Name
Chloē Buss
Where are you based?
Job Title
Regional Director of Operations, East Coast
How long have you worked at AvantStay?
2 yrs, 5 months
How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?
Operations is about being able to pivot, to find efficiencies and lead. No day is the same and that’s what I love about it! We get to wear multiple hats, work cross-departmentally and collaborate, meet awesome owners and be movin’ and shakin’ all the time. Operations is not for the faint of heart or those who like routine. You need to be ready to jump at any given point!
How do you like to start your work day?
I am someone who likes to get my blood pumping immediately – so hand me a cup of coffee and then I’ll be either outside running or teaching Barre3. This allows me to move, get some clarity for the day ahead and set intentions.
What teams do you collaborate the most with at work?
In operations, we get to work with a very large group of talented people. Over the past year, us operations folk at AvantStay have been working very closely with our product team. What would traditionally not be seen as a match made in heaven, it has been for us and has contributed to our success. Their willingness to dive deep and problem solve, listen and see what tools they can bring to the table has been a game changer.
What is your favorite thing about working at AvantStay?
I know it sounds cheesy, but the best part about working at AvantStay is the people. My direct team, the leadership and exec team, our guests and owners, etc. We as a company put people first and that is the key to success.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?
For anyone looking to join my team or operations in general, I would say to work with an extreme sense of urgency. Urgency to problem solve and make guests and owners happy. Working with urgency allows you to achieve whatever you want. That’s my secret sauce and a major contributor to my career.
What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?
Being in operations, we collaborate on a lot of projects. But what am I most proud of? My team, hands down. Their growth, execution and success. I am nothing without them and I strive to be the best version of me, every single day for them.
Which AvantStay home is your favorite?
My favorite home in my direct region is Ocean’s Eye in Charleston! Located on Folly Beach and one of the last homes on the peninsula, the views are unmatched. The home is modern, has all of the amenities you could want and gives you views for days.
Give us a fun fact!
I am extremely competitive—with others and with myself. I’m a winner y’all.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to be outside exercising, having lazy beach days, traveling around the globe and spending time with my husband and fur children.
Before working at AvantStay, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I wouldn’t say it’s the most interesting, but I have immense pride in it—I did sales for my family’s garbage company in Oregon. Trash runs deep in our roots and we started the first garbage company in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900’s. My grandfather has one of the last privately owned garbage companies on the West Coast. We’re trashy but classy!
What is your favorite AvantStay memory?
My favorite AvantStay memory is visiting the Berkshires and Hudson Valley for a market visit. Although our footprint isn’t huge in this area, our homes are gorgeous and the scenery is breathtaking.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To do what you truly love, whether it makes you money or not. Thanks, Dad.
What’s your favorite Slack channel?
Hard to choose! I love looking at #AvantStayAppreciation. In there you get to see all of the wonderful things our different teams do to guarantee a quality guest experience.
What’s your favorite AvantStay employee perk?
Getting to travel, duh! I most recently stayed at an AvantStay in Austin for the Formula 1 race and that was amazing.
What has working at AvantStay taught you about the most?
To take risks, trust the other teams around you and stay authentic.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Gosh, it’s hard to choose. You can always catch me having a lazy beach day, but I am a history nerd at heart and that usually dictates where we travel to. I love Amsterdam. I’ve been there several times and it never gets old. The history, the people, the architecture. I love every second of it.
