Airbnb & Vrbo Vacation Rental Management for Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville
About Us
Hi! We're Steven, Alex, Gabriella, Megan, Samantha, Cat, and Madison, a close-knit, local property management team based right here in The Smokies. We are a full-service, boutique-style vacation rental management company, focused on serving our local Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville communities with one-on-one, personalized Airbnb and Vrbo property management.
We believe in mixing a personal touch with the latest technologies and data-driven strategies to ensure outstanding property performance. We have years of experience in customer relations, marketing, project management, and advertising, so we know exactly how to promote properties and attract high-quality guests.
Mission
At Grand Welcome of the Smoky Mountains, our mission is to provide exceptional vacation rental property management services that prioritize the unique needs of each of our four clients:
- Guests: We strive to create unforgettable experiences by offering seamless stays, exceptional customer service, and access to the best local vendors and attractions.
- Owners: We partner with real estate investors and second home owners to provide unparalleled care for their properties and maximize their returns.
- Properties: We are committed to ensuring that every property under our management is meticulously maintained, fully optimized, and always up to our high standards.
- Local community: We believe in promoting economic growth and community development by working closely with local vendors and organizations, and by supporting charitable initiatives that make a positive impact in the areas we serve.
Gabriella Riska
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
About ME
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.
What I Love About The Smokies
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.
Megan Brackins
General Manager
About ME
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.
What I Love About The SmokIES
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.
Madison Byron
DIRECTOR OF Operations
About ME
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.
What I Love About the Smokies
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.
Samantha Maher
Guest Service MANAGER
About ME
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.
Cat Marx
Accounting MANAGER
About ME
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.
Steven Brown
Owner
About ME
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!
What I Love About the Smokies
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.
Alex Buchanan
Owner
About ME
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!
What I Love About The Smokies
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.