Meet Susie Clements, the heart and soul behind Clements Family Vacation Rentals, which she and her husband started in 2013. What began as a single vacation home in Mexico Beach, Florida, has grown into a thriving family business with rentals in both the mountains and along the coast. With a background in property management and a passion for hospitality, Susie is dedicated to providing comfortable, beautiful spaces where people can relax and reconnect.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history?

My husband and I jumped into the vacation rental world back in 2013 when we bought our very first property in the little beach town of Mexico Beach, Florida. What started as a single vacation home has grown into a small family business with rentals in both the mountains and by the coast. It’s been such a fun and rewarding journey.

What is your background?

Before vacation rentals, I had a career in property management. That experience really gave me a strong foundation in hospitality and operations, which made the transition into running my own rentals feel natural.

Were you always in vacation rentals or property management, or is this a 2nd/3rd career?

This is definitely more of a second chapter for me. I had a long stretch in property management first, and that’s what gave me the confidence to take on vacation rentals. It taught me how important great communication and customer service are, which I now apply to my vacation rental business.

Are you from the geographical area where your properties are located, or did you move there later? If later, what drew you to that area?

We live just outside of Birmingham, Alabama, so when we started looking for vacation rentals, we wanted places close enough to drive to easily. We’ve always loved the charm of smaller, quieter towns, so we avoided the busy tourist spots. Mexico Beach, Florida, has that laid-back coastal vibe, while Blue Ridge, Georgia, has beautiful mountains and a cozy, small-town feel. Both places just felt right for us and for the kind of experience we wanted to offer our guests.

What do you love the most about the vacation rental business?

Honestly, I love helping families and friends make memories. Vacations are such special times, and being able to provide a comfortable, beautiful place where people can relax and reconnect is so rewarding. Reading guests’ reviews and knowing I’ve played a part in their special moments is the best feeling.

What do you dislike the most about it?

The hardest part is probably the time it takes. I manage everything myself, every phone call, text, and email, because I want guests to feel like they’re working directly with me, not just a faceless company. It’s worth it, but it can be a lot sometimes!

How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?

OwnerRez has honestly been a lifesaver. When we only had two rentals, I was doing everything manually, and it felt overwhelming. Now that we’ve grown to seven, I couldn’t keep up without it.

What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?

The automation features are incredible. Automated guest messages, payment collection, and even hosting my website, those tools free up so much of my time. They let me stay focused on the personal side of things, while OwnerRez handles the background details. Now that we have two grandsons, every extra minute counts!

From a single property in 2013, Susie and her husband have built Clements Family Vacation Rentals into a thriving family business dedicated to providing a personal touch for every guest. OwnerRez is proud to support their business and continue to watch them succeed.