About Apple
Accommodations by Apple is Kansas City’s leading corporate housing/temporary housing provider, supplying temporary housing solutions for relocating families and business travelers in Kansas City since 1991. Our short-term corporate apartments are the perfect home-away-from-home for traveling professionals. Our fully furnished temporary apartments provide relocating employees in between homes or employees on temporary assignments all the comforts of home plus a host of unexpected extras such as beautiful swimming pools, fitness centers, business centers and even golf!
About Kierstin
Kierstin Higgins-Blanton is an energized entrepreneur who believes that corporate housing should be based on a highly accommodating approach. A trailblazer in this arena, she has led Accommodations by Apple to become the locally owned, preferred provider of temporary housing in the entire metro Kansas City area beginning in 1991.
It is Kierstin’s mission to bring her version of Midwest hospitality to each and every person who relies on Accommodations by Apple to help get them situated in Kansas City, whether it is for a short-term or long-term stay. Her philosophy is simply based on The Golden Rule: the principle of treating others as you want to be treated. Kiersten believes that following this belief has greatly assisted her in building a business of which she is very proud to be the owner. No matter the challenges or triumphs that occur in her enterprise, Kierstin remains steadfast in her dedication providing a truly unique hometown experience for all guests.
Kierstin is highly knowledgeable in the area business, consumer, and cultural communities. She knows which places to suggest for BBQ, where to go to listen to Jazz, and who assists with any wardrobe requirements a business traveler may have. Handling personal and business-related requests directly are her specialty. Kierstin’s custom concierge perspective at her business continues to both surprise and please those businesses needing corporate housing for their domestic and international employees.
Being on point, savvy in business and detail-oriented are very familiar to Kierstin. She learned them from her father. As a young girl, she watched her entrepreneurial Dad close deals around the country. She knew she wanted to follow his example and launch her own success story. At the age of only 22, this former Girl Scout cookie-selling icon and KU cheerleader launched Accommodations by Apple based on her unique vision, one used computer, a small loan from her dad - and a lot of moxie.
Kierstin’s business abilities, industry innovations, and leadership skills have not gone unnoticed. The Kansas City Business Journalhonored her with their “Women Who Mean Business Award” and she received a “Top 10 Small Business Award” from the greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
Taking the entrepreneurial spirit to the third generation in her family, Kierstin hired her daughter, Grace Hoover, to be Director of Operations at Accommodations by Apple in 2018 and promoted her to Vice President in 2019.
Believing helping those who may be experiencing challenges in their lives, Kiersten supports several local and international
About Grace
Grace Hoover is the hard charging and dedicated Vice President at Accommodations by Apple. She makes it her mission to assist in locating ideal temporary housing/corporate housing for business owners, executives and employees coming into the Kansas City nationally and internationally. Grace is following in the family business tradition. She is the daughter of our founder, Kierstin Higgins-Blanton.
Grace oversees numerous departments at Accommodations by Apple, including a focus on sales and client satisfaction. Grace takes significant pride in building the brand of this business through her keen leadership and relentless attention to detail, which has resulted in the persistent growth for our business.
A small-town business culture is important to Grace. She values the importance of offering “hometown hospitality” to clients. Grace believes that everyone deserves red carpet service in tune with the goals of Accommodations by Apple. This includes clients, vendors and employees alike. Grace views her role as one who serves both clients and the community in an entrepreneurial style.
An experienced horsewoman, Grace continues to travel throughout the United States competing in show jumping each year. She credits her resilient work ethic and passionate leadership skills to her extensive years and experiences in the sport. Grace believes that her success in show jumping is the reason she has become highly driven to succeed.
Community involvement for Grace includes being a sponsor of the Blue Valley High School Football Team and of Operation Rudolph, a charity created by the Overland Park, Kansas Police Department. She is a standing member in USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), USHJA (United States Hunter Jumper Association), United Methodist Church and Ambassador for Katherine Cosmetics.
