Corporate Quarters, Inc. Celebrates 30 Years of Being a Woman-Owned Company

Published on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 by Matt McGarry

Alofa Porter, president of Corporate Quarters, is honored to continue the legacy of strong woman leadership; a tradition that began with Sherry Williams in 1994, was furthered by Kim Taylor in 2008, and now continues today under her dedicated stewardship. While the company’s name suggests it serves the corporate community, Alofa has seen the business grow beyond corporate clients. “Annually, we serve roughly 50 corporate clients here in Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee. We’ve really grown into a corporate housing provider that serves a vast number of industries and individuals.”

So, who, exactly, need corporate housing besides corporate clients? You’d be surprised. There are families who are displaced by an event such as fire, flood, or mold and need a temporary home for an extended period; homeowners who are waiting for the completion or purchase of a new home; retirees who want a place for the summer so they can be near their children and grandchildren; medical professionals who are working on temporary assignments or are in town for training. The list goes on.

Despite their unique needs, they all have one thing in common: they need a home away from home. And, not just a hotel room or extended-stay, but something that is much more. To that end, the company offers fully furnished housing, with flexible lease terms, often in established apartment communities. “Our guests enjoy the exceptional on-site amenities apartment communities have to offer, but we also accommodate requests for single family homes or townhomes,” Alofa says.

No matter the client’s needs, each furnished home receives the same attention to detail. “Our team is dedicated to curating spaces that feel like home from the moment you walk through the door.” Everything is ready upon arrival, from linens to rugs to kitchen essentials and even welcome snacks. The design team ensures each space feels inviting and personal, with furnishings and decor that make a temporary stay feel permanent. “All the guest needs to bring,” Alofa adds, “is their suitcase.”

Corporate Quarters has not only been providing homes for clients over the last 30 years; they’ve been providing a home for their employees, too. “For me,” she says, “this anniversary is really about celebrating our dedicated team, along with the community that has supported us for these past three decades. We have individuals who have been with us for 15 years, 23 years … in fact, our ‘newest’ employee has been with us for four years now. Their dedication has led to our growth and stability. That growth allows us to generously give back to our local community by supporting organizations like the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry, to name a few. Being generous and making a difference has always been part of our DNA.

“I am honored to continue a legacy of giving folks a place to call home.”

Corporate Quarters Team Photo