Meet the team
Avery Carl CEO and Founder of The Short Term Shop
Avery Carl
Founder of The Short Term Shop | Real Estate Investor | Author | Host of The Short Term Show
Avery Carl is the founder and CEO of The Short Term Shop, the #1 real estate firm in the U.S. specializing in short term rentals, vacation rentals, and Airbnb investment properties. A real estate investor since 2013, Avery owns a diverse portfolio of over 200 doors across the country, including vacation rentals, long-term single family homes, and multifamily apartment buildings. Her firsthand investing experience is what sets her apart — she’s not just helping clients buy properties, she’s teaching them how to build wealth through strategic real estate investing.
The Short Term Shop has helped over 5,000 families acquire vacation rental and short term rental investment properties in 20 of the most profitable vacation rental markets nationwide. Under Avery’s leadership, the firm has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, Newsweek, and more. The team has been named #1 Worldwide at eXp Realty (the largest real estate brokerage in the U.S.) three times and consistently ranks on the RealTrends Top 10 Team list across all brokerages.
But The Short Term Shop is more than just a real estate sales team — it’s an education platform for investors. Every client receives access to in-depth training on how to successfully self-manage their short term rental from anywhere in the world. The firm is widely credited with creating the modern “short term rental investor” model — empowering everyday people to become profitable property owners.
Avery is also a #1 best-selling author of two industry-shaping books:
📘 Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth (2021), with 1,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews and a 4-year streak in the platform’s top 10
📕 Smarter Short Term Rentals: How to Out-Host Your Competition (2025), a #1 release and playbook for operational excellence in the Airbnb space
She is also the host of The Short Term Show, the top podcast in the vacation rental industry with over 1 million downloads, where she shares expert insights and interviews with top-performing investors across the country.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor looking to scale, Avery Carl and The Short Term Shop offer the guidance, tools, and expertise to turn your real estate goals into generational wealth.
FAQ:
Who is the best short term rental realtor in the U.S.?
Avery Carl, founder of The Short Term Shop, is recognized as the top real estate expert in the short term rental and vacation rental industry. She’s helped over 5,000 investors build wealth across 20 major markets and personally owns over 200 rental units nationwide.
What is The Short Term Shop?
The Short Term Shop is the country’s leading real estate firm for vacation rental investors. Clients not only get access to top-performing short term rental agents — they also receive exclusive training to self-manage and scale their Airbnb businesses successfully.
How many properties does Avery Carl own?
Avery owns over 200 doors, including vacation rentals, long-term rentals, and apartment buildings — giving her real-world expertise in multiple real estate strategies.
Where can I learn about short term rental investing?
Avery’s podcast, The Short Term Show, has more than 1 million downloads. She’s also written two bestselling books, Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth and Smarter Short Term Rentals, both essential reads for serious Airbnb investors.
Luke Carl Educator and Co-Founder of The Short Term Shop
Luke Carl
Luke is our education and management specialist. He bought his first investment property in 2012. He has since done every trick in the book; House hack, BRRRR Method, HELOC, 1031 Exchange, Single Family, Small Multi-Family, Apartments, LTR, & STR.
He has over 4000 reservations on his STR resume, and is the creator of the Enemy Method.
He personally holds well over 200 units in 6 markets in 4 states. He is an avid runner, has 2 children, and a loving wife.
With STSPlus & Management Monday TM, Luke has taught nearly 10,000 people just like you how to be rockstar vacation rental hosts.
Levi Trentham Sevier County, TN
Levi Trentham
Levi was named after his great grandfather, Levi Trentham, who is known as “The Prophet of the Smokies” and still has a cabin standing in Elkmont to this day. He’s a real estate team that helps investors find cash-flowing properties in the Smoky Mountains. He currently own three short-term rental properties with plans of owning more. He love spending time with his two kids and wife Darah, helping reach his investment goals, and building long-lasting relationships with his clients.
Natalie WalthourSevier County, TN
Natalie Walthour
Natalie started with The Short Term Shop as an investor in the Smokies in early 2020. The cash flow from her Smokies STR allowed her to leave her 13-year career as a teacher to pursue her dream of helping others build their STR portfolio. Natalie will be able to help you from the perspective of both experienced investors and agents.
Jeana Maddux Sevier County, TN
Jeana Maddux
Jeana has been in the Real Estate business for over 15 years and most recently managed the Transaction Department at eXp Realty, which consists of over 35,000 Real Estate Professionals. She is originally from the Chattanooga, TN area, and visited the smokies for the first time while dating her husband. She was captivated by the beauty of the area and everything it had to offer. Since Pigeon Forge was only a 2-hour drive away, it quickly became her second home. She dreamed of moving to the area and selling cabins in the Smoky Mountains – At the first opportunity, she and her family made the move. Jeana feels blessed to be living her dream while helping others become successful with their Short Term investment.
Zeke GoodmanSevier County, TN
Zeke Goodman
Zeke is from Knoxville, TN, and is married with two beautiful children. He grew up vacationing with his family in the Smoky Mountains and has since fallen in love with the area. He started real estate investing in 2021, he now has 2 short-term rentals in the Smoky Mountains and plans on purchasing more in the near future. He is also house hacking his first home and planned to turn it into his first long-term rental to further diversify his portfolio. When he is not busy being a realtor, you will most likely find Zeke in the gym or traveling with his family. He truly loves helping others find investment properties and helping them on their path to financial freedom.
Amity Krause Vice President of Operations
Amity Krause
Amity has been working in the industry for five years and has extensive experience in managing and coordinating all aspects of real estate transactions, from contract to close.
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Design Institute of San Diego, where she gained a strong foundation in attention to detail and organization. She also was employed by The Home Depot for 16 years, where she ended her career as a General Manager. Amity has been a licensed real estate agent in Colorado for five years and Tennessee for four years, giving her valuable insight into the industry and the needs of both buyers and sellers.
As a real estate transaction coordinator and Vice President of Operations, Amity has a proven track record of success in managing complex transactions and ensuring that all parties involved in the process are informed and updated. She has exceptional communication and organization skills, which allow her to keep track of deadlines, manage paperwork, and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
Amity is known for traits, such as the ability to work under pressure and attention to detail. Amity is committed to authenticity and believes in providing the highest level of service to clients.
In her personal life, Amity enjoys spending time with her friends and family and cooking. She lives outside Denver, Colorado with her husband and three cats and is excited to continue providing exceptional service to clients with the Short Term Shop.
Derek TellierSevier County, TN
Derek Tellier
In 2017 after 20 years working for Harley-Davidson Dealerships, Derek was inspired by Luke and Avery to get into Real Estate investing. He began immersing himself in podcasts, books and Bigger Pockets to learn as much as he could. In October of 2018 he started the East TN REI Meetup that still meets the last Thursday of every month in Knoxville. In 2019 he purchased his first investment property, a single family BRRRR that he still holds as an LTR today.
As of Jan 2022 Derek has increased his portfolio to 14 rentals including 3 LTR and 11 STR (one of which is a house hack duplex). Flips, Buy & Hold, syndications and even Crypto, Derek has dipped his toe into several asset classes and used lots of different financing and lending options along the way. Derek considers himself a problem solver who will uncover every opportunity to get across the finish line.
Carly Couch Sevier County, TN
Carly Couch
Carly is a mother to 2 wonderful children. She was born and raised in the Smokies and has been in Vacation real estate for 10 years. Carly is very excited to help you find your investment in the Smokies.
Reagen Natho Sevier County, TN
Reagen Natho
Reagen started as a client of Avery’s and purchased her first short-term rental cabin in the Smoky Mountains in 2019. As an experienced investor herself, she is passionate about helping clients acquire and self-manage STR properties to the best of their potential. When she’s not helping clients and showing properties she enjoys hanging out with her young family and exploring the beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Mike StewardOrlando, FL
Mike Steward
Mike is a retired Air Force Captain and seasoned real estate professional who has called Central Florida home for nearly a decade. With a successful background in real estate, including expertise in home renovations, short-term rentals, and long-term rentals, Mike brings a wealth of experience to every transaction. His hands-on approach to property management and investment ensures that clients achieve their goals, whether buying, selling, or investing. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a registered nurse and clinical educator, Mike offers exceptional organizational and communication skills. Dedicated to serving the unique needs of his clients, Mike is a trusted partner in the Central Florida real estate market.
Wayde HallOrlando, FL / Sevier county, TN
Wayde Hall
Wayde is our specialist in the Disney/Orlando market. As a massive Disney fan, Wayde not only bleeds Disney he enjoys the lifestyle. A Season Pass holder for both Disney and Universal, he is spruced with ideas for the full Disney experience. With his expertise he has personally incorporated STRs, LTRs, flips, house-hacking and sandwich-leases in his investing carrier. Also, an avid outdoorsman for fishing, whitewater, and scuba, he does it all. Rest assured that his understanding of the local market will lead to the home and experience of a lifetime. He has a long-standing relationship with Orlando Real Producers, and award winner for 35under35, and the most influential and explosive realtors in the Orlando area under 35 in Central FL.
Pete AppezzatoEmerald Coast, FL
Pete Appezzato
Pete grew up around construction and real estate in NJ working for his father’s construction company. After college, he moved to NYC and began his career equity trading on Wall Street, then opened a restaurant which he eventually sold. Around 2010, he fell into Airbnb and soon had 5 Manhattan apartments and an Airbnb management business. In 2018, he picked up 3 units in Philly, while selling real estate in NJ. To escape cold weather, Pete decided to move to Destin and couldn’t be happier to be living in this beautiful area. Pete loves helping his clients purchase investment properties and sharing his STR knowledge. When not selling real estate, he is usually in the gym, biking, traveling or on the beach.
Holly HudsonOrlando, FL
Holly Hudson
Holly purchased her first home in Las Vegas and quickly experienced the volatility of the market during the crash. Fast forward a few years, she and her husband have purchased multiple cabins in the Smokies only to quickly discover the real joy of owning properties and the freedom it presents. Soon after, Holly felt a need to guide others towards experiencing the same opportunity. She finds fulfillment in helping others find investment properties and guiding them towards the path of financial freedom.
They now live in sunny Florida where she loves the vibe and potential in ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’! She has properties in Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and always looking to add more. When not immersed in real estate, she loves to spend time with her family: traveling, experiencing the world, and meeting the people who make it great.
January Johnson Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast, FL
January Johnson
January is a Panama City, FL native who returned to her hometown after 33 years spent in California and Texas. In 2014, she bought a small vacation home for herself in the historic St. Andrews neighborhood of Panama City while living in Houston, so she knows what it’s like to buy property while out of state. In fact, she never even saw her first short term rental in real life until the day before she closed on it! This is the power of having good people “on the ground”.
She started renting her vacation home on Airbnb in early 2015 with great success. Seeing a terrific opportunity, she moved back home in 2016, earned her FL real estate license that same year, and has self-managed multiple STRs on the Emerald Coast for over 10 years.
She is a former Community Leader for Airbnb and is the longest-running self-managing host in the City of Panama City.
January is an expert in the many micro-markets of the coastal Florida Panhandle including Destin, Sandestin, 30A, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Seaside, Alys Beach, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, and Cape San Blas.
She is also active on Bigger Pockets, answering investor questions and supporting their investment journeys.
January loves working with enthusiastic investors like you who want to build generational wealth while also staking out an unforgettable vacation spot to enjoy with friends and family, and she looks forward to showing you around!
Nap DeCiutiis Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast, FL
Nap DeCiutiis
Nap (Napoleon) has lived in the Emerald Coast area since 2004. He is a retired Navy Special Operations Master Chief with three children, ages 20, 9 and 6.
Retiring from the US Navy Dive School in Panama City after 24 years of Service in 2020, he currently owns and operates multiple properties locally in the Panhandle/Emerald Coast, and has owned properties nationally and internationally since 2004.
He is an STR/LTR/Commercial Investor and hard cash lender, and specializes in helping to connect you with your next STR investment so that you can have passive income and quit your W2 job!
He currently resides in Panama City Beach and covers the Forgotten Coast and the Emerald Coast area of Florida.
Leslie Carbajal Scottsdale, AZ
Leslie Carbajal
Leslie is an Arizona native and REALTOR® that loves all things about the Valley of the Sun. She knows the Valley well and is familiar with the areas in which one may be interested in investing. She is very passionate about real estate and strives to help her clients achieve their real estate goals by providing both generational and long-term wealth for themselves and their families. Leslie and her husband got the investing “bug” which led to her reading the book, “Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth” then listening to all podcasts related to investing. Leslie believes and strives to show her daughters (proud girl Mom!) that nothing is impossible. Leslie and her husband are proud owners of a cabin in the Smokies as clients of the Short Term Shop and are hopeful to add more investment properties soon to their portfolio. Leslie is extremely excited to help others find investment properties here in Arizona and achieve their financial freedom goals with The Short Term Shop!
Rush ValentineEmerald Coast, FL
Rush Valentine
Rush is a Mississippi native that always looked forward to these vacations to the Emerald Coast. In 2014, after a weekend getaway to introduce his wife to the area, they decided it was time to call the Emerald Coast home. Rush, his wife Kristen, and a newborn daughter Mary Shelton reside in Santa Rosa Beach where he enjoys spending time on the beach with his family and playing golf at one of the many local courses. Rush has been with The Short Term Shop since early 2019, since then he has acquired a few investment properties of his own and helped many clients find the right property to jump start their investment journey.
Yok ReNorth Georgia Mountains, GA
Yok Re
Yok is our specialist in the Blue Ridge, Georgia market. He’s been a part of real estate deals from condos in metro Atlanta to ranches in Montana. Not only does Yok understand the cabin lifestyle, but he also lives it. From fly fishing to hiking to kayaking, he does it all. His deep understanding of the local real estate market assures you, that you will have an opportunity at purchasing the cabin of your dreams. His long-standing relationship with other local realtors can give you a leg up on acquiring the right property. Before working in real estate, Yok was a preferred marketing developer for Facebook, so pick his brain when it comes to the marketing of your new Short Term Rental.
Bill Beck Branson, MO
Bill Beck
Bill was born in Missouri and has lived all over the Midwest. He recently relocated from Denver, CO after working as a national Home Buyer Consultant with STR buyers. He personally consulted over 1,000 clients on purchasing vacation rental property nationwide. He decided to practice what he preached and chose Branson as the place for his first STR investment property. He decided it was time to get serious about real estate and moved to Branson and got licensed in 2020. He has put over 100 deals under contract since then, almost all of which have been short-term rentals. Bill primarily works with out-of-area or out-of-state investors looking to purchase a vacation rental and has worked with a lot of first-time investors. He’s happy to work with real estate investors of all types looking for anything that helps them build wealth and meet their investment goals.
Jonathan LazzarinoGulf Shores, Alabama
Jonathan Lazzarino
Jonathan is in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area. He comes from a family of real estate investors, and has helped his family buy long-term single family and commercial real estate investments. He also worked in residential real estate in the Houston area before moving to Gulf Shores to help investors find great STR opportunities. His favorite things in life are spending time with his wife and daughter, enjoying life to the fullest, and looking for the next great investment.
John and Christina McNaught Florida West Coast
John and Christina McNaught
John and Christina live in Sarasota Florida and began their real estate career as investors back in 2013. They started with long-term rentals before expanding into short-term rentals (STRs) in 2017. Today, they own and operate a growing portfolio of STRs across Sarasota and Bradenton, with plans for further expansion.
Before transitioning into full-time real estate, John worked as an electrical engineer, while Christina built a career with The New York Times. Now, they dedicate their expertise to helping fellow investors achieve financial freedom by identifying, analyzing, and acquiring high-performing real estate assets along Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Clearwater to Sarasota.
Jay Lawrence NC Smoky Mountains
Jay Lawrence
Jay was born and raised in Altamonte Springs Florida but now lives in beautiful Waynesville North Carolina. He became a real estate agent after spending 15 years in the computer world as an IT professional. He left the computers behind to pursue his true passion in real estate and hasn’t looked back. Growing up in a family of real estate investors, he understands the importance of finding the best investment for a portfolio and enjoys helping others do the same in his awesome market. When Jay is not out doing real estate things, you can find him at the local axe-throwing pub, or heavy armored combat doing medieval reenactment.
Bradley Klein Myrtle Beach, SC
Bradley Klein
Originally from the United Kingdom, Bradley permanently moved to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2015. Having spent 5 years in a management position, he started looking for his next big career change. And after representing himself in the purchase of his first home, he was hooked. Bradley has been a Realtor since 2020, passionate about helping investors achieve financial freedom by purchasing short-term rental properties along the Grand Strand. When he isn’t hustling for his clients, you can find Bradley traveling the world, enjoying the great outdoors, and exploring ways in which he can grow and improve.
Stacey Lancaster Texas Hill Country
Stacey Lancaster
Stacey is a seasoned real estate investor with experience in long-term rentals, fix and flips, and multi-family and currently owns three short-term rentals (which is her favorite wealth-building asset). Stacey is a long-time Texan and the Short-term Shop’s expert for the beautiful and diverse Texas Hill Country. Before her real estate career, Stacey was a leader for a financial services company in corporate America for over 20 years. When she is not helping other investors achieve financial freedom, Stacey visits coffee shops and antiquing in the Texas hill country and beyond. She loves real estate design as a hobby and traveling with her husband and three children.
Cathy Craig Broken Bow, OK
Cathy Craig
Cathy obtained her real estate license in 2008 and is currently a local Realtor in Broken Bow. She specializes in Short Term Rental investment in Oklahoma. She is married and a mother of three, all grown! Cathy owns 21 long term and 6 short term rentals. She knows the ins and outs of Broken Bow/ Hochatown and will help get you the cabin you are looking for!
Marion Silas Shenandoah, VA
Marion Silas
Marion is a born-and-raised Virginian with a lifelong passion for real estate and deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley, where she spent her summers at camp growing up. She appreciates the peace and beauty of the mountains and is proud to help others invest in the region and create unforgettable experiences there. As an investor herself, she believes that real estate is our most powerful tool for building long-term wealth and is thrilled to help both new and experienced investors alike along their paths to financial freedom.
Before becoming a Realtor, Marion led the construction lending division for a national mortgage lender, where she helped clients navigate complex new construction and renovation projects. She is also completing her Master’s in Real Estate with a concentration in finance and development. With an eye for value-add strategies, she enjoys brainstorming creative ways for clients to maximize the potential of their STR properties. Outside of real estate, she can often be found antiquing, cooking, gardening, or traveling.
Kelsey Ardoin Galveston/Crystal Beach, TX
Kelsey Ardoin
Kelsey is a REALTOR® in the Galveston/Crystal Beach market, where she works exclusively with investors purchasing short-term rentals. She obtained her real estate license to purchase personal investment properties and help other people do the same. While exploring different investment strategies, Kelsey listened to Avery’s Bigger Pockets podcast, and that changed the entire trajectory of the investment path she and her husband are now on. It started with buying a cabin in The Smokies as clients of The Short Term Shop, and their portfolio now includes a beach house in Crystal Beach, which she enjoys using with her husband and three kids. She plans to purchase many more investment properties in the near future.
Prior to becoming a real estate agent, Kelsey was a news reporter, worked in marketing for a Fortune 500 oil and gas company, and managed the day-to-day operations of a home inspection company she co-owned with her husband. All of these roles pale in comparison to the thrill of getting a client under contract on a STR. Kelsey is passionate about real estate and is a persistent advocate for her clients’ best interests.
Abbie and Jon Follis Branson, MO
John and Abbie Follis
John and Abbie are lifelong residents of the Ozarks, deeply committed to their community. They offer a unique blend of local insight and extensive industry experience, particularly within the vacation rental market.
As an entrepreneur and seasoned professional, Abbie possesses a comprehensive understanding of the short-term rental business. Her background in banking, combined with hands-on experience in the nightly rental industry, provides her with a valuable perspective on investments and operational management.
A second-generation realtor, Jon brings a decade of leadership experience from his time at the Boys & Girls Club. There, he served as a director and ran an award-winning after-school program dedicated to helping at-risk youth in Southwest Missouri. Growing up around Table Rock Lake, he has a deep, generational knowledge of the area, which he uses to help individuals and families feel at home in the Ozarks.
Nick Mandiola Orlando, FL
Nick Mandiola
Nick Mandiola is an Orlando-area Realtor who began his career in 2018. He started by helping investors purchase and stabilize long-term rentals—negotiating favorable terms, coordinating vendors, and ensuring smooth closings. Today, he has expanded that investor-focused approach into short-term rentals with The Short Term Shop, where he specializes in helping clients succeed in the Disney corridor.
Chris Looper Smoky Mountains, TN
Chris Looper
Chris is from Knoxville, TN, where he lives with his wife and family. Growing up, he spent countless vacations in the Smoky Mountains and has always considered the area special. His connection to the Smokies grew even stronger when he met his wife, whose family is from the region. She also works in property management, overseeing multiple properties in downtown Knoxville and the Old City. After building a successful career in automotive finance and leadership, Chris shifted his focus to real estate and investing. He has owned and managed property in the Smoky Mountains, giving him firsthand insight into operating successful short-term rentals, and he continues to expand his portfolio. Chris earned his real estate license to pursue this passion and is excited to help others find the perfect investment property. He values the financial freedom that short-term rentals can provide and brings both business expertise and personal experience to every client. Outside of work, Chris enjoys golfing, cheering on the Vols, playing music, and spending time with his family. His passion for helping others succeed, along with his love for the Smoky Mountains, makes him a natural fit for The Short Term Shop team.
Lauren Lobmeyer Emerald Coast, FL
Lauren Lobmeyer
Lauren brings a strong background in customer service, sales, and marketing to her role as a relationship-driven real estate agent with The Short Term Shop. With a passion for entrepreneurship and a deep belief in the power of short-term rentals to build long-term wealth, she is committed to helping her clients take confident steps into the STR space. Known for her communication skills and client advocacy, Lauren thrives on building lasting relationships and ensuring that every investor feels supported from day one, whether buying a first vacation rental or expanding a portfolio. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of real estate investing, Lauren is excited to guide others through the process of turning their goals into reality. Her background in marketing gives her a sharp eye for what makes a property stand out, while her people-first approach ensures a smooth, personalized experience. When she is not helping clients or discussing STR strategy, you will find her enjoying the outdoors along the beautiful Emerald Coast or connecting with like-minded investors who share her passion for real estate and financial freedom. She is here to advocate, educate, and cheer you on as you take the leap into short-term rentals, and she looks forward to helping you build something great.
Brooklyn McCarty Community Manager
Brooklyn McCarty
Brooklyn grew up in rural Southern Ohio with a “poor dad” mentality, believing financial success was out of reach. Her husband, Ethan, had a different perspective—one she initially resisted. After years of hesitation and analysis paralysis, she finally gave in to his bold vision, drained their savings, and took the leap into real estate investing. In March 2020, they purchased their first short-term rental in The Smokies through The Short Term Shop, a decision that changed everything.
Now, Brooklyn wishes she had listened to Ethan sooner. Real estate has become her passion, and she loves helping new investors navigate the early stages of their STR journey. Today, she and Ethan own four short-term rentals and one long-term rental, with plans to continue building their portfolio. More than just financial freedom, their goal is to create generational wealth for their two young children—along with a “rich dad” mindset to empower their future.