Samantha Strenger is the co-owner of Keefe Vacation Rentals (soon to be Geneva Lakes Vacations) in Lake Geneva and is southeastern Wisconsin’s largest local vacation rental management company. “My business partner, Tom Keefe, and I also develop our own unique out-of-the-box rentals, designed to give visitors the ultimate Lake Geneva experience.” Learn more about Samantha Strenger…
Hometown: Fontana, Wisconsin
First job: Selling lift tickets at the Ski Hill at Grand Geneva Resort.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: Out on Geneva Lake or the golf course. I am a boat girl. It’s my happy place.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Having a restaurant fail, switching gears and altering my path.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Losing my dad at 25. Such a difficult in-between time to lose a parent.
Someone who inspires you and why: My parents. Growing up, they were constantly bouncing ideas off each other and pursuing new entrepreneurial endeavors. They taught me to dream, to fail and to try again.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Do your research and play by the rules. Licensing and regulations are constantly changing in this growing business. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance and advice of others. Be you and be unique! Many tell me my job seems like so much fun, and it is! It’s also a lot of work and commitment to do well.
Favorite quote: “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Before finding my niche, I was a teacher, paralegal and juice bar owner.
What makes someone fabulous: Going for it! Whatever your “it” is.