Grand Welcome has emerged as a prominent player in the thriving short-term rental market, revolutionizing vacation rental management franchises. With an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to property owners and travelers, the company has established its reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. By Kelsi Trinidad
Grand Welcome has emerged as a prominent player in the thriving short-term rental market, revolutionizing vacation rental management franchises. With an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to property owners and travelers, the company has established its reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. Since introducing franchising in 2020, Grand Welcome has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its reach to over 60 franchises across the U.S.
In the pursuit of its vision, Grand Welcome aims to achieve an impressive milestone of 130 franchise locations this year. The company is well on its way to realizing its ambitious goal. To support this rapid growth, the corporate headquarters has assembled a dedicated support team of more than 100 employees who support the company and franchisees’ success.
Upon joining the Grand Welcome franchise, franchisees are guided through a comprehensive pre-opening checklist by their assigned franchise business consultant. This includes acquiring insurance, setting up bank accounts and managing other crucial business-related tasks. Additionally, the franchise business consultant collaborates with franchisees to develop a deep understanding of their market, including competitor analysis and knowledge of local regulations governing short-term rentals. Leveraging this insight, the franchise business consultant advises franchisees on tailoring their offerings to meet market demands and regulatory requirements.
Marketing plays a pivotal role in the success of any franchise. Therefore, Grand Welcome assists franchisees in compiling lists of properties they wish to pursue while also providing guidance in establishing vendor partnerships for property maintenance. This encompasses a range of services, including cleaning, handyman services, laundry pickup and linen management, as well as HVAC, plumbing and electrical maintenance.
Grand Welcome prioritizes franchisee training to ensure a strong foundation for success. The franchisees undergo a comprehensive 40-hour online training program, complemented by hands-on training at corporate-owned locations. This immersive training experience includes sales training, familiarization with the sales playbook, systems training on CRM and property management software and exposure to day-to-day operations. By combining classroom instruction with real-world application, franchisees gain both knowledge and practical skills essential for their business ventures. Furthermore, franchisees receive a sales playbook and a 90-day marketing plan, equipping them with effective strategies to establish and grow their businesses.
To streamline operations, Grand Welcome has implemented automated systems that simplify property listing on popular platforms, such as VRBO and Airbnb. By reducing administrative burdens, franchisees can focus on business expansion and increasing their property count, driving further growth and profitability.
Recognizing the value of collective wisdom, Grand Welcome established a franchise advisory council comprised of experienced owners who offer valuable feedback and advice to the corporate office. This collaborative approach ensures continuous improvement, effective franchisee support and an inclusive partnership between the franchisees and the corporate team.
Kevin Drudge, senior vice president of franchise development at Grand Welcome, highlighted the dynamic and collaborative nature of the business. He emphasized the importance of including franchisees in decision-making processes, leveraging their insights and experiences to foster a true partnership.
Grand Welcome is reshaping the travel landscape by reimagining the vacation rental management franchise model. With its commitment to superior service, comprehensive training, streamlined processes and a collaborative approach, Grand Welcome empowers franchisees to thrive and redefine excellence in the industry.
Kelsi Trinidad