from my own experience that the right plan creates clarity, reduces stress, and makes your entire operation more effective. Tim shares the exact strategies and mindset shifts that helped him grow BNB Made Easy without losing control. It’s a grounded, honest episode packed with real tools you can start using straight away.
 

🔍 What you will learn from this episode:

📈 How Tim scaled his business from 1 to 250 properties

🧠 Why clarity and planning are critical to sustainable growth

👥 How to hire and build teams in regional markets

🛠️ What systems helped him move from reactive to proactive

🤝 Why staying true to your values is a growth advantage
 

Tim Mortimer is the founder of BNB Made Easy, a short-term rental business that’s grown from one property in a garage in 2018 to over 200 homes across four regional markets in New South Wales: Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga.
 

Raised in regional NSW, Tim combines hospitality, country values, and sharp business instincts to deliver consistent guest experiences and trusted service to homeowners. With a background in sport, education, farming, and travel, his unique path into STR has shaped a brand that’s as focused on community as it is on profitability.
 

Tim’s journey is a blueprint for anyone scaling a business outside the big city, and his insights are gold for operators looking to grow smart without burning out.

This episode is perfect if you’re trying to scale, but want to do it without sacrificing your sanity, your service standards, or your team culture. It’s full of practical tools, honest reflections, and plenty of “I wish I had heard this earlier” kind of insights.

📽 Watch the episodes on YouTube here

🎙 Or tune in on Spotify & Apple Podcasts here