Meet Jonathan McDermott | Jonathan McDermott – Aibnb Owner – www.jonathanshouse.com

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan McDermott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always loved the business model of the Airbnb or Short-Term Rental (STR) industry. Not only for an investment opportunity but for my personal travel experiences as well.

If you think about it, in a very practical sense why would a family or friends of 8 want to spend twice the cost on tiny hotel rooms when you can have your own space, own pool and privacy for half the cost? Not to mention the significant savings you would have by staying home, dining in and enjoying the outdoor grill poolside during your stay. To me, it’s simply a no brainer in respect to cost, family time, privacy, personal spaces and making memories.

When I travel, 90% of the time I would secure an Airbnb or a VRBO property and was ALWAYS disappointed (maybe because I have high expectations?). The places were always very sterile, no charisma or character, smaller than advertised and had ridiculous rules like cleaning the bathtub after every shower or cleaning the entire home before leaving even though I paid for a cleaning fee. I knew in my heart I could build a much better STR than I have ever stayed at. I knew if I could make my place feel like a true Home Away from Home, I could build a brand and following. I promised and committed to myself that nobody would ever leave my home disappointed or have any complaints…at least nothing that I was in control of.

I owned a condo in the New York State area and have rented to families for a minimum of one year at a time. The problem with this type of arrangement is simply that if your tenant is unable to pay the rent (which pays the mortgage), I am forced to compensate for it out of my own pocket. The banks don’t care, it’s my finances that are on the line. I felt I was simply giving up too much control to my tenants and I found myself sweating at the end of every month just to get the rent on time or if at all. With an STR property, I am protected in so many ways. I’m guaranteed to receive payment, the STR platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, booking.com) are protecting me in the case of loss or damages and in Fort Lauderdale, I never have to worry about a possible “squatter” taking over. Ultimately for me, it was always about protecting myself, my assets and investment while creating and building something special and memorable for my guests at the same time.

Just over a year ago, I sold my condo in New York and had to reinvest the money or get taxed significantly for capital gains (and I hate paying taxes). So, for me it was the right time to start my dream of owning an Airbnb.

I knew absolutely nothing about Fort Lauderdale except that it’s a very popular beach spot, near Miami and had brand name recognition. In fact, I had never been to Fort Lauderdale until I was actually looking for the perfect home to buy.

I jumped all in, feet first or more like belly flopped in. Having done very little research and knowing very little what I was in for. My first few days after closing on the house I went nonstop that seemed like traveling a thousand miles an hour, buying everything needed (towels, furniture, outdoor furniture, mattresses, tv’s, everything for the kitchen…EVERYTHING to get my house in shape to list it on Airbnb and at the same time, fielding phone calls for my full-time job back in New Jersey.

I spent a week sleeping maybe 3 hours a day. I remember saying to myself…”what the F%$K did you do to yourself Jon?” I was building the plane while flying it. All my savings went into this house, and I had no idea what I was doing, except that I was following my dream. Whatever could go wrong, went wrong and then more went wrong. I knew absolutely nothing about owning a house, let alone a house with a pool. I lost 15 lbs. in 5 days because I wasn’t eating, always in motion and my stress and anxiety was off the charts. I was doing everything by myself. Not to mention still working my actual full-time job (from a different State) all while juggling this rollercoaster called a nightmare…I mean dream. To be completely honest, within a month of buying the house, getting it listed on Airbnb & VRBO, I was so stressed out, I actually called my realtor Alexa to sell it. Alexa promised me it would work out, I just had to find a way to relax and be patient. Much harder said than done, believe me you!

Just about the time when I thought I had everything under control and I was already back in New Jersey working my 9-5, I received a phone call from my cleaning folks and was told that the water and gas were shut off because I never set up an account. This call came in just an hour before my very first guests arrived! Then there was the time just before Christmas, I got a call from my guests on their second night telling me the pool heater was not working. Just one word. CHA-CHING, but the wrong way. I have a few more stories just like this…maybe even a bit worse, but today, Jonathan’s House is on cruise control. I have the perfect people in place (thank you Sarah) to make sure my guests are well taken care of.

For me, it is so important that I personally reach out to my guests that are coming and let them know how excited, honored and grateful I am to have them stay at my home. Guests have choices and they make those choices based on perceptions and needs. I let them know that I will not disturb them at all, but am available 24/7 if they need anything at all. From a restaurant recommendation, or in need of my concierge services and even If a lightbulb goes out. They know it’s ok to call me.

This goes a long way with my guests and it comforts them that I am not some guy looking to make a quick buck, but someone that really does care about them and is invested in their comfort, stay and well-being. You can see that this is recognized in just about every one of my reviews online. It’s just another way my home is different from every other STR out there. When you step into my home, you know you are going to have a great vacation and have made the right choice by choosing Jonathan’s House.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have worked hard my entire life to achieve what I have today. One thing very few people know about me is that I grew up in and out of group homes and foster care since I was 7. As a child I saw what it was like not knowing what tomorrow was going to bring or even if I would have a place to sleep or eat. I had no control over my life because I was so young and relied on others. I swore that I would never let anyone have control over me and I was determined to create my own destiny at a very young age.

Fortunately for me, I had some strong influences and met some amazing adults along the way that guided me to go to college and get a degree. In college I held three jobs. I would be at college for 7 am classes until 12 pm, then went to work in a retail clothing corporation part time between 1-5 pm. At night I would drive a cab and, on the weekends, I worked at a wedding venue as a server. Somehow, I managed to finish college in just 3.5 years because I couldn’t afford the tuition anymore so I committed to night school to “finish the job”. After graduation, I ended up working in corporate sales for a marketing company. I was so fortunate that they had a tuition reimbursement policy and they paid 100% of the cost of my Master’s Degree.

There was a time when I was about to quit college going into my junior year because I just couldn’t afford it anymore. Someone then said to me, “finish what you start”. Those words really resonated with me so much so that even today, when I take on a task I refuse to quit until the job is done, whatever that task might be. From committing to running 5 miles or losing 30 pounds in a single month or even graduating college in 3.5 years, I am just completely focused on finishing the job. The fact is that I hate failing more than I love winning.

I believe strongly in helping anyone I can. I became a volunteer firefighter in the town where I live, Fort Lee NJ over 20 years ago. I have always been passionate about helping those that are unable to help themselves in their moments of need. I’ve never been very comfortable at all being thanked “for my service”, however, when I hear these words, I simply respond, “You are worth it”. The smile and glow that I receive back from my words are truly heavenly and warming.

A few things that I can share and say is what I learned early on was to keep things simple (KISS). In other words, I will dive in and become knowledgeable on a topic, subject or even a book and then break it down to explain that topic so an 8-year-old is easily able to understand it and explain it to someone else also.

Appreciate everyone you meet; I promise you will learn something new. I love to hear the journeys and life adventures of others, yes even strangers. I have always found that the stories of others are humbling, fascinating and incredible!

Never be jealous or envious of anyone. Be genuinely happy for them.

I highly recommend reading the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. It will change your life for the better.

And lastly, never worry about the money (at least try not to). If you do the right thing, the money will ALWAYS follow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When traveling, I have just three requirements for my vacations, food, culture and the beach, not necessarily in that order but definitely mandatory! And that’s why I chose Fort Lauderdale for my Airbnb. That being said, Fort Lauderdale would always be a top destination to enjoy time with friends, loved ones and family. There is everything and anything to do in Fort Lauderdale and the weather is always perfect.

For food, I would certainly be making a reservation at one of my favorite steak house restaurants, Mastro’s which is located just 5 minutes from my place right on Las Olas Boulevard (the heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale). Make sure you order the “warm butter cake” for dessert, I promise, you will thank me.

I would not be a very good friend at all if we didn’t visit my favorite Mexican place, El Camino’s! They have absolutely the best guacamole and their brisket quesadillas are completely off the

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many people that have supported my “dream”, and just as many that tried to talk me out of it. The fact of the matter is that when it came time to make the final decision, nobody could have talked me out of it. I was completely committed to following my dream to build something special, my own brand from the ground up.

I have been so fortunate and blessed to have a wonderful, knowledgeable support system that held my hand from the very beginning. The friends and loved ones that were there for me through this journey were Ed Mc., Gregg M., Jeremy B., Joe L., Nicole R, Maurice G., Amal S., Sam A and of course my realtor Alexa A. I had many sleepless nights and every one of my friends I mentioned would take my calls, sit down with me, talk me off the ledge and help me focus and support my efforts to keep going with my dream. Thank you so much to all of them, I honestly don’t know if I could have kept going without their generous and unconditional support. I am truly blessed.

Website: www.jonathanshouse.com

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