Xplorie has hired Debi Steigerwald as its new vice president of marketing. Steigerwald previously served as the director of marketing operations for Vacasa and director of digital marketing and ecommerce at Vology, an I.T. services company.
“The vacation rental marketplace has become very competitive and cluttered. Xplorie provides an amazing opportunity for property managers to stand out in the crowd, provide great experiences for guests, increase their revenue, and help grow local business,” said Steigerwald in the company’s press release. “We’re crafting the strategy to drive significant changes to our industry, and we will enable property managers to provide experiences along with the perfect accommodations.”
Founded in 1996, Xplorie partners with vacation rental managers and activity providers to give guests free access to attractions around their destinations. The Florida-based company’s website currently lists 81 property managers and 4,027 properties across Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
The hiring of Debi Steigerwald was aligned with an expansion of the company’s sales group, which includes the addition of Michael Thorwegen, director of regional sales – west, the promotion of Susie Cross, director of regional sales – east, and the addition of Ashley Alderman, regional sales representative.
Thorwegen was formerly in sales leadership at VacationRoost, RedAwning, and Lexicon Travel Technologies. His in-depth knowledge of resort towns in the west makes him a timely addition as the company expands services in the high demand areas of the western U.S.
“I’m most excited about the Xplorie team,” said Thorwegen. “They have laid the groundwork for our expansion. I look forward to learning from them and contributing right away.”
Cross has been with the company since 2009. She started as the marketing manager and has since transitioned to the sales and account management department. Fulfilling her new role as director of regional sales will allow for the quick expansion of the eastern sales team initiatives. “Xplorie remains the nation’s leader of free activity programs because we continue to change and adapt to the ever evolving needs of the vacation rental space,” said Cross. “I look forward to growing with Xplorie and taking on the next challenge in our industry!”
Alderman has twenty years of experience in sales and fifteen in the hospitality industry. Formerly the sales director of national lifestyle and culture publications, she understands the importance of the hospitality industry and the economic value it brings to their community. “I am excited to join the Xplorie team because I believe it’s the experiences you have that create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Alderman.
These additions will join David Kornblith, Xplorie’s VP of sales, leading the company’s strategic sales expansion with an eye on coast-to-coast coverage. “While guest experience and activities are becoming core focus points for property managers, it’s exciting to be part of a company which helps create the ideal guest experience while providing a connection to top local activities,” said Kornblith.
Once a regional brand, Xplorie has experienced substantial growth, especially over the past eighteen months, and now serves more than 50 U.S. vacation destinations. “We will continue to look for top industry sales talent to expand our team as we grow the brand and are excited about the future of both our industry and Xplorie’s position within it,” Kornblith added.
