Steph Utterback | Epicbnb
Owner of Epicbnb
Steph Utterback is the owner of Epicbnb and shares how she built a thriving short-term rental business in Nashville from the ground up. Her insights on growth, discipline, and working with the right clients will inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
What Businesses Do You Run?
Steph Utterback is the owner of Epicbnb, a hospitality company based in Nashville that specializes in managing short-term rental properties like Airbnb and VRBO. “We help clients turn their properties into income-generating assets,” she explains. From guiding property owners through the design process with expert partners to managing guest experiences, Epicbnb ensures every property is set up for success.
How Did You Get Started as an Entrepreneur?
Steph’s journey started in 2015 with limited resources and few early successes. “I failed my way to somewhat of success,” she recalls. Back then, it was just Steph and her now-husband. Together, they did everything themselves—cleaning toilets, managing bookings, and handling the accounting.
For Steph, diving into the work was the only way to learn. “Unless you’re a doctor or lawyer, where formal schooling is essential, most people learn by doing,” she says. While the short-term rental industry is far more mainstream now, it was a different story in 2015. Airbnb wasn’t a household name, and many people didn’t even know what short-term rentals were. Those early years required grit, adaptability, and a willingness to figure things out as she went along.
How Do You Think About Growth in Your Current Business? How Do You Plan for the Future?
Growth, for Steph, is about quality over quantity. While many businesses measure success by dollars or units, she focuses on aligning with the right clients. “I’ve had developers approach me with 60-unit buildings asking me to manage everything,” she says. “But if the owner doesn’t care about their guests’ happiness, I can’t be successful for them.”
Steph knows that chasing the wrong opportunities can hinder long-term success. Instead, she prioritizes relationships where shared values create a foundation for excellent service. Looking ahead, she also emphasizes the importance of relying on a strong team.
What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?
For those considering entrepreneurship, Steph offers practical and empowering advice. First, she highlights the importance of discipline and time management. “Protect your time,” she advises. “Block off hours for your priorities, stick to your schedule, and avoid distractions like texts or emails. If you do this consistently, you’ll make real progress.”
She also stresses the value of follow-through, sharing one of the best pieces of advice she’s received: “Inspect what you expect.” Whether working solo or managing a team, it’s crucial to ensure tasks are completed to a high standard. She believes entrepreneurs are essential to innovation and progress. “The world doesn’t operate without entrepreneurs. If you don’t step up, someone else will.”
“The world doesn’t operate without entrepreneurs. If you don’t step up, someone else will”
