Employee Spotlight: Joe Leonardo, Senior Sales Manager
Rove Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Leonardo, Senior Sales Manager
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Rove?
I’ve spent the last ten years growing my sales career with fast-paced, high-growth companies like WeWork, Uber, and Sonder. Those roles taught me how to thrive in dynamic environments while connecting people with solutions that fit their needs. Joining Rove felt like a natural next step—a chance to combine my skills in sales and strategy with my love for travel and hospitality. Leading sales in top markets like NYC and the Hamptons has been an exciting opportunity to help drive growth in such a unique space.
How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?
As Sales Manager, my role is all about making connections. I help match potential guests with the perfect Rove property, guiding them through the reservation process and making sure their questions are answered. Behind the scenes, I’m working to improve sales operations, build relationships with partners, and keep a close eye on market trends to ensure we’re competitive. I also collaborate with our operations team to ensure our properties stay fully booked and our guests have an exceptional experience from start to finish.
What does "a day in the life" of the sales/reservation team look like?
No two days are exactly the same, but it’s always busy and collaborative. A typical day includes pitching our properties to potential guests, meeting with brokers and partners, and reviewing newly onboarded units to ensure they’re ready to go. It’s a mix of building relationships, strategizing, and staying on top of the market.
What is your favorite thing about working at Rove?
I love the opportunity to help build something from the ground up. Being part of a growing company means there’s always room to make an impact and try new things. Plus, the flexibility to work from different spots around NYC is a nice bonus—it keeps things fresh and exciting!
What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?
Take the time to understand NYC’s ever-changing real estate market—it’s fast-moving and full of opportunities. Also, find joy in helping clients discover their ideal home or getaway. If you’re passionate about connecting people with great experiences, you’ll thrive here.
What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?
I’m proud of how much we’ve grown. Our property count has expanded significantly over the past two years, and we’ve managed to maintain consistently high occupancy month after month. On top of that, I’ve built out a sales team to support the increased demand, which has been a rewarding challenge and a key part of our success.
Where is your favorite destination you’ve visited, and why?
Barcelona, hands down. It’s the perfect combination of stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. There’s really something for everyone, and it’s a place I always look forward to going back to.