In 2013, a small but determined group of Maine vacation rental professionals came together with one mission: to protect the future of vacation rentals in their state. What began as a grassroots response to a proposed piece of legislation has evolved into a respected organization that advocates, educates, and unites the industry — the Vacation Rental Professionals of Maine (VRPOMe, Inc.).
VRPOMe’s story started when Audrey Miller, owner of Cottage Connection of Maine in Boothbay, learned that a bill (LD 330) was being introduced to the Maine Legislature. If passed, the bill would have required every private home rental in Maine to obtain a license from the Department of Health and Human Services — a process that would have been impossible for most homes to meet.
Recognizing the serious impact this could have on property owners, renters, and local communities, Audrey reached out to other vacation rental companies across Maine. Together, they coordinated testimony, shared expertise, and successfully helped defeat the bill.
That victory was a turning point. It demonstrated how vulnerable the industry could be without an organized voice, and it inspired this group of professionals to form a formal organization to monitor future legislation and represent their shared interests.
In 2013, VRPOMe was officially founded, and by March 2014, members held their first official meeting at Marco’s Restaurant in Lewiston. Audrey Miller became the organization’s first president, and from that day forward, VRPOMe has stood as the unified voice of Maine’s vacation rental industry.
From its earliest days, VRPOMe has been built on the belief that strength comes from working together. While its members may compete in business, they share the common goal of protecting and advancing the vacation rental profession in Maine.
To ensure the industry continues to be represented in state government, VRPOMe partnered with Deb Hart of Hart Public Policy, who has served as the group’s lobbyist and policy representative since its inception. Through ongoing education, advocacy, and collaboration, VRPOMe has become a trusted resource for professionals and legislators alike.
Membership remains the heart of the organization. Every member contributes to funding vital advocacy work, networking opportunities, and educational initiatives — ensuring that vacation rentals remain a thriving part of Maine’s tourism economy.
Each year, VRPOMe honors outstanding contributions to Maine’s vacation rental community with the Dirigo Award, named
Past honorees include distinguished property managers such as Audrey Miller of Cottage Connection of Maine and Justin Ford, both recognized for their dedication to elevating professional standards and advocating for the community.
This year, VRPOMe made history by presenting the Dirigo Award to Ed Ulmer, CEO of Barefoot Technologies — marking the first time the honor has been awarded to a vendor partner rather than a property manager.
Ed’s recognition reflects his years of partnership and support for the Maine vacation rental community. Through Barefoot Technologies, Ed and his team have helped property managers grow their businesses with flexible, customizable software and full trust accounting, all backed by Barefoot’s consultative and people-first approach.
“VRPOMe represents the best of what this industry stands for — collaboration, advocacy, and shared success,” said Ulmer. “To be recognized by this community, and to be the first vendor to receive the Dirigo Award, is a true honor.”
From its beginnings in a small meeting room in Lewiston to its role today as a respected statewide organization, VRPOMe’s journey shows what’s possible when passionate professionals unite around a shared purpose. Their continued work ensures that Maine’s vacation rental industry remains strong, informed, and represented.
And with leaders like Ed Ulmer and partners like Barefoot Technologies standing beside them, VRPOMe’s future — and the future of vacation rentals in Maine — looks brighter than ever.