Entrepreneurship in Carlisle-Nicholas County – it’s all in the app

Scott Finegan driver for Uber.

Carlisle-Nicholas County has no hotels, but families in need of accommodations for weddings, family reunions, funerals or any family get together can still get their needs met thanks to an online room or home rental service called Airbnb.com.

Local entrepreneur Scott Finegan who is also the first county Uber driver has his place listed as “Modern Trailer Living”. Renters can have access to the two bedroom trailer with parking, wi-fi, three TV’s and a full kitchen.

On the other end of the spectrum is historic B&N and Event venue Forest Retreat. There Allysha Edmonds will host a” Girls Retreat at Forest Retreat” at the Stage coach house that offers four beds for $150 per night or rent a private room for $100 a night at the “Historic Luxury Queen rope Bed or rent the entire Forest Retreat Mansion built by Kentucky’s 10th Governor for $375 per night.

Listing your home or a room is free for the listor on airbnb. You have the option to pick the nights you rent for, blocking out those that are not available.

For Scott Finegan it’s been a great experience. “My aunt used to rent trailers in Carlisle for $125 a month and had the hassle of managing them. With AirBNB we can get $485 a month with short term rentals or $75 per night. The people we have rented to so far have been marvelous. It’s been a great way to monetize what just a “guest house” before. I have friends who are renting out spare bedrooms and they are enjoying that as well.”

Airbnb has listings in 190 countries and has become the place to stay of choice for many millennial’s. Typically friends will go together to attend a concert or festival out of town, or to set up bachelor or bachelorette parties in another city and split the cost. In 2015 airbnb was named Innovative Brand of the Year – Marketing Magazine. You can access both airbnb and uber on the internet or on apps for your smart phone.

Besides renting with Airbnb.com, Scott is also Carlisle’s first Uber driver. He typically drives in Lexington on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday mornings.

“It’s been a great way to earn extra money and meet some wonderful people. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been invited to party with the groups I drive. Drinking is now allowed for Uber drivers though so I don’t often get to take advantage of the invites. I’m averaging $500 a weekend with my driving and can also write off my car expense which helps on taxes,” Finegan said.

AARP lists Uber driver as a popular job for seniors and Finegan has been invited to Morehead State University in February to speak to the entrepreneurial class there about job opportunities for students.