About Us

Chris Brinkman

President & GM

Chris Brinkman is a United States Army veteran, entrepreneur, and operational leader with a proven track record in team development, business growth, and delivering exceptional client service. He served 10 years in the military as a combat medic, completing multiple tours overseas, and later held a leadership role at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His military career honed his strengths in strategic planning, personnel management, crisis leadership, and execution under pressure—skills that continue to shape his approach to business today. After transitioning from the Army, Chris launched and scaled a successful cabinetry and custom woodworking company in Austin, Texas. He specialized in high-end residential projects, collaborating closely with homeowners, builders, and designers to deliver premium craftsmanship and white-glove service. As owner, he oversaw operations, financials, project management, client relations, and team development—gaining firsthand experience in what it takes to build a trusted service-based business from the ground up. Chris brings a service-focused, relationship-driven leadership style to his role at Stay Local Austin. His business philosophy centers on integrity, communication, accountability, and creating value for both property owners and guests. He believes that exceptional hospitality is rooted in building genuine relationships and delivering consistent, elevated experiences. With a strong background in operational systems, personnel management, and brand growth, Chris is committed to strengthening Stay Local Austin's reputation as the most trusted and homeowner-centric vacation rental management company in the market. His mission is to support property owners, protect their investments, and continually enhance the guest experience while fostering long-term partnerships built on transparency and results. Outside of work, Chris is an avid outdoorsman, husband, and father who values community, faith, and purposeful living. He is passionate about helping others, especially veterans and first responders, find healing and connection through nature and shared experiences.

Christina McElroy

Director of Owner Relations

Being an Austin native is rare — they call her a unicorn — and Christina is proud to call this vibrant city home. With more than a decade of experience in the short-term rental industry, she has built her career right here in Austin, Texas. This fast-paced field perfectly suits her passion for travel, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring every client feels cared for from start to finish. Christina’s dedication extends beyond her clients to the team she leads and collaborates with. She believes that a cohesive, supported team is the foundation for delivering an exceptional guest experience. Outside of work, Christina is happiest when she’s outdoors with her husband and their three children, exploring new parks around Austin or setting off to visit family and discover new places together.

Dean Pele

Business Development Executive

Dean Pele graduated from Lake Travis High School, having also attended Hyde Park Baptist during his sophomore and junior years. He went on to play collegiate basketball at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB). During his collegiate career, Dean was a two-time conference champion and participated in two NCAA tournaments as well as one NIT tournament. With over 10 years of sales experience, Dean has developed a strong background in building relationships, driving business growth, and delivering client-focused solutions. He is married to Melissa, a registered nurse, and together they have a four-year-old daughter named Emma. In his free time, Dean enjoys watching and playing sports and spending quality time with his family.

Jen Murphy

Director of Operations

Laura Dwight

Director of Marketing

With an MBA specializing in Marketing, Laura brings 18+ years of hospitality marketing experience to the Stay Local Austin team. When she’s not glued to her laptop, you’ll find Laura hiking with her pups, skiing, boating, rafting, trying to learn how to play hockey, or chasing her toddlers.

Morgan Guenther

Revenue Manager

Chris Hagan

Operations Coordinator

John Stowe

Maintenance Technician

Guest Services Manager

Chris Torsleff

Managing Partner

Chris Torsleff is a native Texan whose hospitality career spans more than 30 years, beginning humbly as a bellman and progressing to General Manager with some of the industry’s most respected brands, including Vail Resorts, Hilton, and Marriott.
Chris entered the vacation rental industry in Breckenridge, Colorado, in 2012, and in 2016 he and his family relocated to Montana, where he founded Stay Montana. Under his leadership, Stay Montana has grown into the state’s leading vacation rental company, representing over 400 premier properties across Big Sky, Bozeman, Whitefish, and Bigfork.
In 2025, Chris and his family returned home to Texas and now reside in Lakeway. Today, Chris, his wife Jen, and their daughter Ella are all actively involved in the business, while his son is a freshman at Texas State University.