My original plan, and the reason why I decided to join Les Roches, was to open my own hotel in South America within the next 10 years. Almost one year ago, I graduated from Les Roches, and in that same year, so much has changed.
The Flipside to Classic Hospitality
After working for a few months at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in Thailand, I realized this was not the place for me. At the same time, I was very grateful for my team there, and the opportunity to work in one of the best resorts in the world. It was a great way to learn everything about FS standards and how to work with very demanding guests — experiences that can help you greatly in work and in life. But looking for a change, I decided to come back to Paris.
By chance — or fate — I found job offer for a Business Developer at a young startup in Paris, BnbLord (a combination of “Airbnb” and “landlord”). This startup works together with Airbnb, Booking.com, and HomeAway to offer concierge services. I had an interview and instantly fell for the company, and they wanted me. I declined many other offers, cancelled other interviews — a bad thing to do, I know — but I still think it was the best decision I could have taken at that moment.
I have invested so much of myself in this company and taken it to heart —sometimes way too much — as if it were my own. But I have been part of an amazing organization led by the most inspiring people. I have been working very hard, but it has been worth it. My bosses are young, one is even younger than me, but they are so ambitious in life and nothing can stop them. I am 24, and I also believe that nothing can stop us from achieving our goals.
Startup Culture
The idea behind BnbLord is simple but brilliant: we help owners who want to rent out their properties for short stays take care of everything, including flat maintenance, check-in, cleaning, concierge services, and management of the listings on Airbnb or any other platform.
I do love the concept of my company, but what I love the most is my team. Our team leaders rely on us so much, and this is the best part. They trust you a lot, and they give you responsibilities (so many that you can even feel overwhelmed sometimes). But you learn so much by yourself, and you realize how much you can do. I will never be thankful enough for these past few months, and I plan to stay with the company as long as possible.
Disrupting the Industry
However, it is not even only about the team. There is an entire industry in transformation right now. There is still so much to do, so many cities to expand to, and so many problems to solve, especially in legal terms, since Airbnb and short rental stays are now facing issues worldwide.
At Les Roches, we often say that the hospitality system is changing every moment. Now, I live this reality every day. We run more than 400 apartments in France and Portugal. Our focus is not only on guests, but on landlords as well. This multiplies everything we need to do.
In Paris, it would be like managing 300 suites — all different and very specific — within a 100 square km city, where guests can’t just come by the reception to resolve an issue. Working under these circumstances is quite challenging. But it’s also exciting — and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Tempted to join a fast-growing hospitality startup? At BnbLord, we do have some job openings available for French speakers. Find out more here: http://www.bnblord.com/en/careers/
