About Us
We Understand Travel
Chad W.
Our founder, Chad, started his career in the travel industry, selling student travel “Spring Break” experiences. Working in exotic locales, the focus was making sure his student travelers had an amazing experience, from the moment they landed to the day they left. He also realized that every traveler was unique - from the quiet, reserved groups to the fraternity party animals, he learned what it took to keep guests happy.
After leaving the travel industry, he joined the management consulting grind, spending on average 200 nights a year on the road in cities across the country, if not the world, flying ~120k miles a year for 12 years straight! Here he learned what works and what doesn’t from a traveler’s perspective, and what a traveler needs. He’s also traveled to over 50 countries and 45 states!
Stephanie W.
Our COO, Stephanie, worked in the Event and Show Production industry. Wearing every hat from Tour Manager, Sound Engineer, to Event Manager, she got used to the 24/7 grind of traveling across the country. Realizing that she could create a better guest experience, she entered the world of short term rentals. She takes pride in managing a hard working crew, meticulous turnovers, and providing our guests a memorable, flawless stay!
Nicky G.
Nicky is our Junior Operations Manager and handyman extraordinaire! Nicky spent his formative years in the Caribbean, before moving to California, Maine, and a few more stops along the way, before settling back into Pittsburgh. Nicky spent over 20 years in the kitchen, as an executive chef, butcher, and everything in between! Nicky has trained under James Beard winners, and even trained two Chopped Champions!
With all of his years in restaurants, Nicky has hospitality in his blood, and a “get it done” attitude. Always smiling, Nicky is first on the scene when a guest has a maintenance issue. When he’s not in properties fixing things, he’s keeping his knives sharp - you might be able to hire him during your stay, as a Private Chef!
Olivia W.
Olivia is a dedicated Host with a background in production technology, stagecraft, and technical theater, having stage-managed her first show in middle school. A graduate of La Roche University with a degree in Business Management, Olivia has a detail-oriented mindset and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
Her journey in hospitality began with cleaning residential and commercial properties, which inspired her to host on Airbnb, focusing on delivering personalized stays for every guest. An adventurous traveler and foodie, she loves discovering local gems and savoring unique cuisines across the state, while also working at UPMC Magee Women's Research Institute and gaining experience in long-term rentals. With aspirations to own more rental properties and eventually open her own restaurant, she is committed to excellence in all her endeavors, ensuring that every experience is enjoyable and unforgettable.
Sondra G.
Sondra G. is a skilled maintenance technician at Hostwise, based in Pittsburgh. With a strong background in both general contracting and automotive work, Sondra brings a diverse range of expertise to her role. Over the years, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience, working on various projects in both fields. Outside of her professional life, Sondra is passionate about cars and enjoys working on them in her free time. She also pursued an automotive degree at community college, further fueling her love for the industry.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Sondra is an animal lover and shares her home with three cats and a dog. Her versatile skill set and dedication to problem-solving make her a valuable asset to HostWise!
Mauricio J.
Mauricio is our Sr. Remote Operations Specialist. He’s responsible for keeping our business in order, digitally! Maintaining our listings & websites, making sure operational tasks are being completed, and managing our 5 person communications team, there’s nothing he can’t handle. Living in Bolivia, Mauricio graduated with an electrical engineering degree, and owned his own 3D printing business. Recruited by a friend for HostWise, he developed a passion for the short term rental space. When he’s not at work, he’s traveling around the country and hanging out with his two dogs!
Austin is a proud Pittsburgh transplant and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was an active member of the Pitt Band. His journey in hospitality began at 14, working at an amusement park for six summers throughout high school and college. Austin is passionate about golf, both as a player and as a professional, having spent five years in the golf entertainment industry.
As a Junior Operations Manager at HostWise, Austin is dedicated to prioritizing guest experience and customer service, always striving to exceed expectations. His love for travel has taken him to amazing destinations such as Bermuda, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Japan. With his background in hospitality and a keen eye for detail, Austin is committed to ensuring that every guest has an unforgettable stay with HostWise.
Austin R.
Chanda A.
As Hostwise's Administrative Assistant, Chanda specializes in optimizing the hosting experience by managing inventories, crafting detailed owner statements, maintaining accurate time cards, and organizing thorough cleaning schedules. With a meticulous approach and a passion for efficiency, she ensures that every aspect of the hosting process runs smoothly.
Windley Key
Our official office doggo, Windley Key (named after an island in the Florida Keys) loves to travel, too! Though car & plane rides aren’t her favorite, she’ll gladly tag along when there’s a chance to chase an iguana down the dock or a squirrel up a tree. She reminds us that we should enjoy life, have fun, and see the world. Even doggos enjoy comfortable amenities!
Kelly B.
One of our Pittsburgh Jr. Operations Managers, Kelly, got her start in the travel world indirectly - as a traveling healthcare professional. While working in cities all over the country she learned what a stay required for a great night’s sleep and a relaxing afternoon indoors. Her experience working with healthcare clients naturally lends itself well to the hospitality industry.
As the Staging Designer at HostWise, Justin brings a dynamic and innovative approach to short-term rental design. Known for thriving in the fast-paced nature of his projects, he relishes the freedom to push imagination and creativity far beyond traditional residential work.
What sets Justin apart is his ability to seamlessly execute a variety of design styles while artfully juxtaposing multiple aesthetics within a single property. His passion for creating captivating, functional spaces has made him a sought-after designer for Airbnb hosts looking to elevate their properties.
Outside of work, Justin is a lifelong learner with a love for exploring new hobbies. From skiing and golfing to coding and photography, he brings the same curiosity and enthusiasm to his personal pursuits as he does to his designs.