Luis Ponce Vizcaíno, CEO And Founder, Marbella Mountain Resorts
In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving business world, leadership has taken on a new dimension, transcending traditional notions of authority and command. The modern business landscape calls for leaders who not only possess exceptional strategic acumen but also embody a profound sense of purpose and authenticity. However, beyond these essential traits, there exists an intangible yet fundamental element that truly distinguishes exceptional leaders—the unwavering commitment to delivering genuine value to customers. In a world where businesses are continually challenged to differentiate themselves, these leaders stand out by prioritizing customer centricity and instilling a deep-rooted set of values into their organizations. By understanding the ever-evolving needs and preferences of their customers, these astute leaders forge a unique bond that goes beyond mere transactional relationships. They recognize that sustained success lies not only in optimizing products and services but in creating a lasting impact on the lives of their customers. Today, it is our great privilege to introduce one such exceptional leader: Luis Ponce Vizcaíno, the CEO and Founder of Marbella Mountain Resorts, a leading full-service vacation rental and Management Company in Spain.
Luis grew up reading luxury hotel magazines, watching the travel channel and dreaming of seeing the world. And, this early fascination sparked a profound passion for the world of luxury hospitality within him. So, he began his journey in the industry with a humble role at McDonald’s. Having worked sporadically in several beach restaurants, Luis was genuinely impressed by the operational approach of the American multinational, which underscored the significance of processes, operational efficiency, product consistency, training and internal marketing. Takinga leap forward in his career, Luis pursued International Hotel Management studies at the esteemed Les Roches Marbella and began working in luxury hotels all over the world in cities like New York, London, Madrid and Barcelona. Yet, it was his most recent role as Director of Operational Innovation within an international American chain that allowed him to flourish as an intrapreneur, spearheading transformative projects across all facets of the hotel experience. Luis experienced first-hand the difficulties many companies face to reach the next step of growth, innovate and drive change consistently through the entire organization.
Beginning of an Illustrious Journey
After a rewarding tenure as a senior executive with an international hotel chain, Luis returned to his hometown to take some time to reflect. During this time, he became a partner in a start-up development company. Meanwhile, seeking to keep himself engaged with the Hospitality industry, he began managing a single vacation rental property in a inland town. As clients started streaming in, Luis discovered how much he enjoyed serving sophisticated clients on a personal level.This realization, which he aptly calls an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), revealed an emerging trend and an unmet need in the realm of luxury hospitality. He realized that conventional 5-star hotels with their multitude of rooms fall short of satisfying a certain clientele seeking utmost privacy, exclusivity, and personalized services, coupled with immersive local experiences that mirrored the lifestyle of a local. Driven by this newfound insight and determined to fill this void in luxury hospitality, he founded Marbella Mountain Resorts in 2013.
Reflecting on the genesis of the brand, Luis fondly recalls his time managing the first property, Ronda Mountain Resort.Transitioning from a corporate role in an American company, he vividly remembers crafting and presenting a meticulous business plan to the owner, who was left amazed. Luis couldn’t help but chuckle as he recalls how the plan was replete with comprehensive KPIs, short-term and medium-term objectives, and a well-thought-out marketing strategy all while the property boasted just 7 rooms, a friendly dog, and a few clucking chickens. Looking back, he fondly cherishes this humble experience, as it laid the foundation for the grand vision he would go on to realize in shaping the luxurious world of Marbella Mountain Resorts.
A Harmonious Blend of Luxury and Meaningful Local Experiences
From its inception, Marbella Mountain Resorts had a clear vision of setting itself apart by adopting the best practices from hotel chains, ensuring an unparalleled hospitality experience for its discerning clientele. Recognizing the limitations of traditional real estate firms and general villa rental providers, it embraced a unique approach, blending the expertise of both worlds to deliver exceptional vacation experiences. “In the beginning, it was enough to have a good product, you handed over the keys and you made sure that everything worked correctly. We have now moved to a stage where the client not only demands to have the same services as a hotel but also wants to live significant local experiences. This drives us to have 24/7 customer service teams, our own cleaning and maintenance departments,” elucidates Luis.
Understanding that customer satisfaction hinges on exceptional service, the company places significant emphasis on honing the skills of its staff to deliver personalized and top-notch service to every guest. Furthermore, in an era of digital transformation, Marbella recognizes the need for streamlined operational processes to achieve maximum efficiency. By embracing digitization, it has enhanced its ability to provide a seamless and delightful experience for guests, while also optimizing internal operations. Beyond exceptional service and operational efficiency, Marbella also focuses on building a robust brand identity.“Now the competition is much greater, the product has increased, and the demand in certain markets has been limited. That is why it is important to build a brand that the client recognizes as a leader in the sector, apply more aggressive and highly segmented sales marketing strategies, providing a differential value and service,” adds Luis.
Navigating Multi-Faceted Roles with a Strategic Vision
As the CEO and Founder of Marbella Mountain Resorts, Luis adeptly manages the delicate balance between his two pivotal roles, driving the company’s growth and ensuring its continued success. “When you grow a company, you occupy more positions than just these two. Little by little you are hiring a team, creating departments, defining processes and delegating responsibilities. In this case, the positive thing is that you make sure that each one of the strategies you implement is linked to the final objectives of the company, which, on occasion, especially in the growth phases, can simply be consolidating the brand, increasing market share, to retain customers above the mere obtaining of short-term financial objectives,” opines Luis. The common thread that he believes binds both his roles is his profound long-term strategic vision, a driving force behind the continued triumph and prosperity of Marbella Mountain Resorts.
Charting New Horizonswhile Staying True to its Roots
Over the years, Marbella Mountain Resorts has attracted significant interest from a plethora of companies keen on acquiring the business, ranging from international operators seeking local expansion to real estate investors enticed by the brand’s immense growth potential. But despite these enticing offers, the resort has chosen to remain steadfast in its commitment to its origins and brand values, opting to pursue organic growth. Looking forward, Luis envisions steering the company’s expansion into other Spanish destinations and beyond, setting sights on Portugal, and Morocco, and exploring additional segments of the value chain, such as services and transport. His vision is to establish Marbella Mountain Resorts as a timeless brand with an enduring legacy. “I would love to be a company that can tell its story after many years, maintaining the same values of its beginnings,” opines Luis.
Imparting his invaluable insights to emerging entrepreneurs, Luis advises them to discover their true calling and then hone their expertise within a chosen field. He firmly believes that true respect comes from one’s abilities and contributions to the world, irrespective of the domain. “Once you work hard at what you like and are good at it, the rest follows. It is very important to choose the right partners, people who agree and share the same values,” concludes Luis.