10/09/2026
There’s a side of vacation rental management that almost nobody sees.
It doesn’t show up in a listing description.
It doesn’t make a good Instagram Reel.
And nobody asks about it when they’re comparing management fees.
But this week, it was probably the part of our business I was most proud of.
With a storm approaching the Gulf Coast, our team came together to prepare the homes and condos entrusted to us. New employees worked alongside people who have been doing this for years. Shutters went up. Properties were checked. Owners were contacted. Guests were communicated with. Plans changed by the hour. Problems got solved as they came.
And they were absolute rockstars.
For the last few days I intentionally stepped away from most of the industry commentary I’ve been posting on my professional JD Hallam FB and IG accounts. There were more important things to focus on: getting accurate information to guests, property owners, residents and other people trying to make decisions about the storm.
Tonight, with much of the preparation behind us, I keep thinking about something.
This is the part of professional vacation rental management that is hardest to put on a spreadsheet.
A booking platform can generate a reservation.
Technology can automate a message.
Software can adjust a nightly rate.
But when a storm is coming, somebody still has to show up.
Somebody has to walk the property.
Somebody has to secure what can be secured.
Somebody has to answer the owner’s call.
Somebody has to explain to a guest that their vacation may not happen the way they planned.
Somebody has to coordinate employees, cleaners, maintenance technicians and vendors while also making sure those same people have time to protect their own homes and families.
That is hospitality too.
In fact, I would argue that this is when hospitality matters most.
Our industry has become incredibly good at talking about technology, automation, revenue management, distribution, algorithms and investment returns. All of those things matter.
But sometimes I think we’ve allowed the business of vacation rentals to overshadow the responsibility that comes with taking care of someone else’s vacation home and the people staying in it.
This week was a reminder that there is still no substitute for good local people who care.
And I’m incredibly proud of ours.
To everyone on our team who hauled shutters, checked properties, handled phones, communicated with guests and owners, adjusted reservations, solved problems, and did whatever needed to be done: thank you.
Most people will never see this part of the job.
I do.
And it matters.
Stay safe, Gulf Coast.
