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Sun Mountain Stays

Track record

The operating record, and the numbers behind it.

Sun Mountain Stays is built on years of hands-on STR operating.

The operating record behind the work

Built by someone who's run this, at scale.

297+
short-term rentals operated
120+
listings launched
17,000+
reservations handled
$97.5M+
in property value managed
83
owners served
31+
markets · 10 states
9
hospitality companies built, run, or scaled
680+
claims filed

A flat 15% of net, one rate for full-service management, with a $300 monthly floor.

Attested · as of 2026Held to one standard

Sun Mountain Stays actively serves Colorado Springs.

What owners and partners say

Owners who stopped worrying about their rentals.

I spent two years renovating a historic home with a separate suite for a short term rental, but I had zero experience in the STR world. I honestly didn't know where to begin. When friends introduced me to Jake, he instantly recognized the space's potential as a premium listing. He made the entire process simple from the start. Jake built the listings, put all the systems in place, trained me in how to use them, and managed the property in the early months so I could learn by watching. What had felt overwhelming turned into something I could handle confidently. More than a year later, the property is now a 'Top 1% Guest Favorite' listing on Airbnb with an unbroken streak of over 100 five-star reviews thanks to the foundation Jake built.
JJeffColorado Springs, CO
I was overwhelmed when I reached out to Jake. My STR business felt like the wheels were coming off and I was running myself into the ground trying to keep up. I even told him I was embarrassed by how messy things had become. He reassured me that we would handle it together. Within a month, the night and day difference was unbelievable. My business became more profitable and so much easier to manage. Working with Jake did more than fix my business. It brought calm back into my life.
MMichalManitou Springs, CO
When I hired Jake to manage my short term rental for a year, I hoped things would run well in my absence. Jake exceeded every expectation. He set up the property beautifully with professional photos, smart pricing, perfect staging, and all the supplies and linens needed. He handled guests and platform communication with total ease. Jake is well rounded, balanced, and truly exceptional at what he does. I would recommend him for absolutely anything. He is super capable.
NNancyBreckenridge, CO
Working with Jake was an exceptional experience. He clearly knows the rental platform space inside and out and approaches every challenge with confidence and professionalism. His drive and supportive nature made a huge difference in helping me complete my project. I highly recommend him for anyone looking to elevate their investment.
MMichellePoconos, PA
Thanks to Jake, my first Airbnb now runs with consistent prosperity and delivers memorable stays for every guest. He is a true inspiration and leader who brings knowledgeable insight, reliable execution, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Working with him has been a phenomenal experience and one of the best decisions I made for my property.
DDanielColorado Springs, CO
Working with Jake has been one of the most valuable decisions I've made for my short-term rental business. His knowledge of the industry is truly phenomenal, and he has a rare ability to stay calm under pressure, quickly cut through complexity, and deliver clear, workable solutions that bring real peace of mind. Beyond his expertise, what stands out most is his genuine heart for service. He's an exceptional listener who tailors his guidance to your specific situation. I'd recommend Jake without hesitation. He's truly a gift to work with.
YYuriFounder, Ikoi Homes · ikoihomes.com
Working with Jake over the past several months has been one of the most valuable partnerships I've built in the short-term rental space. His deep knowledge of STR management, combined with a genuine commitment to staying ahead of the latest technology and industry trends, means his clients are always operating at a high level. I look forward to continuing to grow together.
BBobbyAccount Executive, Guesty
I highly recommend Jake to anyone looking for help with Airbnb management, short-term rentals, or long-term rental properties. From day one, Jake has been professional, reliable, and extremely knowledgeable. He has helped me tremendously with managing and renting my properties, always staying on top of the details, communicating clearly, and making sure everything runs smoothly. His dedication, responsiveness, and understanding of the rental market have made a huge difference for me. If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares about your success, is trustworthy, and knows how to maximize the potential of your rental property, Jake is the person to call. I truly appreciate all of his hard work and look forward to continuing to work with him for many years to come.
AArberCliffside Park, NJ
Jake brings a high level of professionalism and genuine care to his work. He takes the time to understand each client's full situation and needs, not just the property. Through our discussions, he's invested real effort in understanding the tax considerations short-term rental owners face. That awareness of the bigger picture comes through in how he approaches operations and management. Wakefield Tax refers clients to Jake without any referral fee or commission. The relationship is based solely on our view that his work serves clients well.
TThomasOwner, Wakefield Tax · thestrcpa.com
North Cheyenne Cañon near Colorado Springs at golden hour

How we compare with the other ways to run a rental.

  • Property fit reviewed before launch

    DIY / Owner-led
    Owner-dependent
    National platform-manager
    Intake form, no site visit
    Light-touch co-host
    Often skipped
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Always, before any work begins
  • Launch sequencing & readiness

    DIY / Owner-led
    Owner-managed
    National platform-manager
    Standardized onboarding
    Light-touch co-host
    Limited
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Built in the right order
  • Primary operating responsibility

    DIY / Owner-led
    Owner
    National platform-manager
    Distributed remote team
    Light-touch co-host
    Shared / unclear
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Ours, end to end
  • Pricing & calendar strategy

    DIY / Owner-led
    Manual or inconsistent
    National platform-manager
    Algorithm-set, rarely adjusted
    Light-touch co-host
    Basic / set-and-forget
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Active, read from market data
  • Channel reach & direct bookings

    DIY / Owner-led
    Airbnb only, usually
    National platform-manager
    Major OTAs, full fees
    Light-touch co-host
    One or two platforms
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Channel distribution + direct booking (skip 9–15.5% OTA fees)
  • Seasonal strategy

    DIY / Owner-led
    One mode, gaps in shoulder season
    National platform-manager
    STR-only
    Light-touch co-host
    STR-only
    Sun Mountain Stays
    STR ↔ mid-term hybrid for year-round demand
  • Guest communication & escalation

    DIY / Owner-led
    Owner handles
    National platform-manager
    Centralized call center
    Light-touch co-host
    Reactive
    Sun Mountain Stays
    24/7, structured escalation
  • Turnover & cleaning

    DIY / Owner-led
    Owner-managed
    National platform-manager
    Third-party vendor network
    Light-touch co-host
    Varies by vendor
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Our property care team, checked every stay
  • Linen & laundry

    DIY / Owner-led
    DIY / local
    National platform-manager
    Third-party
    Light-touch co-host
    Third-party
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Same team and checklist as the clean
  • Claims, disputes & appeals

    DIY / Owner-led
    Owner handles
    National platform-manager
    Ticket system
    Light-touch co-host
    Often limited
    Sun Mountain Stays
    Documented & handled for you
  • Asset stewardship

    DIY / Owner-led
    Hard to sustain alone
    National platform-manager
    Portfolio-wide, not property-focused
    Light-touch co-host
    Usually secondary
    Sun Mountain Stays
    A core standard

A note from the founder

I have run short-term rentals. Not watched them from a dashboard. Run them.

I came to Colorado Springs after six years as a firefighter with the US Forest Service: five on a hotshot crew stationed on the North Coast, the mountainous northwestern California coast near Oregon, and one on a helitack crew stationed in Durango, Colorado. Before that, I worked as an EMT for a hospital.

This is where I learned the business, from four sets of mentors I met here, one after another. A bed and breakfast owner in Manitou Springs first taught me how to play the STR game, and what it means to be hospitable. Two former US Army Special Forces soldiers taught me to run several markets at once on the same written systems and checklists, and to build and lead a team. A couple who built a 37-acre mountain wilderness glamping resort and event venue taught me to see the whole place as one stay, run unusual structures, and handle events and groups. A real estate investor who renovates and redesigns properties taught me which homes work as rentals, and the design guests actually book for.

Since then I've run seven short-term rental operations companies and nearly 300 properties, with more than 17,000 reservations across 31 markets in 10 states. Colorado Springs is where it started, and I've worked with the property care teams here for more than six years.

The 11am back-to-back with a cleaner still inside. The lock that dies before a late arrival. The vendor who does not show. The guest who needs an answer now.

After hundreds of rentals, I'm convinced the hard part of this business is paying attention. That's why Sun Mountain Stays stays small, works closely on the physical side of every stay, and makes one person accountable for the outcome.

I want to know the homes we manage well enough to notice when something changes.

Jake Lee

Founder, Sun Mountain Stays

What you actually receive

Your month, in one clear statement.

Sample 3-bedroom · Colorado Springs

Sample month

Sample, illustrative
Gross booking revenue
$8,420
Occupancy
78%
Average nightly rate
$312
Cleaning & turnover
−$1,140
Platform & processing fees
−$640
Management fee
−$1,180
Net owner payout
$5,460
  • Illustrative figures for a sample property, not a real owner's statement and not a projection of your results.
  • Your real report itemizes every charge with receipts and notes from your operator.

Send Jake an inquiry.

No obligation. Jake will reply himself.

Part of The Xenia Network

Held to one standard.

Run within The Xenia Network, a founder-led collection of hospitality companies, with guest care by Xenia Hospitality Operations.

Explore the network →
Send an Inquiry

90-day minimum, then month to month