Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Thompson
Hi Brendan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent nearly 10 years in full time Christian ministry. I never dreamed that I would be a serial entrepreneur, dreamer, innovator and real estate operator, but now (even to my own surprise!) I have ownership in 7 different businesses and real estate endeavors. Honestly, throughout my life, I just have tried to keep aiming at my “north star”, which is honoring God and serving Him and the mission of God, which is to bless all people.
A few years back, after a long season of full time ministry, I noticed that there were some parts of the church that could be better supported from outside the walls of the church. This rapidly developed into a passion for business, entrepreneurship, innovation and the creative. I discovered that this passion was there when I was working in churches, just in a different form. So as I stepped into business, it was more akin to an evolution in my thinking, not necessarily something completely new.
It started with a few failed business ventures, and a few early successes. Over time, I learned, and adapted with each new business, whether it succeeded or failed. I began to get carve small slices of various businesses, including the ones I own now, and all of my real estate transactions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not a smooth road at all! My first business was a Christmas Light business, and it caused me significant mental distress-I was unprepared for dealing with customers, the high stress of the holiday season and the rapid success. I quickly made arrangements to sell that business because just mentally, I wasn’t there yet. I have since reclaimed and restarted that venture, with a different name and some expanded services, but in the beginning it totally consumed me and I didn’t know how to deal with the demands of customers AND employees. It was probably the most challenging thing I have ever done.
My second business was a failed tech startup-to be honest, it was a great idea, with poor execution. We were undercapitalized from the very moment we started and the sector we worked in was very boom/bust. We fell prey to the market. I learned so much during that season however, both in terms of how to navigate hardship and failure and how to NOT place your identity in your work.
These moments really help clarify your calling though-I’ve never been more certain of my desire and calling to be an entrepreneur for impact.
Since then I was blessed with some great partners on a proptech company I started called strIQ, my real estate venture called Oikos Property Ventures, and a film project called Table of Nations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
OPV is a property investing and management company. We specialize in investing in short term rentals (airBNBs) and managing airBNBs for others. We found a niche because we mostly serve Christian missionaries, not exclusively, but that has just been how the business developed. If you think about it, missionaries are often moving out of their homes to go move to other places in the world, so whenever that happens, we get to serve them and take care of their place while they are away.
Honestly, we are just blown away that people trust us with their stuff! It is quite a sacred thing to allow someone to steward your HOME.
We offer some of the best hospitality out there for the most competitive prices. We don’t take every client, we make sure there is good value alignment, but we can pretty much guarantee a better rate and a better experience for our clients.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk is a GOOD thing. My life has been full of risks, you could say I might be a risk-taking junkie. I have a philosophy that my life is firmly in the hands of my creator, so when I take risks, my biggest concerns are doing what is right in the eyes of God, and what blesses and serves people.
My biggest risk of note was when I started my tech company. I left my ministry of 10 years to help get it off the ground and took some fairly substantial financial risk (that I am still paying off). It was worth it. I would not be here today had it not been for that business.
Money comes and goes, but the learning, experience and connections I made are priceless.
Pricing:
- Full Short Term Rental Management 20% of Revenue
- STR Analysis and Audit 129$
- STR Coaching 250$/hr
Contact Info:
- Other: oikospropertyventures@gmail.com
