Our Team
Team Members
Frank May |
CEO
AKA “Chief ‘I Have An Idea’ Officer
Frank May
CEOAs founder of The Great Backyard Place, the name Timberroot itself began with a line of rustic indoor furniture in 2014. The name stuck around in Frank’s mind until 2022- by that time, he had acquired 3 multi-unit properties and named the ever-growing short-term rental company Timberroot Rustic Retreats.
Since then, Timberroot has grown into the leading model of nature-forward rustic resort companies. Frank has a unique eye for seeing the potential in a multi-unit property and turning it into a modern, charming, and unique destination. Not only does he see the potential of real-estate, but also in those he has chosen to be a part of the team. He and his wife Nicole have grown Timberroot into a 100+ employee company, each bringing their own unique talent to the team.
When Frank isn’t in the office, he spends his time coming to and from his home-away-from-home state of Utah or hanging out with his family.
Nicole May |
COO
AKA “Everything Everywhere All At Once”
Nicole May
COOAs our global operations manager, Nicole manages all housekeeping teams, operational standards, training manuals, and standard protocol across all Timberroot properties. She directly oversees the Chattanooga Regional Operational Director as well as the Chattanooga Laundry and Quality Control Manager. Her roles include boots-on-the-ground regional operations and the operational consistency of every property across Timberroot, Tennessee Glamping, and Utah. Nicole is the throughline that keeps Timberroot’s standards intact at every level whether a property is in Chattanooga or Escalante, the guest experience guests receive is a direct reflection of the systems and people she has built and leads.
When she isn’t taking a phone call, putting out a fire, or in a meeting, she can be found in the animal lot of Wauhatchie Woodlands with her goats, pigs, and chickens. As a mom of 8, a lover of all animals, and the best boss woman her team can always rely on, Nicole can truly do it all!
Brittney Berube | Executive Assistant
AKA “The Office Momager”
Brittney Berube
Executive AssistantBrittney is our leadership’s right-hand, reporting directly to Frank to get any and all administrative tasks completed. She also reports to Nicole, helping to facilitate coordination between property teams. She also facilities Timberroot’s project management projects, whether it’s getting through a stack of paperwork, obtaining a license or permit, ensuring a site lead gets what they need for the day, or refining operational systems. No matter what it is- the team can always rely on Brittney to get it done.
When she isn’t bouncing between the office, Utah, and our Chattanooga properties, she can be found behind the camera snapping lifestyle and family photoshoots. She is also a busy mom of 3 boys, who always keep her on her toes. She has also now become the unofficial office mom!
Jessica Pope | Marketing Director
AKA “Our Fearless Leader”
Jessica Pope
Marketing DirectorJessica leads all marketing directives for Timberroot, Tennessee Glamping, and owner properties. She is the direct report for the marketing team and coordinates with leadership to make effective, data driven decisions that propel Timberroot to the top of every algorithm. Equipped with 11 years of high-level marketing expertise and an MBA in Project Management, she brings a systems-level of perspective to the team.
When she isn’t coming into the marketing office with her “stories”, she can be found out and about Chattanooga with her husband, two kids, and puppy! Fun fact: Jessica is the only female veteran in the office, and we thank her for her service!
Amanda Badenoch | Guest Services Manager
AKA “The Candle Queen”
Amanda Badenoch
Guest Services ManagerAmanda manages the Guest Services team, ensures guest satisfaction & resolutions, and supervises guest management procedures. As one of the first employees of the team, she brings a deep understanding of Timberroot and the experience that is meant for each guest. Her dedication to detail and level of care goes a long way; her leadership has led to one of the best on-call guest services teams in the industry.
When she isn’t crossing off to-do lists, she can be found on the Goose Creek site ordering boxes of candles or sorting through her (faboulous) shoe closet. She is a lovely mom of 3 and enjoys finding cruise deals in her free time to spend more time with her family.
Will Gann | Regional Operations Director
AKA “WG-40”
Will Gann
Regional Operations Director | East TennesseeWill oversees the operations for all Chattanooga properties, the domes in Savage Gulf, and Welcome Valley Village in the Ocoee. He supports and manages the regional site leads, oversees the day-to-day operations for East Tennessee, and reports directly to our global COO. Will comes in with several years of general property management experience in the region and bring a systems-level of quick thinking, problem solving, and leadership to the Timberroot team.
When Will isn’t coordinating between site leads or taking phone calls, he is at home playing with his dogs or taking a hike in nature.
Esta Phillips | Laundry, Quality, & Training Lead
AKA “Mrs. Clean”
Esta Ruscillo
Laundry, Quality, & Training Lead | Chattanooga Region
Kate Jacka |
Staging & Design
AKA “Walking Pinterest Board”
Kate Jacka
Staging & DesignKate leads all staging & design decisions from start to finish. From the time we acquire a property to the time a guest books it, she works with our maintenance and housekeeping team to coordinate demo & remodeling, and executes a careful design process for each unit to breathe the signature Timberroot touch to every corner. No unit has ever been completed without a vision board and intentional planning, all done with a property level vision in mind.
When Kate isn’t staging, adjusting pillows, or tucking sheet corners, she is likely at a wedding, brunch, or church service with her husband or friends. Her dream is to one day live on a flower farm, surrounded by all the colors of the rainbow!
Ocia Hartley | Roasted Root General Manager
AKA “The Cafe Contessa”
Ocia Hartley
Roasted Root Global GMOcia brings over two decades of restaurant experience and management to Roasted Root- Timberroot’s most delicious new addition. Ocia is leading the build, creation, and organization of the Roasted Root brand and business. She manages our Tennessee and Utah teams, franchising, and operational direction.
In her free time, Ocia enjoys all kinds of hobbies from cooking, to sewing, to gardening. Her career has been built around all things food, and enjoys a nice cup of coffee. So she did what anyone who loves coffee and food would do and married a coffee roaster! Together they enjoy the outdoors, swimming in the summer, and travelling.
Ashleigh Ramirez | Director of Retail & Guest Experience
AKA “The Merch Maven”
Ashleigh Ramirez
Director | Retail and Guest ExperiencesAshleigh oversees the entire guest-facing retail and experience program at Timberroot, creating meaningful ways for guests to connect with the brand beyond their stay. She manages merchandise inventory, ordering, organization, packaging, shipping, and sales while also developing and coordinating specialty guest experiences and new experiential offerings. From concept to execution, she plays a key role in expanding Timberroot’s hospitality experience and turning creative ideas into memorable guest moments.
When she isn’t knee deep in a spreadsheet, she can be found fine-tuning her skincare line, Terra Deo, hanging out with her family, or sipping a carefully picked red wine! Fun fact: She & Brittany are the only sibling employees at Timberroot!
Adie Johnston | Social Media Manager
AKA “The Algorithm’s Favorite Child”
Adie Johnston
Social Media ManagerAdie manages the social media platforms for all our brands, including Timberroot, Tennessee Glamping, and Roasted Root. She handles the day to day of managing influencer stays, editing and posting content, and ensuring we stay the algorithm’s favorite hospitality brand. She can usually be found bouncing from property to property, finding the best lighting, organizing a photoshoot, or getting the best candid shots of our units.
When Adie isn’t beating the algorithm, she can be found on a local trail, chasing a sunset, or at a local coffee shop with her husband or friends. We all know its Adie walking in when we see a Sunnyside cup come through the door before she comes tumbling in with all her camera gear!
Charity Myers | Creative Director
AKA “Panic Pixel Picasso”
Charity Myers
Creative DirectorCharity has been the creative visionary of every brand that has come across her desk for the past 12 years. She began working with Frank building the OG Timberroot brand when it was just a furniture line, then built out the Timberroot Rustic Retreats brand into the industry it is today. She leads the creative vision for Timberroot, Tennessee Glamping, Roasted Root, and all other umbrella ventures. She coordinates with third party creative services teams to coordinate print projects, mocks up the front end of our sites, and ensures that everything Timberroot feels Timberroot.
When Charity isn’t knee deep in Adobe, she can be found helping out local businesses with their creative visions or at a dinner party with her friends. As a Chattanooga native, she enjoys hanging out at all the local spots, spending quality time with her nieces and family, or doing hot yoga.
AJ Jackson | Marketing Coordinator
AKA “Fix It Felix”
AJ Jackson
Marketing CoordinatorAJ is Timberroot’s go-to for technical marketing systems & operations and cross-departmental problem-solving; which is why every department seems to find their way to her when something is tangled, broken, or generally acting up. Whether it’s a process, a system, or a marketing workflow that needs set up- she is generally at the wheel to get it off the ground.
When she isn’t at her desk listening to her “concentration” EDM at full blast, she can be paddleboarding, hiking, or at her farmers market in Highland Park. If there’s good food, a local business, a trail, or a mildly ambitious community project involved, AJ is probably already there.
Jake S. | General Maintenance Manager
AKA “Human Flex Seal”Jake S.
Construction & Development ManagerAs our trusted construction & development manager, Jake leads all decisions in demo, construction, remodeling, and high-level fixes across all our properties. With a strong knowledge base of how to solve problems across several maintenance disciplines, he is invaluable to Timberroot and ensuring all properties stay compliant, safe, and ready for guests at any time.
When Jake isn’t running from property to property, he can be found at the local range or in the gym. If fixing things could be a hobby, Jake would be a professional, so it’s a good thing we have him on our team!
Brendan May | Regional Maintenance Manager
AKA “Sonic the Property Man”Brendan May
Maintenance Manager | ChattanoogaBrendan manages all preventative and reparative maintenance for our Chattanooga properties. He oversees each property team, ensures the general upkeep and maintenance of our amenities, guarantees hot tub quality, and races to the rescue when an issue arises. Brendan manages the greater Chattanooga area and reports directly to our General Maintenance Manager, Jake.
When Brendan isn’t dashing between properties, he can be found enjoying family time with his wife and kids or enjoying the Chattanooga scenery.
Candy Kunneke | Escalante Innkeeper
AKA “The Human Swiss Army Knife”
Candy Kunneke
Escalante Innkeeper | Escalante Canyon Inn & Inn of EscalanteCandy is our on-site innkeeper for our inns in Escalante; coordinating with Ocia, the housekeeping & maintenance crew, and guest services. She ensures operations on the ground run efficiently and guest satisfaction. Having previously worked in Chattanooga as part of our guest services team, she brings almost 3 years of experience working with Timberroot.
When Candy isn’t answering the phones, washing laundry, or writing schedules, she can be found in the slot canyons and hiking trails of the beautiful Escalante desert.
Rachael Robinson | Lookout Mountain Inn Manager
AKA “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”
Rachael Robinson
Manager | Lookout Mountain InnAs her nickname suggests, Rachael is our dreamy Lookout Mountain Inn’s fairy godmother. As manager of the inn, she curates the breakfast menu, cooks everything from scratch in her kitchen, supervises housekeeping, and ensures that every guest has a magical experience. She ensures that every bed corner is tucked in just right, leaves special touches in the units when our guests are celebrating something special, and greets every guest in the morning with a warm and welcome hello.
When Rachael isn’t waving her wand around the inn, she can be found at her other job as a content creator making videos for local businesses and showcasing the best things to do in the area. She is also the lover of a good creek day with her husband!
Nic Ketchum | Site Lead
AKA “Inspector Gadget”Nic Ketchum
Site Lead | Wauhatchie Woodlands & Quail Run FarmNic serves as the Site Lead for Wauhatchie Woodlands and Quail Run Farm, overseeing the daily operations and guest experience across both properties. He manages housekeeping coordination, scheduling, ordering, property upkeep, and guest satisfaction while ensuring each space remains clean, organized, and guest-ready. From handling operational issues to supporting her team and maintaining the overall flow of the properties, Nic plays a key role in delivering a smooth, welcoming experience for every guest who visits the properties.
When Nic isn’t in and out of the laundry room, she can be found near the river, on a hike, or spending time with her family!
Holly Taylor | Site Lead
AKA “The BBB (Bed & Breakfast Bureau)”
Holly Taylor
Site Lead | Riverview Inn & Treetop HideawaysHolly is our site lead for Riverview Inn & Treetop Hideaways, ensuring day-to-day operations that keep both properties running smoothly and guest-ready. She manages housekeeping coordination for her team, ensures breakfast service is prepared and set up for inn guests each morning, and handles scheduling, ordering, inventory, and guest satisfaction.
When Holly isn’t hopping between sites, she can be found near a local body of water fishing with her husband, or advocating for shelter pups in the area!
Natalee Anderson | Site Lead
AKA “The Camp Counselor”
Natalee Anderson
Site Lead | Welcome Valley VillageNatalee serves as the Site Lead for Welcome Valley Village, overseeing the daily operations of the property’s pioneer wagons and riverside log cabins along the Ocoee River. She manages housekeeping, scheduling, ordering, guest satisfaction, and day-to-day property needs while ensuring every space is clean, organized, and guest-ready. From coordinating her team to handling issues as they arise, Natalee plays a key role in creating a smooth operation and a memorable experience for every guest who visits Welcome Valley Village.
When she isn’t in between cabins, she can be found enjoying the Ocoee with her partner, who also happens to be WVV’s maintenance man! She enjoys a nice sunny day on the water or fishing along its banks.
Denise Campbell | Site Lead
AKA “Glamping Gaurdian”
Denise Campbell
Site Lead | Savage Gulf Tennessee GlampingDenise serves as the Site Lead for Tennessee Glamping’s Savage Gulf location, overseeing the daily operations of the property’s glamping domes and guest experience. She manages housekeeping, scheduling, ordering, hot tub maintenance, and property readiness while ensuring every guest space is clean, stocked, and welcoming. From troubleshooting issues to maintaining high operational standards, Denise plays a key role in creating a smooth, memorable stay for guests visiting the Savage Gulf property.
When Denise isn’t cleaning with a view, she can be found in the surrounding area on a hike or spending time with her husband enjoying the scenery of Altamont.