Oikos Cofounder Brandon Holman Featured in Innovation in Mission: Using Real Estate to Bless the Mission Field

We’re excited to share that Brandon Holman, cofounder of Oikos Property Ventures, was recently featured in Innovation in Mission — a platform dedicated to highlighting creative, sustainable approaches to advancing the Gospel around the world.

In his interview, Brandon shares how God gave both him and his cofounder the same idea from different paths: to create a property management company that helps missionaries and pastors steward their homes and generate income while serving abroad.

Where the Vision Began

For Brandon, the idea started with a simple question: how can I help my missionary friends make ends meet while they serve the Lord overseas?

“I wanted to figure out a way that I could help them earn extra income while they’re serving the Lord overseas,” Brandon explained. “I’ve always loved real estate and Airbnbs — and one day, the Lord helped me put the two together. What if, while missionaries were overseas, we turned their homes into Airbnbs?”

A few years later, Brandon met Brendan Thompson at a short-term rental conference — and discovered that God had given them the exact same vision. Out of that divine connection, Oikos Property Ventures was born in November 2023.

Testing the Idea with Faith and Action

Before finding their first missionary client, Brandon and Brendan started by managing their own Airbnb properties.

“We wanted most of the profits to go to the missionaries we were serving,” Brandon shared. “That meant we had to build a business model that was sustainable — starting with our own investments.”

Just a month after launching, a missionary friend of Brendan’s reached out, asking Oikos to take over management of his home, which was already listed on Airbnb. That became their second experiment, and it confirmed that the model worked.

Since then, the Lord has continued to open doors. Without any formal advertising, Oikos has grown through relationships and word-of-mouth — and now manages nearly 30 homes for missionaries, former missionaries, pastors, and purpose-driven property owners.

Balancing Calling, Family, and Growth

Running a growing hospitality business while maintaining full-time jobs and raising families has been one of Brandon’s biggest challenges.

“Time is our biggest hurdle,” he admitted. “These properties require a lot of care and attention, and both Brendan and I also have families — I have four kids, and Brendan has five. But the company is profitable and is helping missionary families keep their homes and earn additional income. We trust the Lord’s timing for when we’ll be able to go full time.”

Through that tension, Brandon and the Oikos team have stayed focused on the mission: to serve missionaries first, trusting that God will provide the increase.

An Idea That’s Resounding with Others

Perhaps the most encouraging part of this journey has been the response.

“Usually when I come up with an idea, I’m the only one who thinks it’s a good one,” Brandon joked. “But this time, everyone has been so supportive. I think the Lord gave us something where we truly can serve and further His Kingdom.”

From investors to ministry partners, many have caught the vision and are helping Oikos expand its reach — proving that real estate and hospitality can be powerful tools for Kingdom impact.

About Innovation in Mission

Innovation in Mission is a publication and platform that highlights creative strategies, models, and technologies fueling global ministry today. Its mission is to inspire the Church to think differently about how to advance the Gospel through innovation and collaboration.

Brandon’s feature showcases how business and missions can work hand-in-hand — using real estate as a sustainable and impactful way to serve those who serve others.