Hello! My name is Sara, and I am the Senior Director of Business Development for Grand Welcome Sea Ranch with 5 years of experience in real estate and property management. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA, and recently moved to Miami, Florida.
I'm passionate about building long-term relationships with owners and helping them experience the true freedom that comes from investing with the right people and operations.
I find purpose in bringing a positive, collaborative energy to every conversation, always striving to achieve common goals and drive success.
Sea Ranch is my one of my favorite places to relax and decompress. I love walking the trails along the cliffs, and the sunsets here never get old. It’s a quiet retreat where I can slow down and just enjoy the beauty around me.
Hi, I’m Kathleen, General Manager of Grand Welcome Sea Ranch and Gualala. I moved to the coast from Southern California after marrying my husband, who's been here for over 30 years. With 20 years of experience in customer service across multiple industries, I’ve spent the last four years proudly serving property owners through Grand Welcome.
I manage vacation rentals across two beautiful counties, building strong relationships with homeowners and making sure their needs are heard and met. My goal is to make the process smooth, stress-free, and rewarding for everyone involved.
I’m lucky to work with an incredible team that shares my passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Together, we go above and beyond to make every stay unforgettable.
In my free time, I love exploring local wine country, walking scenic coastal trails with my labrador Penny, and soaking in the natural beauty of this peaceful seaside community. From redwood forests to ocean sunsets, this place truly feels like home.
Hi, I’m Kathleen, General Manager of Grand Welcome Sea Ranch and Gualala. I moved to the coast from Southern California after marrying my husband, who's been here for over 30 years. With 20 years of experience in customer service across multiple industries, I’ve spent the last four years proudly serving property owners through Grand Welcome.
I manage vacation rentals across two beautiful counties, building strong relationships with homeowners and making sure their needs are heard and met. My goal is to make the process smooth, stress-free, and rewarding for everyone involved.
I’m lucky to work with an incredible team that shares my passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Together, we go above and beyond to make every stay unforgettable.
In my free time, I love exploring local wine country, walking scenic coastal trails with my labrador Penny, and soaking in the natural beauty of this peaceful seaside community. From redwood forests to ocean sunsets, this place truly feels like home.
Hey there! I'm Samantha Maher, your Guest Service Manager here at Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. 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 Sea Ranch is nothing short of fantastic.
I always make time for the Bluff Trail—there’s nothing like that walk along the cliffs with wildflowers on one side and crashing waves on the other. Stopping at Shell Beach to watch the harbor seals nap on the rocks never gets old.
Hello, I’m Cat Marx, the Accounting Manager at Grand Welcome Sea Ranch.
Before joining Grand Welcome Sea Ranch, 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.
Twofish Baking is one of those spots that just feels like home—everyone knows each other, and the smell of fresh bread hits you the second you walk in. I’m hooked on their morning buns and scones, and it’s the kind of place you look forward to visiting, even if it’s just for a quick coffee and a familiar face.
Hi, I'm Taylor Porter, People Manager for Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. 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.
Sea Ranch is a go-to escape for recharging—it’s where the rugged coastline, quiet serenity, and peaceful trails remind me how much I love being surrounded by nature. The untouched beauty of this area offers the perfect setting to unwind and feel at peace.
Hi, I’m Joanne, Marketing Manager for Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. 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.
Sea Ranch is a coastal haven that feels so serene and untouched. I love the dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and endless ocean views. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.
Hi there, I'm Steven Brown, a proud Tennessean, and a U.S. Army Veteran. I've served my country with honor, and now, I'm serving the vibrant community of Sea Ranch with my short-term vacation rental business, Grand Welcome Sea Ranch.
My goal is to ensure every visitor feels right at home while experiencing the beauty of this incredible destination.
Beyond my business, I’m actively involved in the Army Aviation Association of America and various local Sea Ranch organizations.
I believe in the power of community and collaboration and am always excited to connect with fellow residents, businesses, and visitors.
I love starting my day with a hike, and enjoying the salty air. Sea Ranch is where simplicity meets luxury- the luxury of space, quiet and time. It’s my kind of paradise.
Hello there, I'm Alex, the proud owner of Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. 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 eight years. This experience instilled a sense of discipline and commitment that I now apply to my business.
Eventually, my journey brought me to visit the Sea Ranch. My wife Kerry, stepdaughter Lana, son Olympiu, our two dogs, and four chickens make our home a lively and loving place.
Now, I'm dedicated to providing a grand welcome to all visitors of Sea Ranch and Gualala through my short-term vacation rental business. I look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant community!
I love taking in the beautiful views of the pacific coast while drinking my morning coffee followed by a hike on many of the great trails nearby. Some of my favorite spots to grab food are the Gualala Seafood Shack and Miramar Mexican Grill.
We treat you like family, always going the extra mile to maximize your rental revenue, providing your guests with personalized service and maintaining your property as if it's our own.
Grand Welcome Sea Ranch is top-notch! Their team is professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for both guests and homeowners. If you’re looking for a reliable and well-managed vacation rental service, I highly recommend them!
I had a wonderful stay with Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. The place was perfect—beautifully maintained. The Management was incredibly accommodating, making sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway!
Alex and Steven run a tight ship and you can tell they actually care about your property, not just filling dates. Taylor from their team always checks in after turnovers and sends us photos, which gives us peace of mind since we don’t live nearby. It’s a small thing but it really makes a difference. Communication is solid, the cleaners do a great job, and they even caught a plumbing issue early before it turned into something worse. I’ve had other managers before and this is by far the most hands-on crew I’ve worked with.
I was super nervous to hand over the keys to our Sea Ranch home but Steven and Alex made it feel easy. Communication is great, they’re quick to fix stuff when it pops up, and our income’s gone way up compared to trying to do it solo.
Our stay with Grand Welcome Sea Ranch was absolutely fantastic! The vacation rental was spotless, well-maintained, and had all the amenities we needed for a relaxing getaway. The breathtaking coastal views and peaceful surroundings made it even more special. A huge shoutout to the Grand Welcome team. They were incredibly responsive, professional, and made sure everything was perfect from check-in to check-out. Their local knowledge and attention to detail truly enhanced our experience. We can’t wait to return and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a top-notch stay in Sea Ranch!
Steven, Alex and the Grand Welcome Sea Ranch team helped us get our place in Gualala ready to rent and honestly, I don’t think we could’ve done it without them. They walked us through the whole process and even helped us pick out some decor stuff to make it more guest-friendly. We were pretty overwhelmed in the beginning but they broke it down for us and kept things simple. Since then it's just been steady bookings and great reviews. We’ve even had a few repeat guests already, which is a good sign.
Been working with Grand Welcome Sea Ranch for a little over a year now and I gotta say, Steven, Alex, and the entire team have been lifesavers. They're always on it with guest issues, quick to respond, and just super easy to work with. We’ve had way more bookings than before and less stress on our end, which is exactly what we wanted.
We're happy to answer any questions you may have about your vacation rental property, local short-term rental rules or anything else related to vacation rental management in Sea Ranch and Gualala, California.
Just fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 45-minutes during business hours.
Property management fees can vary significantly and are typically influenced by several factors. Companies usually charge anywhere from 15-25% of the rental income. However, the specific rate can be determined by factors such as the size of your property, its location, and the range of services you desire. These variables play a crucial role in shaping the fee structure, and it's essential to consider them when discussing property management services for your investment.
💸 Leave it to us, we'll help you make more that you would on your own. We're happy to work with you and customize a management solution that aligns with your financial goals.
To run a short-term rental in Sea Ranch or Gualala, CA, you’ll need a county-issued STR permit, business license, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. Sea Ranch, located in Sonoma County, also requires a certified 24/7 property manager and strict compliance with HOA rules on occupancy, noise, and parking. Gualala spans both Sonoma and Mendocino counties, so requirements vary slightly by location, with Mendocino County currently updating its STR ordinance and enforcing Coastal Zone regulations. In both areas, adherence to local ordinances and community guidelines is essential.
😅 We take the headache out of managing your own vacation rental by ensuring your property adheres to any existing or new short-term rental regulations, keeping your investment secure and your guests delighted.
Yes, short-term rental operators in Sea Ranch and Gualala must collect and remit taxes, including Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), California state sales tax, and any applicable local taxes. Properties must be registered with the county where they’re located—Sonoma or Mendocino—and operators are responsible for collecting these taxes from guests at the time of booking. Sonoma County currently imposes a 12% TOT, while Mendocino County has its own rates and requirements. Proper registration, timely tax remittance, and compliance with local rules are essential, and many property managers assist with this as part of their onboarding process.
🎉 When you partner with us, we'll take care of the taxes for you. This approach allows you to focus on your other priorities while we handle the essential tax responsibilities, simplifying your life as a property owner.