VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

Describe your career in the vacation rental industry and how you reached your current position in the company.

I began my journey in the vacation rental industry with a diverse background that spanned various roles and industries. Managing different teams in large corporations with 500k employees to small teams of 5, I was exposed to different business scales and challenges. My career path took me through sales, management, consulting, software, and engineering, allowing me to develop a broad skill set and a deep understanding of business dynamics.

During my consulting endeavors, I discovered a genuine passion for helping smaller companies thrive and succeed. This passion coincided with my interest in the shared economy and vacation rentals, setting the stage for a pivotal move in my career. At this juncture, I became part of Hostfully, a promising startup perfectly aligned with my values and aspirations.

By merging my passion for assisting startups and my enthusiasm for the vacation rental sector, I took on multiple roles within the company, wearing various hats to help drive growth and innovation. 

In your opinion, what are the main current challenges in the vacation rental industry, and how do you think your company can help overcome them?

One of the prominent challenges currently confronting the vacation rental industry is the regulatory uncertainty surrounding short-term rentals. The diversity of regulations across various cities and regions globally complicates the efficient management of vacation rental businesses. Furthermore, the imposition of different taxes and compliance measures by local governments tends to add even more complexity to it.

To overcome this challenge, a collaborative and united effort is imperative. By fostering collective action, we can advocate for a better regulatory framework that balances fostering industry growth and safeguarding the integrity of regions susceptible to potential disruptions posed by the vacation rental sector. This approach entails engaging with stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players to establish fair and transparent regulations that support responsible growth while preserving our communities. 

Hostfully is well-positioned to help with these challenges in a couple of ways. First, we provide technology tools that make it easier for property managers to comply with local regulations. Our platform streamlines processes, helping hosts stay on the right side of the law, while efficiently managing their business.

Additionally, Hostfully was one of the first PMSs to participate in VRMA’s Right to Rent program, which makes it easy for property managers to donate $1, $2, or $3 of every reservation to VRMA’s Advocacy Fund. We advocate for the unification of the vacation rental industry, being strong believers that by coming together as an industry, we can collectively push for better and fairer regulations that foster growth while safeguarding the well-being of our communities.

What are your expectations for the 2023 edition of VRWS in Barcelona, and what makes you particularly interested in attending this specific edition?

I am looking forward to engaging in constructive discussions about the issues our industry is facing, reconnecting with colleagues and partners, and showcasing the capabilities of Hostfully in revolutionizing vacation rental management operations.

Networking with individuals who share their passion for the vacation rental industry can lead to meaningful collaborations, partnerships, and the exchange of fresh ideas. The prospect of reconnecting with familiar faces and establishing new connections combined with the fact that every property manager runs their business differently, and everyone has unique insights about how to improve their operations, ranging from operational workflow to hospitality to owner relations, adds a sense of excitement to our attendance. 

Could you provide a brief preview of what attendees can expect from your participation during the Vacation Rental World Summit?

Lots of fun, laughs, ideas, and collaboration. I’m committed to engaging in interactive discussions about various topics related to our industry, showcasing Hostfully’s products and exclusive offers for the event, and most importantly, contributing to another amazing event in the beautiful city of Barcelona.