Our Story
At Shanti Mountain Properties, we believe in creating places where people can truly relax and connect with their surroundings. Our story began with Johnny, our founder, who poured his passion into building his first vacation retreat. He took a chance, and it paid off—guests found the escape they needed, kept coming back, and left feeling recharged.
Johnny soon realized that crafting these unique retreats wasn’t just about providing a getaway—it was about creating meaningful spaces that made a difference in people’s lives. This inspired him to share his expertise, helping other homeowners achieve the same success. In 2009, Shanti Mountain Properties opened its doors, and since then, we’ve grown into a thriving short-term rental and boutique property management company, welcoming both guests and homeowners to experience something truly special.
Renting or owning a dream vacation home is easy…
We handle all the details so savvy travelers can send their worries packing. For homeowners, we care for their home like it’s our own, giving them more time to enjoy life.
Our People
Johnny Hairfield, Founder
Johnny, a graduate of Appalachian State with a degree in industrial technology and a concentration in sustainable technologies, has spent the last 14 years mastering the art of real estate investing, design, and property management, specifically vacation rental management. In 2009, he built his first short-term rental property with the goal of providing a sanctuary for people to recharge and reset from the everyday grind, thus launching Shanti Mountain Properties. With a keen sense of minimalist living and a love for travel, Johnny gradually grew the company to serve the greater Asheville community.
With a kind and humorous approach, Johnny now consults with homeowners on their investment properties, directs the SMP team and handles the executive duties of the company. He believes in living the lifestyle you want and having a meaningful career, “living what you do.”
When he isn’t overseeing Shanti Mountain Properties, Johnny spends time with his wife and three young daughters. He is proficient in Sil-Lum Kung Fu martial arts, an avid traditional archery enthusiast and a lover of music, playing the guitar and old-time Irish fiddle in his free time.
Michael R Carter – REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS & BROKER IN CHARGE
Michael is a native of Asheville and Western North Carolina.
His background started by obtaining a Computer Science and Information Systems degree, he worked for a large North Carolina Bank managing computer systems related to banking operations.
During this time he also became a Commercial Insurance Agent specializing in Risk Management in the Insurance Industry.
These interests merged later and evolved to obtaining a North Carolina Real Estate Broker Certification.
His experience in Real Estate started as a Property Manager of large Homeowner Associations working with multiple Board of Directors and homeowners. Many issues relating to all facets of Real Property Management including relations with Directors, Owners, Contractors, Attorneys, Insurance firms, and many more were utilized at all times.
These insights and associations provided Michael the skill set to manage real estate operations, agents, and firms with Shanti Mountain Properties.
Michael spends time outdoors with his dogs, Aussie (Ellie) and Golden Retriever (Leo), Mountain Biking, Snow Skiing, Boating, Scuba Diving and just about all the great outdoors has for us.
Rebecca “Becky” Rice, Director of Operations & Financial Controller
Before joining our team, Becky held various retail and customer service positions. She came to Shanti Mt. Properties looking for a better work-life balance and future growth opportunities. Under the leadership and guidance of Johnny, Becky quickly evolved in her role with Shanti. She loves what she does, and every day is an adventure, never a routine.
You’ll find Becky wearing many hats for Shanti Mountain, including reservationist, bookkeeping, communicating with guests, onboarding , financial reporting, and more.
It isn’t uncommon for Becky to devour a 300-page book in one day in her spare time. She has a great love for animals and has two dogs, an 18-year-old poodle, and a 2-year-old shepherd mix.
Sandy Rogers – Property Manager – Broker
Introducing Sandy, an adept and committed property manager, deeply immersed in the intricacies of the industry. Sandy’s portfolio boasts a remarkable history of navigating a diverse array of properties, from the intimate confines of apartment buildings to the expansive landscapes of commercial real estate. Proficient in the nuances of leasing, maintenance, and budgeting, Sandy seamlessly weaves her exceptional hospitality background into the fabric of property management.
Within the realm of her responsibilities, Sandy ensures a harmonious and inviting atmosphere for tenants, meticulously balancing the fine line between maintaining properties and ensuring their financial viability. Sandy’s communication finesse, keen attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to superlative customer service render her an indispensable asset to any property management team.
Operating under the radar, Sandy consistently surpasses expectations for both tenants and landlords, curating an experience that seamlessly aligns with positivity and coherence. Beyond the professional realm, Sandy finds solace in the outdoor world, a pursuit that becomes her haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
John Tully,
Maintenance Technician/Groundskeeper
John is a highly skilled and experienced maintenance technician and groundskeeper with a strong background in property management. He has experience in the industry and has a proven track record of successfully maintaining and repairing a wide range of properties. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he gained valuable skills in leadership, organization, and attention to detail.
John is well-versed in all aspects of property maintenance. He is able to work efficiently and effectively, both independently and as part of a team. He is also able to troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly and effectively, ensuring that all properties under his care are well-maintained and in good condition.
In addition to his technical skills, John is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure. He is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that tenants are satisfied with the condition of their properties.
When he is not working, John enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. He is also a dedicated supporter of veterans’ organizations and is actively involved in community outreach programs.
Overall, John is an asset to any property management team and his military background adds a unique set of skills and mindset that makes him a valuable asset.
Melanie Bradley, Field Manager
Melanie is an experienced and dedicated property manager with a deep understanding of the industry. She has a proven track record of effectively managing a wide range of properties, from small apartment buildings to large commercial properties. With her skills in leasing, maintenance, budgeting and her excellent hospitality experience, she is able to provide a warm and welcoming environment for tenants while also ensuring the properties under her management are well-maintained and profitable. Melanie’s strong communication skills, attention to detail, and her passion for providing top-notch customer service make her a valuable asset to any property management team. She is committed to going above and beyond for tenants and landlords alike, always striving to create a positive and seamless experience. When she is not working, Melanie enjoys horse riding, which she finds to be a great way to relax and unwind.
Sarah Smelser, Field Manager
Sarah’s passion for hospitality blossomed upon her relocation to Western North Carolina. Her professional journey has seen her excel in boutique and resort environments, each experience adding to her profound enjoyment of the industry. Sarah finds immense satisfaction in enriching the experiences of others through her dedicated work. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah cherishes moments spent with her animals and indulges in outdoor activities, particularly basking by the riverside. Her unwavering cheerfulness and commitment to exceeding expectations make her an invaluable asset, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the satisfaction of our guests.
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Get in Touch
Vacation Home Rental & Corporate Housing Agency in Asheville, NC
(262) 922-8806
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
