Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Blount.
Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t set out to build a business! This all started because I was planning to move to Panama.
Back in 2021, I had this idea that I wanted more freedom and flexibility in my life, and I was exploring ways to move abroad. I decided to buy a house as a home base for when I was in the states and rent it as an Airbnb while I was away. At the time, it was just a way to support a lifestyle I was working toward.
But once I got started, something clicked.
I found myself really drawn to the behind-the-scenes side of hosting; the systems, the guest experience, and figuring out how to make everything run smoothly and more efficiently. And when my move abroad didn’t pan out, I decided to double down, and I added a rental arbitrage property to my portfolio.
As I got more involved, people started noticing. Friends, other hosts, and people in the community began reaching out with questions. Over time, those conversations shifted into requests for help, and eventually, “Can you just handle this for me?” I quickly went from my two properties to managing 5 for other homeowners. And by summer of 2022, we acquired an 8-unit apartment deal, which pushed us into professional hosting territory.
That’s when I realized there was an even bigger opportunity.
A lot of property owners wanted their rentals to perform well, but they didn’t want to be involved in the day-to-day operations. And many of the solutions out there felt fragmented or inconsistent. I saw a clear gap for a truly full-service, hands-off approach, that prioritized both the homeowner’s peace of mind and the guest experience.
That’s how Hosted Havens came to life.
What started as a personal solution to the idea of moving abroad, actually turned into a full-service co-hosting company managing 30+ homes across San Antonio, supported by a team of 11, and systems designed to deliver consistency at scale, while still keeping that warm, boutique feel.
Looking back, it wasn’t the plan I originally had; but it ended up being exactly where I was meant to go.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s where most of the growth has come from.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to define and protect our business model. Early on, we worked with anyone who was interested, and we learned quickly that not everyone is actually looking for a full-service experience…even if they say they are. Some owners want to be very involved in day-to-day decisions, which can create friction in a model that’s designed for the homeowner to be hands-off.
That forced me to get really clear on our boundaries, our communication, and who we’re the best fit for. Now, we’re much more intentional about vetting and setting expectations upfront, which has made a huge difference.
As we scaled, another challenge was building the right operational foundation. The systems and tools that work for one or two properties don’t always hold up when you’re managing dozens. There was a period of trial and error, figuring out what technology could actually support our level of service, our team, and our growth. It wasn’t always seamless, but it helped us build a much stronger infrastructure.
And while I’ve been very fortunate to find great team members internally, vendor consistency, especially in maintenance, has been an ongoing challenge. In this industry, you’re only as strong as the people executing on the ground, and finding vendors who align with your standards, communication style, and sense of urgency isn’t always easy.
Overall, none of these challenges were deal-breakers. But they did require me to step into the business differently. I had to move from just “running properties” to really building a company with systems, standards, and clear expectations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hosted Havens is a boutique, full-service co-hosting company based in San Antonio. We specialize in working with homeowners who want a truly hands-off experience, meaning we don’t just support the property, we fully manage it from setup, guest experience, turnovers, maintenance, and more.
Our focus is on delivering consistent, high-quality hospitality through strong systems, attention to detail, and a well-trained team. That’s what drives our results, which include 5-star reviews, repeat guests, and strong positioning on platforms like Airbnb.
What sets us apart is that we’re not a “tag-team” model. Many co-hosting setups still rely on the owner being involved behind the scenes. Our approach is different. We operate as the primary operator, with clear processes and accountability in place so homeowners don’t have to step in. Homeowners get their time and peace back, while we work to make their property earn money.
In addition to running Hosted Havens, I’m also an Airbnb Community Leader in San Antonio and serve on the board for the Short Term Rental Association of San Antonio (STRASA). Being involved at that level allows me to stay closely connected to industry changes, local regulations, and best practices, which directly benefits the homeowners we work with.
What I’m most proud of is what we’ve built behind the scenes; the team, the systems, and the level of trust our homeowners place in us. Anyone can list a property, but building something that runs smoothly, delivers consistently, and allows owners to truly step back…that’s what sets us apart.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck has played a role, but more in the sense of being prepared when opportunities showed up.
One of our first homeowners actually was a lucky turning point. He was a military owner living out of state, who trusted us with his entire property. We handled everything from prep and staging to launching and managing the listing. That experience really shaped how I thought about the business. It showed me the value of true full-service co-hosting versus limited shared-responsibility models.
There were also moments where timing worked in our favor. We were among the first in San Antonio to learn about Airbnb’s Co-Host Network and jumped in early, which gave us strong exposure in the local market.
At the same time, I don’t think those opportunities would have happened without being consistently involved and engaged. I’ve always made it a priority to stay connected to the industry, learning, participating in host communities, and building relationships. That’s ultimately what led to being recognized by STRASA and stepping into a board position.
So while there have definitely been “right place, right time” moments, I think they’ve come from staying active, curious, and being ready to act when the opportunity presents itself.
Pricing:
- 19-24% Co-Host Service Fee
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hostedhavens.co/owners
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hostedhavensco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hostedhavensco
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/meganblount-hostedhavensco
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@hostedhavensco
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@hostedhavensco
