Michelle Marquis was recognized with the Pioneer Award during the 2025 Vacation Rental Women’s Summit, held August 21 at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Pioneer Award is presented to women who have made foundational and lasting contributions to the vacation rental industry. Marquis was selected for her influence in advancing technology, building teams, supporting property managers, and mentoring professionals across the short-term rental sector.
Originally from Lahaina, Hawaii, Marquis entered the hospitality industry without a college degree, relying instead on persistence and a strong work ethic. After relocating to Oregon, she began her career in travel and hospitality at Mt. Bachelor Village and later spent nearly a decade with Navis, where she played a key role in the company’s growth and influence in the industry. Over time, she carved her own path, launching a personal brand and collaborating with a variety of technology and service companies.
In 2025, she joined Guesty as a strategic partner—marking the first time she would work directly alongside her daughter. During the awards presentation, a heartfelt letter written by her daughter was shared as a voiceover, describing her as inspiring, loyal, generous, intelligent, passionate, ambitious, and trustworthy. In the letter, she reflected on Marquis not only as a leader in the professional space, but as a mother who consistently encouraged others to believe in what’s possible. From pioneering sales operations before the discipline had a name to mentoring rising voices in the industry, Marquis was honored for her legacy of courage, innovation, and dedication to the people and companies she has served.
The Vacation Rental Women’s Summit, produced by VRM Intel, brings together leaders, founders, and professionals from across the vacation rental and hospitality landscape to share insights, celebrate contributions, and foster community.
