Winner of The Shortyz 2026 Best Travel Influencers of the Year

Tom Goodwin

Tom Goodwin Profile Photo

CEO - Mountain Laurel Chalets

Stewarding Mountain Laurel Chalets’ legacy of 51 years of limited edition service, Tom brings value to people and experiences through trusted leadership and hospitality. Married to Susan for 31 years, they’ve raised five daughters (and have one son-in-law) who also share their vision for the legacy of their family business which Susan’s parents began in 1972.

In addition to his love for the Great Smoky Mountains, Tom serves as an elder in his church, enjoys a great book and meals with friends and family and plenty of good podcasts. Always learning and growing, Tom surrounds himself with others who care about what really matters—people and relationships. Of course he and Susan would prefer to spend as much time as possible with their grandchildren Charlie and Cecilia and amazing daughters and son-in-law.

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June 18, 2025

Live from the VRMA Executive Summit: Big Energy, Bold Conversations, and Lots of Fun!

Send us a message! In this week’s episode, we’re taking you back to Miami Beach for a special look at one of the most talked-about events in the industry this year, the 2025 VRMA Executive Summit. It’s been a few weeks since the event, but the insights we gathered still feel just as relevant. Alex & Annie bring you candid interviews with some of the brightest and most respected voices in the vacation rental industry to talk through the wins, the growing pains, and the ideas shaping how we lead ...
200
Jan. 15, 2025

Podcasting the Podcasters: Celebrating Our 200th Episode

It's a milestone moment for Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals as we celebrate our 200th episode together with some of the most brilliant and influential podcasters in the vacation rental industry. To make this occasion extra special, Amber Hurdle and Travis Wilburn take over hosting duties, flipping the script by putting Alex & Annie in the guest seats. This episode is a tribute to the journey of not just Alex & Annie but the entire podcasting community that amplifies the voice...
Dec. 18, 2024

For the Love of Gatlinburg: How Tom Goodwin Uses Storytelling to Preserve a Destination’s Heart and Soul

In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets and host of "For the Love of Gatlinburg" Podcast. Tom shares insights into his family-run vacation rental business in Gatlinburg, which has been a beloved destination for over 50 years. We dive into his journey of preserving the essence of Gatlinburg through his podcast and discuss how it celebrates the community's rich heritage and unique stories. Tom also gives an update on Mountain Laurel ...
Guest: Tom Goodwin
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Oct. 23, 2024

Throwback to Our Most Listened Episode of 2024 – Building a Hospitality Legacy with Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets

In this special re-air of one of our most popular episodes, Alex & Annie revisit our insightful conversation with Tom Goodwin, CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom’s remarkable journey in the vacation rental industry, from unexpected beginnings to building a brand rooted in community, continues to inspire. Tom's Journey: Discover how Tom's unexpected entry into the vacation rental world, through his wife's family-run business in Gatlinburg, evolved into a thriving venture. His initial 18-month...
Guest: Tom Goodwin
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Jan. 24, 2024

Building a Legacy of Hospitality: The Story of Mountain Laurel Chalets with CEO, Tom Goodwin

In this captivating episode of “Alex and Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Tom Goodwin, a seasoned professional in the vacation rental industry, to explore his remarkable journey and the transformative power of community and branding in business. Tom's Journey: Discover how Tom's unexpected entry into the vacation rental world, through his wife's family-run business in Gatlinburg, evolved into a thriving venture. His initial 18-month commitment turned into an 11-year...
Guest: Tom Goodwin