Rising Star Award: Jeff Iloulian
3/13/2024
The VRMA Excellence Awards celebrate and recognize the incredible work, contributions, and impact that vacation rental professionals have made in the past year. We are highlighting each of the 12 award recipients in 2023, continuing today with Rising Star Award recipient Jeff Iloulian.
Jeff Iloulian is often described as one of the smartest and most dedicated individuals in the vacation rental industry. His journey began as a lawyer, but he saw an opportunity to address real-world problems in the short-term rental community.
With unwavering determination, he transitioned from the legal field to build HostGPO, a company that empowers vacation rental hosts and property managers.
HostGPO, a company that Iloulian created from the ground up, has made significant strides in just four short years. What started as a fledgling startup has blossomed into a full-service enterprise with a distributed team across the country. Despite a remote work environment, Iloulian actively fosters connections within the team through innovative programs like RoastGPO, allowing employees to engage one-on-one over virtual or in-person coffee or drinks.
Iloulian’s impact on HostGPO extends beyond its rapid growth. He played a pivotal role in securing $6 million in funding for the company, a testament to his vision and leadership. He also actively engages with industry professionals, sharing valuable insights on platforms like LinkedIn and advocating for the industry’s development. Iloulian’s focus on community-building and his genuine interest in advancing the vacation rental sector set him apart as a rising star in the field. His dedication to personal connections and industry engagement is exceptional. Despite a busy schedule, he participates in industry events, engages with franchisees to gather feedback, and travels to conferences to meet professionals. Iloulian’s willingness to get in the weeds and connect with others exemplifies his rising star status.
Iloulian’s success as a rising star can be seen in the positive impact he’s had on the industry and the growing recognition of HostGPO’s innovative platform. His personal connections, industry engagement, and dedication to delivering exceptional value have earned widespread appreciation and trust within the vacation rental community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Iloulian’s authenticity and commitment to his values set him apart. He incorporates his personality, family story, and values into his work, making him an authentic ambassador for vacation rentals. At a retreat in April, he left a lasting impression on industry veterans who were captivated by his fresh perspective on business and life. His ability to inspire confidence in the future of the industry showcases the quality of leadership that he represents.