Stronger together: Why SCALE are building a community to fuel STR growth

STR Book:ed

"We saw a gap in the short-term rental industry – too many events where you meet lots of people but leave with little value. So, we created Scale to change that."

In this episode, you’ll meet Damian Sheridan and Gianpaolo Vairo, the brains behind Scale Rentals Show. If you’ve ever been to a short-term rental (STR) event and left feeling like you didn’t gain much, their story will resonate with you. Damian and Gianpaolo saw the same problem and decided to do something about it. They’ve created Scale to bring together serious property managers in an environment where genuine connections are made, and everyone leaves with actionable insights.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:

1. How the right community makes all the difference
   Imagine attending an event where you meet people just like you—managing properties, building teams, and navigating the STR industry full-time. That’s what Damian and Gianpaolo set out to create. They wanted a space for professional property managers to truly connect and learn from each other. It’s about networking with purpose, not just collecting business cards. "We wanted to create a community where everyone has something to give and something to gain," Damian shares.
2. The power of learning from others’ experiences
   We all love success stories, but Damian and Gianpaolo believe that learning from mistakes is even more powerful. “It’s not about keeping secrets or giving away bookings—it’s about learning from each other’s experiences to make your business more profitable and sustainable,” says Gianpaolo. You’ll hear how STR professionals are not just competitors—they’re part of a community with shared challenges and opportunities.
3. Why direct bookings should be part of your strategy
   Are you relying too much on online travel agencies (OTAs) for bookings? Damian explains why balancing OTA bookings with a direct booking strategy is vital for long-term success. He’s passionate about the control and repeat business that direct bookings can bring. “It’s not just about saving on commissions—it’s about building your brand and turning one-time guests into loyal customers.”
4. How to tackle industry regulations with collaboration
   With STR regulations tightening worldwide, Damian and Gianpaolo stress the importance of joining forces with other property managers. “We can’t wait for regulations to shut down businesses. We need to come together, join associations, and make our voices heard,” says Damian. They talk about how property managers can influence local governments and safeguard the future of the STR industry by working together instead of seeing each other as competition.
5. The untapped potential of video reviews
   Damian is a big believer in using video to capture the guest experience. Think about it—how often are you asked to leave a written review? Video is more authentic, less scripted, and lets the personality of your guests shine through. “Nobody’s asking for video reviews, but when they do, it makes all the difference,” he says. This episode will make you rethink how you collect feedback from your guests.

Links mentioned:

• Scale Rentals Show
• Scale Community
• European Holiday Home Association (EHHA)
• ASSC and PASC

Make sure you subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes come out. If you’d like to be a guest on STR Booked, email us at [e-mail].