VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1. What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?

After hosting family and friends at our lake house and witnessing their comfort, connection, and joy firsthand, it became clear to my husband and I that we were in a position to help other families create similar experiences in nature-adjacent vacation homes around the world. Having something to look forward to, investing in quality family time, and bonding in the great outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is refreshing and desperately needed. 

2. What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

Focusing on strengthening families is our raison d’être at Lake.com. Apart from that, one of the ways we differentiate our brand and service offering is mastering AI search and strategically ranking for keywords related to our niche in lakeside and adventure travel. We put an emphasis on understanding this new area of search and keep ahead of the curve to help our content rank higher, be cited, and elevate Lake.com’s listings.

3. If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? And looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?

Something I realized last year in Porto was just how difficult it is to procure reliable cleaning services for turning over a property. This challenge isn’t unique to the European market, mind you, but is a universal reality. There is great opportunity for skilled, independent entrepreneurial cleaners starting their own businesses, dedicated to a geographic area to clean up, so to speak. There is also opportunity for property managers who are willing to expand their offerings and hire their own cleaning staff to guarantee consistent cleans and reliable staffing.

In Rome, I am excited to learn more about the European vacation rental industry and connect with our PMS partners. I’m also planning to stop by Babingtons in Piazza Navona by the Spanish Steps!

4. Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?

Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. On a more challenging section of the trail near Molinaseca, I found myself in the mountains hiking down steep paths covered in loose shale. Praying for the footing of a deer so as to not slip, I began reciting Psalm 23 as I walked through the valley of what could have been the shadow of death.

Getting darker, my goal was to get back to the road. Walking poles helped to steady me, as did focusing on where my help comes from. Though apart from the group at that point, I knew that I was not alone.

Along the way, I was met by a fellow pilgrim who journeyed with me through the trickier parts of the shale and onto the road leading to the next town.

On that same Camino while in the mountains, the beauty of creation struck me and caused my heart to sing the hymn, How Great Thou Art. The words of the song came alive in a whole new way as I trekked through the gorgeous Spanish mountainside, especially the second verse:

“When through the woods

And forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds

Sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down

From lofty mountain grandeur,

And hear the brook

And feel the gentle breeze,

Then sings my soul,

My savior, God to Thee,

How great Thou art,

How great Thou art! (repeats)”

5. What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?

I was once a black tea connoisseur but now prefer coffee. It is a long and complicated tale involving sugar. Ask me about it if you like!