I'm Gabriella, the Senior Director of Business Development at Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. I was born and raised in Southern NJ and earned my Hospitality degree from the College of Charleston in SC. I've developed a deep passion for this ever-evolving field with six years in the short-term rental industry and fifteen years in the hospitality industry. I find immense satisfaction in helping owners maximize their investments.
When not working, I love to travel, explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and spend quality time with my friends and family. I'm also a food enthusiast, with The Peddler Steakhouse, The Old Mill Restaurant, and Crockett's Breakfast Camp being my go-to spots in the area. Living in the Smoky Mountains, I always take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's hiking, biking, fishing, or skiing. I'm excited to bring my passion for this region and industry to my role at Grand Welcome.
Hi, I'm Megan Brackins, General Manager at Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. My journey has been focused on mastering the intricacies of property management, hospitality, and business development. My expertise lies in navigating the vibrant and challenging world of short-term rental management, a field where I've adapted and thrived, meeting the evolving needs of both property owners and guests.
At Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains, my role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that every aspect of our short-term rental properties, from acquisition to guest satisfaction, is handled with precision and care. Under my leadership, we've implemented innovative strategies to optimize property performance, always aiming to maximize the return on investment for our clients. My approach combines deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking mindset, crucial in driving success in this competitive market.
Building and nurturing strong relationships with clients is at the heart of my work. I work closely with property owners, understanding their unique objectives and crafting tailored management strategies. My commitment to open communication and transparency has been key in fostering trust and establishing long-term partnerships.
Spending time with my family is my greatest joy, whether we're hiking, biking, or embarking on new adventures. The Pottery House Cafe holds a special place in my heart as my favorite restaurant, while Dollywood, especially during the Great Pumpkin LumiNights festival, is my top pick for a tourist attraction. The Ramsey Cascades trail stands out as my favorite hike in the Smoky Mountains.
I'm Madison, Director of Operations at Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. I'm a Charleston, SC, native and a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, where I earned my business degree. My professional journey includes three years in the short-term rental industry and a stint in real estate sales.
I initially joined Grand Welcome as General Manager in Austin/Hill Country, an experience that has been invaluable in helping me better support my teams of General Managers across all our markets. I'm passionate about what I do and love the dynamic nature of this industry.
When I'm not working, I cherish spending time with my friends and family, exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, trying out new restaurants in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, and hiking local trails. As for my favorite things in the Smoky Mountains, I love the vibrant natural beauty, the rich history, and the fantastic food. From the hiking trails in the park to the Dollywood theme park and the diverse culinary scene, there's always something exciting to explore in this region. I'm thrilled to bring my passion for these communities to my role at Grand Welcome.
Hey there! I'm Samantha Maher, your Guest Service Manager here at Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. I was born and raised in Connecticut, where I also earned my Management degree from Sacred Heart University.
With a decade of customer service experience under my belt, including six years dedicated to building and managing successful teams, I'm all about making every guest feel like they're stepping into their dream home when they stay with us. Nothing makes me happier than seeing those five-star reviews roll in, knowing I've helped create unforgettable experiences!
I'm passionate about the short-term rental industry and thrive on helping property owners make the most of their investments. With my commitment to excellence and knack for building genuine connections, I'm here to ensure every stay with Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains is nothing short of fantastic.
Hello, I’m Cat Marx, the Accounting Manager at Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains.
Before joining Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains, I spent a decade as a teacher. My growing interest in accounting led me to transition from education to finance, a move that culminated in my current role, where I apply my diverse skills and experiences to manage and oversee the company's accounts payable operations.
I look forward to partnering with you and helping you achieve your financial goals with your short-term rental.
Hi there, I'm Steven Brown, a proud Tennessean, and a U.S. Army Veteran. I've served my country with honor, and now, I'm serving the vibrant community of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge with my short-term vacation rental business, Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. I've always been passionate about promoting the welcoming spirit of the Smoky Mountains, and through my business, I aim to make every visitor feel right at home.
I'm also actively involved in organizations such as the Smoky Mountain Tourist Development Authority, the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, and the Smoky Mountains Lodging Association. I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and I'm always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses.
If you're interested in learning more about Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains or simply want to connect with me, I'd love to hear from you!
When I'm not working, you can spot me strolling around the vibrant Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge area, immersing myself in the local community and savoring some of my favorite local spots, such as Seasons 101, Crockett's Breakfast Camp, or The Old Mill.
Hello there, I'm Alex, the proud owner of Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. I was born and raised in Easton, PA, and later graduated from Penn State University.
My passion for aviation led me to serve as an Aviation Officer and Helicopter Pilot for eight years. This experience instilled a sense of discipline and commitment that I now apply to my business.
Eventually, my journey brought me to visit the Smoky Mountains. My wife Kerry, stepdaughter Lana, son Olympiu, our two dogs, and four chickens make our home a lively and loving place.
Now, I'm dedicated to providing a grand welcome to all visitors of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge through my short-term vacation rental business. I look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant community!
When I'm off duty, you'll often find me enjoying chess at the local chess club, exploring the unique art collections at the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community or the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, or relishing a meal at one of my favorite local eateries, such as Dolly Parton's Stampede or The Pancake Pantry.
We always go the extra mile managing your property, treating guests like family, earning 5-star reviews, and increasing revenue for you.
Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains truly views management as a partnership and has helped me maximize my rental income. Even higher than originally projected! They go above and beyond in always providing me with feedback and ways to improve revenue in a competitive market.
I switched to Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains this time last year - they have increased my rental revenue, and offer the utmost attention to detail. I would recommend them to any owner seeking management!!
Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains has been wonderful to work with. They take care of my home like their own. I strongly recommend to any owners looking for management!
Highly recommend The Grand Welcome team here in the Smokies! The customer service is very professional and all of their properties are clean inside and out! You can tell they take pride in what they do!!!!
Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains has been wonderful to work with. They take care of my home like their own. I strongly recommend to any owners looking for management!
Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains has been wonderful to work with. They take care of my home like their own. I strongly recommend to any owners looking for management!
We have been incredibly happy working with the Grand Welcome management team in the Smoky Mountains. We had been struggling with our previous management company, and transitioning to Grand Welcome has been a breath of fresh air! Communication is accurate, punctual, and professional. We are treated like a person and valued as an individual. The team takes excellent care of our home when we are away. Grand Welcome also seems to truly value the neighborhood feel of the Smoky Mountains, ensuring that our guests are appropriate and respectful of our home, our neighbors, and our beautiful community. Thanks a bunch!
After interviewing several management companies, I am happy to have found Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains. They are extremely knowledgeable & truly go above and beyond for their owners. I recommend them to anyone looking for a professional property management company.
Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains has been wonderful to work with for our rental property! They are very responsive to our requests and our guests always leave feeling well taken care of. You can tell they take pride in providing quality services all around. We highly recommend using this team for management or rentals!
The Grand Welcome team here in Smoky Mountains were exceptional to work with. They provide personalized property management. Highly recommend them for anyone searching for someone to market their property in the area. Veteran owned business!
The standard fee for managing a short-term rental property in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, TN can fluctuate between 10-35%. This depends on whether your chosen company provides partial or full-service management. For example, some larger national companies might offer partial management at a discounted rate, which would require more involvement from you in coordinating tasks like liaising with cleaning crews, restocking supplies, changing linens, and overseeing maintenance.💸 Leave it to us, we'll help you make more than you would on your own. We're happy to work with you and customize a management solution that aligns with your financial goals.
Yes, short-term vacation rentals are allowed in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, TN. However, there are certain rules and regulations that you must follow. You'll first need to obtain a short-term rental permit from the city or county where your property is located. The permit application process and requirements vary by location, so be sure to check with your local government for more information. You'll also need to make sure that your property is zoned for short-term rentals and that it meets all applicable building codes.
😅 Take the headache out of managing your own vacation rental. Partner with us and we will take care of the everything for you.
Yes. The state of Tennessee has a 7% sales tax on short-term rental income. The cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge all have their own local taxes on short-term rental income. The tax rates vary by city, so be sure to check with your local government for more information.
🎸 Make life easier and allow us to collect and remit taxes on your behalf. We'll do all the heavy lifting and ensure all taxes are collected and remitted to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.