Daily Inspiration: Meet Elissa & Al Sedighravesh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elissa & Al Sedighravesh

Hi Elissa & Al, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our story begins in October 2021, when we—Al, with a background in finance, and Elissa, armed with over a decade of hospitality experience—embarked on an exciting new chapter in vacation rentals. Fueled by a shared vision and complementary expertise, we purchased our first rental property, a home in Bermuda Dunes. After months of remodeling and furnishing, we successfully launched it, managing operations remotely from our home in Orange County. Shortly after, we acquired another property in Big Bear, marking the start of a business we had no idea would grow so rapidly.

By 2022, we were managing four properties—two that we owned and two for other families. What began as a small venture quickly gained momentum. We didn’t rely on flashy advertising or aggressive marketing; instead, our growth was built organically through referrals from friends, past clients, and realtors who recognized the care we poured into every home we managed. Fast forward to 2024, and our portfolio has expanded to over 40 properties, with homes spanning iconic destinations across Southern California—from the beaches of San Diego to the mountains of Big Bear and the deserts of Palm Springs.

From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to help young families like ours enjoy stress-free, memorable vacations in homes where they feel cared for. We believe the little things make the biggest difference. That’s why we’ve gone above and beyond to stock our homes with family-friendly amenities—travel cots, kids’ utensils, toys, books, and guidebooks on how to use everything from the coffee maker to the hot tub. Our homes are designed to ensure families can travel light and focus on creating memories.

Even as we’ve scaled, our commitment to exceptional service has never wavered. Today, as we manage properties for investors and families alike, we continue to prioritize what matters most: providing five-star experiences for guests while maximizing revenue for homeowners. With properties all over Southern California, we take pride in creating vacation experiences as diverse as the regions we serve, offering everything from serene mountain retreats to luxurious desert escapes and cozy coastal getaways.

It’s been a remarkable journey, and we’re excited to see where the next chapter takes us. But no matter how much we grow, our core values will remain the same: thoughtful hospitality, personalized care, and a dedication to creating spaces where families can truly relax and reconnect.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success has been anything but smooth—and that’s okay. Challenges have shaped our business, taught us invaluable lessons, and made us more resilient. Growing from a handful of properties to managing over 40 homes across Southern California has come with its share of struggles, and we still face challenges as we continue to scale.

One of our biggest transitions came when we exceeded 10 properties. At that point, we realized our informal processes could no longer keep up. Scaling required a complete overhaul of our internal systems. We brought on staff to manage the growing workload, and while some hires were the perfect fit, others were not. Those missteps were valuable learning experiences that taught us the importance of hiring not just for skill but for alignment with our values and vision.

Today, we’ve refined our approach and built a strong team. We now have one full-time employee on the ground, five dedicated full-time virtual assistants, and a reliable network of contract cleaners and handymen. Despite these advancements, fine-tuning our processes remains an ongoing effort. We’re currently focused on streamlining inventory management, improving our ability to handle quick turnovers, and maintaining consistently high occupancy rates.

One of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of the logistical demands of managing a growing portfolio while preserving the high standards our guests and homeowners expect. Bulk ordering supplies, implementing efficient scheduling for maintenance and cleaning, and responding to guests promptly across time zones are just a few of the moving pieces we juggle every day.

As we look to the future, we’re optimistic. With the right systems and team members in place, we’re confident in our ability to grow sustainably. By the end of 2025, our goal is to manage over 100 properties without compromising the quality and care that define our business. Challenges will undoubtedly arise, but we view them as opportunities to adapt, innovate, and improve. After all, every obstacle we’ve faced so far has brought us closer to where we want to be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We’re more than a management company—we’re travelers, parents, and homeowners ourselves. Elissa’s hospitality background and Al’s financial expertise create the perfect balance of care and strategy. But beyond skills, we’re driven by our values. As an Aussie mom of two young girls, I (Elissa) understand the importance of family connection and creating spaces where little moments—like a morning coffee on the patio or a family game night—can turn into lifelong memories.

I grew up in Newcastle, Australia where weekend camping trips and beach days shaped my love for travel. Al and I met in Dubai in 2014, got married shorty after. Today, when I’m not managing properties or taking trips with our family, I teach group fitness classes. It’s a passion that parallels my work in hospitality: bringing light into people’s lives, whether through movement or a magical vacation experience.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to care—care for the guests staying in our homes, for the owners trusting us with their investments, and for our own family values. It’s this ethos that has helped us grow, thrive, and make an impact in every home we touch.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Interestingly, our journey in vacation rental management began during the COVID-19 pandemic, so we didn’t experience a pre-pandemic “normal” to compare against. Instead, the unique circumstances of that time helped shape our business from the ground up.

If anything, the pandemic underscored the growing demand for vacation rentals as safe, private alternatives to hotels. Travel habits shifted dramatically—people sought homes where they could enjoy time with loved ones while feeling secure and comfortable. This presented a unique opportunity for us to grow, and we leaned into it by offering properties designed to meet those needs.

Guests wanted more than just a place to stay—they wanted a home where they could relax, cook meals, and enjoy time together without worrying about crowded spaces. We catered to this by curating family-friendly homes equipped with all the amenities guests needed to travel light and feel at ease.

The crisis taught us the importance of adaptability. As restrictions and guidelines changed, we prioritized communication and flexibility, ensuring that guests felt confident booking with us. Whether it was offering contactless check-ins or extending cancellation policies, we learned how to pivot quickly and keep the trust of both guests and homeowners.

While the pandemic was a challenging time for many, it highlighted the resilience of the vacation rental industry and solidified our mission: to provide welcoming, well-equipped homes where families can create lasting memories. This lesson has stayed with us as we’ve continued to grow and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of travel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ratherbeproperties.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rather.be.properties/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ratherbeproperties

Image Credits
Rather Be Properties and Rather Be Design