About
Heather Smolarek | Co-Founder & COO
Contact: heather@vacationreputation.com
Heather’s Background
With 9 years specializing in the Vacation Rental industry throughout Florida, I’ve managed operations at a high level for both small and large companies all over the state. Most recently, I spent a little over a year at Kasa building their Single Family Home division. For almost three years prior to joining Kasa, I was Regional Director of Operations at Vacasa, overseeing the Florida Peninsula with more than 2,000 properties under my leadership. I began my career in Destin, Florida as the Director of Guest Services for Southern Vacation Rentals and then went on to Wyndham Vacation Rentals where I quickly moved my way up to General Manager opening and operating The Pointe Resort on the beautiful Scenic Highway 30a.
I have a deep understanding of everything it takes to be successful in this industry, from caring for the properties, rates, third party channels, technology, and rental projections, to devotedly working hard at reducing owner churn and driving direct bookings for repeat guests. I strive to find fundamental solutions for issues within the industry, rather than a symptomatic fix. I pride myself on improving and retaining owner relationships and guest experience. Caring for others and solving issues, can make all the difference, and is what really feeds my soul.
Whether you are a brand new company or a seasoned brand, I can help elevate your business, reduce attrition, redundancy, and improve your overall key metrics. I look forward to having the opportunity to connect with you and help your business succeed.
Jason Smolarek | Co-Founder & CEO
Contact: jason@vacationreputation.com
Jason’s Background
With over 15 years of hospitality experience and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from UW-Stout, I’ve managed operations small and large all over the US and have a keen eye and expertise specifically in the vacation rental industry.
I’ve been in the vacation rental industry for about 9-years. I got my start in the industry while living in Destin, FL by working as General Manager for Southern Vacations overseeing the management of 300+ properties along Scenic Highway 30a, Panama City Beach, and Port St Joe. After Southern, I was Director of Operations for Wyndham Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach managing housekeeping and maintenance for 350+ properties and was also the Director of Business Development for Seascape Resort responsible for the rental property growth plan of 200+ onsite condos. I brought on 57 new vacation rental condos in just 9-months while at Seascape.
In October of 2021, my mom and I started our own vacation rental management company in Lake Geneva, WI called Elite Lake Rentals. I grew the portfolio from 0 to 5 properties in just five months. My mom handles the day-to-day operations coordinating housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services and I manage all business development, marketing, and tech. My methods and playbook for growing property inventory is tried and true used at small and large companies as well as my own start-up company.
Between Heather and I, we have a wealth of knowledge about growing and managing vacation rental management companies. We love helping people and it’s our goal to help you build your own empire.