Exploring the Future of Short-Term Rentals with Host GPO
The short-term rental industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years, with more entrepreneurs diving into the space to manage vacation homes, boutique hotels, and rental properties. However, one major challenge remains: the cost and complexity of maintaining these properties efficiently. Enter Host GPO—a game-changing solution for property managers looking to save money while optimizing their rentals.
In a recent episode of the Showplace Podcast, CEO and co-founder Justin Miller and producer Chelsea Jacobson sat down with Jeff Iloulian, the CEO and founder of Host GPO. The conversation explored Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey, the innovative group purchasing organization (GPO) model, and the future of the short-term rental industry.
The Birth of Host GPO: Solving a Personal Problem
Jeff Iloulian’s entrepreneurial background spans multiple industries, including pharmaceutical consulting, healthcare, and even doggy daycare. However, his most successful venture before Host GPO was in short-term rentals, where he managed 150 properties ranging from luxury homes to apartment buildings.
During this time, Jeff faced a recurring problem—purchasing furniture, linens, and amenities for multiple properties was both time-consuming and expensive. Whether it was buying 48 shopping carts of furniture from IKEA or endlessly comparing products on Amazon, there was no streamlined solution. This pain point led him to create Host GPO, a Costco-style membership platform for short-term rental owners.
What Is Host GPO and How Does It Work?
Host GPO is a group purchasing organization (GPO) designed specifically for short-term rental operators. GPOs exist in industries like healthcare and hospitality, where businesses pool their buying power to negotiate better deals. Host GPO brings that same model to short-term rentals, offering significant savings on products like:
Furniture (Crate & Barrel, Article, West Elm, Restoration Hardware)
Linens & Mattresses (Hospitality-grade sheets, Helix mattresses)
Home Essentials & Décor (Rugs, art, towels, kitchenware)
Smart Home & Security (Locks, keyless entry systems)
Supplies & Amenities (Toiletries, detergents, coffee)
By aggregating demand, Host GPO negotiates bulk discounts, allowing members to save up to 40% off retail prices. On average, new members save $12,800 in their first year alone.
Why Host GPO Stands Out from the Competition
As the largest and first group purchasing organization in the short-term rental space, Host GPO holds a competitive edge over emerging alternatives. Here’s what sets them apart:
Guaranteed Best Pricing – Host GPO contractually secures the lowest prices available for its members.
Exclusive Brand Partnerships – Some vendors, like Standard Textile (Marriott & Hilton’s linen supplier), only work with Host GPO.
Industry Expertise – The company is built by hosts for hosts, meaning they understand the real challenges of short-term rental operators.
Concierge-Level Customer Support – Members get direct assistance from brand partners, skipping traditional customer service queues.
Lessons from Jeff’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Jeff’s path to success wasn’t straightforward. Like many entrepreneurs, he experimented with multiple ventures—some failed, while others thrived. He believes that resilience and learning from failure are key traits of successful entrepreneurs.
Some of his best advice includes:
Solve Real Problems, Not Just Conveniences – People pay for solutions, not just slight improvements.
Find Great Mentors – Learning from those who’ve built businesses before can save years of trial and error.
Understand Your Goals – Whether you want steady income or a high-growth startup, define your vision early.
Think Long-Term, But Act Fast – Entrepreneurship is a long game, but daily execution matters.
The Future of Host GPO and the Short-Term Rental Industry
With over 300,000 properties in the network across the U.S. and Canada, Host GPO continues to expand rapidly. The company is already working with boutique hotels, vacation rental managers, and corporate housing providers, proving that group purchasing can revolutionize multiple sectors.
Jeff also predicts that as the short-term rental industry matures, operators will need more professional tools and partnerships to stay competitive. With platforms like Airbnb expanding into new business areas, Host GPO is poised to play a vital role in helping hosts scale efficiently.
The Future of the Short-Term Rental Industry
With the short-term rental industry evolving rapidly, professionalization and strategic partnerships are becoming more crucial. The insights shared in the Showplace Podcast highlight how innovative solutions like Host GPO and emerging industry trends are shaping the future for property managers and investors alike.
For entrepreneurs looking to scale their rental businesses, the podcast provides valuable strategies, expert advice, and industry insights. As more operators seek cost-saving solutions, operational efficiency, and growth strategies, the Showplace Podcast remains an essential resource for those in the short-term rental space.