Exploring Life & Business with Jeannie Saunders of Jeannie’s Dream Stays

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannie Saunders.

Hi Jeannie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my professional journey playing basketball overseas for six years. After returning home, I began conducting private basketball training sessions for young kids while working in the car warranty industry, which gave me financial stability and the opportunity to save with intention. While I was successful in that role and valued by my employer, I knew deep down that I wanted something different. I wanted control over my time, my income, and my future. I wanted to invest in myself and build something of my own that would also allow me more time with my family.

That vision ultimately led me to Tulum, where I first began leasing short-term rental properties. I initially hired a third-party management company to run my rentals, but unfortunately, I was scammed. After a promising start, communication stopped, payments disappeared, and I later discovered they had been hosting guests without my knowledge and pocketing the profits. Instead of walking away defeated, I chose to fly to Tulum and build my own operation from the ground up. This setback became the foundation of Jeannie’s Dream Stays!

I assembled a reliable local team, learned the market firsthand, and began managing my own properties. I also reached out to other clients who had been affected by the same company and offered my services to help them recover. From there, word of mouth grew, and clients began seeking me out. Over the past two years, I’ve built Jeannie’s Dream Stays into a full-service short-term rental management company. Today, I lease four properties of my own and manage six additional properties for other owners/clients, handling everything from guest communication/support and platform management to cleaning, maintenance, pricing strategy, and concierge services.

Along the way, I also expanded into Turo, acquiring three vehicles that now generate strong supplementary income. Most recently, I’ve entered the world of crypto trading, which has added another layer of excitement to my entrepreneurial journey.

None of this would be possible without God, my incredible team & the unwavering support of my family. I’m deeply grateful to God for the opportunities, the lessons, and the growth; and I’m excited for what’s ahead!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The first major challenge came when I was scammed by the management company I initially hired in Tulum. Before I could even tackle the business side of that setback, I had to deal with my own mindset. My immediate reaction was anger, and I quickly realized that trying to make clear, strategic decisions from that place wasn’t serving me. Processing that experience and choosing not to let it defeat me was one of the most important personal lessons of my journey.

Once I began managing properties myself, I quickly learned that there’s a big difference between reading about short-term rentals and actually running them. No amount of research could fully prepare me for the reality of being in the field, handling real guests, real problems, and real responsibility. Tulum constantly tested me in ways I didn’t expect — from logistics and maintenance to navigating local systems and cultural differences.

When I first visited tulum, I instantly fell in love with the magic of Tulum; the jungle, the cenotes, the natural beauty, the wellness culture, the slower rhythm of life immediately drew me in. At the same time, I also began to see the challenges that come with such rapid growth. Tulum’s infrastructure was originally built for a small town, but it’s now functioning as a major global destination. That mismatch creates environmental strain, impacts quality of life for locals, and often causes inconveniences for travelers – all of which directly affect my properties and operations.

Challenges have been inevitable, but I’ve learned that what truly matters is how you respond to them. Every obstacle has pushed me to think more strategically, build stronger systems, and grow both personally and professionally

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jeannie’s Dream Stays is a full-service, hands-off short-term rental management company based in Tulum, Mexico. We work with property owners who want the financial benefits of Airbnb and VRBO without the stress, logistics, or day-to-day involvement. I currently lease four of my own properties and manage six additional properties for private owners and others who have leased a property looking to maximize their income, treating every home as if it were my own investment.

We specialize in end-to-end property management; meaning we handle everything from professional photography, listing optimization, dynamic pricing, guest communication (24/7), professional cleaning and laundry, maintenance coordination, restocking, and concierge services. We are known for being highly responsive, detail-oriented, and genuinely invested in both our guests’ experience and our owners’ success. Our goal is to maximize occupancy and revenue while maintaining the integrity and condition of each home.

What truly sets Jeannie’s Dream Stays apart is our personal approach. We are not a large, impersonal management company; we are a boutique operation built on trust, transparency, and real relationships. I’ve experienced firsthand what it feels like to be mismanaged and scammed, so I’ve built my business around honesty, clear communication, and accountability. My team is local, reliable, and deeply committed to our brand’s reputation.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the culture we’ve created. Jeannie’s Dream Stays isn’t just about properties; it’s about people. I’ve built a team that truly cares, takes initiative, and understands that every guest and owner interaction reflects our brand. Their integrity and consistency are the foundation of our success.

I want readers to know that Jeannie’s Dream Stays is more than just property management; it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re an owner looking for truly hands-off management or a guest seeking a seamless, elevated stay in Tulum, our brand represents reliability, professionalism, and care. We don’t cut corners, we build relationships, and we take pride in creating meaningful, profitable, and memorable experiences.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very shy, well-mannered, and deeply family-oriented; but I was also very much a tomboy. My parents were strict but very loving. I received unwavering support from them within every facet of my life. I could talk to my parents about literally anything whether it was choosing which high school I wanted to attend, to deep secrets or challenges I faced. Although I stayed out of trouble (for the most part lol), watching my 2 older brothers take a more hardheaded route; and seeing the consequences they faced; definitely reinforced that I did not want those kinds of problems, lol. That dynamic helped keep me focused and grounded from an early age. I did well in school, yet I wasn’t naturally outgoing. Basketball changed that for me. I started playing when I was eight years old, and the sport truly helped pull me out of my shell.

Ball was my life. I carried a basketball with me everywhere I went and worked on my handles constantly, whether I was at home, at school, or out with friends. I also played flag football and consistently played basketball with older guys, which pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped elevate my strength, skill, and competitiveness much faster than if I had only played with kids my age.

I’ve been a point guard and shooting guard since I first began playing, and although I didn’t realize it at the time, those positions were quietly shaping me in powerful ways. As a point guard, I learned how to read the game, stay composed, think strategically, and lead under pressure. As a shooting guard, I developed confidence, precision, and the ability to step up when it mattered most. Looking back now, I can clearly see how much those roles influenced my mindset and decision-making later in life

Basketball didn’t just shape my confidence; it shaped my character. The work ethic I developed while training, competing, and striving to be a great player has carried over into every area of my life, from my career and now into my business. I had a deep love for the game, and that passion taught me discipline, resilience, and perseverance.

Academically, I always took school seriously. I earned all A’s in middle school, maintained above a 3.0 GPA in high school, and later went on to earn a business degree in college. In school, I knew that if my grades dropped below a certain point, I wouldn’t be allowed to play; so that was a major driving force that kept me focused and grounded.

I can honestly say that God, the endless support of my father & mother, my husband as my backbone and basketball have been at the root of my overall growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jeanniesdreamstays.com
• Instagram: @jeanniesdreamstays
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WkKG5WFywd372WAMA