Vicki DiFabio, General Manager for Tartan Management, Inc

Published November 4, 2009

by Brian Welch
Media producer
askMANDO.com

In our continuing “Women in the Industry” series, this time we feature Vicki DiFabio, general manager for Tartan Management, Inc. The company is located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and provides property management, rentals, as well as management of HOA’s and fractionals and consultation services on fractional development.

M&O: Can you tell us about your responsibilities?

Vicki: As general manager, I function as the ‘director of catch-all.’ With the varied products and services we provide, many hats are worn each day -- from housekeeping and maintenance oversight to accounting and customer relations.

M&O: How long have you been there, and what did you do before?

Vicki: I have been at Tartan almost five years and came from a varied background. I started in accounting, then fast food construction company management, on to owning a catering company for 15 years, and then eight years as an HR Director for a computer company.

M&O: What brought you to this industry?

Vicki: I came to this industry through an association with Norm Scott, the founder of our company.

M&O: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Vicki: I enjoy the interaction with guests and owners, as well as the challenges of the changing landscape of vacation rentals.

M&O: What do you enjoy the least?

Vicki: Maintenance issues, maintenance issues . . . .

M&O: What would you tell others thinking about getting into this industry?

Vicki: If you enjoy people and can stand the stress of dealing with the public on a daily basis even when you are up to your eyeballs in issues, this is an awesome industry!

M&O: If you did not work in this industry, what would you like to be doing?

Vicki: If I were not in the vacation industry, I would probably return to the catering field.

M&O: What do you think the future will bring to this industry?

Vicki: The Internet has already changed the way we do business -- but the educated vacationer will set the standards in days to come -- for your properties, your amenities, and your operations.

M&O: Tell us about your involvement in C.A.R.E. (Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers) and why did you get involved?

Vicki: C.A.R.E. offers all companies large and small the opportunity to ask questions, network with others in the field, and get the results you seek. I can’t imagine not being a part of this wonderful organization. It certainly has helped our company grow and prosper.