Our Story

Built for Owners Who Want Passive Income — Without Managing a Hospitality Business

After 10+ years in real estate, I realized the short-term rental game isn’t just about owning a great property — it’s about delivering a five-star guest experience. But most investors aren’t looking to run a hospitality company.

 

They want passive cash flow, not late-night guest calls.

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That’s why I launched Merit Badge: a full-service, hospitality-driven management company that handles every detail — so our clients can scale their portfolios, protect their time, and collect real mailbox money.

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What began as a personal side project now manages 40+ luxury homes, boutique hotels, and glamping sites across Upstate New York. Our mission is simple: unforgettable guest stays, unbeatable owner returns, and true freedom to scale.

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Our Mission

Unforgettable stays. Unbeatable returns. Freedom to scale.

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We help luxury property owners unlock hands-free income and hospitality-level results. Our operations consistently outperform market averages — often delivering $20K+ in additional annual revenue. More importantly, we act as a true partner in your long-term success, helping you think bigger, grow faster, and live better.

 

What We Believe

Trust Is a Partnership

We build long-term relationships rooted in transparency, reliability, and alignment.

People Over Profit

We prioritize the well-being of our owners, guests, and team. Profit follows when you lead with care.

Think Bigger

We challenge the status quo and help clients imagine what’s possible — and then we build it.

Hospitality Wins

We believe world-class hospitality is the fastest way to maximize reviews, occupancy, and ROI.

Profit With Purpose

Revenue is a tool for freedom, impact, and legacy — not just income.

Growth Through Ownership

Every mistake is a moment to learn, improve, and level up.

 

Why Owners Choose Merit Badge

✔ Operational Excellence, Human Touch
Our systems ensure nothing falls through the cracks — and our team delivers thoughtful, personalized hospitality at every turn.

✔ Boutique Strategy, White-Glove Execution
Every home gets a custom approach — from pricing and design to branding and in-stay touches.

✔ Pricing That Performs
Our dynamic pricing engine keeps your calendar full and your revenue climbing.

✔ Hospitality-First Operations
From 24/7 guest communication to curated local experiences, we make every stay five-star.

✔ High-Impact Design Consulting
We offer guests intentional upgrades that boost nightly rates and drive 20–40% ROI.

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Make Your Property Work Harder — So You Don’t Have To

Whether you’re managing your first short-term rental or scaling a portfolio, we’re here to help you step out of operations and into effortless ownership.