Get to know Felix - Operations Manager in Åre

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at a typical workday for Felix, the Operations Manager in Åre. We'll explore his responsibilities, workflow, and the challenges he faces. We will also take a look into his greatest achievements, his approach to contributing to a positive work environment, and his advice for new owners entering the short-term rental market!

Felix response: Absolutely! I'm a happy guy from Skåne who's about to turn 30 years old. I grew up on a farm with horses and all sorts of animals. Naturally, I have a strong passion for horses, which makes perfect sense when you live on a farm. That's probably why I feel so at home in Åre, as I get to be close to nature. 
Like many people, I traveled when I was younger and got hooked on the alpine peaks in Bad Gastein for 10 years. Now, I'm finally back in Sweden!

Felix response:  Well, it really depends on whether it's low or high season. During the low season, when we don't have as many check-ins and check-outs, I can focus more on administrative tasks and ensuring that we have solid routines in place so we're well-prepared for the busy season. This also involves training my team of cleaning staff and property maintenance workers to maintain our high standards.

During the high season in Åre, which runs from around December to March, we can have an incredibly high volume of check-ins and check-outs. So, the main focus is on planning and being proactive. We also handle daily issues that come up, like repairs or malfunctions in the properties.

I make sure to work closely with our guest team and am in daily contact with the home owners to keep them updated on any maintenance or repairs we've carried out.

Felix response: I'm really proud of my team's ability to handle the high pressure during peak season while maintaining high standards for both guests and owners. 
I'm especially proud of our ability to provide a seamless rental experience for the owners by taking care of everything from cleaning to maintenance, even when we have around 100 guests checking in and out on a single day.

Felix Response: I believe in fostering a positive and inspiring work environment where my employees feel valued and appreciated. I try to maintain a strong team spirit and make myself available to my team whenever they need me.

Felix Response: I'd say the biggest challenge is during peak season when we can have around 100 guests checking out and 100 guests checking in on the same day between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It requires meticulous planning, but as everyone knows, unexpected things can also happen. That's why it's crucial to have a strong team that can think on their feet and find solutions. It's also what makes the job so exciting - there's always something new and unexpected to deal with.

Felix response: It's really important for owners to provide us with as much information as possible about their property. The more information we have, the better and more proactive can we be towards the guests. This leads to satisfied guests, better reviews, more bookings, and ultimately a higher income for the owner. It's important to see this as a partnership where we both work hard to make the property a top-rated one.

I also recommend that owners invest in good quality beds and a sofa bed. This can accommodate more guests and generate a higher income.

Based on my experience, there are certain amenities that guests really appreciate, such as high-quality pillows and duvets, a coffee maker, a kettle, an iron and ironing board, a toaster, enough cutlery and dishes for double the number of guests the property can accommodate, a hairdryer, a vacuum cleaner, and for safety reasons, smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher.

Felix response: When a new apartment is added, I personally visit the property to assess its condition and ensure that everything works properly, like the heating, water and Wi-Fi. If I find any issues, I communicate them to my colleagues who work directly with the owners, and we take the necessary steps to resolve them before the first guests arrive.

Thank you for taking the time, Felix. It was fun to get to know your job a little better. If a property owner would like to meet you, where should they go?

Felix response: My office is in the Tott building, so everyone is welcome to come by and say hello.