Recognized Vacation Rental Management Leaders 2025

Operations Manager at ParisVacationsRentals.com with 15+ years of experience in short-term rental operations and guest services. Paris-based and focused on helping American travelers stay comfortably and safely in Paris. I provide expert insight on Paris travel planning, vacation rentals, family stays, and what Americans should know before visiting France.

OS: Linux (Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS), Windows Servers 200x, Mac OS XProtocols: TCP/IP, FTP, DHCP, LDAP, SNMP, SMTP, VPN, DNS, VoIPApplications: Microsoft Office Suite 2003-2013, Active Directory 2003 & 2008, Symantec Backup Exec 2010 & 2012, Symantec Endpoint Protection 12, Microsoft Exchange 2003, 2007 & 2010, Norton Ghost Imaging, Tidal Enterprise Scheduler, Splunk.Continuous Integration: Jenkins, Ansible, Git, SVN.Virtualization: VMware ESXi/ESX 4.1, 5.0, 5.5, VMware Workstation 8, Oracle Virtual BoxArchitectures: Apache, Tomcat, JBOSS, IISLoad Balancers: Netscaler, F5Languages: Python, Bash, Ant, HTML, CSS.Cloud: Azure, 1&1

As a Cozumel specialist since 2008, I offer over fifteen years of deep, authentic local immersion, transforming my passion for this slice of paradise into an unforgettable experience for you. I am your go-to resource for everything the island has to offer: from seamless hosting and personalized adventures to expert insights on local real estate and the best of Mexican culture. My commitment is to provide a dynamic, highly responsive hosting experience that also respects your privacy and your space to relax. I am not just a host; I am an active island cheerleader dedicated to constantly elevating your stay. In fact, I actively seek guest input, as some of our most celebrated features came directly from brilliant ideas shared by travelers like you. Let's make your Cozumel trip a blast. I'm ready to listen and deliver.

I graduated from the National University of Singapore, majored in Communications and New Media. I am passionate about marketing, public relations and events planning. Over the past few years, I have been actively looking for opportunities to gain invaluable experience in these fields and took on various initiatives to hone my soft skills. I have experiences in digital marketing, including social media marketing, paid advertising, content marketing, SEO, email marketing and marketing analytics. My portfolio: khanh1610.wix.com/khanhtran

Owning and managing businesses since the age of 22, Real Estate has always been a main theme in my life and career. I bring my passion and desire to help others and use it to assist Real Estate needs from purchasing, selling or renting to managing property as a Realtor Long & Foster Real Estate in Doylestown, PA. In addition to being a Realtor, I have embarked on the entrepreneurship road by bringing encouragement and education with Spark Rental and SnapLandlord.com which provides education and resources to the real estate investor! This includes the the creation and management of the Spark Rental Co-investing Club which allows everyone to invest in commercial real estate from apartment communities, mobile home parks to industrial factories and so much more! And a Christian blogger for ten plus years providing my personal experience as I walk with JESUS.

lifelong hotelier, worked in industry from Bellman to Area VP/GM. Managed Sheratons, Marriott, Hilton, Cambria in Resort, Airport, Downtown, Beach and Suburban markets. Specialize in community engagement and successful operations. Winner; Choice Hotels Community Champion for hurricane housing of 150 locals in evac situation. People Magazine Kindness Award winner, published story of double hurricane standing ground helping 150 locals in Tampa Bay under an evacuation. FoxWeather, ABC, NBC interviews on unique caring during trying times. Jennifer Hudson Show; Hurricane Hero Episode interviewed on set with story of beating odds in Natural disaster and providing comfort and safety for 150 locals who then lived 6 months in hotel. Personal story includes a 13 home Foster Care survivor from 6 months to 16 in Boston and finding solace in hotels and to this day; Earned; #1 Employee Satisfaction out of 800 Starwood Hotels and #1 in community engagement in Starwood hotels. Specialize in opening and motivating a team with driven empathy and am in Tampa Bay St. Pete area.

Sabine Ghali, Managing Director at Buttonwood Property Management, Award Winning Real Estate Broker and an Entrepreneur at heart. Sabine is on a mission to help investors create real estate wealth over time in the Greater Toronto Area. Sabine is published in a number of media outlets, including Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Gulf News, among many others.

Hassan Morcel is an established specialist in travel and tourism, real estate investment, and interior design for vacation rentals. As the founder of three hospitality brands ('Keys Please Holiday Homes' & 'Dubai Short Stay' and 'Beirut Short Stay'), he runs a range of high performing vacation properties within Dubai. With personal experience in overseeing guest operations, generating rental ROI and producing spaces that generate 5-star reviews, Hassan brings a level of deep practical knowledge about how the three industries intersect.

I'm Jennifer Fox, founder, CEO, and Managing Broker of Fox Property Management. I started this company in 2002 with just three properties my mother asked me to manage. Today, my team of 42 and I oversee more than 1,200 investment properties across Boulder, Denver, and Colorado's Front Range. What drives me is creating a people-forward property management experience built on three core values: Be Kind, Find a Way Forward, and Own the Outcome. These aren't just words. They guide every decision we make, from how we select and care for tenants to how we partner with property owners on their long-term investment strategy. With over 23 years in this industry, I've seen markets shift, legislation evolve, and countless portfolio stories unfold. I know that real estate wealth isn't built year over year. It's built through thoughtful stewardship, smart maintenance decisions, and staying focused on the long game even when the moment feels challenging. I'm proud that Fox Property Management has become known for accessibility and transparency. I'm in the office nearly every day, and I genuinely welcome conversations with owners about their specific situations and goals. Beyond property management, I lead our Fox Talks educational series and serve on several nonprofit boards, including the Albion Colorado Soccer Club and Dickinson Family Foundation. I'm a UC Berkeley graduate, a lifelong learner, and someone who believes property management can and should be a force for good in our community. When I'm not working, you'll find me with my family, playing soccer, singing in Generation Choir, or exploring Colorado's beautiful trails.

Addison Jaynes is the CEO and founder of Reliant Destinations, a luxury travel brand focused on helping travelers book the Caribbean’s most iconic all-inclusive experiences with confidence. He also leads Reliant Cruising, specializing in ultra-luxury sailings with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Jaynes currently runs the largest independent Sandals & Beaches YouTube channel, Mr. TraveLux - which focuses on resort tours, insider perspectives and industry news. With an Executive MBA from the University of the West of England, plus business and international studies degrees spanning St. Petersburg State University (Russia) to Texas A&M University, Addison blends global perspective with high-performance business strategy. He has personally visited 143 countries, giving him rare, real-world travel expertise and an eye for what truly elevates a trip from “nice” to unforgettable. Addison is a trusted voice in the Sandals & Beaches ecosystem, serving on the Sandals & Beaches Resorts Chairman’s Advisory Council, and is recognized for elite production and client service standards. His work has been featured in Travel Weekly, Forbes, the Sandals Palmcast, and other major outlets. Known for being both analytical and customer-obsessed, Addison brings deep experience in luxury sales, destination expertise, weddings & honeymoons, and travel industry trends, with a strong focus on value optimization, resort selection strategy, and white-glove client support. Some Recent Awards & Recognition include: • Diamond Elite – Chairman’s Royal Club (Sandals Resorts) • Top Global Weddings & Honeymoons Producer (Sandals & Beaches Resorts) • Best of the Best Travel Agency Addison is available for expert commentary on luxury travel, Sandals or Beaches Resorts, all-inclusive resort trends, destination strategy, weddings & honeymoons, high end cruising, entrepreneurship and the future of travel planning.

My name is Chad Phillis. I'm a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned real estate investor, and I'm the founder and CEO of Checkmate Rentals—a premier short-term rental management company focused on maximizing revenue, optimizing operations, and delivering unmatched experiences for both guests and property owners. I built Checkmate Rentals to stand apart in an industry often marked by one-size-fits-all solutions and a lack of transparency. With deep expertise in Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Google Vacation Rentals, I recognized that most property management companies treat owners like just another number. That's why I prioritize profitability, transparency, and genuine partnerships, treating each owner like family with tailored strategies and clear financial insights. My hands-on experience in dynamic pricing, listing optimization, and operational automation has helped countless property owners turn their rentals into high-performing, passive income streams while providing exceptional guest experiences. As a trusted thought leader in the short-term rental space, I also advise investors on scaling portfolios, navigating industry regulations, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. By blending market analysis, cutting-edge technology, and a people-first approach, I've redefined what short-term rental management can be—because at Checkmate Rentals, the difference isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the relationships.

After more than two decades in event management, conference planning, and project leadership across both the private and government sectors, I made the move into the vacation rental industry. Owning and operating my own short-term rentals showed me there was a smarter way for owners to manage their homes than stitching together disconnected tools and vendors. Today, I am a Real Estate Evangelist and Geography Fanatic who coaches vacation rental owners, agents, and managers on every aspect of STR management, from positioning and content to systems, operations, and guest experience. I have supported 300+ companies in 12 countries across 5 continents. I also specialize in turning the average listing (think Airbnb) into an extraordinary marketing piece that earns attention and drives bookings. Earlier in my career, I served as Talent Buyer and Event Coordinator for the City of West Palm Beach where I led the City’s successful bid to become the first World Festival and Event City in the State of Florida, a designation bestowed by the International Festivals and Events Association. I have also produced hundreds of award winning meetings, events, and concerts at the national, state, and local levels. When I am not working, you can find me somewhere in my home state of Florida, relaxing and spending time with my family.

Kristan de Graaf is the founder of Elite Rentals Dubai, known for its luxury cars and yachts, including Dubai’s only Lamborghini Yacht. He was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30. Since 2019, Kristan and his brother Julian have built a fleet of 90+ luxury cars and yachts. Kristan also flips Dubai mansions, turning them into top-selling homes. Kristan’s work sets new standards in luxury.

Julian de Graaf is the co-founder of Elite Rentals Dubai, overseeing a fleet of high-end cars and yachts, including Dubai's exclusive Lamborghini Yacht. Since 2019, Julian and his partner Kristan have expanded their collection to more than 90 luxury vehicles and vessels. Julian is also known for transforming Dubai’s luxury real estate, flipping mansions into record-setting properties. Julian’s vision and dedication fuel the success of his luxury ventures.

My name is Humberto Marquez. I am a seasoned real estate investment strategist with a keen eye for spotting high-potential properties and optimizing them for exceptional returns. As the Founder of gethomecash.com, I have redefined property acquisition and management by leveraging innovative Airbnb strategies and a commitment to quality over quantity. My approach ensures that each investment is carefully selected and managed to maximize its full potential. Holding a Texas Real Estate Broker License and backed by five years of hands-on experience in short-term rental management, I have successfully helped over 100 investors secure profitable vacation rental opportunities nationwide. Recognized in numerous publications and trusted by industry leaders, I continue to set new standards in property management and investment excellence.

I graduated from the National University of Singapore, majored in Communications and New Media. I am passionate about marketing, public relations and events planning. Over the past few years, I have been actively looking for opportunities to gain invaluable experience in these fields and took on various initiatives to hone my soft skills. I have experiences in digital marketing, including social media marketing, paid advertising, content marketing, SEO, email marketing and marketing analytics. My portfolio: khanh1610.wix.com/khanhtran

Full-Stack Digital Marketer in Real Estate, Finance, and Technology Industries.

Hunter Drost is the founder of One Tenant, a concierge maintenance partner transforming how Northern Nevada investors and owners care for residential and commercial properties.As a Reno owner-operator, he saw the gap between “do nothing and hope” and “hire a full-service manager and lose control.” Listings created option overload; traditional managers bundled services owners didn’t need. The biggest hit to returns was hidden in slow decisions, poor visibility, and small issues compounding into big costs.With a hands-on background in remodels, turnovers, and project oversight, Hunter knew maintenance must be proactive and data-driven. One Tenant is that missing operating layer—focused on property health, uptime, and ROI, without forcing owners into full-service management.Instead of reacting to every issue as a one‑off event, One Tenant uses a subscription model, a proprietary Pre‑Set Spend Limit + Authorization to Act framework, and a smart portal that learns from every work order. Owners define their thresholds, categories, and priorities once; from there, Hunter’s team is empowered to move quickly within those parameters, eliminating the lag that usually turns small fixes into larger capital events.Under Hunter’s direction, One Tenant has leaned heavily into data and AI to move maintenance from backward‑looking to forward‑looking. Every service call, inspection, and repair feeds into a living property profile that tracks patterns over time—by asset, system, season, and vendor. Those patterns are then used to:* Flag emerging issues before they become emergencies* Recommend proactive maintenance based on real history, not generic schedules* Match the right trades and vendors to the right type of problem, faster and more reliablyThis approach applies equally to residential and commercial properties. For residential investors, it means fewer surprises, better tenant experiences, and more predictable cash flow. For commercial owners and operators, it translates into reduced downtime, more predictable OpEx, and cleaner reporting.