Arizona Tribune - Smith Brothers Packed Up Their Wagons and Settled in Pigeon Forge With a Vision of Leaving a Trail and Providing a Lodge for Others to Follow

WAGONS EAST

Jared and Steven Smith spent a childhood dreaming, planning, and traveling. For the Smith brothers, travelling was a family tradition. As the brothers grew older, Jared joined the United States Army, where he served as an analyst for 25 years. During that same period, Steven worked as a software engineer for a variety of established and emergent technology companies. While each brother pursued a different path in adulthood, they never lost their common love of traveling and exploring new places that they shared as children.

"Throughout my military career, I was always traveling--both professionally, and personally, with my wife and children," said Jared. "From a child with my parents, to now as a parent with my children, it's always been something we've enjoyed." His brother, Steven, took that passion for travel to the next level. "A couple years ago, I decided to get off the grid and unplug-literally and figuratively," added Steven. "I moved into an RV and traveled across the country, relying on a solar energy grid I designed and built, to provide everything I needed in the way of convenience. I just wanted to have the freedom to wake up in a different location each morning and get a chance to see this beautiful country that we're privileged to call home."

Last year, the brothers decided to apply their lifelong love of travel in a new direction: a business of their own; one which provides those same experiences and core memories to other families and visitors of all ages. Steven joined Jared in Tennessee and the two decided to focus their passion and narrow their focus, on the Pigeon Forge region of the Volunteer State.

"We love the people, the lifestyle, and the fresh air that comes with Pigeon Forge," said Jared. "This is a wonderfully unique part of the state. It's the place we want to call home, while providing a 'home away from home' for others who visit and vacation in this area."

While researching vacation rental management companies, the Smith brothers discovered SkyRun Vacation Rentals. "We are both self-sufficient, task-oriented guys; Steven might be a little too independent at times," Jared joked, referring to his brother's 'off the grid' lifestyle. "But we also knew that in order to start and scale our own company, we would need the support and guidance of an established company in this space. After meeting and speaking with the team at SkyRun, we felt they would be the perfect partner for this endeavor. It's not often that you find a nationally recognized company that still retains the warmth and connection of a close-knit family. We liked that a lot."

Jared and Steven partnered with SkyRun Vacation Rentals and secured the franchise rights for Pigeon Forge. SkyRun was founded in 2004 and now manages over 1,500 vacation rental properties across the United States. The Smith brothers will draw on their respective project management experience - along with SkyRun's vast network of resources and best in class capabilities-to develop and manage a growing portfolio of properties.

Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge has remained a popular family vacation destination for generations. The area was originally settled more than 240 years ago, yet the town has retained its quaint atmosphere, stunning views, and friendly reputation, while expanding to include popular attractions like Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While many consider Pigeon Forge to be 'one of the best kept secrets in the southeast' the tourism numbers continue to rise.

"Despite having less than 7,000 full-time residents, Pigeon Forge welcomes 10-11 million visitors each year," said Cord Thomas, President of SkyRun Vacation Rentals. "Dollywood alone draws an estimated 3 million visitors and the total economic impact of tourism translates to more than $2 billion every year. Pigeon Forge has remained one of the premiere, family-friendly vacation destinations in the United States. We are excited to welcome Jared and Steven Smith to the SkyRun family. We look forward to watching and supporting them, as they build on that legacy and provide core memories for the next generation of American families."

"Steven and I are more complements, than opposites," added Jared. "Getting the chance to start your own business and to do it with your brother, is our vision and version of the American dream. We are happy to be part of the Pigeon Forge community and we look forward to providing visitors with moments and memories for years to come."

About SkyRun Vacation Rentals

SkyRun is a rapidly growing vacation rental property management franchise with over 1,500 homes under management, in over 50 independently owned and operated locations. The brand itself represents the best of both worlds when it comes to vacation rental management, by combining the advantages of local ownership and management with efficiency, technology, and the support of a national brand. The company has been recognized as one of the Fastest-Growing Franchises in North America, by Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as one of the country's Top-Emerging Franchises. SkyRun has been featured across a variety of national media outlets and platforms, including: FOX Business, Travel + Leisure, Staycation, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and others. Whether you are a guest, a homeowner, or a franchisee - with SkyRun, your vacation dreams can become a reality sooner than you think. Visit: SkyRun.com

Contact Information

Doug Eldridge
Achilles PR
+1 202 680 9375

SOURCE: SkyRun Vacation Rentals

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

F.Wilson--AT