Paul Wait | Vacation Rental Manager & Licensed Realtor​
Paul has been an integral part of the Carolina Mountain Vacation Homes team since 2016 and plays a key role in the day-to-day operations that keep our homes running smoothly for both guests and owners. As a licensed Realtor and hands-on property manager, Paul is often the one communicating directly with guests throughout their stay, assisting with reservations, answering questions, and resolving any issues that may arise.
Originally from Florida, Paul relocated to Western North Carolina in 2016 to be closer to family and has since embraced everything that life in the Smoky Mountains has to offer. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities that make this area such a special place to visit and call home.
Paul regularly conducts property visits to ensure each home is well-maintained and guest-ready, helping to protect our owners’ investments while maintaining a high standard of quality for our guests’ vacation experience. He takes pride in making the booking process seamless and is committed to helping guests enjoy a stress-free stay from arrival to departure.
Katie Hermida | Co-Owner & Real Estate Broker
​Katie is a bilingual (Spanish) licensed real estate broker and co-owner who works closely alongside Paul in the day-to-day operations of the business to support both homeowners and guests.
In addition to helping oversee our vacation rental properties throughout Maggie Valley and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, Katie focuses heavily on assisting buyers and sellers in the local real estate market. She frequently works with out-of-state guests and visitors who fall in love with the area and are interested in exploring opportunities to purchase a second home, income-producing cabin, or future vacation rental of their own.
With hands-on experience in both real estate and vacation rental management, Katie offers valuable insight into projected rental income, seasonal occupancy trends, tourism demand, local short-term rental ordinances, and the operational considerations unique to mountain properties.
She is always happy to connect with guests who may be considering purchasing in Western North Carolina and can provide guidance on investment potential, ownership considerations, and long-term performance in this tourism-driven market.
Shelda Muirhead | Founder
Shelda founded Carolina Mountain Vacation Homes in the early 1990s and played a vital role in establishing the company’s commitment to personalized service and local expertise. While she is now mainly retired, Shelda remains available in a pinch and continues to be a trusted resource when needed. Her decades of experience in the vacation rental industry helped lay the foundation for the level of care and attention our owners and guests have come to expect today. She is also the biggest fan of our company mascot, Little Bit, a long-haired dachshund who keeps the CMVH team on their toes.