Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Shaver
Hi Amy , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A Happy Host: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Finding a New Path
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for hospitality. From my childhood in the Smoky Mountains, where my family often vacationed, to winning awards in DECA for Hospitality & Tourism in high school, the love for creating welcoming experiences has always been a part of me. But my journey to starting A Happy Host was anything but ordinary—it was one built on faith, hardship, and a deep-seated determination to build something meaningful.
The Beginning: Real Estate Roots and a Life-Altering Shift
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I initially pursued a career in early education and child development, running a preschool for teachers’ children that was in high demand. But real estate was also in my blood—my father was a contractor, and I learned so much from him growing up. In 2000, I bought my first rental property, and in 2005, I took the leap into short-term rentals (STRs), partnering with my father on my first vacation rental before Airbnb even existed.
For years, I self-managed my STRs before platforms, smart locks, and cameras made it easier. I knew how to make a property not just functional but inviting, ensuring guests had a five-star experience. I understood STRs inside and out.
Then, life threw a curveball.
A Pandemic, A Hardship, and a Calling
In 2020,my husband, Rickey, became seriously ill with COVID pneumonia and lost his job as a plant manager at a silver refinery. Our world turned upside down—financially and emotionally. I had closed my beloved preschool during the worst of the pandemic, and now, we were faced with yet another challenge.
We prayed, seeking guidance on what to do next. We knew we had to pivot, and God placed something on my heart: helping other STR owners succeed.
I had been doing it for years—managing my own properties, staging homes, and perfecting the guest experience. Now, I could turn my knowledge into a business. So, we sold one of our residential rental properties to fund the launch of A Happy Host, LLC.
Building A Happy Host
We started small, but the demand grew fast. STR owners in the Smoky Mountains were struggling—some were burned by property managers who let their cabins fall into disrepair. Others needed someone they could trust to handle the details so they could enjoy the benefits of ownership.
We offered something different: a personalized, concierge-level approach. Unlike big management companies, we focused on the details—inspections, staging, concierge services, and true hands-on support..
We helped refresh cabins that had lost profitability.
We staged properties to maximize their appeal.
We offered VIP-level services, ensuring every property got the care and attention it deserved.
Before long, A Happy Host became one of the leading concierge companies in the Smoky Mountains, trusted by STR owners who wanted more than just a cookie-cutter management service.
Faith, Family, and the Future
Looking back, I see how every step of my journey prepared me for this moment. My experience in real estate, my background in hospitality, my skills in organization and staging, Rickey’s background in industrial maintenance and even the hardships—they all led to A Happy Host.
Most importantly, God led us here. When everything felt uncertain, we trusted Him, and He opened doors we never imagined.
Today, Rickey and I run A Happy Host together, growing a business that not only helps STR owners thrive but also allows us to support our family and serve others with integrity, care, and excellence.
And this is just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. We started this business with no plan. It was solely based on faith. Since we have hired a business coach and created a business plan. Completely backwards but it has worked for us. We have met some of the most wonderful people and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
A Happy Host is a concierge and short-term rental (STR) support company in the Smoky Mountains, owned by Amy and Rickey Shaver. With over 20 years of experience in STRs, Amy and Rickey built the business from their personal expertise in owning, managing, and optimizing rental properties.
What A Happy Host Offers:
Property Inspections: Bi-monthly and monthly inspections with detailed reports and repair recommendations.
Concierge Services: Enhancing guest experiences with food staging, celebration packages, and special requests.
Subscription Packages: A VIP maintenance program with HVAC servicing, pest control, roof inspections, and priority scheduling.
Property Refreshes & Staging: Helping owners update listings and improve profitability by making cabins more inviting.
Purge & Setup Services: Assisting with furniture removal, staging, and complete property resets for better guest .
Why A Happy Host Stands Out:
We provide a hands-on, faith-driven approach to STR success.
We help struggling owners regain profitability through expert insight and management strategies.
We balance personalized service with professional efficiency, ensuring that both owners and guests benefit from our expertise.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that calculated risks are essential for growth, both personally and professionally. While I wouldn’t consider myself reckless, I’ve learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone is often where the greatest rewards are found. For me, risk-taking isn’t about blind leaps—it’s about faith, preparation, and trusting my instincts when the right opportunities arise.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving behind a stable path to build A Happy Host. My husband, Rickey, lost his job as a plant manager after falling seriously ill with COVID pneumonia. At the time, we were facing financial hardship, and instead of retreating, we leaned into a dream. I sold one of our long-term rental properties and used that capital to start A Happy Host, even though we were entering a highly competitive industry. It was a huge risk—but it paid off because we were willing to work hard, innovate, and trust the process.
Risk, to me, isn’t about gambling—it’s about recognizing opportunities where others see obstacles. When I bought my first short-term rental with my late father, STR platforms like Airbnb didn’t even exist. Many people thought managing vacation rentals independently was too risky, but I saw an opportunity. Now, 20+ years later, I use that experience to help other STR owners thrive.
Ultimately, I view risk as a necessary step toward success, but it has to be taken with wisdom. I rely on faith, research, and resilience to guide my decisions. Every major risk I’ve taken has led to valuable lessons—some through success, others through failure—but all have shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ahappyhostgsm.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHappyHost/
