Track record
The operating record, and the numbers behind it.
Sun Mountain Stays is built on years of hands-on STR operating, not a franchise playbook. Here is the track record, how we compare to the alternatives, and the kind of monthly statement you actually receive.
The operating record behind the work
Built by someone who's actually run this, at scale.
Years of hands-on operating, not a franchise playbook bought off a shelf and applied here on autopilot.
- 273+
- STRs operated
- 120
- listings launched
- 16,900+
- reservations facilitated
- $94.5M+
- real estate stewarded
- 78
- clients served
- 28
- markets · 8 states
- 9
- hospitality companies built
- 670+
- claims filed
A flat 15% of net, one rate for full-service management. A monthly floor, never a surprise.
Sun Mountain Stays actively serves Colorado Springs.
What owners say
Owners who stopped worrying about their rentals.
I spent two years renovating a historic home with a separate suite for a short term rental, but I had zero experience in the STR world. I honestly didn't know where to begin. When friends introduced me to Jake, he instantly recognized the space's potential as a premium listing. He made the entire process simple from the start. Jake built the listings, put all the systems in place, trained me in how to use them, and managed the property in the early months so I could learn by watching. What had felt overwhelming turned into something I could handle confidently. More than a year later, the property is now a 'Top 1% Guest Favorite' listing on Airbnb with an unbroken streak of over 100 five-star reviews thanks to the foundation Jake built.
I was overwhelmed when I reached out to Jake. My STR business felt like the wheels were coming off and I was running myself into the ground trying to keep up. I even told him I was embarrassed by how messy things had become. He reassured me that we would handle it together. Within a month, the night and day difference was unbelievable. My business became more profitable and so much easier to manage. Working with Jake did more than fix my business. It brought calm back into my life.
When I hired Jake to manage my short term rental for a year, I hoped things would run well in my absence. Jake exceeded every expectation. He set up the property beautifully with professional photos, smart pricing, perfect staging, and all the supplies and linens needed. He handled guests and platform communication with total ease. Jake is well rounded, balanced, and truly exceptional at what he does. I would recommend him for absolutely anything. He is super capable.
Working with Jake was an exceptional experience. He clearly knows the rental platform space inside and out and approaches every challenge with confidence and professionalism. His drive and supportive nature made a huge difference in helping me complete my project. I highly recommend him for anyone looking to elevate their investment.
Thanks to Jake, my first Airbnb now runs with consistent prosperity and delivers memorable stays for every guest. He is a true inspiration and leader who brings knowledgeable insight, reliable execution, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Working with him has been a phenomenal experience and one of the best decisions I made for my property.
Working with Jake has been one of the most valuable decisions I've made for my short-term rental business. His knowledge of the industry is truly phenomenal, and he has a rare ability to stay calm under pressure, quickly cut through complexity, and deliver clear, workable solutions that bring real peace of mind. Beyond his expertise, what stands out most is his genuine heart for service. He's an exceptional listener who tailors his guidance to your specific situation. I'd recommend Jake without hesitation. He's truly a gift to work with.
Working with Jake over the past several months has been one of the most valuable partnerships I've built in the short-term rental space. His deep knowledge of STR management, combined with a genuine commitment to staying ahead of the latest technology and industry trends, means his clients are always operating at a high level. I look forward to continuing to grow together.
I highly recommend Jake to anyone looking for help with Airbnb management, short-term rentals, or long-term rental properties. From day one, Jake has been professional, reliable, and extremely knowledgeable. He has helped me tremendously with managing and renting my properties, always staying on top of the details, communicating clearly, and making sure everything runs smoothly. His dedication, responsiveness, and understanding of the rental market have made a huge difference for me. If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares about your success, is trustworthy, and knows how to maximize the potential of your rental property, Jake is the person to call. I truly appreciate all of his hard work and look forward to continuing to work with him for many years to come.
Jake brings a high level of professionalism and genuine care to his work. He takes the time to understand each client's full situation and needs, not just the property. Through our discussions, he's invested real effort in understanding the tax considerations short-term rental owners face. That awareness of the bigger picture comes through in how he approaches operations and management. Wakefield Tax refers clients to Jake without any referral fee or commission. The relationship is based solely on our view that his work serves clients well.

Most co-hosts are glorified keyholders. We're your operating partner.
Property fit reviewed before launch
- DIY / Owner-led
- Owner-dependent
- National platform-manager
- Intake form, no site visit
- Light-touch co-host
- Often skipped
- Sun Mountain Stays
- Always, before any work begins
Launch sequencing & readiness
- DIY / Owner-led
- Owner-managed
- National platform-manager
- Standardized onboarding
- Light-touch co-host
- Limited
- Sun Mountain Stays
- Built in the right order
Primary operating responsibility
- DIY / Owner-led
- Owner
- National platform-manager
- Distributed remote team
- Light-touch co-host
- Shared / unclear
- Sun Mountain Stays
- Ours, end to end
Pricing & calendar strategy
- DIY / Owner-led
- Manual or inconsistent
- National platform-manager
- Algorithm-set, rarely adjusted
- Light-touch co-host
- Basic / set-and-forget
- Sun Mountain Stays
- Active, read from market data
Channel reach & direct bookings
- DIY / Owner-led
- Airbnb only, usually
- National platform-manager
- Major OTAs, full fees
- Light-touch co-host
- One or two platforms
- Sun Mountain Stays
- 13+ channels + direct booking (skip 9–15.5% OTA fees)
Seasonal strategy
- DIY / Owner-led
- One mode, gaps in shoulder season
- National platform-manager
- STR-only
- Light-touch co-host
- STR-only
- Sun Mountain Stays
- STR ↔ mid-term hybrid for year-round demand
Guest communication & escalation
- DIY / Owner-led
- Owner handles
- National platform-manager
- Centralized call center
- Light-touch co-host
- Reactive
- Sun Mountain Stays
- 24/7, structured escalation
Turnover & cleaning
- DIY / Owner-led
- Owner-managed
- National platform-manager
- Third-party vendor network
- Light-touch co-host
- Varies by vendor
- Sun Mountain Stays
- In-house, monitored every stay
Linen & laundry
- DIY / Owner-led
- DIY / local
- National platform-manager
- Third-party
- Light-touch co-host
- Third-party
- Sun Mountain Stays
- One laundry standard we control
Claims, disputes & appeals
- DIY / Owner-led
- Owner handles
- National platform-manager
- Ticket system
- Light-touch co-host
- Often limited
- Sun Mountain Stays
- Documented & handled for you
Asset stewardship
- DIY / Owner-led
- Hard to sustain alone
- National platform-manager
- Portfolio-wide, not property-focused
- Light-touch co-host
- Usually secondary
- Sun Mountain Stays
- A core standard
| DIY / Owner-led | National platform-manager | Light-touch co-host | Sun Mountain Stays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property fit reviewed before launch | Owner-dependent | Intake form, no site visit | Often skipped | Always, before any work begins |
| Launch sequencing & readiness | Owner-managed | Standardized onboarding | Limited | Built in the right order |
| Primary operating responsibility | Owner | Distributed remote team | Shared / unclear | Ours, end to end |
| Pricing & calendar strategy | Manual or inconsistent | Algorithm-set, rarely adjusted | Basic / set-and-forget | Active, read from market data |
| Channel reach & direct bookings | Airbnb only, usually | Major OTAs, full fees | One or two platforms | 13+ channels + direct booking (skip 9–15.5% OTA fees) |
| Seasonal strategy | One mode, gaps in shoulder season | STR-only | STR-only | STR ↔ mid-term hybrid for year-round demand |
| Guest communication & escalation | Owner handles | Centralized call center | Reactive | 24/7, structured escalation |
| Turnover & cleaning | Owner-managed | Third-party vendor network | Varies by vendor | In-house, monitored every stay |
| Linen & laundry | DIY / local | Third-party | Third-party | One laundry standard we control |
| Claims, disputes & appeals | Owner handles | Ticket system | Often limited | Documented & handled for you |
| Asset stewardship | Hard to sustain alone | Portfolio-wide, not property-focused | Usually secondary | A core standard |
Coverage answers messages. Operating responsibility owns the outcome.
A note from the founder
I have run short-term rentals. Not watched them from a dashboard. Run them.
The 11am back-to-back with a cleaner still inside. The lock that dies before a late arrival. The vendor who does not show. The guest who needs an answer now.
After operating hundreds of rentals I became convinced that the hardest part of this business is not software or pricing. It is maintaining attention.
That is why Sun Mountain Stays stays deliberately small, operates the physical side of the stay closely, and puts one person against the outcome.
I want to know the homes we manage well enough to notice when something changes.
Jake Lee
Founder, Sun Mountain Stays
What you actually receive
Your month, in one clear statement.
Sample 3-bedroom · Colorado Springs
Sample month
- Gross booking revenue
- $8,420
- Occupancy
- 78%
- Average nightly rate
- $312
- Cleaning & turnover
- −$1,140
- Platform & processing fees
- −$640
- Management fee
- −$1,180
- Net owner payout
- $5,460
- Illustrative figures for a sample property, not a real owner's statement and not a projection of your results.
- Your real report itemizes every charge with receipts and notes from your operator.
Book a 20-minute call.
Free, no obligation. You talk to the founder, not a call center.
Part of The Xenia Network
Held to one standard.
Run within The Xenia Network, a founder-led collection of hospitality companies, with guest care by Xenia Hospitality Operations.
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Sun Mountain Stays