Articles posted in Meet the Team

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Meet The Team: Jasen

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Jasen from Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last time we met Shane, one of our customer care gurus. This week, we’re talking to Jasen, a lead reservation agent:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m a 33 year old husband and father of 2 awesome girls! I’ve lived in Spokane for the past 15 years where I worked as an Insurance agent for a Fortune 500 company for most of them. I first realized that Stay Alfred was the place for me when I contacted management after a friend had a great experience with them. I just asked, ” Are the people that work for your happy?” After the boisterous, affirmative response, I knew that I had found a very special place, filled with people that believed in what they did, worked as a team, and played as hard as they worked. I love to cook, spend as much time as I can with my family, volunteer at my local grade school and keep my yard up to a Hank Hill standard.

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?

I’ve worked at Stay Alfred since our cozy days in our 8 person office in the valley.

What are some of your responsibilities?

My Job is to make sure guests are getting the best possible accommodations, at the hottest downtown locations in some of the most desired cities in the US.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

I love the environment! Every day at Stay Alfred is all about working with a great group of people to make sure that our guests vacations, family reunions, corporate retreats, trade shows, and class reunions are something they will always remember.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during your time at Stay Alfred?

Not having enough room to accommodate everyone that comes to us! I would love to host everyone for their Country Music Awards, Mardi Gras and Graduations plans, we just book our condos so quickly! But we are always expanding…

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

Location! 4 blocks from downtown? That’s too far. Stay at the Cumberland in Nashville, the Harbor Steps in Seattle or our Maritime condos in New Orleans. As soon as you leave the front door you’re right in the action.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

We are here to help you make the absolute most of any vacation. We have beautiful rental homes in the best locations. Why stay in a 400 square foot hotel when you can stay in an 1100 square foot condo with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and be closer to where you want to be.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred:

That moment when you book a guest and their whole family for a reunion in a city they have been making plans to visit for years.

If you could visit any one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

Maritime in NOLA, I need to get to Mardi Gras someday!

 

Are you planning a trip? Click Here to view all of our downtown vacation rentals

 

Meet The Team: Shane

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last week we met Cat, one of our marketing specialists. This week, we’re talking to Shane, a customer care guru:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m part of the Customer Care Team and learned about Stay Alfred from idle chatter at a yoga studio. You’ll probably find me running around, crafting up something in the kitchen, or reading some esoteric history theory (having a history degree helps), but not all at once, that’s dangerous. I’m also a nerd, with Star Wars as the drug of choice. And sometimes, things just don’t get better than the combo of good jazz and good whiskey.

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?

Since September of 2014.

What are some of your responsibilities?

Manning the phones, responding to emails from guests, solving any and all problems that challenge our guests travels (in regards to our vacation homes), and just being awesome in general.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

The atmosphere, working with people that (at least sometimes) are having fun. Interacting with tons of interesting people, from coworkers to the guests, and everyone in between. And the feeling that comes from helping someone solve a problem, even if it is just getting the wifi to work by verifying a password.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during your time at Stay Alfred?

Balancing expectations, excitement, and reality for guests during difficult situations. Effectively communicating across long distances to assess, work through, and solve any particular challenge sometimes seems more like a fine art, than a skill.

 

 

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

How much work goes on behind the scene to make a singular rental repeatably perfect is astounding.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

Like hotels, but better.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred?

Getting invited to crash on a couch, if I was ever in the area (Perth), and needed a place to stay.

If you could visit any one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

Toss up between the Solera and the Douglas. Prime spots in Denver, and in a few hours you can get out to the Mountains and go climb some 14ers.

 

Are you planning a trip? Click Here to view all of our grreat downtown vacation rentals

Meet The Team: Cat

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last week we met Diana, our accounting manager. This week, we’re talking to Cat, one of our creative marketing specialists:

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?

I started in February of this year. I just got lucky and found the job posting online.

What are some of your responsibilities?

I am part of the marketing department, so I spend a lot of time working on our ads to make sure they accurately represent our amazing properties. I also read and respond to customer reviews, which can be a mixed bag. It feels so good to read the positive feedback, but it can be really hard to hear how we messed up someone’s vacation. Every review helps us fine-tune our product, though, and brings us closer to providing a perfect experience every time.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

The people are definitely number one. Everybody here is so friendly that sometimes I forget I’m an introvert. I also just love being part of a team that offers such an awesome product. Especially with summer right around the corner, I remember all the family vacations I went on as a kid. It would have been so cool to have stayed in a vacation rental then. It’s fun to think about how many families are enjoying our condos.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during your time at Stay Alfred?

The most difficult thing has undoubtedly been learning the ropes. There are so many elements to this business, so many things that need to happen to make sure our guests have an amazing stay. And things move fast! You might encounter a problem that you think has an easy fix, but come to find out you need help from two other departments. Thankfully, in addition to being so friendly, everybody here are great team players. So we get things straightened out in no time.

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

I have learned just how accessible vacation rentals really are. I think a lot of people have misconceptions about how they work, who rents them, and what kind of vacation they are suitable for. At least with Stay Alfred, the process is no more difficult that renting a hotel room. And we’re flipping the traditional beach or ski rental model on it’s head by providing rentals in major urban locations. I think as we continue to shine light on the industry, consumers are going to see the travel industry really differently.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

We are a vacation rental company that specializes in amazing downtown locations. We also offer consistency between locations, so choosing a vacation rental feels less like a gamble.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred:

I love reading what our guests have to say about their experiences. I don’t have a lot of contact with our customers, so it makes me feel a personal investment in our guests’ stays. There was a particular time when I read a review that mentioned a problem with one of our condos. When I dug a little deeper, I discovered that nobody had reported the issue. I let the appropriate department know, and it was fixed the next day. It felt great to know that subsequent guests would have a better stay.

If you could visit any one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

We have so many amazing properties, it’s hard to pick. But I’m a Texas girl, and I’ve got a lot of family in central Texas. So I’d go to San Antonio and invite them to stay with me!

 

Are you planning a trip? Click Here to view all of our downtown vacation rentals

Meet The Team: Diana

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 1 Comment ↓

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last week we met Perry, one of our senior reservations. This week, we’re talking to Diana, our accounting manager and one of our original employees:

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

After graduating from college and managing a local retail store, I took 8 years off from my career to raise my twin boys. Spokane has been a wonderful, child friendly place to live. Nothing beats our amazing downtown Riverfront Park, Manito park and the hundreds of lakes within a short drive where we love to swim, camp, and lounge around.

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?

As one of the first Stay Alfred team members, I have worked here 2.5 years. I learned about a job opening at Stay Alfred through a family friend who knows the owner.

What are some of your responsibilities?

I run the accounting department and ensure that we are a responsible business.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

The people are hilarious. We definitely live by the “work hard, play hard” motto.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during your time at Stay Alfred?

The company is growing and changing so quickly, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, but that’s what keeps us fired up and excited to work here.

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

The vacation rental industry is relatively new in the United States. There’s a lot to learn and improve on, but Stay Alfred is constantly in the forefront and moving forward.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

We specialize in vacation rentals in the best downtown locations. We provide more space than hotels and a kitchen which is great when you have kids, such a money saver.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred:

After working in almost every position in the company because of my flexible nature, I have learned the ins and outs of the business. My best experience is landing in the accounting department where I am enjoying learning even more. Accounting is like a complex puzzle and I love puzzles.

If you could visit any one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

I would love to stay at the Commonwealth in Philadelphia. My family and I would visit as many historical sites as possible.

 

Are you planning a trip? Click Here to view all of our downtown vacation rentals

Meet The Team: Perry

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last week we met Sandie, one of our hardworking marketeers. This week, we’re talking to Perry, a senior reservationist and overall free spirit:

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Perry, and my Sun AND Moon signs are Cancer, so I like to ride the tides through this strange set of circumstances we casually refer to as existence. I enjoy long walks through the woods, without entertaining the notion of ever leaving. I hope to one day subsist entirely on sunlight and release the need to ingest physical food.

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?
I’ve worked at Stay Alfred for nearly 6 months. I learned about the company while talking to the lead singer of Tone Collaborative at a jam session. She works in customer service and said it’s a great place to work, so I applied.

What are some of your responsibilities?

I am responsible for finding the best rental for everyone who contacts us.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

I appreciate the camaraderie of the team, the dynamic environment of a growing company, and the supportive management.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during your time at Stay Alfred?

The dynamic environment of a growing company leads to changes in the way we serve our customers, like remembering the details of all of our new properties that we keep adding

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

I learned that Vacation Rentals are way comfier than hotels because they have a proper living room, kitchen, and spacious bathrooms.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

I say I work for a company that rents out condos short term, like a hotel.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred:

My favorite day at work was when we had team races on the rolling chairs.

If you could visit any one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

I want to visit the Banner Lofts in Nashville because it’s in the heart of Printer’s Alley, where the best nightlife and concerts are. I also dig the vibe of the building, with it’s classic exposed brick.

 

Are you planning a trip? Click Here to view all of our great downtown vacation rentals

Meet The Stay Alfred Team: Sandie

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 1 Comment ↓

Sandie, Marketing Data Specialist

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last week we met Angela and Deb, our awesome Lead Customer Care Specialists. This week, we’re talking to Sandie, one of our hardworking marketeers:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Sandra Jeffries, I was born in WA but grew up in MT. I spend my first two years of college in AZ but decided it was too hot and I missed the beautiful greenery that I had grown up with. I moved back up to the northwest and attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. Go Eags! I graduated in 2014 with my B.A. in Business Administration. I have been recently considering going back to school and obtaining my MBA through the University of Washington but I haven’t quite decided. I am very family and friend oriented and enjoy spending my spare time with them. I love to attend movies and do different DIY projects. Pinterest is probably one of my closest friends, especially with my new apartment.

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?

I started at Stay Alfred in February of 2015. I learned about the company via the Facebook page and through one of my friends who works here.

What are some of your responsibilities?

I am the Marketing Data Specialist and I help with the coordination of nightly rates into one of our advertising sites. I also assist with updating our rate management system when there’s any changes. I help with the management of ads on advertising sites, whether that’s checking for accuracy, updating an ad, or creating a new one when we open new properties.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

I enjoy the culture of Stay Alfred. It has been nice to work in and for a company who understands the importance of appreciating your employees.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced?

A challenge for me has been being able to fit into the funny, open culture. I have always been a calm and collective person and working here was hard to adapt at first, however I feel it has helped me open up and become a better person.

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

I was very new to the industry and only knew about the scams that are blasted everywhere among the internet. I have always known about how people can be scared to try something new, and I feel that applies to the vacation rental industry. I have learned that not all of them are scams and that they are really a great option when traveling somewhere. They are a great way to get the at-home feeling while away from home.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

I would describe Stay Alfred as a company that legitimately cares about its employees and guests. We are far from a corporate giant.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred:

Free Coffee!!

If you could visit one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

I would love to go to Philadelphia and stay at our Commonwealth property. I have always wanted to immerse myself in the history of our country and Philly is a great place to start!

 

Are you planning a trip? Click here to view all of our great downtown vacation rentals

Meet The Stay Alfred Team: Angela and Deb

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 1 Comment ↓

As part of our ongoing series, we are pulling back the curtain on the Stay Alfred team and introducing you to some of the people who work so hard to make sure you and your family have the best stay possible. Last week we met Alex, our information technology specialist and resident redhead. This week, we’re meeting Angela and Deb, our dynamic duo Lead Customer Care Specialists:

 

Deb (left) and Angela (right), our lead customer care specialists

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Angela: I am a San Diego native, born and raised. My family and I moved to Spokane, Washington in 2012. We love it although still adjusting to actual winters! I have 3 beautiful children, 2 girls and a boy. I enjoy the outdoors, trying new foods, and anything family oriented. I have always been involved in customer service one way or another. I was in the banking industry for 5 years, and when I came across Stay Alfred there was something that said “Don’t pass this up!” This job has become almost like a second home/family. I am very happy to be part of this wonderful team.

Deb: By day, I work in customer service. By night, I sing for a funk band. Music and nature are my two favorite things. I live in the middle of a beautiful forest with my fiance, and spend much of my time off gardening and hanging out with woodland creatures. I have many wonderful friends and an extensive family, and I spend time with them often. I also enjoy good food, especially candy.

How long have you worked at Stay Alfred and how did you learn about our company?

Angela: I have worked at Stay Alfred for a year and a half. I learned about the company when I applied from a Craigslist ad

Deb: I’ve been working for Stay Alfred for 10 months; I learned about the company because a few of my friends worked here and said it was great.

What are some of your responsibilities?

Angela: At Stay Alfred I have had multiple roles. Starting as a reservationist, speaking to many guests about their travels and booking them at our wonderful properties and locations, I have traveled to Nashville and saw first hand all the hard work that goes into getting our units ready. I have recently joined the Customer Care department. I love speaking with all our guests and hearing what they have to say. I work with our cleaning staff to keep communication lines open to ensure our units are presentable and guests receive any special requests.

Deb: I help lead the Customer Care team. I also help make sure guests are comfortable, and ensure that any issues they have are resolved quickly so that they can enjoy their stay as much as possible.

What are some of the things you enjoy about working at Stay Alfred?

Angela: I love speaking with guests and working with them so they have a positive experience with us. I love the office atmosphere and comradery we have. It is amazing to be part of a start-up company and see how fast and how much Stay Alfred has grown in such a short time.

Deb: I enjoy the culture and the fun environment. I love that I’m never bored; there is always work to be done. If I do find myself with a spare moment, the people around me are good people to be around.

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during your time at Stay Alfred?

Angela: Any challenges I have encountered are not negative. Time management has been the biggest thing to work with. We are so busy it doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day, but it is nice to be so busy. I enjoy coming into work everyday ready to dive in!

Deb: Learning to turn off my work brain when I go home is a huge challenge I face with my job. The work here requires you to be so involved, that going home and not thinking about it, or dreaming about it, is not an easy task.

What have you learned about the vacation rental industry while working here?

Angela: Hospitality is our number one priority and everyday we’re learning something new and how to improve.

Deb: I’ve learned that the vacation rental industry is the future of travel. No matter who you are or where you’re traveling to, everyone wants a comfortable place to call home.

How do you describe Stay Alfred to people who are unfamiliar with us?

Angela: I describe Stay Alfred as an excellent alternative to stay with family and friends instead of a hotel. You can feel like you’re at home with all the amenities and space, but with amazing locations you can’t beat.

Deb: Stay Alfred is a company that helps people find the best, most comfortable place for people to stay while traveling the country. We are a company that takes everything into consideration. The unique thing about Stay Alfred is that we are always looking for ways to improve, to upgrade, and to stay relevant with technology and changes in the industry.

Describe your single best experience while working at Stay Alfred:

Angela: I can’t think of one, there’s always something new!

Deb: Anytime I talk to a guest who’s upset, and turn their stay around. When this happens, I know I’m doing my best.

If you could visit any one of our vacation rentals, which would it be and why?

Angela: I would like to visit Boston, I have never been to the east coast and would love to see the atmosphere, city, and all the history.

Deb: I would love to visit the Kensington in Boston. Boston seems like a fun quirky city with a lot of history, and the guests that stay at the Kensington rave about how clean it is, how nice it looks, and how comfortable it is to stay in.

 

Are you planning a trip? Click here to view all of our great downtown vacation rentals