Newly named
Inspirato with American Express, the LoDo-based vacation-club company has added 1,000 members in 2013 to emerge as the largest in the industry.
The company has grown to 150 employees, most of them based in Denver, and expects to add more "Personal Vacation Advisors" as membership continues to grow, say Senior Public Relations Manager Christine Rafanelli.
Finalized in March, the American Express partnership "has contributed quite a bit to growth," says Rafanelli.
Inspirato was founded in 2011 by Brent and Brad Handler (CEO and Chairman) with COO Martin Pucher and Chief Experience Officer Brian Corbett. The Handlers previously founded Exclusive Resorts in 2002.
The Inspirato model differs in that the company leases the vacation homes in its portfolio rather than buying them outright. "The company now manages nearly $500 million worth of private homes and villas in 60 markets around the world," says Rafanelli.
The leasing-based model "keeps our costs low and we can pass the savings on to our customers," she adds. Traditional vacation clubs have six-figure up-front fees, but Inspirato's is $20,000. Members then pay nightly rates for Inspirato's 140 homes in numerous beach destinations including California, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as mountain meccas like Aspen and Telluride. Each member is assigned to a Personal Vacation Advisor, and there are also concierges onsite at every destination.
The company is leveraging technology for its members with a host of online features and mobile apps, says Rafanelli. "We've been looking at technology to make the experience seamless."
The company also launched Inspirato for Business in April, allowing corporate members access to its portfolio at off-peak times. Peak seasons are reserved exclusively for traditional members.
Rafanelli says the company's business is far-flung, but its focused on Denver. To this end, the company took over the restaurant space below its offices when District Meats closed. "We actually now have our tech team down there in collapsible desks," she says. After business hours, the desks fold up "Batman-style" and the space -- complete with a bar and wood-fired pizza oven -- is available for event rentals.
Contact Confluence Denver Innovation & Jobs News Editor Eric Peterson with tips and leads for future stories at eric@confluence-denver.com.
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