Could you introduce yourself and share the story behind founding Rove? What inspired you to start this journey?

I started Rove in the summer of 2021 after starting a different software company and going through Y Combinator. I had recently moved to California, and I was living in different furnished properties with friends because we did not want to be locked into a 12 month lease. We had dramatically inconsistent experiences across the properties we stayed at and platforms we used to book (primarily brokers). It was an eye-opening experience that inspired the idea for Rove – to build a marketplace for luxury monthly property rentals that could be booked instantly.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building Rove, and how did you overcome them?

After Rove launched, we had considerable momentum and pressure to grow quickly, which led us to open up 7 markets in our first year. Launching 7 markets was a mistake because it spread us too thin operationally, and we lacked some focus. We consolidated to 3 core markets, and since then have grown much faster and more efficiently.

How would you describe Rove's core philosophy and company culture? How do you ensure these are reflected in your team and operations?

The Rove team is extremely ambitious and hardworking, but at the same time we have a very collaborative atmosphere with the feeling that everyone is on the same team. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented colleagues, and I do my best to keep everyone pointed at the same goal. Each person makes their own decisions about how to focus their time and efforts, collaborating together on the best approach to reach our North Star metrics.

A Day in the Founder's Life: What does a typical day look like for you as the founder of Rove? How do you balance strategic planning with day-to-day operations?

I try to spend a lot of time talking to our customers (homeowners and renters) and we are always thinking about how we can deliver a better experience for our clients while also making our business more scalable, so we can make a bigger impact on more people.

Regarding specifics on day to day, I spend time discussing strategy and providing feedback across various parts of the company, but I also make lots of contributions as an individual contributor, vital for the founders of any early stage company to understand the pain points of scaling a business.

Rove operates in a highly competitive industry. What innovations or unique approaches have you introduced to stay ahead?

We are now the largest luxury rental marketplace in New York City, enabled by a really unique business model that provides owners the opportunity to make more money with monthly rentals while aligning Rove’s interests with the owners.

Customer experience is pivotal in the travel and accommodation sector. How does Rove prioritize and enhance customer satisfaction?

I live in a building that has a Rove unit, and I try to greet and get to know our guests in the building whenever possible. I even participate in troubleshooting for them and trying to understand what we can do to provide a better experience.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Rove in the next five years? Are there new markets or services you're aiming to explore?

Our aim is to become the largest global monthly luxury rental marketplace, but that starts with having a foothold across the US. We plan to focus on other major city centers with high end properties and global clientele.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their venture in the travel and accommodation industry?

Just get started. Start building a product and talking to customers. Nothing else matters.

Where is your favorite destination you’ve visited, and why?

I love the South of France – the climate, energy, food, and people make it one of the most exciting places in the world. Europeans know how to vacation. I have a college friend from there with a couch I can crash on which makes traveling all the more accessible.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I placed 76th in the 2021 New York City Marathon, the same year I founded Rove. It was a lot of training and work but the most rewarding race I ever ran.

Meet Jonah, Founder of Rove Travel, and discover how his personal experiences led to the creation of a leading luxury rental marketplace.

Founder Spotlight: Jonah Hanig, CEO Rove Travel

Founder Spotlight: Jonah Hanig, CEO

Q&A with Patrick Bartlett, Rove's Head of Property Operations

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Rove?

From the very beginning, I have been captivated by the world of hotels and the enchantment they create for guests. My passion for the operations side of delivering truly magical stays led me to work at a select service hotel during high school. This experience sparked my fascination and eventually led me to Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. Throughout my journey, I had the privilege of interning at esteemed establishments such as The Mandarin Oriental New York and the Lotte New York Palace. Afterward, I dedicated a decade to luxury hotel operations, working with prestigious companies like Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and MGM Resorts International. During the pandemic, I ventured into managing housekeeping operations for Kasa Living's vast portfolio of apartments and hotels. Yet, I craved the high expectations and intensity that accompany luxury hospitality, which ultimately led me to Rove.

Double height ceiling living room with 2 orage accent chairs, sofa, bench

How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?

As an integral part of Rove, I oversee the day-to-day operations teams responsible for creating exceptional guest experiences across our remarkable portfolio of homes throughout the US. From a remote team handling inquiries and reservations to our dedicated concierge team fulfilling guests' needs and requests, and our on-site teams encompassing housekeeping and maintenance, every day brims with activity to ensure our homes are perfectly prepared for our valued guests.

What does "a day in the life" of the operations team look like?

No two days are alike! Each day brings exciting challenges, be it sourcing a special amenity for a VIP guest's arrival, resolving an air conditioning issue on a scorching summer day, or plowing fresh snow from the driveway of a mountain home. Our operations team works closely with a remarkable network of professionals, ensuring that every task is executed flawlessly. Being part of this dynamic team energizes us and leaves us grateful for the opportunity to introduce our brand to guests and ensure their exceptional stays at our remarkable homes.

What does operations entail, and why is it such an important step in the process of building a successful brand?

In the business world, every interaction with your company or brand shapes your reputation, either polishing it or leaving it tarnished. That's why honing the operational side of our business is crucial to ensuring our guests embrace our brand, trust our company, and share their positive experiences with others. Without the right people and efficient processes in place, guests might have subpar experiences, potentially impacting our reputation and dissuading potential travelers. Our goal is to create unforgettable stays and inspire guests to become enthusiastic advocates for Rove.

Bed in Brick Accent Wall Bedroom with 2 large sunlit windows

What is your favorite thing about working at Rove?

Apart from the exhilaration and collaborative spirit that comes with working at an early-stage startup, I am passionate about the luxury positioning of our brand and the complexities of operations that come along with this market segmentation. Drawing on my background in luxury hotel operations, it is truly exciting to be part of a new kind of hospitality brand that embraces innovation and caters to the needs of modern-day travelers. Moreover, Rove boasts a collection of truly exceptional homes, particularly in our New York City and Hamptons markets, which attract discerning clientele with heightened expectations and requests. Assisting our operations teams in meeting and exceeding these expectations brings me immense satisfaction.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?

Our team is fueled by passion, versatility, and hard work. We wear multiple hats and put in the extra effort to make things happen, all while having a great time along the way. The key is to embody the same unwavering passion, vigor and enthusiasm for our brand. If you share our vision and can match our dedication, you'll be an excellent addition to our team!

What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?

The achievement I am most proud of is our remarkable growth. When I first joined the company, we managed just six homes. Today, we have scaled up to more than 65 homes across multiple premier destination markets in the US. The challenge of expanding at such a rapid pace, coupled with the continuous positive feedback from our guests about their exceptional stays, serves as the ultimate motivation to keep pushing forward and working hard!

Daufuskie Island, SC holds a special place in my heart as it was my cherished childhood vacation destination with my family. This idyllic island, just off the coast, requires a relaxing 30-minute ferry ride and greets you with a unique lowcountry charm and golf carts as the primary mode of transportation for guests! From championship golf courses and pristine beaches with regular oyster bakes to a vibrant pool club, horse-back riding, restaurants, and charming cottages for rent. In its prime, Daufuskie offered a wealth of cultural richness and entertainment for all ages. Although it has experienced a dormant phase due to mismanagement, it will forever remain one of my all-time favorite getaways.

Modern fully stocked kitchen in a new york city duplex apartment

Get to know Patrick Bartlett, Head of Property Operations at Rove Travel. Discover his expertise in the industry and how he's shaping the future of our company. 

Employee Spotlight: Patrick Bartlett, Head of Operations

Employee Spotlight: Patrick Bartlett, Head of Property Operations

Q&A with Taju Sanusi, Rove's Head of Launch

I attended Northwestern University for undergraduate majoring in Industrial Engineering, then went on to work at Coca-Cola in their supply chain team before getting my MBA at the University of Texas. After b-school I worked in consulting, but ultimately saw myself at the intersection of operations, technology, and the consumer. This led me to hospitality and Proptech at Kasa Living, which is ultimately how I was introduced to other players in the market such as Rove. Rove really interested me because I really liked the idea of a luxury STR brand that curated beautifully designed spaces with the functionality required to work remotely. I find that as I have traveled and worked remotely more as a result of the pandemic, Rove’s product is something that I related to personally and wanted to help grow.

Swimming Pool Vacation Rentals with Swinging Chair BBQ and Outdoor Furniture

How do you see your background fitting into your role at Rove?

My experiences in both operations and  now proptech have given me valuable insights into what guests want from their accommodations. At Rove, I'm able to create value for our guests by leveraging my Operations and Supply chain background while tapping into my passion  for design & technology to create unforgettable experiences.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities at Rove to someone outside of the company?

My team sets the design and execution strategy for new homes that are added to our portfolio. We're responsible for ensuring that these homes meet the high standards expected of the Rove brand while also balancing factors like speed and cost. It's a challenging but rewarding role that requires a lot of coordination, communication, and attention to detail.

Fully stocked kitchen of vacation rental in fort lauderdale with kitchen island and bar stools

Can you walk us through a typical day on the Launch team?

There really is no typical day on my team - every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Some of my daily tasks include connecting with vendors and homeowners to develop strategies, project managing multiple property launches, and analyzing our progress against our goals. I also partner with real estate and other departments to balance  brand needs with financial implications of a deal.

What does Onboarding entail, and why is it such an important step in building a successful brand?

Think of us as the pioneers of all new Rove properties. We're often the first ones to visit a new property and gather information needed to ensure that it meets our brand standards. From there, we work on designing the space and coordinating everything from furniture delivery to photography. Onboarding is critical because it can set the tone for how guests perceive our properties - from their first impression based on staging and photography to the information provided about the home.

What do you enjoy most about working at Rove?

I love that we're a young company in an exciting industry, which means there are always new challenges to tackle and opportunities to innovate. It's a fast-paced environment where I'm constantly learning and growing.

Spacious Living Room in Vacation Rental with two leather chairs and white sofa facing TV

Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity to be creative and innovative. Onboarding involves solving unique challenges, so it's important to approach problems with an open mind and a willingness to try new things.

Is there a particular accomplishment in your role that you're particularly proud of?

I'm proud of the new processes we've developed to ensure consistency across all of our onboarding projects. These processes help us identify issues and bottlenecks more quickly, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for our guests. I'm also proud of the thoughtful way we execute on our brand promise and explore partnerships with vendors who share our vision.

Finally, what's the best advice you've ever received?

Recently, I heard a quote from a Texas football coach that really resonated with me: "Be a thermostat, not a thermometer." This means taking control over your attitude and approach to situations rather than simply reflecting the environment around you. It's a powerful reminder that we have agency over our own mindset and can choose to approach challenges with positivity and resilience.

Bedroom with wooden bedframe and gray textured 3D wallpaper 

Get to know Taju Sanusi, Head of Launch at Rove Travel. Discover his expertise in the industry and how he's shaping the future of our company. 

Employee Spotlight: Taju Sanusi, Head of Launch

Q&A with Sebastian Oppenheim, Rove's Head of Real Estate

I started my career in real estate at a luxury residential brokerage firm where I connected clients to their dream properties. I loved interfacing with different property types and being involved in the transaction process. After a few years, I transitioned to the startup world and became the first US Real Estate employee at June Homes, a coliving and furnished flexible model business. I helped grow the company from just three units to an impressive 3,500 units and from two employees to 200 employees in just four years.

My experience in multifamily residential and my intrigue with the hospitality space led me to join Rove, where I’m helping build a luxury hospitality brand that merges traditional luxury hospitality with the flexible furnished rental market. At Rove, we're creating a marketplace that doesn't exist today aside from a few lower-end competitors. Our goal is to thread the needle where clients and guests can find furnished luxury rentals for short-to-mid-term lengths, owners have an opportunity to manage flexible furnished rentals, and brokers are unable to capitalize on this particular space.


As part of the acquisitions team at Rove, I conduct daily check-ins with our real estate team and individual deal makers, follow up on opportunities, speak with prospective funds/clients/owners/guests, establish new partnerships with owners/brokers/property owners, and build out infrastructure for long term growth.


Hudson Terrace by Rove Travel in Tribeca, NYC - Living Room


What do you think is the competitive advantage of Rove?

Rove is able to deliver value across the board and go above expectations for both sides of the marketplace. We generate higher revenue than other operators and provide significant value and enjoyment to all guests, whether it's in the short-term rental or 30+ day market. Our focus on driving transparency and reliability from owners has been very reliable, responsive, and transparent across all touchpoints, which has helped us grow with owner and broker referrals.


We're looking to expand into the Southern California 30+ day market. It's an exciting time for us as we continue to grow and provide exceptional hospitality experiences for our guests.


What is underwriting, and why is it such an important step in the process of acquiring new homes?

Underwriting is a tool we use to evaluate prospective deals and acquire new supply on healthy terms. With underwriting, we’re able to take into account macro/micro factors that might impact a specific deal or property. Our goal is not only to deliver accurate performance projections, but also to take into account a sustainable path to increase revenue while delivering value to both owners and guests.



Hudson Terrace by Rove Travel in Tribeca, NYC - Bedroom with Natural Light


What is your favorite thing about working at Rove?

Rove is an amazing place for creativity, growth, high-impact, and contribution. Everyone has a voice, and we're a tight-knit group that works together to help a small company succeed. I love the people I work with; they're sharp, hardworking, and smart. At any startup, it's important to be surrounded by exciting, driven, hardworking people where you can still learn and grow alongside each other.


Effort, creativity and patience are three core values we look for in our business development team members. Leading by example and having a strong grasp of business development and sales is key. Creativity is also important, as it helps get deals done. It's not always a linear process to close a deal, so it's important to be able to approach things differently for each unique client.


What is something that you're proud of that you've accomplished in your role?

I'm proud of the general momentum and growth of the business. We've gone from 5 to 65 properties (12x) in just one year. In NYC, we've acquired the beautiful and unique home at 27 Harrison, designed by City Hall architects. I'm also proud of the culture we're building at Rove and the enjoyable work environment we're creating for our team.

Where on earth are you hoping to travel next?

I'm hoping to travel to South Africa next, specifically Cape Town for its vibrant culture and stunning scenery, as well as a safari to experience the amazing wildlife.

Hudson Terrace by Rove Travel in Tribeca, NYC - Primary Bedroom

Hudson Terrace by Rove Travel in Tribeca, NYC - Outdoor Patio, Garden with Table 

Get to know Sebastian Oppenheim, Head of Real Estate at Rove Travel. Discover his expertise in the industry and how he's shaping the future of our company. 

Employee Spotlight: Sebastian Oppenheim, Head of Real Estate

Discover the Faces Behind Rove: Dive into our Employee Spotlight articles and get to know the talented individuals who drive our success. From passionate team members to industry leaders, explore their stories, accomplishments, and the unique contributions they bring to Rove.