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Grand WelcomeHighland Lakes
Our team

People who understand what this home means to you.

A vacation home can be a place for family weekends, a long-term investment, or a little of both. The management conversation should begin with how you want it to work for you.

Grand Welcome Highland Lakes brings local management and hospitality support to homeowners in Horseshoe Bay, Kingsland, Spicewood, Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, and Burnet.

A local manager. A team behind your home.

Start with Tatum to talk about your home. Jayda leads the local management relationship, with our owners and shared support team behind the work.

Tatum Heiliger

Tatum Heiliger

Business Development Director

Hi! I’m Tatum, Business Development Director for Grand Welcome Austin. With a background in education and leadership, my career has always been centered around building strong relationships and delivering meaningful results. Having stayed in hundreds of short-term rentals across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, I bring a guest-first perspective that helps properties stand out. I use that insight to help homeowners increase bookings, improve guest experience, and maximize their return with a strategy that actually performs.

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Hi! I’m Tatum, Business Development Director for Grand Welcome Austin. With a background in education and leadership, my career has always been centered around building strong relationships and delivering meaningful results. Having stayed in hundreds of short-term rentals across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, I bring a guest-first perspective that helps properties stand out. I use that insight to help homeowners increase bookings, improve guest experience, and maximize their return with a strategy that actually performs.

Beyond work

With two littles under 2, Austin has been such a fun place for our family. We’re always out doing something, whether it’s the zoo, riding the train at Zilker Park, letting the kids splash around on the shallow side of Barton Springs, or getting outside on the trails at Lady Bird Lake.

Jayda Hamilton

Jayda Hamilton

General Manager · Highland Lakes

Hi, I’m Jayda! I’m the General Manager for Highland Lakes and a proud local who grew up right here in the area. I’ve had the privilege of watching Highland Lakes grow into the vibrant destination it is today, and I truly love being part of that journey. With over five years of experience in the short-term rental industry, I’m passionate about caring for homes as if they were my own while creating exceptional experiences for every guest. Supporting local homeowners and helping them succeed while showcasing everything our lake communities offer is incredibly rewarding.

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Hi, I’m Jayda! I’m the General Manager for Highland Lakes and a proud local who grew up right here in the area. I’ve had the privilege of watching Highland Lakes grow into the vibrant destination it is today, and I truly love being part of that journey. With over five years of experience in the short-term rental industry, I’m passionate about caring for homes as if they were my own while creating exceptional experiences for every guest. Supporting local homeowners and helping them succeed while showcasing everything our lake communities offer is incredibly rewarding.

Beyond work

What I love most about the Highland Lakes is the lifestyle, spending days on the water boating, skiing, or tubing, then heading to a lakefront restaurant to catch a Hill Country sunset, which never gets old around Kingsland. Living and working here lets me share this place with guests and helps owners feel comfortable knowing their home is in local, knowledgeable hands.

Steven Brown

Steven Brown

Owner

Hi there, I'm Steven Brown, a proud Texan, and a U.S. Army Veteran. I've served my country with honor, and now, I'm serving the vibrant community of Austin with my short-term vacation rental business, Grand Welcome Austin. I've always been passionate about promoting the spirit of the live music capital of the world, and through my business, I aim to make every visitor feel right at home. I'm also actively involved in organizations such as Hospitality Austin, Austin Small Business Association, Austin Short-Term Rental Association, and the Army Aviation Association of America. I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and I'm always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you!

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Hi there, I'm Steven Brown, a proud Texan, and a U.S. Army Veteran. I've served my country with honor, and now, I'm serving the vibrant community of Austin with my short-term vacation rental business, Grand Welcome Austin. I've always been passionate about promoting the spirit of the live music capital of the world, and through my business, I aim to make every visitor feel right at home. I'm also actively involved in organizations such as Hospitality Austin, Austin Small Business Association, Austin Short-Term Rental Association, and the Army Aviation Association of America. I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and I'm always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you!

Beyond work

When I'm not busy, you can catch me wandering around Zilker Park, paddling on Lady Bird Lake, and indulging in some of my favorite local cuisines, such as Terry Black’s BBQ or Opie’s BBQ in Spicewoood, TX.

Alex Buchanan

Alex Buchanan

Owner

Hello there, I'm Alex, the proud owner of Grand Welcome Austin. I was born and raised in Easton, PA, and later graduated from Penn State University. My passion for aviation led me to serve as an Aviation Officer and Helicopter Pilot for nine years. This experience instilled a sense of discipline and commitment that I now apply to my business. Eventually, my journey brought me to Austin to open Grand Welcome Austin. My wife Kerry, stepdaughter Lana, son Olympiu, and our two dogs make our home a lively and loving place. Now, I'm dedicated to providing a grand welcome to all visitors of Austin through my short-term vacation rental business. I look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant city!

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Hello there, I'm Alex, the proud owner of Grand Welcome Austin. I was born and raised in Easton, PA, and later graduated from Penn State University. My passion for aviation led me to serve as an Aviation Officer and Helicopter Pilot for nine years. This experience instilled a sense of discipline and commitment that I now apply to my business. Eventually, my journey brought me to Austin to open Grand Welcome Austin. My wife Kerry, stepdaughter Lana, son Olympiu, and our two dogs make our home a lively and loving place. Now, I'm dedicated to providing a grand welcome to all visitors of Austin through my short-term vacation rental business. I look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant city!

Beyond work

You'll often find me hiking the trails of Mount Bonnell, exploring the exhibits at the Bullock Museum, or enjoying a meal at one of my favorite local spots, Veracruz All Natural.

Joanne Oh

Joanne Oh

Marketing Manager

Hi, I’m Joanne, Marketing Manager for Grand Welcome Austin . Before this, I spent 8 years in the Army, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership, strategy, and adaptability. Now, I’m channeling that experience into something I’m truly passionate about—helping businesses grow and thrive. I love how marketing allows me to connect with people, tell meaningful stories, and create experiences that matter.Hospitality is such a dynamic and rewarding space, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas, collaboration, and a hands-on approach to our team as we deliver exceptional results.

Read bio

Hi, I’m Joanne, Marketing Manager for Grand Welcome Austin . Before this, I spent 8 years in the Army, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership, strategy, and adaptability. Now, I’m channeling that experience into something I’m truly passionate about—helping businesses grow and thrive. I love how marketing allows me to connect with people, tell meaningful stories, and create experiences that matter.Hospitality is such a dynamic and rewarding space, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas, collaboration, and a hands-on approach to our team as we deliver exceptional results.

Beyond work

Austin is such a fun and vibrant city, but what I love most is its balance with the natural beauty of Highland Lakes. Whether it’s paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, catching live music downtown, or escaping to wineries and hiking trails in the surrounding hills, there’s always something new to experience.

Taylor Porter

Taylor Porter

People Manager

Hi, I'm Taylor Porter, People Manager for Grand Welcome Austin and Highland Lakes. I'm an Oklahoma native, but I have roots around the world. I spent nine years in the U.S. Army, serving in various roles that shaped my commitment to excellence, adaptability, and teamwork. Today, I bring that same dedication to my role as People Manager, where I focus on fostering a workplace culture that empowers individuals and teams to thrive. I’m passionate about success, building meaningful connections, and helping others reach their full potential.

Read bio

Hi, I'm Taylor Porter, People Manager for Grand Welcome Austin and Highland Lakes. I'm an Oklahoma native, but I have roots around the world. I spent nine years in the U.S. Army, serving in various roles that shaped my commitment to excellence, adaptability, and teamwork. Today, I bring that same dedication to my role as People Manager, where I focus on fostering a workplace culture that empowers individuals and teams to thrive. I’m passionate about success, building meaningful connections, and helping others reach their full potential.

Beyond work

Austin and Highland Lakes offer the best of both worlds for me—an exciting city vibe with the calming beauty of rolling hills and wildflowers just a short drive away. Whether I’m savoring live music downtown or hiking through the countryside, it’s a place that fuels my spirit.

Samantha Maher

Samantha Maher

Guest Service Manager

Hey there! I'm Samantha Maher, your Guest Service Manager here at Grand Welcome Austin. I was born and raised in Connecticut, where I also earned my Management degree from Sacred Heart University. With a decade of customer service experience under my belt, including six years dedicated to building and managing successful teams, I'm all about making every guest feel like they're stepping into their dream home when they stay with us. Nothing makes me happier than seeing those five-star reviews roll in, knowing I've helped create unforgettable experiences! I'm passionate about the short-term rental industry and thrive on helping property owners make the most of their investments. With my commitment to excellence and knack for building genuine connections, I'm here to ensure every stay with Grand Welcome Austin is nothing short of fantastic.

Read bio

Hey there! I'm Samantha Maher, your Guest Service Manager here at Grand Welcome Austin. I was born and raised in Connecticut, where I also earned my Management degree from Sacred Heart University. With a decade of customer service experience under my belt, including six years dedicated to building and managing successful teams, I'm all about making every guest feel like they're stepping into their dream home when they stay with us. Nothing makes me happier than seeing those five-star reviews roll in, knowing I've helped create unforgettable experiences! I'm passionate about the short-term rental industry and thrive on helping property owners make the most of their investments. With my commitment to excellence and knack for building genuine connections, I'm here to ensure every stay with Grand Welcome Austin is nothing short of fantastic.

Beyond work

Austin’s food scene and warm hospitality make it an incredible place to host guests.

Cat Marx

Cat Marx

Accounting Manager

Hello, I’m Cat Marx, the Accounting Manager at Grand Welcome Austin. Before joining Grand Welcome Austin, I spent a decade as a teacher. My growing interest in accounting led me to transition from education to finance, a move that culminated in my current role, where I apply my diverse skills and experiences to manage and oversee the company's accounts payable operations. I look forward to partnering with you and helping you achieve your financial goals with your short-term rental.

Read bio

Hello, I’m Cat Marx, the Accounting Manager at Grand Welcome Austin. Before joining Grand Welcome Austin, I spent a decade as a teacher. My growing interest in accounting led me to transition from education to finance, a move that culminated in my current role, where I apply my diverse skills and experiences to manage and oversee the company's accounts payable operations. I look forward to partnering with you and helping you achieve your financial goals with your short-term rental.

Beyond work

The food scene is incredible, and my favorite has to be the breakfast tacos at Vaquero Taquero.

Grand Welcome Highland Lakes

Begin with your priorities.

What do you want to keep enjoying about the property? What would you like to stop coordinating yourself? Those are useful places to start.

Let’s talk about your home →