Founder: Arthur Colker 
Business: StayFi 
Revenue/Month: $80K 
Founders: 1 
Employees: Around 50 
Website: www.stayfi.com 
Location: United States 
Founded: 2018 

The rise of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo has transformed the short-term rental industry, making it easier than ever for property managers to fill their calendars. But while these platforms generate bookings, they also dominate the guest experience—keeping hosts at arm’s length from their own customers. StayFi is rewriting that script. 

Founded by Arthur Colker, StayFi equips professional vacation rental operators with the tools to build direct relationships with their guests. By providing custom-branded WiFi splash pages and data collection features, the company helps hosts gather valuable contact information, strengthen their brand presence, and drive direct bookings—sidestepping the costly fees imposed by Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Since launching, StayFi has expanded to nearly 10,000 properties across 10 countries, serving over 600 rental operators ranging from single-property hosts to large-scale management firms overseeing hundreds of homes. 

For Colker, the idea for StayFi stemmed from a simple yet powerful observation: In the hotel world, collecting guest information is standard practice. In short-term rentals, it was almost nonexistent. “If you stay at a Marriott, they know exactly who you are. They have your email, they market to you, and they make sure you come back,” he explains. “But in vacation rentals, the property manager—who’s actually providing the service—often has no idea who’s staying in their home. That just didn’t make sense to me.” 

StayFi changes that by turning WiFi access into a branding and marketing tool. Instead of guests logging into a generic router, they connect through a custom-branded splash page, similar to what’s used in hotels and coffee shops. This not only creates a more professional guest experience but also allows property managers to collect names, emails, and phone numbers for future marketing efforts. “Most guests never interact with the person managing the home beyond maybe a few messages on Airbnb,” Colker says. “With StayFi, hosts can introduce their brand from the moment a guest connects to WiFi, so they know who they’re actually staying with.” 

The impact is significant. By capturing guest information, property managers can bypass OTAs for repeat bookings, saving thousands in commission fees. Colker points out that the industry’s reliance on Airbnb and Vrbo leaves operators vulnerable to shifting algorithms and policy changes. “If Airbnb decides to de-rank your listing or change their fee structure, your entire business can take a hit overnight,” he says. “That’s why building a direct booking strategy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.” 

StayFi isn’t just for major operators, either. The platform is designed to be accessible for businesses of all sizes, from independent hosts to large management companies. Colker notes that even a single-property owner can benefit from gathering guest data. “Whether you have one home or a hundred, if you’re relying entirely on OTAs, you’re leaving money on the table,” he says. “Direct relationships with guests are what make a short-term rental business sustainable long-term.” 

With thousands of properties already using StayFi, the company continues to refine its platform and expand its reach. “We’re giving vacation rental operators the same marketing tools that hotels have had for years,” Colker says. “And the best part? It’s all built around something guests already expect—WiFi.” 

Turning an Industry Challenge Into an Opportunity 

The short-term rental industry has boomed, but its operators remain at a disadvantage when it comes to customer retention. Unlike hotels, which actively collect guest data to encourage repeat stays, most vacation rental businesses have little control over who books their properties—or how to reach them again. Arthur Colker saw this firsthand while working with Heirloom, a professional short-term rental company, and realized there was a major gap in the market. 

While consulting on Heirloom’s direct booking strategy, he identified a fundamental problem: Vacation rental operators weren’t just losing guests to Airbnb and Vrbo—they weren’t even making contact with most of them in the first place. “A single booking could bring in 10 or 12 guests, but the operator only had the contact information for the person who made the reservation,” Colker says. “That meant they had no way to market to the other people who actually stayed in the home.” 

He started looking for a way to change that. The answer, he realized, was already in use across other industries. Hotels, coffee shops, and retail stores had long relied on captive WiFi portals to collect customer data and drive repeat business. Yet in short-term rentals, no one was using this approach. “It was baffling,” Colker says. “Every other hospitality business had figured out that WiFi was more than just an amenity—it was a marketing tool. But in vacation rentals, the technology just didn’t exist.” 

Rather than waiting for a solution to appear, he decided to build one himself. He pitched Heirloom on the idea, offering to develop an early version of the technology if they agreed to be his first customer. They signed on, giving him the runway to turn his concept into a functional product. “That first partnership was key,” Colker says. “It gave me the chance to refine the technology with real-world feedback and prove that this idea could work.” 

That early version of StayFi laid the groundwork for what would soon become a game-changing tool for short-term rental operators. By creating a system that allowed hosts to collect guest information through branded WiFi portals, Colker wasn’t just helping them improve marketing—he was giving them the ability to take back control from the platforms that had monopolized their business. 

From Idea to Implementation: Building StayFi from the Ground Up 

Creating a new product in an industry with no clear precedent requires more than just a great idea—it takes strategic problem-solving and the ability to work with what’s available. For Arthur Colker, the first challenge in bringing StayFi to life was finding a WiFi system that could support a branded captive portal without the cost and complexity of developing an entirely new network infrastructure. The solution? Adapting OpenMesh, an existing WiFi system that, while imperfect, offered enough flexibility to get the first version off the ground. 

With the hardware selected, Colker flew to New Orleans to install the system in a rental home. What should have been a simple setup quickly turned into a technical hurdle. Configuring the network required skills beyond his own, so he turned to Upwork, where he hired a local developer to assist with the installation. “It took about 20 hours of development work, but we got it running,” he recalls. “That first version wasn’t pretty—it had no dashboard, no automation, nothing like what StayFi is today. But it did one crucial thing: It let operators capture guest emails without adding any extra steps to the check-in process.” 

The early version of StayFi featured a branded splash page, basic integration with Mailchimp for email marketing, and the ability to manually add access points for additional properties. Though it lacked advanced features, it proved that the concept worked. More importantly, it showed operators that collecting guest data didn’t have to be a hassle—it could be seamlessly integrated into something guests already expected: WiFi access. 

Breaking Into the Short-Term Rental Market 

Building the technology was only the first step. Turning StayFi into a viable business required proving that short-term rental operators actually wanted and needed the product. Before investing in additional features, Colker set out to validate demand beyond his initial client, Heirloom. He started by reaching out to operators directly, trying to understand their biggest challenges and whether capturing guest data could help them drive direct bookings. 

It didn’t take long to confirm the problem was widespread. “Most operators had their own websites and branding, but guests rarely booked directly,” he says. “The biggest hurdle wasn’t just competition from Airbnb and Vrbo—it was that guests never even thought about booking direct in the first place.” 

Finding the next few customers, however, was an uphill battle. Without an established name in the industry, Colker relied on cold emails, LinkedIn outreach, and direct phone calls to connect with potential clients. Attending his first industry event, the Vacation Rentals of Florida Conference, proved to be a turning point. Meeting operators face-to-face gave him valuable insight into their concerns: While many liked the idea of cutting out OTA fees, they were too busy managing day-to-day operations to overhaul their booking strategy. 

That realization shaped how StayFi developed moving forward. “I knew that if StayFi added any complexity to an operator’s workflow, it wouldn’t stick,” Colker says. “It had to be something they could install once and forget about while still getting the benefits.” 

Rather than chasing aggressive funding rounds, he took an incremental approach to expansion, bootstrapping growth and reinvesting revenue to refine the platform. Each feature was built with a clear purpose—no unnecessary bells and whistles, just practical tools that helped operators make the most of their guest data. 

Finding and Keeping Customers 

With an $80 billion short-term rental industry, the opportunity was huge—but getting in front of the right people required more than just a great product. Colker experimented with multiple strategies to reach operators, using a mix of partnerships, industry events, and highly targeted digital marketing. 

One of the most effective approaches was partnering with short-term rental influencers and educators. Using a Stripe-powered referral platform called LinkMink, StayFi collaborated with industry voices like Thanks For Visiting, offering commissions for referrals. “These influencers already had trust and credibility in the space,” Colker explains. “By working with them, we were able to introduce StayFi to operators who were actively looking for ways to improve their businesses.” 

Sponsoring industry events also played a critical role. Organizations like the Vacation Rental Management Association and VRM Intel hosted conferences where StayFi could showcase its platform, meet potential customers, and establish relationships with key industry players. 

Beyond direct outreach, StayFi developed partnerships with other vendors and software providers in the short-term rental space. A dedicated promotions section within the StayFi platform created opportunities for cross-marketing, allowing complementary businesses to share customer bases without relying solely on paid ads. 

On the digital marketing side, Colker’s background in targeted advertising gave StayFi an edge. Instead of casting a wide net, the company used custom audience segmentation to run highly specific campaigns on Facebook and LinkedIn, focusing on short-term rental operators rather than general travel audiences. “We weren’t just blasting ads to anyone in the industry,” Colker says. “We were reaching the exact people who needed what we offered.” 

Once operators signed up, they rarely left. Churn remained near zero, with the only cancellations coming from businesses that were acquired or shut down. StayFi’s success wasn’t just about cutting costs—it was about giving operators something they’d never had before: a direct line to their own guests. “For the first time, vacation rental businesses had real control over their customer relationships,” Colker says. “And once they saw the impact, there was no going back.” 

Expanding StayFi’s Capabilities to Keep Operators Ahead 

As more short-term rental operators embrace StayFi, the company is shifting its focus beyond data collection. With over 6,500 properties using the platform across 600 management companies, the next step is helping operators turn guest data into direct bookings. New marketing features—such as automated email and text messaging—are making that easier than ever. 

“Capturing guest emails was the first piece of the puzzle,” Colker says. “But data by itself isn’t enough. Hosts need an easy way to stay in touch with guests, keep their brand top of mind, and actually convert them into repeat customers.” 

StayFi’s new messaging tools allow operators to engage past guests with customized offers, booking reminders, and promotions—all without relying on third-party platforms. By automating these communications, hosts can rebook previous guests directly, bypassing costly OTA fees. “Most short-term rental businesses don’t have the time or resources to run sophisticated marketing campaigns,” Colker explains. “We’ve designed these tools to be as hands-off as possible, so operators can start seeing results without adding extra work to their plate.” 

Looking ahead, StayFi is also expanding its integrations with third-party software, aiming to provide even deeper insights into guest behavior. The goal is to help operators personalize their marketing, improve automation, and create a more seamless experience for returning guests. “If we can give operators a full picture of their customer base—where guests are coming from, how often they return, what properties they prefer—that’s going to make their marketing exponentially more effective,” Colker says. 

Lessons in Smart Product Development 

Building StayFi has reinforced one of Colker’s core beliefs: The best products aren’t built in a vacuum. Instead of chasing trends or rolling out features for the sake of expansion, he has remained committed to refining the platform based on real-world operator feedback. 

“The biggest mistake tech companies make is overcomplicating things,” he says. “We’ve been intentional about keeping StayFi simple—every new feature has to solve a specific problem and provide immediate value.” 

This approach has allowed StayFi to grow steadily without adding unnecessary complexity. By focusing on practical solutions rather than hype-driven trends, the company has positioned itself as an essential tool for short-term rental operators looking to take control of their brand, bookings, and guest relationships. 

To accelerate product development, Colker is raising a seed round through Republic, ensuring that future updates align with what operators actually need. “We’re not raising money just to scale for the sake of scaling,” he says. “Every investment goes directly into making the platform better for our customers.” 

Staying Focused on What Matters 

In an industry driven by shifting trends and ever-evolving technology, Arthur Colker believes the key to long-term success is solving real problems rather than chasing hype. The startup world is filled with ideas that generate buzz but fail to deliver practical value. From the start, his goal with StayFi has been different—every feature, partnership, and investment decision has been shaped by a single guiding principle: Does this make life easier for short-term rental operators? 

“The best businesses aren’t built on what’s trendy at the moment,” Colker says. “They’re built on solving actual pain points for customers. If you’re not fixing a real problem, it doesn’t matter how much funding you raise or how flashy your product is—it won’t last.” 

That mindset has been evident since the earliest days of StayFi, when he was manually setting up WiFi networks in rental homes and troubleshooting configurations with hired developers. Rather than rushing to scale, he took the time to refine the product based on direct feedback from operators, ensuring it addressed their most pressing challenges. 

Even as StayFi has expanded across thousands of properties, Colker has resisted the temptation to grow for growth’s sake. Every upgrade to the platform has been intentional, designed to provide immediate, measurable benefits. Whether it’s automating guest communication, integrating with third-party tools, or improving the way operators collect and use guest data, the focus has remained the same: giving short-term rental businesses more control over their brand and their bottom line. 

That philosophy will continue to shape StayFi’s evolution. “Success isn’t about being the loudest company in the room,” Colker says. “It’s about building something that people actually need—and making sure it keeps delivering value year after year.” 

Success Factors: Why Did StayFi Succeed? 

• Solving a Real Industry Problem: StayFi addresses a major gap in the short-term rental industry—operators’ inability to collect guest data and build direct relationships. By turning WiFi access into a marketing tool, the company provides a clear, practical solution that helps property managers reduce reliance on OTAs and increase direct bookings. 

• Customer-Centric Product Development: Rather than overloading the platform with unnecessary features, Colker has focused on building tools that provide immediate value. Each addition—whether email automation, text messaging, or third-party integrations—has been based on direct feedback from short-term rental operators, ensuring that the product remains relevant and effective. 

• Bootstrapped and Intentional Growth: StayFi has avoided the common startup pitfall of scaling too quickly without a solid foundation. Instead of raising large funding rounds early on, Colker reinvested revenue to refine the product and secure paying customers. This methodical approach has allowed the company to grow sustainably while staying aligned with customer needs. 

• Effective Customer Acquisition Strategies: Colker leveraged multiple channels to reach potential customers, including cold outreach, LinkedIn networking, and attending industry events. A key breakthrough came from partnering with short-term rental influencers and educators, who introduced StayFi to an engaged audience already looking for ways to optimize their businesses. 

• Strong Retention and Low Churn: Once operators start using StayFi, they rarely leave. With near-zero churn—except in cases where businesses are acquired or shut down—the platform has proven indispensable to property managers who want to take control of their brand and customer relationships. 

• Adaptability and Smart Use of Existing Technology: Rather than building expensive proprietary hardware, Colker found a way to adapt OpenMesh, an existing WiFi system, to serve the needs of short-term rental operators. This resourceful approach allowed StayFi to launch quickly without the heavy costs associated with developing custom hardware. 

• Clear, Focused Leadership: Colker’s disciplined approach—staying focused on solving real problems instead of chasing industry trends—has kept StayFi grounded in long-term value. His emphasis on practical solutions, rather than hype, has shaped a company that delivers measurable results to its customers. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Solve a Real Problem, Not Just a Trend: Colker didn’t build StayFi based on hype—he identified a clear, unaddressed problem in the short-term rental industry: the inability of operators to collect guest data and drive direct bookings. His success highlights the importance of solving a real pain point rather than chasing industry fads. 

2. Start with a Simple, Effective Product: Instead of trying to launch a fully featured platform from day one, Colker focused on a minimal viable product (MVP) that delivered immediate value. The first version of StayFi was basic but solved the core issue, proving its usefulness before further investments were made. This approach prevented wasted resources on unnecessary features. 

3. Use Existing Technology to Your Advantage: StayFi didn’t require inventing new hardware from scratch. By modifying OpenMesh, Colker was able to launch faster and at a lower cost. Entrepreneurs should consider how they can leverage or adapt existing solutions instead of reinventing the wheel. 

4. Grow Intentionally, Not Just Rapidly: Rather than scaling aggressively through heavy funding rounds, StayFi took a methodical approach—reinvesting revenue, refining the product, and securing new customers step by step. This ensured long-term sustainability rather than short-term hype. 

5. Customer Feedback Should Shape the Product: Colker built StayFi based on real input from short-term rental operators. Every new feature—whether email marketing, text messaging, or third-party integrations—was added to directly address customer needs. Listening to users and making thoughtful improvements is key to long-term product success. 

6. Find the Right Customer Acquisition Channels: Breaking into a competitive industry is challenging, but StayFi found creative ways to reach its audience. Colker used cold outreach, industry events, and LinkedIn networking to connect with rental operators. More importantly, partnering with industry influencers and educators helped StayFi reach an engaged audience quickly. 

7. Retention Matters More Than Acquisition: StayFi’s near-zero churn rate demonstrates the power of creating a product that customers don’t just try, but rely on. A strong business isn’t built on constantly replacing lost customers—it’s built on keeping existing ones happy and engaged. 

8. Keep the Business Focused on Value, Not Hype: Many startups get distracted by industry trends or unnecessary expansion. Colker has stayed disciplined, always asking: Does this add meaningful value? This mindset has kept StayFi aligned with its core mission, ensuring steady, sustainable growth. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background 

Arthur Colker had experience in management consulting, mobile payments, digital advertising, and startup growth. His expertise in marketing and customer retention played a key role in shaping StayFi’s business model. 

Problem Identification 

Short-term rental operators had no way to collect guest data or build direct relationships with visitors, making them overly dependent on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for bookings. Operators also lacked tools to market directly to past guests. 

Market Opportunity 

The short-term rental industry generates over $80 billion in annual bookings. Professional operators are looking for ways to reduce reliance on OTAs and increase direct bookings. StayFi provides a solution that helps them achieve that. 

Competitive Landscape 

Traditional hotels and large hospitality chains already collect guest data through branded WiFi. However, no tailored solution existed for short-term rental operators. Competing marketing solutions were not built specifically for vacation rentals. 

Market Research 

Colker worked closely with a short-term rental operator (Heirloom) and identified firsthand that most property managers lacked guest data. He validated demand by reaching out to rental operators and attending industry conferences. 

Business Model 

StayFi operates on a SaaS model, charging rental operators a monthly subscription fee for access to WiFi-based guest data collection and marketing tools. Additional revenue comes from integrations and partnerships with other industry vendors. 

Initial Capital 

StayFi was bootstrapped initially, with Colker reinvesting early revenue to grow the business. Later, the company raised a seed round through Republic to accelerate product development. 

Product/Service Development 

The first version of StayFi was built using OpenMesh WiFi hardware and included a branded splash page, Mailchimp integration, and manual access point configuration. Features expanded based on customer feedback, adding automation, text/email marketing, and third-party integrations. 

Marketing Strategy 

StayFi used cold outreach, LinkedIn networking, and direct phone calls to acquire initial customers. Partnerships with short-term rental influencers and educators, along with sponsorships at industry events, helped build credibility and drive adoption. Targeted digital marketing campaigns on Facebook and LinkedIn also played a role. 

Milestones 

• Built and installed the first version in a New Orleans rental home 

• Landed Heirloom as the first customer 

• Expanded to 6,500+ properties across 600 rental management companies 

• Launched email and SMS marketing tools 

• Raised a seed round through Republic for further growth 

Scalability 

StayFi can scale efficiently because it provides software-based solutions with minimal infrastructure requirements. The platform is industry-agnostic and can expand beyond short-term rentals into other hospitality sectors, such as boutique hotels and serviced apartments. 

Potential Risks and Challenges 

• Heavy reliance on third-party WiFi hardware providers 

• Resistance from operators hesitant to change their current processes 

• Competition from larger property management software companies that could develop similar features 

• Changing OTA policies that may impact how guest data is shared or collected 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

• Number of properties using StayFi 

• Guest data collected per property 

• Percentage of repeat direct bookings facilitated through StayFi 

• Customer acquisition cost (CAC) vs. customer lifetime value (LTV) 

• Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) and churn rate