Michael Lucarelli, MBA '16

Co-founder, Rentspree

Rentspree - a all-in-one platform to power all steps in the rental process including tenant screening, rental applications and rental payments.

 

What was the inspiration to start this business?

"Seeing the pain points experienced by renters and the overall inefficient rental process for all parties involved."

How did your entrepreneurship classes help to move your business forward?

"I built meaningful connections with classmates, including Paul Sirisuphang, who founded RentSpree with me. I also learned a value-based framework to determine how to identify areas of inefficiency and then to brainstorm possible solutions. I also got invaluable practice pitching/presenting information in front of others."

What have been the challenges you’ve faced so far?

"We were challenged to build a team that can carry out the tasks that myself and Paul used to handle. Without doing this, we could never grow as quickly as we needed. Now, we have brought on almost 130 amazing team members who can handle things with ease."

What is your hope for the future of your business?

"We would like to file for an IPO."

Why should someone choose Pepperdine Graziadio for their MBA?

"The community feeling is amazing and the teachers truly care about the students' successes."