After 2 decades of traveling the world, building vacation-rental portfolios and visiting more than 5,000 properties, Joel Schoen brings a truly hands-on perspective to Expedia Group as Escapia’s new General Manager. Learn more about his journey, his vision for Escapia and what’s next for the team. 

Tell us about your journey – what led you to a career in travel technology?   

Twenty-two years ago, after graduating from business school and working in mergers & acquisitions, I was recruited to lead real estate operations for Abercrombie & Kent, a company building a portfolio of vacation properties around the world. I was drawn in by the chance to travel and work with amazing properties, but I quickly became fascinated by the industry itself. 

At the time, vacation rentals were a highly fragmented, mostly offline business. That stood in sharp contrast to hotels, which already had sophisticated booking and distribution technology. So I saw an opportunity to help modernize the space. Over time, I helped launch property management companies, build an online travel agency, develop tools for homeowners, and launch and scale vacation rental brands for Choice Hotels and Marriott. Those experiences gradually led me deeper into technology, including property management software as CEO of CiiRUS, and ultimately to Escapia. 

What is it about Escapia that excites you most? 

Escapia has a tremendous opportunity ahead. Being part of Expedia Group gives us an advantage few competitors can match: access to world-class technology, investment in AI and powerful sources of traveler demand through Vrbo and Expedia. That gives us an opportunity to solve real customer pain points and redefine what vacation-rental management software can do. 

I’m also energized by the team. They’re incredibly engaged and genuinely committed to the product, our customers, and the business. I’d worked with Escapia and Vrbo as a partner, so I already appreciated the partnership culture. Add in Escapia’s 25-year history as an industry pioneer, and it feels like an exciting journey ahead. 

What are some goals you and your team are looking forward to accomplishing? 

Our first priority is to listen closely to customers and improve the tools we already have so they fully meet their needs. We also want to make Escapia a seamless part of their broader tech stack by strengthening our integrations with partners. 

Looking ahead, we’re exploring how AI can make the platform more helpful while still giving customers the flexibility to choose how they use it. We also see a real opportunity to modernize Escapia’s user experience. After 25 years in the industry, we have a strong foundation, but we want to make the platform even more intuitive and approachable for customers today. 

What kind of culture are you aiming to cultivate at Escapia? 

My leadership style is transparent, collaborative and solution-oriented, and that’s the kind of culture I want to build at Escapia. I want people to feel empowered to share ideas, challenge assumptions and help shape our direction—because the best ideas can come from anywhere, especially from those closest to our customers and products. 

That customer focus is central to the culture, too. We shouldn’t just meet expectations; we should look for ways to anticipate customer needs and deliver an exceptional experience. Internally, that means clear communication, a shared vision, collaboration and space to have fun and celebrate wins. My goal is to build an engaged, entrepreneurial team that builds on Expedia Group’s culture while creating something uniquely Escapia. 

Where did you travel most recently, and what destination is next on your list? 

My family and I recently took a quick trip to Rome and Athens, which was fantastic because I’ve always loved Italy and Europe. Prague was another favorite from last year; it was my first time there, and I completely fell in love with the city. Next, I’d love to return to Japan and explore more of Asia with my wife.. One day I hope to take a trip to Africa and experience a safari with my family. 

Join us to build the world of travel.

Ready to build what’s next in travel tech? Explore open opportunities at Expedia Group and join us in shaping the future of travel.