From Pressure Washing to Property Stewardship: The Story Behind Property Stewards
In a recent Hole in the Wall Business Podcast episode featuring Mark Holloway, founder of Property Stewards, shares a powerful story of how a simple need to support his family turned into a thriving home concierge and franchise business.
A Business Born from Necessity
Mark didn’t set out to build a company. After relocating to the North Georgia mountains with no clear career path, he purchased a $499 pressure washer to clean his own home. What started as a small personal project quickly caught the attention of neighbors—and soon, he landed his first paying client.
That single opportunity sparked a business that would grow into a multi-million dollar operation.
The Shift: From Service Provider to Trusted Steward
The real turning point came when a client asked a simple question:
“Can you take care of my home?”
That request transformed Mark’s perspective. Instead of offering one-off services like pressure washing or repairs, he began providing ongoing home oversight—checking properties, managing maintenance, and ensuring everything was ready when owners arrived.
This became the foundation of Property Stewards’ core philosophy:
Be the “eyes, ears, and hands” for homeowners when they can’t be there.
Solving a Unique Problem
Property Stewards focuses on a specific niche: getaway home owners—people who own second (or third) homes in destinations like mountains, lakes, or coastal areas.
These homeowners face a common problem:
- Limited time at their property
- Unreliable contractors
- Ongoing maintenance issues
- Stress instead of relaxation
Property Stewards eliminates that friction by acting as a single trusted point of contact, handling everything from inspections and repairs to grocery stocking and concierge services.
A Business Built on Trust and Relationships
Unlike traditional property management companies, Property Stewards emphasizes:
- Long-term relationships over transactions
- High-trust access (keys, alarm codes, full home oversight)
- Personalized service tailored to each homeowner
Clients aren’t just customers—they often become part of the extended community, attending events, weddings, and sharing life milestones.
The Power of “Yes”
One of the biggest drivers of growth?
Mark’s refusal to say “no.”
By consistently showing up, delivering on promises, and solving problems others wouldn’t, referrals grew organically. This approach allowed the business to scale without traditional marketing.
A Concierge Model That Goes Beyond Maintenance
Today, Property Stewards offers a wide range of services, including:
- Routine home checks and maintenance
- Vendor coordination and project management
- Pre-arrival home preparation
- Grocery stocking and concierge services
- Specialty services like private chefs or guided experiences
If it’s “legal, moral, and ethical,” they’ll find a way to make it happen.
From Local Business to Franchise Opportunity
After years of refining the model, Property Stewards expanded into franchising, targeting high-value markets where getaway homes are common—mountain towns, coastal areas, lake communities, and golf destinations.
The appeal for franchise owners is clear:
- Recurring revenue from ongoing client relationships
- A high-trust, high-value service model
- The opportunity to become deeply embedded in their local community
More Than a Business—A Mission
At its core, Property Stewards isn’t just about managing homes—it’s about removing stress and restoring peace of mind.
Mark describes it simply:
“We take our clients’ pain away.”
Whether it’s ensuring a home is ready for a family’s arrival or handling unexpected issues while they’re away, the goal is always the same:
Let homeowners enjoy their time without worry.
