DiscoverSTR LawFrom Shut Down to Showdown: How One Host Took on City Hall (and Won)
From Shut Down to Showdown: How One Host Took on City Hall (and Won)

From Shut Down to Showdown: How One Host Took on City Hall (and Won)

Update: 2025-07-03
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In this powerful first episode of STR Law, real estate attorney and Airbnb investor Katie Johnson sits down with Sarah Glidewell from the Karwells to unpack the two-year legal odyssey that nearly shut down her Cadillac, Michigan short-term rental, colloquially known as "Orange Cadillac." From city lawsuits and zoning nightmares to grassroots campaigns and a bold pivot to podcasting, Sarah shares how she rallied neighbors, business owners, and local officials to flip the vote and get her property rezoned.

You’ll learn:

  • How to navigate rezoning battles and city council politics

  • Tips for gaining neighbor and business support

  • The impact of deed restrictions—and how title insurance may (or may not) protect you

  • Why working with a local attorney can change everything

  • The power of persistence, vulnerability, and one last cold-call visit

Whether you're a new host or seasoned investor, this episode is a masterclass in staying legal, strategic, and resilient in the face of regulatory chaos.

Want to book a call? Click here to schedule your free consultation. Katie is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.


Want to get in touch with Sarah? Follow her on instagram - @thekarwells or listen to her next podcast here.


🔗 Subscribe now so you never miss the legal insights that keep your rental business protected.


Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review below. Thank you!

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From Shut Down to Showdown: How One Host Took on City Hall (and Won)

From Shut Down to Showdown: How One Host Took on City Hall (and Won)

Katie Johnson