Passing the Torch: Meyer Vacation Rentals Transfers Ownership To The Next Generation

Sheila Hodges, owner of SH Enterprises Inc. and Meyer Vacation Rentals, announced today that she is transferring ownership of the company to her daughter and company president Michelle Hodges, and CEO Les Williams. SH Enterprises is the holding company not only for Meyer Vacation Rentals but also Meyer Services, with operations in Alabama and Florida; Starr Textile Services, a commercial laundry operation with facilities in Alabama and Louisiana; and CENTURY 21® Meyer Real Estate, with operations in Alabama and Florida.

Sheila Hodges began her real estate career at Meyer in the summer of 1978 as one of six sales agents. She progressed to managing partner and then sole owner in 1984, when she purchased the company from the original founders. Since that time, she has worked to grow the organization on the business principle of balancing service, relationships and profitability. 

 

Sheila Hodges, Inaugural Vacation Rental Women Pioneer Award Recipient from VRM Intel Live on Vimeo.

 
Today, Meyer Vacation Rentals manages and provides a range of services to more than 1,000 vacation rental houses and condominiums on the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast. Based on the number of people employed across all its companies, SH Enterprises is ranked among the largest employers operating in Baldwin County, Alabama.

“The SH Enterprises family of companies has always been committed to providing superior customer service and an unwavering dedication to the satisfaction of our customers,” said Sheila Hodges. “Proactively seeking to improve quality, value and service are hallmarks of these companies. We are dedicated to providing personalized service, continuing innovation and overall expertise so we may continue serving as a pacesetter in the hospitality industry.”

Michelle Hodges grew up in the hospitality business beginning as an intern during high school and college summers. After graduating, Michelle returned home to begin her career with the company. Her hospitality experience and degree, fueled by her passion for travel and tourism, provided her with a thorough understanding of guests’ needs and changing expectations through the years. Rising through the ranks at SH Enterprises, Michelle also learned the ins and outs of the business, taking on leadership roles such as corporate trainer, director of operations, and president. Widely recognized as a vacation rental industry thought leader, Michelle has also been a speaker at multiple international conferences, including Skift’s Short-Term Rental Summit, the VRMA International Conference, and the Vacation Rental Women’s Summit. 

“I couldn’t be any prouder of Michelle, watching her through the years grow in the business with a can-do attitude at every level,” said Sheila Hodges. “Her extraordinary leadership skills became even more apparent after the BP oil spill in 2010. We witnessed her eagerness and devotion to lead several community initiatives, all while championing a positive attitude and commitment to all of our SH Enterprises families.”

As CEO, Les Williams has been responsible for the overall strategic direction and operation of the SH Enterprises family of companies as well as the day-to-day oversight of STARR Textile Services. Williams has worked for SH Enterprises for since 2005, including as chief operating officer for Meyer Services, vice president of administration and finance for Meyer Real Estate, and a variety of other leadership roles.

Prior to joining SH Enterprises, Williams served as vice president of multi-family operations for a publicly traded real estate investment trust headquartered in New Orleans whose primary focus was investment and management of multi-family and retail properties. There, he oversaw a real estate portfolio of 4,100 properties stretching from South Florida to Texas.

“Michelle and Les made my decision to transfer ownership an easy one,” said Sheila Hodges. “They have been vested in the company for nearly two decades, and I can say with 100 percent certainty they will continue the work that has been done for more than 50 years to maintain our core values, continue on our mission of providing outstanding service, and play a leading role in shaping the local, regional and national hospitality business. I am fully confident in their ability to take the SH Enterprises family of companies to the next level and beyond.”