The story of engineer Bryant Gingerich and his company, Dunlap Hollow, highlights a savvy marketing strategy and sharp business acumen.
As vacation rentals face increasing regulation and scrutiny, innovative approaches to the industry continue to emerge. While rising rental costs and political pushback dominate headlines, one 34-year-old engineer took a different path—transforming a cave into a lucrative business without relying on Airbnb.
From engineer to entrepreneur. In Ohio’s remote wilderness, Bryant Gingerich traded his career as a research scientist at The Ohio State University for the chance to turn a passion project into a thriving enterprise.
His company, Dunlap Hollow, began in 2019 as an ambitious venture into vacation rentals. Today, according to Fortune, it generates more than $700,000 annually, with bookings sold out a year in advance.
A risky bet. Gingerich and his wife, Amy, purchased a parcel of land in rural Ohio with financial support from family and a local loan. The decision required a significant leap of faith. At the time, their mortgage consumed more than half of his monthly salary.
The couple’s first project, a $120,000 renovation of a small cabin called “The Cottage,” proved their concept. Despite minimal advertising, the property achieved an 85% occupancy rate during its first winter. This early success fueled the expansion of Dunlap Hollow.
Three properties, one vision. Dunlap Hollow now boasts three distinct vacation rentals. The Cottage is a one-bedroom property, complete with a loft, that generates $60,000 annually in net income. It served as the company’s initial foundation.
There’s also The A-Frame, a sleek triangular cabin designed to accommodate 10 guests, which required a $300,000 investment. Today, it earns $160,000 in net income per year. Its popularity inspired Gingerich to sell its architectural plans, yielding $220,000 in passive income over three years.
The centerpiece of the business: The Cave. This 140-square-foot cave blends natural rock walls with elegant furnishings, including a library and a soaking tub. Built for $400,000, the cave generates $190,000 in annual net profit, drawing visitors nationwide.
Marketing without Airbnb. Dunlap Hollow’s success owes much to its marketing strategy. Gingerich avoided relying on platforms like Airbnb, instead leveraging Instagram (@DunlapHollowCabins) to promote the business.
By offering free stays to influencers in Columbus, Ohio, he grew the account from 3,000 to 30,000 followers in just one month. This strategy allowed Dunlap Hollow to transition to direct bookings through its own website, maximizing profit margins and solidifying its brand.
Challenges and lessons. Gingerich left his engineering job just as construction on The A-Frame began. While his hands-on experience enabled efficient project execution, financial uncertainty loomed.
He emphasizes that his success isn’t easily replicable. Identifying passions, separating them from viable business ideas, and developing a structured plan are essential. Gingerich advises aspiring entrepreneurs to test concepts on a small scale before leaving the security of a full-time job.
Looking ahead. Dunlap Hollow exemplifies a niche business model that combines unique accommodations with a focus on customer experience. By integrating natural environments with thoughtful design, Gingerich has created a profitable enterprise. With no plans to return to an office job, Gingerich’s story showcases the rewards of risk-taking and innovation in the evolving vacation rental market.
Images | Dunlap Hollow
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