KBW Member Spotlight: Claire Anne of Gratus Agency LLC

Originally from Sacramento, CA, I have been flipping houses for the last 6 years until I wanted more passive income where I started a short term rental business. I moved to Houston last February and I currently have 11 properties. I created my youtube channel to help other others get started in the airbnb business because I know how lost I was when I first got started.

Did you always know that you’d be in your current industry? Tell us your story of how you arrived at your current success.

I never thought I would land in the real estate and short term rental business. I went to Culinary School in New York and wanted to be a Food Stylist which is making food camera ready.

Many of us have worked either for another business at some point in our professional careers. How do you go from being an employee to a business owner?

I really big leap of faith. I was sitting in my car on the way to my job and I remembered telling myself, “I can’t do this for another 20 years.” I want to be able to travel and hang out with my family more and this job isn’t going to allow me the freedom to do that.

How long have you been in business or the industry you are in now?

6 years in Real Estate and 2.5 years in Short Term Rentals

How long have you been in business and where are you located? Does your business serve the Lake Houston area and/or online?

6I have been in business for 8 years. My business serves the U.S. by helping others get started online. I’m moving to KINGWOOD in next month!

What was your drive to become a business owner?

I always wanted to be able to give a lot of money back to those who just need that extra jump start and I never wanted my family to struggle with money.

What is most crucial to you in a business?

RELATIONSHIPS. I built my business on relationships and learning from other business owners.

Has networking been an asset to developing your business? and How?

That’s the only reason I have gotten this far in business is the people I surround myself with and getting investors a return on their money.

What greatest success have you ever had in the business industry?

Having my sister look up to me

Other than a double shot espresso, what method or tools do you use or attribute to your increase business productivity?

I live by my to do list and I do ONE thing at time. I try to take a break and workout in the middle of the day then I can focus better in the afternoon.

What digital marketing platforms have you utilize and how did it make your company more profitable?

YouTube and IG

You’ve done great things professionally to get you where you are today! What are some of your professional achievements?

I have won some awards for real estate in an investor community.

What’s your best selling product, package, or service? Why do you think that is?

How to start an airbnb rental arbitrage business course.

Knowing what you know now as an entrepreneur, what would you tell your younger self?

I would tell her to start sooner, be friendly to everyone, but trust no one. I would tell her that it’s okay to say no and have strict boundaries and to tell people your boundaries.

List your favorite software programs/tools, apps, automation software, scheduling, or methods that you use for business or industry that make your work day flow a lot easier.

I have a lot for my airbnb business such as turnoverbnb, guesty and a pricing system to make my airbnb completely automated.