We are David and Denise, founders of 865Vacations.
We are committed to providing you with the best accommodations during your stay.
David’s story began in Nairobi, Kenya, where he grew up before moving to Knoxville, Tennessee as a teenager. After earning his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Tennessee, he launched a successful career with a Japanese automotive manufacturer, eventually rising into senior management and traveling frequently to Japan. Years later, David left the corporate world to pursue his passion for real estate investing, seeking more time with family and a chance to build something meaningful.
Denise, born and raised in Knoxville, has an extensive background in dance choreography, physical therapy, personal training & fitness — which shows in her energy, and passion for helping others.
Recognizing the gap in reliable, investor-focused property management, David founded a company tailored to help busy investors professionally manage their vacation rental cabins.
What started as a single investment quickly grew into a thriving property management company serving investors across the Smoky Mountains. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a single property to over 40 cabins in less than three years, offering full-service management that includes marketing, maintenance, guest communication, and owner support — all with no startup or onboarding costs.
Beyond business, David and Denise love traveling and making memories with their family across Tennessee, Texas, and Kenya. David is a lifelong soccer fan who fulfilled his dream of attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while Denise has enjoyed more than a dozen cruises. Together, they’re already planning the next adventure — the next World Cup and a long-awaited return to Japan, this time for leisure.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have before, during and after your trip.
We will respond to you as soon as we can.