Who we are
A Different Kind of Short-Term Rental Company
The short-term rental industry runs on service and operations, but almost every major company hides from that responsibility.
On one side, tech platforms promise that their dashboards, automations, and AI will solve everything. Yet they enforce nothing in the real world—no accountability, no human response, no proof of work.
On the other side, traditional property managers have refused to adapt to the emergence of the short-term rental industry and make the necessary changes to their service. They rely on outdated systems and refuse to modernize processes, then justify it by charging 25–40 % of a host’s income for “full service” that rarely delivers.
STRatus-Stays is built different.
We’re a boots-on-the-ground operations company. We invest in Professionalism, Processes, and Performance — disciplined systems, real communication, and proven results you can see in every photo, timestamp, and response metric.
Our commitment is what we call the 3 P’s to Success.
The STRatus Stays Founding Team
Meet the Founder: Cole Dobbs
I founded STRatus Stays to bring military-grade precision and accountability to short-term rental operations. Before building STRatus Stays, I served in Air Force Special Operations as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller. I would coordinate air strikes in complex, high-pressure environments where every detail mattered. That experience taught me the value of processes, communication, and reliability—skills that now define how we run short-term rental operations.
After leaving the military, I earned both a Master’s in Management and an MBA from Rice University with a focus in Real Estate, became a PMP-certified construction project manager, and earned my Texas Real Estate License. These experiences gave me the business insight, operational discipline, and property-level expertise to understand what hosts actually need - efficient systems, transparent communication, and measurable results.
As a real-estate investor and STR host myself, I’ve seen the frustration of unreliable vendors and property managers who overcharge but under-deliver. STRatus was built to fix that—uniting my background in military operations, project management, and real estate to deliver Processes, Performance, and Professionalism to every host we serve.
Meet the Director of Marketing: Rob West
Rob brings both combat-tested discipline and strategic marketing expertise to STRatus Stays.
Before beginning his business career, Rob served four years as a Marine Corps Infantryman, completing multiple deployments and developing the leadership, resilience, and “get-it-done” mindset that define how he works today. After his service, Rob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and later an MBA from Rice University with a focus in Marketing. His experience in real estate investment and market strategy allows him to connect directly with hosts—understanding what drives both operations and revenue.
At STRatus, Rob leads our brand growth and customer acquisition, building clear, authentic messaging that cuts through the noise of an industry full of empty tech promises. His mission mirrors ours: disciplined processes, measurable performance, and professional execution—every single time.
Meet the Head of Operations and Accounting: Syed Raza
Syed Raza ensures that STRatus Stays runs with the same precision behind the scenes that our customers see in the field.
A graduate of the University of Houston and a Rice University MBA with a focus in Finance, Syed began his career as a consultant, designing and implementing accounting systems for mid-market companies valued up to $500 million. His expertise in scalable financial architecture and operational controls gives STRatus Stays the backbone it needs to grow responsibly and serve hosts with total transparency.
At STRatus Stays, Syed leads the development of both our accounting and operational systems, ensuring every process—from invoicing to incident tracking—runs with accuracy and consistency. His commitment to financial clarity and process discipline allows STRatus Stays to deliver reliable, accountable service across every property we manage
Meet the Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships: Kelly Hines
Kelly brings the precision of an engineer, the discipline of a Navy veteran, and the drive of an entrepreneur to STRatus Stays.
Before joining STRatus, Kelly served in the U.S. Navy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, where success depended on calm focus, detailed processes, and flawless execution. After his service, he earned an engineering degree and later completed his MBA at Rice University, sharpening his business and leadership skills.
Kelly has thorough experience running his own successful venture before joining STRatus Stays, where he now leads Sales and Strategic Partnerships. His unique mix of military discipline, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset allows him to connect with hosts and investors who value reliability and results.
At STRatus Stays, Kelly ensures every relationship begins with trust and ends with measurable performance—continuing the standard of operational excellence he’s upheld throughout his career.
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