VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day
In approaching the 12th edition of the Vacation Rental World Summit, we’re releasing a series of interviews to leaders, key players and highly motivated people in our industry whose companies make a deep impact in our space and will be present at VRWS.
The aim is to get you some insight into these leaders and the company they founded, manage or work for, as well as getting some behind the scenes on their thinking, their motivation and their drive.
Tim Rosolio
- What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?
Before joining the vacation rental industry, I was a consultant managing financial and strategic processes to help fix different types of troubled businesses, ranging from power plants to a company that imported toilet parts from China. So you can imagine my excitement when I got into the short term rental industry! It’s been 12 years in an industry I am truly passionate about, so much so that I own my own vacation rental just outside of Austin. The beautiful thing about this industry, and the reason I stay in it, is because we get to create unforgettable memories for guests while making dreams come true for people who want to own a second home in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
- What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?
Vrbo is really great at attracting families and groups, which in turn means we attract a high-quality traveler who treats rental properties with respect. I like to say we bring the Wagyu beef of travelers to our partners and it’s our job to keep them coming back to Vrbo. To do this, we work with highly committed hosts and best-of-the-best property managers who match our passion for ensuring a consistent and quality experience for guests.
Another thing that sets us apart is how we treat our hosts as partners. We know there are only so many great homes on the beach or in ski mountain areas, and within that there are only so many hosts who really know how to deliver amazing hospitality. Nurturing that relationship is really important to us and is integral to our business model.
- 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?
Last year, I was honored to speak on the OTA Outlook: Trends Shaping the Future panel alongside other industry professionals. It was great to hear from audience members afterward about how OTAs can best serve businesses and partners in this ever-changing travel world. I learn so much more from a face-to-face conversation with partners than I ever would from presentations and spreadsheets.
I hope this year to again use the time to connect with partners one-on-one, as it’s always valuable to get to do so in-person. Coming from the US, it’s so important to have conversations with partners from different pockets of Europe. We can’t build technology and processes for “Europe in general.” We must serve Italian partners differently than German partners and it’s helpful to understand that nuance.
- Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?
Mallorca, Spain. They have great golf, great seafood and great wine, all in a Mediterranean paradise – what more could one ask for?
- 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 own a vacation rental myself, so I’m able to approach everything with the perspective of a host in mind. I know the pain points…from dealing with disruptive parties and managing cleaning companies to keeping up with ever-changing regulations, I’ve been through it all!
You’ll have the opportunity to meet Tim directly at VRWS in Rome
Not Yet Registered for VRWS?
