Meet Brendan Davis
Meet Brendan Davis
Brendan Davis, the founder of Magnolia Vacation Rentals — a rapidly growing short-term rental management company known for transforming underperforming properties into high-performing investments. With over 70 properties under management and a growing portfolio that includes a real estate media company and coaching for STR investors, Brendan has quickly become a trusted name in the short-term rental space. But his path to entrepreneurship didn’t start in business — it started in law enforcement.
After more than a decade serving and training others in the field, Brendan made a bold shift toward building something of his own. Fueled by a desire for more control, impact, and purpose, he took a calculated leap into real estate and hasn’t looked back since. In this conversation, Brendan shares what entrepreneurship really means to him, the lessons behind his growth, and how he's helping others win in the STR space.
Hi Brendan! Let's start with your definition of "entrepreneur." What does it mean to you?
“To me, an entrepreneur is someone who sees opportunity where others see limitations — someone who’s willing to take calculated risks, solve real problems, and build something from nothing with a vision that goes beyond money. It’s not just about starting a business; it’s about taking ownership of outcomes, adapting constantly, and leading others toward a bigger goal. Entrepreneurs don’t wait around for the perfect moment — they create it. And they keep moving forward, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.”
Tell us a bit about yourself! What led you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
“I’ve always had a drive to build something bigger than myself. After spending over a decade in law enforcement, including training new officers at a large agency, I realized I wanted more control over my future — not just financially, but in how I could impact people and create value. I started small with short-term rentals, then grew that into Magnolia Vacation Rentals, which now manages over 70 properties and consistently outperforms the market. From there, I launched a real estate media company, and now I’m helping agents and investors succeed in the STR space through coaching, content, and education. For me, entrepreneurship wasn’t just a leap — it was a calculated shift toward living with intention, building with purpose, and helping others win too.
What sparked the idea for your business, and what was the defining moment that pushed you to start?
“It all started when I flipped a house and wanted to use the profit to invest in a short-term rental in the Smoky Mountains. Once I was in, I went all-in — I spent an extensive amount of time learning everything I could about how to actually run a short-term rental the right way. The more I learned, the more I realized how many cabins in the area were underperforming, not because of location or potential, but because they weren’t being managed or marketed properly. That’s when I saw the opportunity. I didn’t have a background in business — I just saw a gap in the market, and I bet on myself to fill it. That decision changed everything.”
What problem does your business solve, and what makes your approach unique in your industry?
“We solve the problem of underperformance. A lot of STR owners in the Smokies don’t realize their properties are leaving money on the table. Whether it’s poor revenue management, weak marketing, or just not understanding what today’s guests actually want — the result is the same: missed potential. What makes us different is that we approach this from the mindset of an investor and an operator. We don’t just ‘manage’ properties — we actively optimize them. We understand how to position listings to stand out, price dynamically, design for guest experience, and create real value. Most companies take a passive approach. We take ownership of performance like it's our own investment.”
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner, and how did you navigate through it?
“One of the biggest challenges was starting without any formal business background — just figuring things out as I went. I knew how to make properties perform, but scaling a business, building systems, hiring, and managing operations at a higher level came with a steep learning curve. I’ve had some failures along the way — things that didn’t go as planned, ideas that flopped — but I’ve learned to be decisive, take ownership, and keep moving forward. What’s helped me navigate through it all is staying obsessed with learning, surrounding myself with smart people, and being willing to pivot fast when something isn’t working. Every mistake has been a lesson that’s made the business stronger.”
Can you share a standout moment or achievement in your journey that felt like a major win?
“A moment that really stands out to me — more than any revenue number or growth stat — was when both my wife and I were able to leave our W2 jobs and go all-in on what we were building. That was the moment it all became real. We weren’t just side hustling anymore — we had built something that could fully support our family. It took a lot of long nights, learning curves, and risk to get there, but being able to take control of our time and future was one of the most freeing and rewarding feelings I’ve ever had. That’s when I knew we weren’t just running a business — we were building a life on our own terms.”
What’s next for you and your business? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?
“What’s next is scaling everything we’ve built to an even higher level. Magnolia Vacation Rentals is continuing to grow — we’re adding new markets, expanding our team, and dialing in systems to manage performance at scale without losing that personal touch. I’m also really focused on growing our real estate media company, Ascend Architectural Media, into one of the go-to names for STR, real estate, and luxury photography. Beyond that, we just launched the STR Performance Group to help other agents and investors succeed in the short-term rental space nationwide. I’ve got some big goals — but every move we make is about helping others win, raising the standard in the industry, and building something that lasts.”
How can people connect with you and your business?
If you're interested in short-term rentals, real estate media, or just want to connect, here’s how you can reach me:
Email: brendan@magnolia.vacations
Phone: (931) 627-4576
Website: www.magnoliavr.net
Facebook: Brendan Davis
Whether you’re looking for STR management, media services, or just want to talk business, I’d love to connect!