The Calm Before the Storm
Surviving Hurricane Helene as an Asheville Airbnb Host: A Story of Resilience and Rebuilding
West Asheville had become our home, our livelihood, and our passion. As Airbnb hosts, we had just finished renovating our space, excited to welcome guests into an experience we had carefully curated for comfort, charm, and authenticity. Bookings were rolling in, and we were feeling hopeful for the future.
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Then came Hurricane Helene.
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At first, we had no idea what was happening. One moment, we were eagerly preparing for our next guests, and the next—everything went dark. No power. No electricity. No phone service. And as if that wasn’t enough, our main vehicle broke down in the middle of it all.
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Suddenly, we were stranded, relying on a bicycle to gather supplies, get food, and navigate a city that had been thrown into chaos.
West Asheville in the Aftermath
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The initial shock was overwhelming. Thousands of dollars in bookings—gone. The thriving rental we had poured our energy into was suddenly useless, not because we lacked guests, but because we couldn’t even offer them running water or electricity.
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And yet, as the city tried to find its footing, I grabbed my camera, slung it around my neck, and hopped onto my bike. I rode through the streets of West Asheville, documenting the recovery efforts, witnessing the resilience of a community that refused to stay down.
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Then, out of nowhere, a flood of new bookings started coming in. Relief workers, aid organizations, volunteers—all looking for a place to stay. We wanted to help, but without basic utilities, our hands were tied. Like many other short-term rental hosts in Asheville, we were left without income, struggling to make ends meet.
From Construction to Crisis
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Long before I was an Airbnb host, Asheville was already shaping my future.
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One of my first jobs here was at Shoney’s on Tunnel Road, but before long, I landed a role with Jerry Payne Construction. Having worked on Brownstone and Limestone restoration in NYC as a teen, I thought I knew a thing or two about remodeling. But under Jerry’s guidance, I was thrust into commercial construction, working on massive projects—churches, schools, and community centers like AB Tech, St. James Episcopal in Black Mountain, and Trinity Baptist Church in Fairview.
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These years of hands-on experience in construction would later serve as the foundation for launching my own home-building business.
Building, Booming, and a Market Crash
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We built site-built, panelized, and modular homes, experimenting with early internet marketing and SEO. The business took off, with home orders rolling in from across the U.S.—and even overseas.
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Then came 2008. The market collapsed. Home-building slowed to a halt.
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Fortunately, our online marketing expertise had caught the attention of local businesses. Almost overnight, our focus shifted from building homes to building brands—helping businesses establish their presence online, long before social media became the powerhouse it is today.
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One of Gary’s most exciting collaborations came when renowned Asheville architect Daryl Rantis, who had trained under E. Faye Jones (a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright), hired us for a groundbreaking project—the International Free Green Competition. The competition sought sustainable, forward-thinking architectural designs, and with our marketing and media expertise, we helped Rantis secure the win.
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That victory not only cemented Asheville’s reputation in the world of sustainable design but also put Chicken Hill on the map forever, showcasing the city’s ability to blend historic charm with modern, eco-conscious architecture. It was a moment that proved just how powerful the internet—and strategic branding—could be in elevating local talent to global recognition.
From Hammers to Hashtags
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Leaving construction behind was an adjustment. No more tool belts, no more framing houses. Instead, I was at a keyboard, helping others make their dreams a reality—whether through real estate marketing, social media, or online visibility.
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Years later, we ventured into the short-term rental world. Airbnb and Hipcamp became a natural fit for us, blending our experience in hospitality, photography, and digital marketing. We became certified photographers for both platforms, capturing stunning retreats like the glamping site in Waynesville, NC, pictured above.
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Then, we set up our West Asheville Airbnb, added two Hipcamp spots in the backyard, and watched as guests from all over came to experience the magic of Asheville. Everything was falling into place.
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Until Hurricane Helene.
Displaced, But Not Defeated
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With no bookings, no home, and no power, we—along with many other hosts—were forced to find shelter in temporary FEMA housing. Hotels, resorts, and short-term rentals across Asheville were at a standstill for months. Families that relied on rental income struggled to make ends meet.
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But Asheville is nothing if not resilient.
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Finally, in January 2025, we moved into permanent housing and began rebuilding, along with many other friends and community members. Bookings slowly trickled back in, and despite everything, Asheville is making a comeback.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
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Through it all, one thing remained constant: Asheville is special.
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People love this city for its food, beer, art, music, and breathtaking mountain views. They come here to connect, to experience, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.
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And they’re coming back.
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So if you’re reading this, know that you’re part of Asheville’s story, too. Whether you’re a visitor, a local, or someone looking to make a new start—Asheville is waiting for you.
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See you soon. 💙
Let’s Work Together!
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🚀 Gary – G Social Media specializes in AI, marketing, and digital strategy. Whether you’re a small business, Airbnb host, contractor, or entrepreneur, we can help you build your online presence, increase business, and thrive in today’s market.
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📩 Contact G today and let’s create something amazing!