Meet The Team

Nick Foster

Founder & President

Meet Nick, the visionary founder of Haustay, who, alongside his wife Elisa, founded Haustay in 2020. They began managing other vacation rentals after the successful operation of their own vacation rental, The Coastal Casita, nestled in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, CA. Fuelled by their passion and expertise, they expanded their horizons, extending their invaluable knowledge to fellow property owners. This endeavor swiftly grew their portfolio, now boasting the management of approximately 50 coastal San Diego vacation rentals, collectively valued at over $100 million in real estate value.

Nick is not just a seasoned entrepreneur but also a licensed real estate broker in the State of California (License # 01913436), backed by a remarkable 17-year career in real estate. Over the years, he has brokered real estate transactions exceeding $75 million, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence and proficiency in the field.

Nick's expertise extends beyond brokerage; he has also served as a real estate consultant for esteemed entities, including the City of Beverly Hills, billion-dollar real estate pension funds such as the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, and numerous private equity real estate firms.

When he's not immersed in the world of real estate and hospitality, Nick cherishes family time with his three daughters in their home in Carlsbad, CA. He's also an avid enthusiast of surfing, golf, and the allure of travel, embodying the adventurous spirit that drives Haustay's dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Elisa Foster

Founder & Vice President

Introducing Elisa, the visionary co-founder of Haustay, who, alongside her husband Nick, founded Haustay in 2020. Their adventure in vacation rentals began with the successful operation of their very own vacation rental, The Coastal Casita, nestled in the charming Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, CA. Fueled by their passion and expertise, they expanded their horizons, extending their invaluable knowledge to fellow property owners. This endeavor swiftly grew their portfolio, now proudly encompassing the management of approximately 50 coastal San Diego vacation rentals, collectively valued at over $100 million in real estate.

Elisa is not only a seasoned entrepreneur but also boasts over 14 years of extensive experience in the realm of real estate. Prior to the inception of Haustay, she served as a real estate marketing expert, contributing her talents to a top-performing team at what is now known as Cushman & Wakefield, San Diego's largest and top-producing commercial real estate brokerage.

Beyond her professional achievements, Elisa treasures family time with her three daughters in their home in Carlsbad, CA. She's a firm advocate for a healthy lifestyle, finding joy in exercise and the art of cooking. Her love for travel, an essential part of her life, mirrors Haustay's commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Elisa's expertise, dedication, and zest for life are at the core of Haustay's success, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines our brand.

Agostina Baldi

Director of Hospitality

Meet Agostina, our Director of Hospitality at Haustay, who joined our team in 2022, bringing with her a remarkable 18-year career in the hospitality industry. Her extensive experience has been a driving force in elevating our hospitality services.

Before becoming a part of Haustay, Agostina successfully managed a portfolio of over 30 vacation rental properties in the picturesque La Jolla, CA. Today, she oversees a diverse range of more than 50 vacation rentals spanning from Oceanside to Solana Beach for Haustay, ensuring top-notch guest experiences and property management.

Originally hailing from Argentina, Agostina holds a certificate in Hospitality Administration and Management from the esteemed University of Buenos Aires. Her fluency in both Spanish and English enhances her ability to connect with guests and team members alike, creating a seamless and welcoming environment for everyone.

Agostina's leadership and expertise in the hospitality sector make her an invaluable asset to our team, driving our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests and property owners.

Layne Baumgardner

Director of Maintenance

Meet Layne, our dedicated team member who joined us in June 2023 after relocating from Arizona to the vibrant San Diego area in December 2022. Layne holds a Master's degree in Communication Studies and brings a wealth of experience from various industries to our team.

With a strong background in developing standard operating procedures for start-ups, Layne excels at streamlining processes and optimizing efficiency. Her expertise extends to staff training and the cultivation of strong, cross-functional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Outside of the office, Layne is an avid explorer of her new surroundings, embracing the beauty of San Diego through activities like hiking, mountain biking, and snorkeling. Her passion for nature and adventure perfectly complements her professional prowess, making her a well-rounded and valuable member of our team.

We're thrilled to have Layne as an integral part of our team, contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to our mission.

Cathy Boone

Bookkeeper

Cathy joined Haustay as their bookkeeper in Spring 2023. With over 20 years experience in accounting across various industries like real estate investment, hospitality, and tax accounting, she is well-equipped to handle the financial aspects of the company. Her expertise will undoubtedly contribute to keeping things running smoothly at Haustay.

Cathy resides in Solana Beach and when she’s not working, enjoys hiking and volunteering with Labrador Rescuers.