Meet Megan Buckles, the Senior Logistics Project Manager at Frontdesk. Megan started with Frontdesk in December 2019 and has worn many hats at the company since her start date. She has exemplified our core value of “owning it” by persevering through challenges and our core value of “growth mindset” by always being willing to take on new roles. In her free time, Megan enjoys watching TV shows and movies, traveling and learning more about cooking and health goals. She is also a big fan of “treat yourself” so she spends time pampering herself with massages, facials, and infrared saunas.
Tell me about your role and what you do here at Frontdesk?
I’m Megan Buckles, originally from Spokane, Washington.
I’m the Senior Logistics Project Manager at Frontdesk. I’d say it’s a unique role here at FD. I’ve been living as a nomad, minimalist, going on my third year. Nomad, meaning I live full-time on the road traveling city to city by truck across America. Everything I own travels with me.
On my travels, I’m asked the question a lot “what do you do for work?” I have several responses. Sort response, I stage Airbnb vacation rentals. I have noticed most people are familiar with the term Airbnb. Also, most assume I’m an ‘interior designer’ which is a component of my job but there is much more to it.
In more detail, I plan out A-Z logistics of empty apartments and I make sure ‘you’ as a guest can stay in the apartment for one night or six months. I purchase and coordinate installs with movers and various vendors. Also, I schedule internet and photography. My purchases include all furniture, decor, and supplies. Every project is different. But overall the same goal. Which is producing a livable and inviting space for our guests under budget and in a timely manner.
My role with Frontdesk has evolved over the years. In the most recent year, I have added Move-outs nationwide. I coordinate and communicate remotely for any apartment we are moving out of in any city. Moveouts lead to an increase in our inventory and my team and I try to keep track and repurpose/donate as much as we can for any upcoming projects.
As Frontdesk continues to grow and develop. I hope my role evolves and I continue to see more of our beautiful country.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I do love the travel aspect. I enjoy the autonomy I have and the innovation and creativity of my role. The before and after product feels like an accomplishment every time even if the project is 1 apartment or 20 apartments.
What were you doing before Frontdesk and what brought you here?
I actually started my Airbnb staging career with a company called Stay Alfred, they were based in my hometown, Spokane. I worked for them for two years flying to different states for various projects. So, when the opportunity came up with Frontdesk it was a clear career choice.
Prior to my Airbnb staging life. I worked for Greystar property management. I learned that corporate work wasn’t in alignment with my skill sets and the start-up world I found matched my strengths.
In my early college years, I studied multimedia communications and public relations. I wanted to be a broadcaster and work for the entertainment industry. My dream was to be a television talk show host. I find interviewing to be such an art. But my life had other plans and I suppose it’s never too late.
What has been your biggest learning experience since starting at Frontdesk?
I think adaptability. After 4 months of traveling for Frontdesk 2020 lockdown hit. I was in Des Moines, Iowa and I had to become the City Manager. Fun fact: Iowa has more pigs than people. I had to make sure I was available for anything. I’m so happy Frondesk survived that time. I learned a lot about myself during that time.
What advice would you give to others in your role?
Do what makes you happy in any role you have. When stress is high remember it’s only apartments.
People that are a part of our Development team remember you’re a do-er and you gotta get it done. Explore, even when you don’t love a city or place there’s always something new to experience and fun to be had.
What surprised you about working at Frontdesk?
How often things change and how every person and department is a valuable resource to Frontdesk’s success.
What is your favorite Frontdesk city?
Surprisingly, I enjoyed Cincinnati. I think it’s rad you can walk across a bridge and be in Kentucky. Lots of cave tours and kayaking. Lots of great dive bars and restaurants.
I think everyone should experience New Orleans. I did a swamp tour I’ll never forget. I fed Crocodiles marshmallows haha. The city has an undeniable energy. Music, food, and so much fun!
Bucket list place to visit?
I’ve had a passion for travel at a young age. I don’t have many US states left but Alaska is at the top of the list. I want to be immersed in the Alaskan beauty that I’ve heard so much about.
I do have more international travel experiences ahead of me. A few I’m manifesting are Egypt, Bali, and Italy.
