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AvantStay Employee Spotlight – Franco Mannucci, Human Resource Business Partner

Name

Franco Mannucci

Where are you based?

Bay Area, CA (San Jose specifically)

Job Title

Human Resource Business Partner (HRBP)

How long have you worked at AvantStay?

Since March 28, 2022

How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?

An HRBP is a strategic partner to company leadership and a support function to company personale. Daily functions widely vary from employee relations, engagement, development, org planning and retention all the way to developing, coordinating, and implementing policies, processes, and initiatives to ensure compliance and company needs are being met.

How do you like to start your work day?

As I shared above, a day in the life of an HRBP varies drastically. I like to start my day by visualizing tasks at hand, competing priorities, and executing a plan of action. My day starts with a cup of joe in hand, lo-fi music for white noise, as I review inquiries that have come in since the prior business day. Then I jump straight into manifesting my plan of action!

What teams do you collaborate the most with at work?

People & Talent, Business Affairs, HQ and Market Ops

What is your favorite thing about working at AvantStay?

Working amongst an organization of individuals who are hungry, excellent, resilient, and open. Day in and day out I touch nearly every facet of the business. It never ceases to amaze me how brilliant our team is. Every individual strives to go the extra mile. We help others. We collaborate to drive new initiatives. We are open to feedback and new ideas. Most importantly, we do so with a positive attitude! Easily my favorite part of working at AvantStay.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?

This is a loaded question, so much advice I can share! I will keep it brief. An HRBP is a function within People and Talent. As such we are a support role to the business. It is necessary to embrace a progressive mindset focused on steward leadership to ensure you help foster an environment where talented employees are nurtured and help grow the business.

What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?

I am proud of continuously contributing to the evolution and improvement of team processes by providing feedback and sharing ideas that increase strategic output, drive efficiency and enhance technical capabilities.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I converted a Dodge ProMaster into a home and lived vanlife 1/3rd of the year! On my bucket list is to travel by van to all the National Parks in the contiguous United States.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I live an active lifestyle. Hobbies include running, cycling, and hiking.

Before working at AvantStay, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

In college I did Wildness Search and Rescue at Yosemite for a summer.

What is your favorite AvantStay memory?

My favorite AvantStay memory to date was when I was selected as HERO of the month. I was both nervous and excited to send us away that day. GTGF!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.

What’s your favorite Slack channel?

Oh man, too many to pick just one! Toss up between #avantstay-diy-channel #green-thumbs-of-avant and #petsofavantstay

What’s your favorite AvantStay employee perk?

Travel Credits

What has working at AvantStay taught you about the most?

How lucrative residential rental properties are. Great ROI!

AvantStay’s 2022 HERO’s of the Year

Here at AvantStay, we believe our employees deserve more recognition than just your traditional Employee of the Year – instead, we recognize our HERO’s. An AvantStay “HERO” is someone who is Hungry, Excellent, Resilient, and Open.

Earlier this month, we awarded five talented individuals from our team whose star-power really shined through last year. Please join us in congratulating our 2022 AvantStay HEROs of the year and check out what their teammates had to say!

HERO of the Year

Taylor Wright, CX Manager

“I cannot send enough praise Taylor’s way. She has taken on more challenges this year than I could write. Most notably, she’s transformed our relocations & VIP team into a well-oiled machine while simultaneously building a service improvement team. Taylor has effortlessly taken charge of ensuring AvantStay is positioned to obtain Superhost ensuring we’re learning from each review we receive. Taylor is selfless and easy to work with. She’s proactive when it comes to gaps in the organization, and she’s all about empowering her team members to take ownership, support each other, and hold each other accountable to do great work.”

Most Hungry

Cameron Herget, Brand Content Producer

“Cameron takes initiative to succeed at her role, but she’s also constantly stepped up to support the team and shift to learning new responsibilities. This year, she’s moved seamlessly from focusing on social content to taking on work on the blog, emails, ads, and overall marketing strategy. She’s always fast to respond when someone on the team needs help, and she captures the bold, playful tone of our brand voice & visuals so well across channels and her hunger to improve & learn always shows through!”

Most Excellent

Will Parkhouse, Senior Director of Field Operations

“There are not enough good things to say about Will. I know I speak on behalf of the whole Field Team when I say that I think the world of Will and I know there is no better leader for his role than him. This man is ALWAYS on point! No matter the time of day or how “sticky” of a situation you may be in, Will is there with a huge smile and encouraging words. I have never encountered another person like him at work or even in my personal life. Will’s dedication and drive are unmatched. He has the most positive attitude and enthusiasm for this company and life in general. Of all the amazing assets AvantStay has, Will is definitely one of our best”

Most Resilient

Hannah Gwazdauskas, OX Training & Onboarding Specialist

“Hannah is someone who serves others before herself, takes pride in doing a good job, and always has a good attitude regardless of the situation. She has been dealt an interesting hand this last year at AvantStay with shifting responsibilities, and now leading our offshore team to help alleviate the number of accounts OEM’s have and provide a great experience for all involved. Hannah is an integral part of AvantStay and deserves this award of Most Resilient!”

Most Open

Chloe Buss, Field Operations Regional Director

“Chloe is always open to new ideas that may work better for certain markets or improve the flow of certain field ops teams. When I go into markets, I always ask her what I can do to assist in the market even if it is not one of hers.”

AvantStay’s 2022 Year in Review

We know you’re a trendsetter but figured you’d like to see your year in travel anyway. Below we’ve gathered facts you’ll love about our guests, where you traveled with us and some of our fave moments from you in your vacation era.

Total Number of Guests

You have a lot of friends. 300,000 of you stayed with us!

Top 5 Booked Destinations

We would never pick favorites, but if we did, your top 5 destinations would be: Isle of Palms, Nashville, Telluride, Big Bear Lake, and Palm Springs.

Favorite Day of the Week to Book

Your fave day to book was Wednesday. Did you wear pink?

Most Booked Day

We had the most bookings on August 10. Leo season must have had you feeling confident in your decision-making skills – how on-brand!

Busiest Vacation Days of the Year

You certainly knew how to holiday. Our most booked days this year were for Thanksgiving day and the day after (so you could decompress from all that feasting).

Longest Stay

Some of you really made yourself at home. Our longest stay was 201 days in Key West.

Favorite Homes

You fell in love with just about every home, but particularly the ones in Joshua Tree. Our top rated homes this year was Jackrabbit Ridge.

Most Unique Concierge Service Requested

While all of our concierge requests are unique, one really stood out.

For this San Diego bachelorette weekend, we crafted a total surprise for the bride with tons of fun like: custom robes for their at-home spa day, champagne welcome towers, a boozy brunch, private chef dinners, two nights of VIP Table Service at San Diego’s most popular clubs, a beach bonfire, custom cookies, custom pool floaties, and three full days of a private driver and party bus around San Diego.

Best Event at Our Homes

ICYMI, our homes are perfect for events. With tons of sprawling properties with luxury amenities like pools, private lakes, outdoor kitchens and more, our events team is here to help you plan your dream celebration.

Not to fan-girl, but we kinda did during the Camp Poosh event at Buena Vista in Coachella Valley. From archery to Ephemeral Tattoo, a camp store, friendship bracelet making, and a star-studded guest list, this event really had it going on.

Best Use of Employee Travel Credits

We take just as much pride in our homes as we do our stellar roster of employees. As a small token of our appreciation, our employees get travel credits to stay at our properties so they can get an IRL experience of the brand they rep.

One of our employees really stood out using her travel credits this year. Our Social Media Coordinator, Taylor, used her credit to give her parents an anniversary trip to 121 Hotel in Nashville. Happy anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Vance!

Visiting Arrington Vineyards in Nashville

Most Liked Instagram Post

You loved following us on IG, but the fan fav was this reel. See for yourself by clicking the picture below.

Most Liked TikTok Post

We’re proud of you for making the transition to TikTok. Here, our best video was this one where we used our astro-knowledge to decide where you should travel based on your star sign. Click the picture below to check it out.

Hacienda at Coachella in Coachella Valley

Most Unique Home Amenity

Amenities are kind of our thing. True to 2022, our most unique amenity of the year has to go to the pickleball court at Date Palm Estate in Coachella Valley. We obviously like to stay on-trend so we had to add one to this stunner of a stay.

Most Requested AvantStay Swag

So you hopped up out of bed, turned your swag on, and landed on a favorite swag item of ours. Our most requested swag item was this OOO hat, which in a totally unbiased opinion, we think makes for the best way to let your boss know you’re taking time off.

And that’s a wrap, 2022! Thanks for all your stays and shared experiences – we can’t wait to see you next year!

AvantStay Spotlight: Adriann Hobbs, Task Force Manager

Name:
Adriann Hobbs

Where are you based?

Austin, TX

Job Title:

Task Force Manager

How long have you worked at AvantStay?

Just hit 1 year in September!

How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?

As a Task Force Manager, I travel to different AvantStay destinations and support our teams in the field. This support spreads over a range of things including training new employees, completing any ongoing product management projects in the markets, onboarding installations, disaster relief—the list goes on. Basically, if there’s a major need in any of our markets, the Task Force team is here to help!

How do you like to start your work day?

I wake up around 5:30 a.m., listen to the Breakfast Club (or something on YouTube), then go to the gym or run. From there I grab some coffee, check Slack and my emails, and have a stand-up with the team to go over our plan of action for the day. Outside of that, my days are varied and range from visiting current or onboarding properties in the market to assess their conditions or completing ongoing PM projects in our markets.

What teams do you collaborate the most with at work?

It would have to be field operations, onboarding, and owner experience.

What is your favorite thing about working at AvantStay?

My favorite thing about working at AvantStay is having the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of amazing teams across the nation! I get to meet a lot of great people who truly care about the success of AvantStay.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?

Have a service-minded approach on what both a guest and owner would expect in our homes while on vacation, and be open to travel across the nation at any time of the year!

What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?

First, it would have to be successfully getting Austin started. Right before this role, I was the Area Manager for Austin, and the market at the time had 0 (count ’em ZERO) homes when I started. Starting with the first property in the market, Dawson, it took the collaboration of both Jackson (Austin, Assistant Area Manager) and me to locally onboard each home, get them stocked and up to our brand standards, and ensure that they were fully guest ready!

Another thing is training the team in Key West. Key West is one of our new markets, and it is also unique in that we acquired the homes from another vacation rental company. It was great to work directly with the team to get them ‘up to speed’ on our systems, processes, and the AvantStay’s overall mission.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I studied abroad in Mexico for two months in college!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cooking! I can stay in a zen state of mind while cooking. There is something about having the opportunity to create something beautiful with only a few (or a multitude) of ingredients at your disposal.

Before working at AvantStay, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

It’s not really unusual, but I used to work at the Hobby Center in Houston. A lot of people don’t know this, but I’m a huge musical fan, so that was a convenient way to work and watch ‘free’ Broadway musicals!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Just take a deep breath!” It’s simple but has a major effect. We’re in a field that can be extremely stressful at times, and you never know what challenge you’ll face each day. Regardless of the situation, relax, take a deep breath, and try to recenter yourself to take on the issue. You may not be able to control the issue, but you can always control your actions.

What’s your favorite AvantStay employee perk?

Did someone say Unlimited PTO, Perks at Work, and Gym reimbursements? Sign Me Up!

Where is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Anywhere in the Caribbean! The views, food, and relaxing ambiance is amazing—plus you can’t beat the activities. Zipline anyone?

Words from the Wise: An Interview with JOJA founder, Jasmine Tookes

model, jasmine tookes, sits on porch outside wrapped in a blanket and holding a coffee mug with snow covered foliage in the background

Model, business-owner, and former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Jasmine Tookes, took her friends on a weekend getaway to our vacation home Canopy in Park City, Utah. We sat down with Jasmine to hear her more about her stay and her new business, JOJA.

Tell us some of your favorite things about the home you chose for your stay in Park City.

I stayed at the home Canopy, and my favorite feature in the house was definitely the downstairs hang-out area. My friends and I spent so much time down there playing games. I also absolutely loved the outdoor hot tub. It’s so beautiful and cozy to sit in a hot tub while it’s snowing with a spectacular view.

Canopy AvantStay vacation rental in Park City

Is there anything that really stood out to you about the home?

The location of the house could not be more perfect, we were only about five minutes from the slopes. This made it really great for the group when someone wanted to go back early or join later on the mountain.

The back of a large AvantStay home covered in snow

You can’t beat the skiing here in Park City. Now for the bigger question—what is your go-to aprés ski drink?

My go-to apres-ski drink is a Moscow Mule, It’s always just so refreshing after a long day on the slopes!

relaxing time in AvantStay vacation rental in Park City

We know you’re big into fitness. Do you keep up with any workout routines while traveling?

It’s always really hard to stay in a routine while traveling, but I found that if I travel with a few booty bands and ankle weights I’m able to get a decent workout in. A lot of people also think you need a gym to get a good workout or a giant space but you can actually get a lot done in small spaces as well. My best friend Josephine and I started JOJA, which is a lifestyle/fitness brand, and we share workouts that you can do in the comfort of your home. It’s been great to see what our community can accomplish at home throughout the pandemic.

Enjoying time in AvantStay vacation rental

Your company, JOJA, is all about working out with your best friends. Did you incorporate this into your stay at our Park City home?

JOJA is about getting your body moving, so in Park City, our workouts for the weekend were all about skiing. We were on the slopes for about 6 hours every day, and my legs were so sore! There’s nothing better than getting a workout in, while not even thinking about it, while also having the best time with friends.

Ggather in front of a stone fireplace in AvantStay vacation rental in Park City

We’re so glad you had a great time with us in Park City! Which AvantStay destination is next on your list?

Well, I just saw that you offer Cabo San Lucas, which is one of my favorite places to visit as it is so easy to travel from Los Angeles. Cabo has so many beautiful homes to offer! I actually spent my birthday there with a few friends and I cannot wait to go back.

The outdoor area of an AvantStay vacation rental house

AvantStay Spotlight: Silvia Lundgren, Product Manager I

Name:

Silvia Lundgren

Where are you based?

Santa Monica, CA

Job Title:

Product Manager I

How long have you worked at AvantStay?

A year and a half (since Nov 2021)

How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?

As a Product Manager, I prioritize and launch product features that help AvantStay drive revenue and reduce costs. I currently work on our internal Property Management System, and my user base is our internal Customer Experience team. I work with CX leadership to define the biggest problems the team faces. After prioritizing which issues to solve, I work with Design and Engineering to come up with feasible technological solutions that solve our user’s needs.

How do you like to start your work day?

I usually start my work day with a cup of black coffee as I check Slack messages. My days are usually pretty meeting heavy, and I work with teams across many different time zones, so it’s important for me to catch up on conversations before the day gets too hectic.

What teams do you collaborate the most with at work?

Customer Experience, Marketing, Product & Engineering

What is your favorite thing about working at AvantStay?

Definitely my amazing colleagues on the Product & Engineering team! Everyone is so collaborative and smart, and we all come from different backgrounds, which means I’m always learning something new.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?

Despite our scale, AvantStay is still a startup. Things move quickly here – don’t be surprised if your team or your priorities change every couple of months. While the fast-paced environment can be intense, it means there are many opportunities for leadership and initiative on all rungs of the ladder. Don’t be afraid to speak up and take ownership if you notice a process or product feature that needs a leader!

What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?

I am most proud of launching our internal reservation management tools this past December. It was the biggest and highest-stakes product launch I’ve led. The new tools have enabled us to unlock greater customization and efficiency for our CX teams. The month leading up to the launch was pretty stressful, but now I can look back on the project with pride and satisfaction!

Which AvantStay home is your favorite?

Palione Papalani in Kailua, Oahu is on my AvantStay bucket list. The pool and tropical backyard look like a mini resort and the home is within walking distance from one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii – Lanikai Beach.

What is your favorite AvantStay memory?

My favorite AvantStay memory is our Product Team offsite in Temecula. It was so fun to spend quality time with my team, and the wineries in Temecula were so beautiful. And of course, we were staying at a beautiful AvantStay home!

What’s your favorite Slack channel?

My favorite Slack channel has got to be #dev-fun, where my product and engineering coworkers post random memes and videos. The jokes can be pretty nerdy, but that’s what makes them fun.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?

I am fluent in Portuguese! I fell in love with Brazilian music in high school, which inspired me to learn Portuguese in college and then live in Rio for 3 months during a summer internship. Many years later, I met my now-husband in Los Angeles – and he is from Rio of all places! Many of the engineers at AvantStay live in Brazil, so knowing Portuguese and Brazilian culture makes work extra fun.

Where is your favorite vacation spot and why?

I’m a sucker for Brazil. Most recently, I visited Angra Dos Reis, about 2 hours south of Rio de Janeiro. If AvantStay ever goes international, this is the place to go!