Our series of interviews with local Jewish startup founders and entrepreneurs picks up again this week, as we ask Michael Joseph “4 Questions.” Michael (@VRPartner) is the CEO and founder of VacationRentalPartner, which helps both ends of the vacation rental market – owners and travelers.

How does Vacation Rental Partner work?
Vacation Rental Partner offers great deals on last minute vacation rentals, delivered to your inbox.  It’s a bit like Groupon; we send a weekly email to travelers with discounted places available for the coming weekend.  It’s a really great way to spur spontaneous weekend getaways, and for owners to fill last minute vacancies.

Travelers can sign up here: http://vacationrentalpartner.com/last-minute

Vacation rental owners can sign up here: http://vacationrentalpartner.com/owners-last-minute

Additionally, we offer a number of other services to vacation rental owners to help them get more bookings and make it as easy to rent their home as it is to book a hotel.

Everyone loves a deal – when are the best times for vacation rental deals?
Right now!  Seriously, as we get to the end of the peak ski season here in Colorado, bookings begin to drop off in the mountain towns so owners & managers are willing to offer discounts to keep their places filled.  With record snowfall this winter, the spring skiing is going to be fantastic.  I can’t wait for the warm, sunny days and soft spring snow!

In general, any time during the low season, midweek or at the beginning/end of peak seasons are great times to find good deals but it’s highly dependent upon the destination.

What brought you to Boulder?
I moved to Boulder last May when Vacation Rental Partner was accepted to the TechStars program.  We had a fantastic summer – there are so many people here who are really helpful and generous with their time.  My team and I really love the collaborative nature of the Boulder entrepreneurial community, so we decided to stay.

How do you connect Jewishly?
For me, Judaism is a lot about cultural heritage and community.  I view it as part of what makes me who I am, and what’s shaped my family’s values.  I also really enjoy being part of the Jewish Community; Ignite Chanukah showed me that it’s thriving here in Boulder.

Interested in an interview? Have a startup you’d like to share with the community? Contact us! Disclosure: we met Michael’s mother at the TechStars demo day last August. It’s a small world.