Venture Resorts general manager Billy Parris (top left) has helped the company grow to become the largest cabin rental company in the Smoky Mountains. Cabins range in size from one bedroom to spacious 12 bedrooms. Hot tubs and picturesque vies are among the many amenities at venture Resorts. Images courtesy of Venture Resorts.

Customer loyalty as well as employee commitment have been the guiding factors contributing to the success of Venture Resorts in Gatlinburg. The business model has paid off. Their repeat clientele has enabled the company to maintain an enviable 76% occupancy rate throughout the year. According to general manager Billy Parris, that figure is 10-20 percent higher than most of their competitors. Even during the cold winter months after tourists have made an exodus from the area, Venture Resorts continues to prosper.

The company was founded in 2004 by one of Parris’ former high school teachers. Ventures Resorts owns and operates three cabin businesses which include Gatlinburg Falls, Cabins of the Smoky Mountains and Cabins of Pigeon Forge. The company is currently owned and operated by Richard Strauss and Thomas Buxton.

From 2004-2008 the company built cabins at a feverish pace to keep up with demand. During that four year boom the company built 178 cabins. But with the coming of the Great Recession construction came to a halt. The owners of Venture Resorts chose to take their business model in another direction and began contracting with cabin owners to rent out their existing properties. Since then the company’s inventory has grown significantly. Today, Venture Resorts manages 490 cabins making it the largest cabin rental company in the Smokies.

Venture Resorts maintains a staff of 160 employees throughout the year. “We are one of the few companies that does not have a lay-off during the winter months,” said Parris. “We think it is important to keep them on. We take a loss during the winter but we keep our staff on full time.”

The result of this policy has produced favorable results for the company. According to Parris, most of their employees have been with the company for several years with a minimal turnover.

The past decade has changed the dynamic that most businesses relied on. Ten years ago print ads were still a staple in any advertising strategy. Now, internet marketing via social media, along with news sources, has taken a predominant role in marketing. The effective use of those mediums have enabled Parris to maintain close personal contact with his clientele and ensure their satisfaction, thus creating a strong repeat clientele.

The company maintains an inventory of rental units that caters to any needs. Cabin sizes range from one bedroom for the smaller family or honeymooners to a 12 bedroom cabin for family reunions and corporate retreats. Nightly rental fees range from $100 a night for the smaller units to $3,000 a night for larger cabins. Each cabin is loaded with a variety of amenities for the comfort of the guests. While most of the cabins are located in close proximity to downtown Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many cabins are more remote and isolated for guests who prefer privacy.

Parris credits some of the company’s success to support from the City of Gatlinburg. “The City has been very helpful to us,” said Parris. “They have been supportive and have brought in numerous conventions to the Convention Center. The City has worked hard to attract business to the area during the winter time as well.”

Venture Reorts is located at 645 Park Vista Way in Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.gatlinburgfallsresort.com or call 865-430-2000.

Published June 14, 2015