Vernon Corum Shares A New Vision For Short Term Rental Ownership In The Smoky Mountains
East Tennessee entrepreneur Vernon Corum combines real estate, hospitality, AI, and local partnerships to support vacation rental owners.
East Tennessee real estate professional and hospitality entrepreneur Vernon Corum is introducing a new initiative aimed at improving how vacation rental investors purchase, manage, market, and grow their properties in the Great Smoky Mountains region.
Through the continued development of Staycating 2.0, the introduction of VernonCorum.ai, and a growing network of real estate and hospitality professionals, Corum is creating a connected approach to short term rental ownership. His goal is to help investors move beyond purchasing properties and focus on building well managed hospitality businesses.
Beyond Property Ownership: Creating Stronger Hospitality Businesses
The Smoky Mountains have become a popular destination for vacation rental investors. However, as competition increases, Corum believes owning a property requires more than finding the right location or hiring a traditional property manager.
Successful operations depend on reliable systems, effective marketing, professional support, and informed business decisions.
According to Corum, purchasing a vacation rental is only the first stage of developing a business. What happens afterward, including guest services, property maintenance, branding, and financial planning, plays an important role in its long term performance.
His approach connects investors with resources and professionals who can assist throughout the ownership journey, from property evaluation and financing to hospitality operations and eventual resale.
Staycating 2.0 Offers Flexible Options For Vacation Rental Owners
At the center of Corum's vision is Staycating, LLC, the hospitality company he founded.
Through its developing StaycatingOWN™ program, the company is introducing flexible service options based on each owner's goals, experience, and preferred level of involvement.
The program includes four approaches:
- Do It Yourself (DIY): Educational resources, technology, business tools, and coaching for independent property owners.
- Done With You (DWY): Collaborative cohosting, operational assistance, and professional guidance.
- Done For You (DFY): Comprehensive vacation rental management and hospitality services.
- Staycating Select™: A premium hospitality management service designed for luxury vacation properties.
An important part of the program is helping owners maintain greater control over their property branding, marketing, guest relationships, and business assets.
Corum wants investors to recognize that vacation rental ownership involves more than generating bookings. It also presents an opportunity to develop a recognizable hospitality business with lasting value.
Combining Artificial Intelligence With Personal Hospitality
Technology is another major component of Corum's developing business model.
Through VernonCorum.ai, he is building an artificial intelligence platform designed to support business strategy, marketing, daily operations, customer relationships, education, and accountability.
The platform aims to help property owners and professionals organize information, improve communication, and make more informed decisions.
However, Corum believes technology should support experienced professionals rather than replace them.
While artificial intelligence can improve business processes, local expertise and personal service remain essential when addressing guest concerns, property maintenance, and investor questions.
By combining technology with hospitality experience, Corum hopes to create a more efficient and connected support system for vacation rental owners.
Building A Collaborative Network Through GRID Smokies
Corum is also strengthening his involvement with GRID Smokies, a real estate investor education and networking community.
Working alongside Nathan Gort, a real estate investor and mortgage professional experienced in debt service coverage ratio financing, Corum is helping bring together professionals from different areas of the investment and hospitality industries.
The network includes real estate agents, lenders, contractors, cleaning companies, maintenance providers, marketers, technology specialists, and other local service professionals.
Hospitality technology expert Sean Woods is also contributing to the technology development and integration strategy.
Through educational events, webinars, investor discussions, and property opportunities, GRID Smokies aims to help investors better understand the responsibilities and possibilities associated with vacation rental ownership.
The collaborative vision is represented by the message "We'll Take It From Here."
This reflects Corum's goal of connecting investors with the people, knowledge, and resources they may need throughout their ownership experience.
Supporting Investors Through Education And Practical Strategies
Education continues to play an important role in Corum's approach.
Through investor coaching, short term rental business assessments, the STR911 Short Term Rental R.E.S.C.U.E. framework, and his 12M Growth Strategy, Corum is developing resources to help owners identify operational challenges, evaluate performance, and make better business decisions.
These programs focus on practical business development, accountability, and long term planning.
Corum's broader goal is to help investors make informed purchases, operate their properties professionally, and develop businesses that align with their personal and financial objectives.
He also hopes to encourage property owners to think beyond immediate rental income and consider how their investments may support future opportunities and family goals.
Starting In The Smoky Mountains With Plans For The Future
The initial focus of Corum's initiative remains the Smoky Mountains and greater East Tennessee.
Working with local partners, he plans to refine the services, strengthen professional relationships, and further develop the integrated business model.
Potential future opportunities include expanding into additional vacation rental markets, developing technology partnerships, offering educational programs, and exploring licensing opportunities.
Rather than focusing on rapid growth, Corum intends to establish a practical model in his home region before considering broader expansion.
His vision is to build a connected hospitality and real estate ecosystem that can continue serving property owners and local communities in the years ahead.
Explore Vernon Corum's Vision For Vacation Rental Ownership
For investors interested in the Smoky Mountains vacation rental market, Corum's approach highlights the importance of combining real estate knowledge with professional hospitality operations, education, and technology.
Property owners can learn more about the developing Staycating 2.0 services and ownership programs by visiting www.Staycating.com. Additional information about Corum's technology and business development initiatives is available at www.VernonCorum.ai.
About Vernon Corum
Vernon Corum is an East Tennessee REALTOR®, real estate investor specialist, hospitality entrepreneur, consultant, and coach. He is the founder of Staycating, LLC, creator of Short Term Rental R.E.S.C.U.E., and a leader within the GRID Smokies investor community.
His experience includes vacation rental management, real estate investment, hospitality operations, and business development. His work focuses on helping property owners and entrepreneurs through education, technology, collaboration, and practical business systems.
Corum primarily serves the Smoky Mountains, Sevier County, Knoxville, and surrounding East Tennessee communities.
Media Contact
Vernon Corum
Founder, Staycating, LLC | Short-Term Rental Strategist
REALTOR® | CAZA Group / eXp Realty
GRID Smokies Leader
Websites:
Media inquiries: hello@owningthesmokies.com
Phone: 865.263.1639
