Curtis's journey from a small town in Wisconsin to spearheading The IndigoBirch Collection is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the hospitality industry. With dreams of launching his own hotel brand from a young age, Curtis's path has been guided by a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences and the passion for human connections.

Equipped with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, from the University of Wisconsin-Stout Curtis honed his skills working for some of the world's largest and most admired hotel brands during his 18+ year career. 

In roles spanning operations, brand sales & marketing, he contributed to the success of some of the fastest-growing hotel brands globally.

During his career journey, Curtis had a transformative experience working on the development team for a disruptive vacation rental platform. With approximately 1.3 million vacation homes in the United States alone, Curtis recognized the need for a better way to connect zen-seeking customers with restorative haven properties. This insight fueled his transition from hotels to the vacation home industry, driven by a determination to streamline the search process for travelers in Oregon and Washington and elevate the experience provided within vetted vacation homes.

When the pandemic struck many others, like Curtis, seized the opportunity to pivot and left his adored corporate career. In 2021, he launched The IndigoBirch Guest Home, initially transforming his own private guest home in Portland, Oregon, into one of the city's most sought-after Airbnb listings. Over four years, Curtis has earned 475 reviews, all worth mentioning are 5-Star reviews and maintaining an impressive 95% occupancy rate throughout the four years. IndigoBirch is now one of Portland’s highest rated Airbnb properties in the city.

It was during this time that fate intervened, as Curtis crossed paths with Shannon Fitzgerald, a guest who would soon become the founding member of Curtis’s future expansion plans. With Shannon's stunning property, Dahlia Bluff Cottage, as the inaugural member of their growing collection, Shannon saw Curtis’s vision to grow The IndigoBirch Guest Home into The IndigoBirch Collection. Curtis found  Shannon to be a kindred spirit and knew they had to figure out a way to work together and embark on a journey to redefine hospitality in the Pacific Northwest.

Drawing from his hospitality insights and Shannon’s medical background in patient care and expertise, they envisioned a marketplace of curated and vetted properties, united by like-minded hosts dedicated to the philosophy of generous hosting and creating unforgettable experiences guests are seeking and expecting. This vision culminated in the brand promise of The IndigoBirch Collection – a curated assortment of retreat properties, designed to offer guests a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and reflection.

Shannon Fitzgerald dedicated 48 years to pediatric healthcare as a nurse practitioner, finding deep joy in caring for families, children, and infants. Her lifelong passion for excellence, community, and service shaped every interaction, bringing purpose to her work. In 2020, after renovating a vacation home with her extended family on Bainbridge Island, Shannon discovered an unexpected but natural bridge between healthcare and hospitality—both rooted in compassion, attentiveness, and human connection.

A serendipitous stay at IndigoBirch Guest House sparked a collaboration with Curtis, leading to the creation of The IndigoBirch Collection and being its first home in the collection. Together, they are curating a portfolio of thoughtfully designed retreats where guests feel truly at home. Through The IndigoBirch Collection, Shannon and Curtis are building more than just beautiful spaces—they’re fostering a community of like-minded hosts and travelers, dedicated to crafting meaningful and memorable experiences.