How a vacation rental turned into a lifelong friendship

Jon E. and his family's vacation rental journey began with the goal of seeking a more personalized property management company to care for their first Alaska home.

They met with several management companies—including Vacasa—to ensure they found the right partner. At the same time, they prepared for running a successful vacation rental and designed a condo that delivered the ideal guest experience that evoked the natural beauty of Anchorage.

As the family discussed options, they knew they needed something more than a vacation rental property manager that would simply check off boxes or respond to task requests. Instead, they needed someone who would be present and involved. They needed a partner, and they met Vacasa’s Sales Executive, Stacy N.

"When I met Stacy, something was different. I really liked her. She cared a lot more about me, while the other two companies I’d spoken to just wanted to list my property. That turned into something I didn't expect," says Jon.

Family first

The start of Jon and his family's first vacation rental was anything but conventional. For starters, a series of unfortunate events abruptly placed them in a situation of catastrophic recovery. That led them to shelve their dreams of sharing their Alaska condo with others without a start date in sight.

"We were in a car wreck two years ago, right when we met Stacy and explored joining Vacasa,” Jon recalls. “[Our family] almost died. We had to pause discussing getting our property set up."

For all involved, the condo could wait—family and health came first. For Stacy, this was core to her approach to building relationships with her homeowners.

"You never know another person's suffering or their struggle,” Stacy shares. “Be kind. Always. Put people first, and be proud to serve—no matter what you do."

Setting aside business in favor of compassion and understanding helped build a sense of community that only deepened the friendship Jon and his family had with Stacy.

While Stacy and Jon's family established a friendship outside of Vacasa \ before their unfortunate accident, her thoughtfulness ensured a lifelong friendship that transcended business.

Jon echoed that sentiment by sharing they became Facebook friends, exchanged regular texts and even received a beautiful drawing from Stacy's daughter while they were in the hospital. "We've truly come to appreciate Stacy on a personal level."

New beginnings, same dream

After tremendous work and good fortune, Jon and his family recovered and eventually worked with Stacy to realign their vacation rental goals. And while most of their conversations with Stacy weren't particularly focused on their investment property or business, their initial goal resurfaced when the timing felt right.

Jon was able to pick up where they left off and launch the Midtown Anchorage Basecamp Condo with the help of Stacy and Vacasa.

"We ended up getting a great company to take care of our house, have it listed on all the best possible places, and bring us the peace of mind that comes with wanting that kind of turnkey service that [Vacasa] offers so greatly, but it came with a lifelong friend. Never really thought it would, but Stacy is so wonderful."

"We're incredibly thankful for Vacasa. You guys change people's lives—literally. All [of our] prayers were answered, and we're grateful we're part of your family," Jon says.

A primary goal for Jon's family was to invite others to experience the boundless beauty surrounding their vacation rental in Anchorage, Alaska. They don't take that gift lightly. Recently, Jon shared that his guests always leave his condo inspired and eager to return. What’s more, he sees that continuing with Vacasa at the helm of his property.

In turn, Stacy and the local Vacasa team take this responsibility seriously. "Be present in conversations with your homeowners, team, friends, etc.” Stacy reflects. “They're sharing a gift with you—honor it."