Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Atkinson
Hi Natalie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I come from a family of entrepreneurs on the East Coast, where hard work, perseverance, and ambition have been passed down through generations. After completing my college education in New York and law school in Michigan, I moved to Park City, Utah, in my early twenties. I was seeking a change from the fast-paced East Coast lifestyle and looking for a fresh adventure in a mountain town. Park City offered both a literal and figurative breath of fresh air, and I quickly fell in love with the area.
As I advanced in my career, I realized that my strengths in relationship-building and management, combined with my legal background, could be a unique asset in the real estate industry. After transitioning into real estate, the Great Recession struck, but I saw an opportunity amid the challenges. Many luxury ski homes, bought during the housing boom of the 2000s, were now facing difficulties covering their carrying costs.
Recognizing this need, I combined my expertise in real estate and property management to create my first startup, focused on supporting homeowners in the vacation rental market. This blend of property management and vacation rentals became the foundation of my career and ultimately led to the creation of Mountain West Vacation Rentals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any business, the journey has not been without its challenges. There has been a significant amount of trial and error, particularly when it comes to marketing and managing clients and properties. Over the past 18 years, I’ve encountered setbacks, but each one has been a valuable learning experience. These challenges have allowed me to refine and perfect a business model that has become stronger over time.
Whether it’s collaborating with property owners to maximize investment performance, or ensuring the satisfaction of guests staying in our homes, we’ve continuously refined our processes to deliver exceptional results. Our boutique business model stands out as the most effective way to address the unique needs of both property owners and vacation guests. By combining personalized, high-touch service with top-of-the-line technology, we are able to provide a service that is differentiated in the market.
This tailored approach has been essential in fostering deep, long-term relationships with our clients. We take immense pride in the quality of service we deliver and the consistent, outstanding outcomes we achieve.
We’ve been impressed with Mountain West Vacation Rentals, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mountain West Vacation Rentals was founded with the vision of blending cutting-edge technology with a personalized, boutique property management experience. We saw a gap in the market—many property managers lacked either deep local market knowledge, or did not provide the level of service owners and guests deserved. Our goal was to create a company that offers the best of both worlds: the marketing reach and revenue-maximizing technology of the industry’s largest players, paired with the tailored care and attention that only a locally-focused business can provide.
Over the past few years, we’ve experienced strong growth and established ourselves as one of the leading property managers in the Park City area. We’re incredibly proud of how our vision has flourished into a thriving brand. Our success has also allowed us to make meaningful contributions to the local community, employing numerous locals and working with a network of local vendors to foster community growth.
Our dedication to personalized service, cutting-edge technology, and community involvement truly sets us apart. As we look to the future, we’re excited to bring our unique boutique management approach to new markets and continue to expand within Park City. By tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of each community, leveraging innovative technologies to enhance the client experience, and further fostering local partnerships, we anticipate significant growth that reflects the values and passion that have fueled our success in Park City. We believe this approach will not only strengthen our brand but also create lasting positive impacts in the communities we serve.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I learned early on the value of hard work, high standards, and building strong, authentic relationships. My parents and grandparents ran successful businesses, and they instilled in me the importance of trust, direct communication, and proactive behavior. These lessons shaped my approach to both personal and professional life.
Throughout my career, I’ve always prioritized relationship management, understanding that lasting connections with clients, teams, and partners are essential for success. For nearly two decades, I’ve represented property owners and guests, emphasizing trust and partnership in everything I do. I’ve always been driven by a passion for fostering collaboration and creating personalized experiences, believing that these elements are key to long-term business growth and stability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mountainwestvacationrentals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainwestvacationrentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565117908148
