This week marks the launch of a brand new segment we are calling ‘Building It’, where we dive into how founders in the accommodation space built their businesses from the ground up. It’s about the work, the grit, the strategies, and the pivots that helped them scale and grow into the most successful companies nationally and accross the world.In these episodes, you’ll get insights that are rarely shared, but incredibly valuable for your own journey.
To kick things off, I spoke with someone who’s built one of the largest short-term rental brands in Australia. What started with two mates and a few cleans has grown into a company managing over 2,200 properties, operating across every state and territory, and overseeing $140 million in gross bookings annually. That business is Hometime, and its story is nothing short of remarkable.
Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of noise out there about how to grow your accommodation business. But very few people are willing to share the messy middle. The late nights. The failed launches. The pivots. That’s why I absolutely loved this week’s conversation with Billy Crock, CEO and co-founder of Hometime. It’s raw, real, and full insights that I wish someone had told me years ago.
Billy built Hometime from the ground up, literally. He was not afraid to do it all. Do the cleans, knock on doors, and build a client base one owner at a time. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to scale a business when you’re starting with nothing but belief and a solid work ethic. If you’re wondering whether it’s still possible to build a profitable, professional STR or accommodation business without a huge budget, this is the episode for you.
We also explore the pivot from services to systems, the tough choice to decentralise (and why it paid off), and how Billy leveraged partnerships instead of building a massive internal team. There’s a ton of insight here for anyone looking to grow without losing control, sanity, or quality.
What you will learn from this episode:
Billy Crock brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to the world of short-term rentals. With a commercial operations and engineering background, he approaches business building with methodical thought and a passion for doing things properly. As CEO of Hometime, he’s overseen growth to over 2,200 properties, partnering with dozens of local operators to maintain exceptional service across Australia.
When he’s not leading one of the most impressive STR businesses in the country, Billy’s likely out 4WDing up the coast with his family, proving that building a strong business and living a great life isn’t a contradiction. It’s the goal.
If you’re tired of fluffy advice and want practical strategies from someone who’s done it, hit play on this one. You’ll get the roadmap, the mindset, and a few “aha” moments that could save you years.
You don’t need a flashy brand or a massive ad budget to grow. You need the right mindset, the right systems, and a bit of grit. And that’s exactly what Billy brings to the table. Enjoy this one, it’s one of my favourites.
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