MEET THE VRC TEAM

Mary Beth serves as Vacation Rental Collective’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mary Beth joined VRC (formerly Premier Vacation Rentals Group) in October of 2017 as the company’s first employee and COO. In late 2022, Mary Beth was promoted to CEO following the passing of the company’s co-founder and original CEO, Chris Bettin. In her role as CEO, Mary Beth defines the strategic direction for VRC, leads the company’s merger and acquisitions and market expansion efforts, administers the company’s quality assurance measures, and serves as the operations liaison and technical advisor for the Owners and Managers running day-to-day operations in VRC’s multiple markets. While she no longer plays an active role in running daily operations, during her tenure Mary Beth played a critical role in establishing the foundations and procedural integrity that serves as the backbone of VRC’s service delivery.

Mary Beth's love for hospitality started at an early age, helping her mom run their family’s bed and breakfast in the heart of Southern Colorado. This early connection to the warmth of hosting and creating unforgettable memories left an indelible mark on her. This passion was rekindled when she returned to the hospitality industry, focusing her energy and expertise on vacation rentals. For Mary Beth, hospitality is not just about providing a place to stay; it's about immersing guests in the local culture and community, creating authentic, unforgettable experiences. Her approach is simple—personalized service and meticulous attention to detail. She believes in establishing a connection with every guest, ensuring that their stay is not just comfortable but a memory they'll cherish.

With nearly a decade of experience in local government management and municipal governance prior to joining VRC, Mary Beth is well-versed in local government policies and regulations that impact vacation rentals. She holds Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Environmental Science and Geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver. As a Colorado native, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Colorado’s great outdoors trail running, mountain biking, camping, fly fishing, and adventuring with her husband, Sean, and their dog Eddi.

Keith Brant is a founding principal and owner of Vacation Rental Collective (VRC) formerly known as Premier Vacation Rentals Group LLC (PVRG), offering vacation rentals around Purgatory, Purgatory Resort and the greater Durango area. He launched the business in October 2011 while serving as the Financial Controller for La Plata Electric Association (LPEA). Due to the accelerated growth of VRC, by September 2012, after more than four years with LPEA, Keith felt it necessary to step down from his controller position to pursue his new business full time.Keith directly manages all of VRC operations and provides strategic leadership focused on revenue growth, increased efficiencies, and technological innovations to provide the highest level of service in the vacation rental management business. Since moving to Durango, Colorado in 2008, Keith has actively sought opportunities for involvement in the community and ways to “give back.” He was a member of the Durango Area Tourism Office Board of Directors from 2012-2015 and served on the Durango Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2009–2012, including a year as Board President. Keith was a Durango City Councilor from 2013-2017. Prior to joining LPEA, Mr. Brant worked overseas as a Finance Manager in the oil service industry, including experience in 30 countries. Mr. Brant’s diverse business background has provided him with a broad-based knowledge of business, economic development and community-specific concerns. Traveling the world and living overseas has also given him a much greater appreciation for Durango and the community as a whole, and he truly understands how fortunate he is to live in Durango. Keith is an avid golfer (not good, but avid) and also loves hiking and being outdoors and traveling. He and his wife Sabrina have two daughters.

Russell joined the team in the summer of 2021 as the National Director of Sales and is now the VP of Business Development. Russell has over 25 years of experience in delivering solutions to the end user in a variety of industries including, Resorts & Hospitality, FinTech and Enterprise Software Sales. Leveraging the technical and process advantages learned and applied in organizations that range from start-up to well-established publicly traded organizations combined with the power of strong relationships crucial to successful property management, Russell brings a diverse skill set to the organization. His ability to connect, engage, and learn from everyone he meets is one of his favorite aspects of being in sales. When Russell isn't hustling to grow the portfolio and establishing lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships, you will find this Tex-pat outside: in the woods or on the water hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, biking and probably getting too much sun with his incredible wife and fantastic children and eclectic group of friends. Either that, or wrenching on his LandCruisers.

Marilyn’s hospitality experience dates back to her college internship at the Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort Guest Services Department. The experience of connecting with guests and being able to create lasting memories for them quickly became Marilyn’s passion. She graduated from St. Leo University with a BA in Hospitality Management and has been fortunate enough to spend her entire career in this amazing industry.

Her career has spanned over 35 years at several resort properties in Florida to include Innisbrook Resort (1000 units), PGA National Resort (300 rooms/cottages) and Sheraton Sand Key Resort (390 rooms). Her roles have ranged from reservationist to front desk agent to leadership roles in hotel operations focused on efficiencies as well as guest service. Marilyn’s true passion is creating exceptional guest experiences and one of her favorite roles was that of service culture trainer. In this role Marilyn trained over 300 resort associates on guest service and the Sheraton brand/culture. Sharing her passion with all resort associates was truly a highlight of her career.

The majority of Marilyn’s career has been spent in various roles at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL. She has worked at the Sheraton as Director of Guest Services and Rooms focusing on service standards, reservations and operating procedures. As Revenue Management evolved from an airline process to a hotel process, Marilyn transitioned to Director of Administration and Revenue Management to learn the discipline and create the resort’s Revenue Management Department. In this role, Marilyn was tasked with the objective of creating procedures and processes, implementing a new revenue management system, and training associates in the revenue management discipline. She led tactical revenue optimization strategies and oversaw rooms merchandising and marketing. In addition, she monitored daily hotel operations and organized the implementation of Starwood and Sheraton mandated initiatives.

Marilyn has been working with VRC in a consulting capacity and on a part time basis since 2018.

Throughout her career, she has developed an extensive background in dealing with hotel operations, service culture training, marketing and revenue management, and spearheading the development of detailed training plans. She is dedicated to delivering high quality service while remaining focused on top line revenue and profit. She works passionately for the overall success and achievement of the organizations’ goals.
When not working Marilyn can be found cheering on her local Tampa Bay Buccaneers or visiting Florida State University to cheer on the Seminoles. Her pride and joy is her family…her husband Jeff and daughter Molly (who attends FSU). Marilyn remains in awe of the beauty that surrounds her on a daily basis while living in Florida and enjoys being around and on the water.

Levi Lloyd serves as Vacation Rental Collective’s Director of Operations and supports the daily operations in our Durango, Ouray and Ridgway markets. Levi Joined the VRC team in January of 2022 and brings nearly two decades of operations and infrastructure management to the VRC team as well as 15 years of experience in local government management. Levi holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science from Arizona State University. He also holds professional certifications in Executive Leadership and Management from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. As a lifelong resident of the Four Corners region, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors and enjoys camping, fly fishing, riding motorcycles, mountain biking, wake surfing and exploring all the adventures that the Southwest has to offer.

Amanda joined Vacation Rental Collective (VRC) in the Spring of 2022 as the Creede Collection Operations Manager.

As a 4th generation Creede native, Amanda brings years of hospitality experience and small business management expertise. Having worked for and managed several other Creede-based hospitality businesses, including Humphrey's Lodge, The Creede Smokehouse, Kips Grill, and the Big 6 BBQ, Amanda is a seasoned hospitality professional with unmatched familiarity with the service industry. She understands the needs and preferences of guests who return year after year to enjoy all Creede has to offer. She is excited to help guests maximize their increasingly valuable vacation time while enjoying all Creede has to offer.

Prior to joining the VRC team, Amanda spent nearly a decade at La Plata Electric Association in Durango, CO, where she built and maintained the Electrical Safety Program, oversaw LPEA's Renewable Generation Energy projects, and excelled at member relations. Prior to LPEA she served as a medical assistant to the area's only Neurosurgeon. Amanda's passion for helping people is one of admiration, her ability to cultivate relationships and develop new ones makes her a great addition to VRC. Her professionalism, organizational skills, and high level of attention to detail enhance VRC owners' and guests' experiences.

Amanda, along with her husband Clay, have two beautiful daughters. In their free time, you can find them on some sort of adventure: hiking, biking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, camping, skiing or just enjoying family time together.

Sara joined Vacation Rental Collective in May 2022 as Operations Manager for the Santa Fe, Fredericksburg and Phoenix collections. As an Austrian native, she brings a decade of hospitality experience spanning two continents to the VRC team. She has been living in New Mexico since 2017 and previously managed a large hotel Food and Beverage operation in downtown Santa Fe. Her experience in managing large teams, providing top-notch customer service and leading operations makes her a great addition to VRC!

Rachel started with the VRC team in spring of 2022 as the Denver and Summit County Collection Operations Manager.

As a Colorado native, Rachel has a profound understanding of the unique qualities and attractions that the state has to offer. This knowledge allows her to curate exceptional vacation experiences for guests, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture that make Colorado a sought-after destination.

In addition to her role in the vacation rental industry, Rachel is also a successful entrepreneur, owning a staging and design business. With her creative flair and meticulous attention to detail, she has the ability to transform spaces into inviting and visually stunning environments.

Alongside her professional endeavors, Rachel cherishes her role as a wife and mother. She is blessed with a loving husband named Mike, two wonderful boys named Declan and Kye, a dog named River, and a cat named Matzah Ball. The joy and love she experiences within her family inspire her dedication to create exceptional guest experiences.

With her passion for people, attention to detail, and deep appreciation for the Colorado lifestyle, Rachel is a valuable asset to the VRC team.

Hello there! I'm Ray, a New Mexico native who traded the desert sands for the majestic peaks of Colorado in the mid-90s. Since then, I've called the vibrant Denver area my home, embracing the city's energy and the captivating Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Professionally, my journey has been a thrilling ride through the world of finance. With over 20 years of experience under my belt, I've navigated the intricate paths of helping thousands of individuals and families meet their retirement needs. Additionally, I had an adventurous stint as a business owner, where I got a taste of the challenges and rewards that entrepreneurship brings.

Beyond the numbers and balance sheets, you'll often find me out on the green, swinging away with a passion for golf that has grown into an integral part of my life. The golf course is a place where challenges are met with determination and camaraderie is as important as the scorecard. Through birdies and bogeys, I've learned that the lessons of golf often mirror the lessons of life.

While my career and golf game have been constants, as a father to these four-legged friends, I've discovered the unbreakable bond that forms between humans and their furry companions. Their wagging tails and unconditional love have added a unique joy to my journey.

However, life has a way of leading us down unexpected avenues. These days, I'm dedicated to creating memorable experiences in the realm of guest relations. By providing exceptional service and fostering connections, I'm able to bring a touch of joy and comfort to those I interact with. It's a shift that's aligned with my belief in the power of human connections to enrich our lives.

So here's to new horizons, fairway adventures, and the enduring companionship of dogs—a bio that's as diverse and colorful as the journey itself.

In September 2023, Heidi joined the VRC team, in the Creede and South Fork Collections, as a Guest Services Representative. Heidi spent 13 years working in public education, where she cultivated relationships and helped others grow and thrive. Heidi's connection to Creede goes beyond her professional life. She grew up hunting in Creede with her father each fall and fell in love with the area after her first visit. She always knew she wanted to call Creede home someday. Heidi eventually made her dreams come true, where her passion for teaching, combined with her love for the area, brought her and her family to this picturesque location. For the past three years, Heidi was the General Manager of a busy lodge. In this role, she oversaw various aspects of the lodge, including lodging, the restaurant, and entertainment. Heidi's hospitality background and love for Creede make her a valuable addition to the VRC team. Her diverse skill set and passion for the outdoors allow her to share her enthusiasm for the region with our guests and provide an enhanced guest experience. Heidi and her kids share a love for the outdoors and enjoy various activities, including hiking, exploring, rock hounding, or sitting by the campfire eating s'mores and making memories.

Erika joined the Vacation Rental Collective (VRC) (formerly Premier Vacation Rentals) team in May of 2019 and serves as our Guest Services Representative. Erika brings a wide range of customer service and property management experience both of which help her flourish in this business. A Durango transplant from West Texas, who graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelors degree in University Studies, she spends her free time adventuring, snow skiing, mountain biking, and traveling.

Andy joined the Vacation Rental Collective (formerly Premier Vacation Rentals) team in August of 2020 as a Guest Services Representative.  Andy has 20 years of Customer Service experience from the Retail and credit card processing industries, before joining VRC, which has helped him hone many customer service skills.  When he's not coaching his son's basketball team or jamming out on the drums at church, you will probably find him camping, traveling or playing a strategy board game with friends and family.

Cindy joined the Vacation Rental Collective team in December of 2020 as a Guest Service Representative. Cindy's career in the customer service industry started soon after graduating from the University of Arizona in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  Cindy takes pride in assisting guests in planning and executing their perfect vacations! Durango is home to Cindy and her family.  It's also where she met her husband, Justin, in 2003, shortly after moving to town. Justin and Cindy were married in 2005; they have a son that attends Miller Elementary. In her spare time, Cindy loves hiking, camping, and traveling.

Born and raised in Taos, NM. Anna moved to Durango in Summer of 2004 & attended Fort Lewis College. Where she graduated with her BA in Tourism & Resort Management in December of 2008. She's been in & out of Durango for the past 19 years. Most recently, her husband and her moved from Steamboat Springs, CO in May of 2021 where they resided for 8 years.

Anna loves to be outside and enjoys everything from biking, paddle boarding, hiking, camping/backpacking to snowboarding and traveling. She also enjoys group fitness workouts that she does online at home. Fun fact about Anna: During her junior year in high school she went abroad to Finland for 6 months as an exchange student.

Brian has been in the hospitality industry from a very young age, starting with working in restaurants and going to Culinary school. This career choice led him to buy out a small classic mom and pop hamburger shop he had been working at while in his last semester at Oklahoma State Technical Institute. Learning very quickly how to operate a business efficiently and effectively, this path propelled his desire to help others and gave him the opportunity to work as a Direct Care Staff Trainer for a Boys’ home. There he assumed many positions as he helped operate one of the largest at-risk youth homes. Moving to Durango in 2013 with his Wife and Son, to go back to college, Brian Supervised vacation rentals. Then, in April of 2022 was welcomed to The Vacation Rental Collective team where he actively strives to provide our guests with top notch service before, during and after their stay.

Carly joined the VRC as a Property Care Supervisor in 2022. She moved to Durango for her love of rock climbing, snowboarding, and river surfing along with all of the other outdoor splendor that Durango has to offer. Carly moved to Durango to fully immerse herself in mountain life and outdoor pursuits in Durango. She has diverse experience working in customer service related roles and is passionate about sharing her love of the area with our VRC guests!

Brian joined the VRC team initially in the Fall of 2017 as an independent part-time Sales Executive focusing on Owner Acquisition, and establishing our Denver market alongside Scott Hemerda. Now a full-time Sales and Business Development professional at VRC, Brian is now focused on continued growth throughout the Front Range, establishing strategic relationships, and building out new targeted markets for VRC. Prior to joining VRC, Brian spent 15 years in the Financial Services serving in Enterprise Sales, Business Development, and Team Director roles. He’s worked for publicly traded Fortune 500 companies, and several private start-ups. He resides in Denver alongside his wife Jamie, and two sons Caden and Silas. Brian spends his free time trail running throughout the mountains surrounding Denver, fly fishing, golfing, and traveling. He’s also a graduate of Fort Lewis College’s school of Business.

Emma has been involved with VRC since September 2020, and she formally joined the team in October 2022 as our full-time Special Projects Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She has years of experience serving company executives, managing projects, and assisting in business administration operations. When she is not working, you can find her expressing herself through art, skiing the slopes, or relaxing at home with her kitty, S’mores.

Katy joined the team in June 2018 as VRC’s Marketing Coordinator and is based out of the Durango market. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Communications from TCU in Fort Worth, Texas and has prior experience working for agencies in Dallas and Washington, D.C. She has numerous years of experience working as a digital marketer in the hospitality and real estate industries. She enjoys data and design. If she is not working at VRC, you can find her spending time with her cats Link and Zelda or climbing some mountains.