Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace.
Hi Grace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After decades as an Internal Medicine physician, I never expected my second career would be in hospitality. Yet the same principles that guided me in medicine—service, responsiveness, and attention to detail—ultimately became the foundation of Nova Vacation Rentals.
My story began in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, where I grew up as the youngest of eight children in a hardworking Irish family on a large potato farm. On a farm, everyone contributes. From an early age, I learned the value of teamwork, responsibility, and finding a way to get the job done. There was always work to do, and everyone played a role.
Those lessons stayed with me as I pursued higher education. I attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and later earned my medical degree from Memorial University School of Medicine in St. John’s, Newfoundland. To help pay my expenses, I worked as a waitress and bartender throughout my university years. Those jobs taught me some of the most important lessons of my career—how to work hard, how to communicate with people from all walks of life, and how to create a positive experience even under pressure.
After medical school, I completed my Internal Medicine training at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and became Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Rather than joining an established practice, I decided to take a leap of faith and build something of my own.
With a $30,000 line of credit from Crestar Bank and a vision for the future, I opened my own Internal Medicine practice in Sterling, Virginia. Like many entrepreneurs, I wore every hat in the beginning. I was the physician, the nurse, the business owner, the marketer, the problem solver, and often the person handling tasks no one else saw. Building that practice taught me the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, customer service, and financial discipline.
Over time, I became interested in real estate investing as a way to diversify and build long-term wealth. What started as an investment strategy gradually evolved into something much more meaningful. I discovered that I enjoyed creating beautiful spaces and delivering exceptional experiences for guests.
The transition from medicine to hospitality may seem unusual, but the two professions have more in common than people realize. Patients want to know that someone cares about their well-being. Guests want to know that someone cares about their experience. Both require trust, creating and executing detailed processes, attention to detail, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Today, Nova Vacation Rentals operates luxury vacation homes in unique destinations including Florida and New Mexico. Every property reflects the values that shaped my life—from the work ethic I learned on a Canadian potato farm, to the hospitality skills I learned while waiting tables, to the service mindset I developed as a physician and business owner.
As the youngest of eight children on a potato farm in New Brunswick, I learned the value of hard work and teamwork. As a waitress and bartender, I learned hospitality and customer service. As a physician, I learned how to listen, solve problems, and care for people. As the owner of a medical practice, I learned entrepreneurship and leadership.
Each chapter prepared me for the next.
Today, when guests stay at one of our homes, I want them to feel the same things I wanted my patients to feel: cared for, valued, comfortable, and confident that someone is paying attention to the details.
I often tell people that I didn’t really leave medicine. I simply found a different way to care for people. Today, instead of helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, I help travelers create memories with the people they love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has definitely not been a completely smooth road, although I have learned that every challenge brings an opportunity to grow.
In many ways, I began learning about business long before I entered medicine. Growing up on a potato farm in Woodstock, New Brunswick, I watched firsthand how much uncertainty farmers face. Weather, equipment, labor, cash flow, market conditions, and unexpected setbacks are all part of the business. Farming taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of hard work. Looking back, I realize that many of the challenges farmers face are not that different from the challenges entrepreneurs face in any industry.
When I opened my Internal Medicine practice in Sterling, Virginia, I quickly learned that being a good physician and being a successful business owner were two very different skill sets. I had to learn about finance, staffing, operations, marketing, and leadership while continuing to care for patients. Rather than assuming I had all the answers, I made a commitment to lifelong learning and hiring people that brought the skills needed that I did not have.
Throughout my medical career, I became actively involved with the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and earned Board Certification through the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). Later, I achieved Fellow status in the ACMPE (FACMPE), the organization’s highest professional distinction. That journey provided me with a strong foundation in business management, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development.
I also joined Vistage, where I met monthly with successful business owners from a variety of industries. Those discussions were invaluable because they reinforced an important lesson: while industries may differ, the fundamental challenges of leadership, growth, customer service, hiring, and strategy are remarkably similar.
The short-term rental industry has presented its own unique challenges. Hospitality is a 24-hour-a-day business. Guests arrive with high expectations, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every aspect of their stay meets those expectations. Whether it is a maintenance issue, a weather event, a last-minute guest request, or coordinating service providers across multiple properties, there is always something that requires attention.
Owning properties in coastal Florida has added another layer of complexity. Hurricanes, flooding, insurance challenges, and property maintenance are realities that every owner must navigate. Having spent my career in medicine, I was accustomed to solving problems and staying calm under pressure. That mindset proved invaluable when navigating storms, property emergencies, and the many unexpected situations that arise in hospitality.
One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my career is that success is never a solo effort. I have always tried to surround myself with people who possess skills and expertise that I do not have. Whether in medicine or hospitality, I owe much of my success to hiring talented individuals, listening to their advice, and empowering them to do what they do best. Great teams accomplish far more than any one person ever could.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the journey. Every challenge, setback, and unexpected obstacle has taught me something valuable. Those experiences have made me a better business owner, a better leader, and ultimately better equipped to create exceptional experiences for our guests.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nova Vacation Rentals dba Beaumeade Professional Center Associates?
My business is built on a simple philosophy: create exceptional vacation experiences by combining professional management, thoughtful hospitality, and a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction.
At Nova Vacation Rentals, we specialize in high-quality vacation rental experiences, offering carefully selected properties that provide guests with comfort, convenience, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends.
What sets us apart is our dedication to exceptional service, attention to detail, and personalized hospitality. We believe that every guest deserves a seamless and enjoyable stay, and we work hard to ensure each property is maintained to the highest standards. A critical part of that commitment comes from the local managers and cleaning professionals at each property. The individuals who prepare and care for our homes leave a lasting impression on guests from the moment they arrive. Their attention to detail, pride in their work, and dedication to creating a welcoming environment play a major role in the overall guest experience. From the booking process to check-out, our focus is on responsiveness, reliability, and creating an stress-free experience for both guests and me as the property owner.
While Nova Vacation Rentals is not a family business, I could not do this without the support and guidance of my husband. A retired Navy Submarine Captain, he helps me in countless ways behind the scenes. There is nothing broken that he cannot fix, and he brings unique ideas and practical solutions—especially when it comes to preventing water entry and flooding. His experience, problem-solving skills, and unwavering encouragement have been invaluable to the success of the business.
Brand-wise, what we are most proud of is the trust we have earned from guests. Positive reviews, repeat visitors, and long-term relationships are the result of consistently delivering on our promises. We also recognize that this trust is built by an entire team, including IT, SEO and Website Designers, the managers and cleaners who help ensure every property is guest-ready and welcoming. We believe that hospitality is about more than providing a place to stay—it is about creating an experience that exceeds expectations.
As we continue to grow, our goal remains the same: to provide exceptional vacation homes at a reasonable price, outstanding service, and memorable experiences while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. We want readers to know that when they choose Nova Vacation Rentals, they are working with a company that genuinely cares about quality, relationships, and delivering an outstanding guest experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Chance has definitely played a role in both my life and business, although I believe success comes from a combination of preparation, hard work, and being ready to recognize opportunities when they appear.
One of the greatest advantages in my life has been the people who have supported me along the way. I have a husband who is not only incredibly supportive but also brings a wealth of practical knowledge and problem-solving skills to the business. His encouragement and willingness to help tackle challenges have made a tremendous difference.
I have also benefited from the support of my Admin Assistant, whose organization, dedication, and attention to detail help keep daily operations running smoothly. In addition, our website developer has played an important role in maintaining a strong online presence, making it easier for guests and homeowners to connect with Nova Vacation Rentals and access the information they need.
Another blessing has been my four children, who range in age from 25 to 36. Each of them brings valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and thoughtful ideas that have helped me both personally and professionally. Their encouragement and input have often helped me see opportunities and challenges from different angles.
I have also had the privilege of working with outstanding local managers and cleaning professionals who genuinely care about the homes they oversee and the guests they serve. In the vacation rental industry, the quality of the guest experience often depends on the people behind the scenes, and I am grateful for team members who take pride in their work and consistently go above and beyond.
On the business side, timing has also played a role. The vacation rental industry has experienced significant growth over the years, creating opportunities for companies like Nova Vacation Rentals to expand and serve more travelers. At the same time, there have been challenges—from unexpected maintenance issues and severe weather events to market fluctuations and changing regulations. Those experiences taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and having contingency plans in place.
Looking back, I would say that opportunity has opened some doors, but it has been the relationships we have built, the trust we have earned, and our commitment to consistently delivering excellent service that have allowed us to make the most of them. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, but I also believe that being prepared, staying positive, and continuing to work hard are what turn opportunities into lasting success.
Pricing:
- Vacation rental management pricing varies based on the services required and the property being managed. .
- ● Nova Vacation Rentals uses PriceLabs, a dynamic pricing tool that integrates with our calendar and factors in market conditions, seasonality, demand, and property-specific details to help optimize rental rates.
- Guests can view current rental rates, availability and applicable fees for vacation properties on our website: at https://www.novavacationrentals.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.novavacationrentals.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/novavacationrentals/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/novavacationrentals
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nova-vacations-rentals
- Twitter: x.com/novarentals
- Pinterest: pinterest.com/novavacationrentals/
