Relax & Company
At Relax & Company, people are our priority. Because every happy family, every thriving business, and every positive experience has the right blend of people behind the scenes.
Our people are the Company behind Relax & Co. Together, they bring the talent, passion, service, and craftsmanship that translates into memorable vacations and better living for the Sunapee area’s families, guests, and friends.
MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
James Bruss - President
Christy Carafa - Director of Customer Experience and Sales
[email protected] | 603-526-8199
With a dynamic career spanning 25 years in retail management within multiple leading retail chains, Christy proudly joined Relax & Co. as the Director of Sales in December 2023. Her journey began at Colby-Sawyer College and once graduated, worked her way up from a part-time key holder all the way to Operations Manager & Northeast Regional Leadership Trainer for Sierra retail. With that company, she earned impressive accolades such as “Operations Manager of the Year” and achieved “#1 Store in Sales & Customer Satisfaction” in 2023. Passionate about building successful teams, with a unique and vibrant personality, Christy connects easily with people and is passionate about fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Her approach emphasizes inclusivity and positive culture and thrives on creating new, creative ways to deliver world-class customer service, all while ensuring a fun and engaging work environment.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Christy cherishes her small-town upbringing. In 2002, she and her husband built their dream home in Wilmot, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views of Mt Kearsarge, Eagle Pond, and Ragged Mountain. Beyond work, her love for animals led her to adopt 2 dogs and 6 cats! Also being an avid road-tripper and travel enthusiast, she is constantly filling her passport with new stamps.
“I am excited to begin this exciting journey at Relax & Co., where passion meets professionalism, and together, we create extraordinary experiences for our customers.”
Ryan Poirier CPA MBA - Director of Finance
[email protected] | 603-526-2436
With a rich tapestry of experience that combines military precision, academic rigor, and hands-on business acumen, Ryan brings a unique perspective to the world of accounting and finance. His journey began in the United States Navy, where he honed his skills as an Intelligence Specialist for 6 years, learning the art of meticulous analysis and strategic thinking. Following his naval service, he embarked on an academic pursuit at Old Dominion University, where he majored in Accounting. This foundation was further strengthened with an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of the business world.
Ryan’s professional career is marked by a significant tenure in public service, with 4 years dedicated to auditing at the New Hampshire Department of Revenue and 2 years at the New Hampshire Department of Insurance. These roles not only refined his expertise in regulatory compliance and financial oversight but also deepened his commitment to serving the community. In 2020, he channeled his passion and expertise into entrepreneurship, founding Thrive Accounting in Concord, NH. As a CPA, he specializes in helping small, aspiring business owners understand their financial landscape, guiding them towards smarter decisions. His services span from meticulous bookkeeping to strategic tax planning, always with a focus on empowering his clients.
Beyond the numbers, Ryan is an avid kayaker, a connoisseur of the perfect cup of coffee, and an aspiring trekker, training for multi-day adventures. His life is a blend of precision, adventure, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, whether navigating the waters of a river or the complexities of financial statements.
“Working at Relax & Company has been a standout experience in my diverse professional journey. Here, I find myself in an environment that continually stirs my hunger for new challenges and learning. Each day is a fresh canvas, brimming with opportunities to apply my skills in innovative ways. This dynamic setting not only fuels my ambition but also resonates with my humble approach to teamwork and growth. I value the collaborative spirit where my contributions and insights are respected, fostering an atmosphere where being ‘smart’ about relationships and interactions is just as crucial as technical expertise. The supportive culture at Relax & Company reinforces that my hard work and opinions are instrumental in shaping our path.”
Kendra Hayward - Rental Turnover Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-8188
Kendra Hayward joined Relax and Company in July 2022, starting as a dedicated Clean Team Member, and swiftly climbing the ranks to become the Rental Turnover Manager by March 2023. Kendra takes pride in being a Certified Professional House Cleaner, finding joy in helping people maintain functional and inviting living spaces. She is not only dedicated to maintaining cleanliness but also loves providing guests with a fantastic experience through a meticulously clean environment.
Known for her leadership skills, Kendra is passionate about pushing her team to excel and continually improve. Beyond her professional endeavors, she cherishes her role as a mother to two young children. In her leisure time, Kendra can be found enjoying video games, experimenting with exciting new recipes, which she loves to share with others.
“I am beyond grateful to be able to work for a company that puts so much genuine care into not only their work, but their employees and the employees’ families. It’s a home away from home.”
Meredith Moran - Concierge Relationship Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-8195
Meredith has been a part of the Relax & Co. team since its first day of operation. Over the past 10 years she has dedicated much of her time to the well being of our clients and community, and in the process has helped build a standard of personal attention and excellence in customer service that has become the hallmark of Relax & Company.
Meredith attended high school in Hawaii and at the TASIS school in England, then earned her Associate Degree in Communications from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her time spent in these academic institutions gave Meredith a jump start to her career path and working in Hawaii allowed her to learn customer service in one of the best known tourist attractions in the world. Meredith began her career in hospitality and guest services as a member of the team at The Honolulu Comedy Night Club at the Ilikai Hotel in Waikiki. Hard work and dedication eventually earned her the position of General Manager of the club, as well as Entertainment Coordinator for visiting talent. This allowed her hands-on experience in everything from learning Hotel Management tools to Night Club Management skills and all they entail; this is where she spent the early part of her career.
Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Meredith moved back to the region after her time in Honolulu to explore and travel across the country. In the process she started a family, and while raising three children with her husband, they settled on a farm in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to be closer to extended family. Although she still has family in Hawaii and takes warm vacations each winter, Meredith, her husband and family all love calling this beautiful place home! Landing in New Hampshire and working first with Gina, and then Jim, the dynamic team who would eventually be the proprietors of Relax and Co., made this move a perfect match.
Meredith has been thrilled to get involved in most areas of the company including Cleaning, Rental Support, Concierge, Home Health Support, and even Gardening. She has grown in her positions and today manages the Concierge department and all of its various offerings. To this day, providing personal attention and care to every single request from our clients remains her highest goal.
“As Relax & Company has grown so has its team, and we have only gotten better over the years. It is such a great feeling to look forward to getting to work everyday, and that is because of the people; The people we work with and the people we work for. I’m so excited for the future of Relax & Company!”
Cory Cavello - Rental Support Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-8195
Well rounded in the Tourism industry across the country, Cory joined the Relax & Co. team as the Rental Support Manager in 2022. His combination of experience in all things property management, photography, technical expertise and customer service lead him to play the perfect role in this position. With almost 10 years of gathering skills at world class Inns and major tourist destinations throughout Colorado, managing distinguished rental properties in the mountains of Washington State, and also helping his family with their personal rental properties right here on Lake Sunapee, Cory strives to curate the best selection of rental properties in the Lake Sunapee area while working closely with each homeowner.
In his spare time you may find him hiking or camping with his wife, dog and daughter in the White Mountains, fly fishing the area’s best streams, relaxing at Maine’s finest beaches, or prospecting for crystals across all of New England.
“Relax & Co. offers a work environment like no other, with no two days being the same. With the constant need for problem solving, it is full of excitement. The team here is one of the most professional I have ever worked with, and I am happy to be a part of this ever evolving company.”
Nathaniel Hansen - Caretaking Services Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-2436
Nathaniel was born and raised in the foothills of Bradford, NH, attended Kearsarge Regional High School, and now lives just down the road in Sunapee Harbor. He graduated from Castleton State College in Vermont in 2011, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Geology. One of his favorite parts of earning his degree was in the summer of 2010 when his class was awarded a grant from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) allowing them to map the bedrock near Lake George in New York. He enjoyed the experience and research while being a part of this Survey, and even got to present his geological map and work at the Geological Society of America conference in Baltimore.
Over the summers while in high school and college, Nathaniel worked at the Lumber Barn in Bradford as the Yard Foreman. He also pursued jobs in the Geology field by working a summer at Ruggles Mine in Grafton, as well as 2 summer internships with the New Hampshire Geological Survey as part of their Multi-Department Flood Control Project. The purpose of this project was to assess and survey all bridges and culverts in the state to make sure they are sized correctly for flooding events and that they are in working order. If they were not, they were placed on a list to be updated or replaced.
Nathaniel joined Relax & Company in late 2016 and started in the Construction division but has been transient being a part of every department in the company except for Cleaning. Having held the title of Caretaking Manager since 2020, this position has allowed him to further his studies, earning Certifications or Career Diplomas in; Locksmithing, Pool and Hot Tub Maintenance, Home Inspection, Appliance Repair, Commercial Boat Piloting and SCUBA. In his free time (during the non-snow covered months) you will find Nathaniel volunteering for the New Hampshire Geological Survey, now mapping the bedrock in an area around Mt Kearsarge, as well as just being outside in general… when the weather is nice. He is an avid traveler and tries to go somewhere new every year and hopefully soon will start filling up his passport.
Meghan Smith - Client Relationship Manager
Meghan joined Relax & Co in the fall of 2022 as the manager of the cleaning division. This would be her second time with the company after leaving for a couple of short years to expand her customer service skills by working in healthcare. She grew up in the town of Sunapee and has journeyed through various divisions within our incredible company. Currently, she thrives in the dynamic realm of the sales team, specializing in fostering meaningful customer relationships. Her diverse background encompasses roles in customer service and healthcare, bringing a unique perspective to her current position. As a proud mom of two wonderful girls, family is her anchor, and every moment spent with them is a treasure. Beyond the professional sphere, she is an avid animal lover, finding joy in the company of her furry friends. During her free time, you’ll often find her immersed in the warmth of friendship and family bonds.
“Relax & Co. is a unique company that values relationships with both their customers and employees. Growing with the company has been a great journey and I can not wait to see what the future holds for us here.”
Michaela Bevilacqua - Human Resources
[email protected] | 603-526-8187
Michaela started working with Relax & Company to provide HR support in October 2023 after being in the banking and mortgage lending industry for over a decade. Michaela has a deep understanding of the importance of accuracy and confidentiality. She leverages her extensive customer service background to foster relationships with internal and external customers, working together towards a common goal. She is committed to helping clients maintain a positive work environment. Outside of work, you can find her reading, cooking, or running. She also loves spending time with her family.
Michaela’s values align with those of Relax & Company, and she truly enjoys working with the people who make the company so great, collaboratively guiding, supporting, and empowering each individual to contribute to and maintain a healthy, thriving workplace.
Gina Bruss - Senior Relationship Manager, Partner
[email protected] | 603-526-8188
Originally a Wisconsin local, Gina studied Nutritional Science at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. She relocated to New Hampshire in 1988 and began by managing two Hallmark stores in Concord, then later moved to Bradford and joined Lake Sunapee Bank as a Teller/Customer Service Representative. Her journey living around the Lake Sunapee Region continued by occasionally working with Jim at Bruss Construction and also becoming a one woman team providing cleaning services for the Appleseed Restaurant. As her loyalty and passion impressed their management team, she was then invited to clean the Appleseed Catered Cruise Boats in Sunapee Harbor. Recognizing the need for assistance, Gina reached out to Meredith to join her new endeavor… but the Clean Team duo quickly turned into a trio when Jim also joined the crew. With his entrepreneurial mindset, their clientele and service offerings began to expand, steering them in a direction of constant growth. The rest, as they say, is history… and Relax & Company was born in 2014.
As Senior Relationship Manager and Partner, Gina’s collaboration and positive connections with the Relax & Co. teams and clients is a staple to the operation of our business. Working at Relax may occupy the majority of her life, but she also loves dogs and spending her time outside of work cooking or being in the garden.
“Working at Relax, you will never be bored! I could never have imagined all the things we would do and places we would go and I am very proud to be able to have the opportunity to provide jobs to so many amazing people. I truly hope we are having a positive impact on our community.”
Jake Jekubovich - Safety & Fleet Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-8194
Jake’s journey with Relax & Company began back in September of 2016, and he has worn many hats during his time on the team — from cleaning and construction to snow removal crew and management. Now specializing in purchasing and fleet management, he truly is a “Jake-of-all-trades”! Known for giving his all in everything he does, his time with Relax & Co. is no exception, as the crews and management team know him as an active contributor always ready to lend a hand. Jake is not only an extremely hard worker with a team mentality during the work week, he is also a father to an amazing 9 year old boy who keeps his off-duty hours filled with sports, the thrill of snowmobiling or dirt biking.
“Relax is not just a workplace; it’s a unique company that has become my home for many years, and many more to come.”
Colby Bridge - Commercial Cleaning Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-8188
Colby is a dedicated professional who embarked on his journey with Relax & Co. in July 2022. Starting as a clean team member, his commitment and hard work propelled him to the position of Commercial Cleaning Manager in March 2023. As a certified professional cleaner, Colby takes immense pride in utilizing his expertise to assist those who may not have the time or ability to maintain their spaces. Colby’s roots trace back to the charming town of Barnard, Vermont, where he was born and raised. Growing up in this close-knit community, he learned the values of loving thy neighbor and the significance of collaborative efforts within a community. These early lessons have shaped Colby’s character, instilling in him a deep sense of community spirit and a commitment to working together for the greater good. His upbringing in Barnard has not only influenced his professional ethos but has also become an integral part of his identity. Beyond the world of cleaning, Colby is a multifaceted individual with a passion for woodworking, finding solace and inspiration in creating unique pieces. His love for the outdoors serves as a source of rejuvenation, and he often seeks adventure and tranquility in nature. Additionally, music holds a special place in Colby’s heart, reflecting his diverse interests and contributing to the rich tapestry of his life.
Tony Maki - Handyman Manager
[email protected] | 603-526-8198
Tony’s journey on the Relax & Company team started in the spring of 2022 when he was hired as a Lead Carpenter on the Construction crew. His incredibly impressive background in the woodworking industry, in addition to his dedication and team oriented work ethic, would steer people to respect not only his craftsmanship, but his willingness to redirect his talents for the betterment of his team. When there was a need for additional support on other crews, Tony was happy to raise his hand to the challenge, accepting the transition of his role from Carpenter to join the Handyman crew. Continuing to find success wherever he works, being a crew member would be short lived as he quickly landed himself the role of Handyman Manager in the Fall of 2023.
Before Relax & Co., Tony’s career in woodworking had been nothing short of an adventure with forestry classes and tree service work laying the ground level of his experience. He then worked at a sawmill where he gained extensive hands-on skills, honing in on Carpentry and quickly mastering Finish Carpentry. He found his true passion when delving into the artistry of woodworking and furniture making… But that’s not even the whole story. As designing and building the perfect final product became his ideal, he wore many hats in building and maker jobs. From crafting eye-catching signs to constructing commercial kitchens, building and maintaining mini-golf props, and even building a log cabin straight from a wooded lot – he’s truly taken his love for wood to fascinating places. Along the way, his work has been featured in local publication for woodworking in “Images Magazine” and he was even on an episode of Restaurant Impossible (Food Network) back when he built commercial kitchens.
In life beyond the workshop, Tony is a husband, proud father of two boys, and the happy companion to a family dog. You’ll likely find him soaking up the great outdoors, hitting the mountain trails on his bike, hiking, camping, or skiing.
Killian Wallace - Finishes Manager
[email protected] | 603-748-7262
As the Finishes Manager, Killian brings with him a rich background spaning over 13 years in the painting industry. He has worked with the Relax & Company team since 2018, and continues to be a driving force behind managing and executing successful projects as he is passionate about combining his technical expertise with a commitment to client satisfaction. Having honed his skills over more than a decade, he is a seasoned professional renowned for his keen eye for detail and commitment to precision, evident in the exceptional quality of his work within high-end interior painting. As a dedicated Manager with a passion for transforming spaces through meticulous and decisive finish work, his commitment to organized and quality work has set industry benchmarks for both himself and his team. Killian holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration from NHTI and this educational foundation enhances his strategic approach to operations management, complimenting his hands-on experience. He consistently delivers outstanding results that have earned repeat acclaim for his ability to elevate interiors with a touch of sophistication.
Outside of the professional realm, Killian finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, he values the rejuvenating experiences that outdoor activities bring. In addition to his love for nature, Killian enjoys delving into the world of filmmaking and the craft of storytelling. His creative pursuits extend beyond the canvas, reflecting a deep appreciation for narrative and visual storytelling.
“To pour care and compassion into all you do will never not yield results.”
Alex Poisson - MEP Manager
Robert Young - Landscape & Livery Manager
Krystal Clark - Marketing Coordinator
[email protected] | 603-526-8181
Krystal joined the Relax & Company office team in the spring of 2022 as Marketing Manager & Office Administrator. Her love for managing people and being a customer facing team member attributes directly to her 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry and 2 years in retail and customer service roles. Her bubbly personality, hands on work ethic, drive to succeed and passion for being attentive to detail always earned her Team Lead, Trainer and Management positions. She thanks her 7 years of participating in a local theatre company for her confidence and strength in connection, as she truly values her relationships and being a team player. Her favorite part of managing and training people is teaching to “treat each person as an individual, not a number”.
In addition to working, she dedicated her extra curricular time to Art and Multimedia Communications classes in high school. Her dream to work with computers and Graphic/Digital Marketing came to life when she left her Front of House Restaurant Management role to work for a local Marketing Agency from 2020-2022. Krystal’s love for creating the ultimate customer and team member experience, knack for computers and design, eye for detail and willingness to continue learning every single day have made her experience at Relax & Company exciting, the fast paced environment always keeping her on her toes.
Krystal lives in Bow, NH with her husband, step son and 2 hairless sphynx cats. Singing, music, graphic design and traveling are her favorite hobbies and when she is not working, you’ll most likely find her going out for a fun weekend with her family, organizing the house, or in her home office recording music, working on creative projects or planning her next concert or vacation to tropical islands.
“Out of all of the positions I have held in my professional career, Relax & Company is the most exciting and diverse. I am constantly challenged, every day is different, and I am always excited to jump into the next project. I am thankful to be a part of the company’s growth and appreciate the constant support that my opinion and hard work genuinely makes a difference, especially because I get to do what I love, with people I love. I cannot wait to see where we go from here!”