Meet Lori Taylor, founder of AZ Desert Vacations, a woman-owned and women-run vacation rental management company based in Arizona. Launched in 2020, the business quickly grew from managing a few personal properties to overseeing more than 50 homes across Arizona and Belize. With a background in mortgage lending and a hands-on approach, Lori has grown the business with a simple mission: treat every home like it’s her own, provide an exceptional guest experience, and help owners maximize their revenue.
Can you tell us a little bit about your history?
I founded AZ Desert Vacations in 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona with my previous business partner, after managing my own vacation rentals for years. I saw firsthand how many property management companies were falling short and I knew I could do better. Our mission from day one has been simple: treat every home like it’s our own, provide an exceptional guest experience, and help owners maximize their revenue.
We grew quickly, going from 2 to 10 properties in our first year, then to 50 the next. I hired my first team member after 14 months, and today we have a small but mighty team of four in Arizona. We also manage a large property in Belize with two local employees on the ground there.
As a woman-owned and women-run company, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Even in a tough market, we’re focused on thoughtful growth, strong relationships, and doing right by both our owners and our guests.
What is your background?
I started my career in mortgage lending in 1998, quickly moving into branch and district management roles before shifting back to full-time loan origination when I started my family. My family began owning short-term rentals in 2010, and in 2019, we purchased and I started personally managing our villa in Belize. I was born in Alaska and spent most of my life in Washington before relocating to Arizona in 2021, where I launched AZ Desert Vacations. I’m passionate about building businesses, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed through hands-on leadership.
Were you always in VR or property management, or is this a 2nd/3rd career?
This is actually my second career. I spent over 25 years as a residential mortgage loan officer before deciding, thanks in part to a shifting economy and rising interest rates, to dive full-time into vacation rentals and property management. What started with managing a few properties quickly expanded, and we’ve since added a cleaning company and a car rental business to better support our guests and owners.
Are you from the geographical area where your properties are located, or did you move there later?
I was actually still living in Washington when I first started the company, but I quickly realized I needed to be more local to truly give my properties and owners the attention they deserved. Making the move to Arizona was the right decision, not just for the business, but for our entire family. We love the warm, sunny climate and were more than ready to leave the rain behind. We're also in the process of expanding our management services in San Pedro, Belize, one of the world’s top tourism destinations, and we’re excited to be part of its vibrant travel community.
What do you love the most about the vacation rental business?
What I love most about the vacation rental business is that no two days are ever the same. I’m always doing something different, whether it's solving a new challenge, helping a guest have a great stay, or finding ways to make a property even better. I love the mix of hospitality and business, and there's something really satisfying about creating great experiences for guests while also helping owners succeed. It keeps me on my toes, and I genuinely enjoy the fast pace and constant variety.
What do you dislike the most about it?
One of the biggest challenges in vacation rental management lately has been dealing with the growing number of guests who try to scam their way into a free stay or a refunded cleaning fee. It’s disheartening to see people take advantage of hardworking owners and managers who put so much time and care into creating a great experience. Because of this, I’ve had to stay sharp and constantly adapt; these scams are getting more creative by the day. While it can be exhausting, it’s also pushed me to tighten our systems, document everything thoroughly, and stand firm in protecting our clients and our business. It’s not the part of the job I love, but it’s made me a stronger, more detail-oriented manager, and I’m proud of how we continue to rise above it.
How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?
I use OwnerRez daily, truly all day, every day. It’s the backbone of my business and keeps me organized in a way no other platform could. From channel management and direct bookings to automated emails, SMS messaging, a multitude of reports, and detailed owner statements, it handles everything I need to run smoothly and professionally. It’s an essential part of how I deliver great service to both guests and property owners.
What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?
The most useful feature of OwnerRez for us is the automation. It saves us countless hours by handling guest communication, scheduling, reminders, and more, all without sacrificing the personal touch. With so many moving parts in property management, having reliable automation in place allows us to stay on top of everything while focusing our time where it really matters.
From just a few homes to over 50 properties across Arizona and Belize, Lori’s journey is inspiring. With a mighty team of four and OwnerRez as the backbone of her operations, we’re excited to see AZ Desert Vacations continue to grow while treating every home like their own, providing exceptional guest experiences, and helping owners maximize their revenue.