Preferred Corporate Housing’s dynamic CEO, Samantha Elliott, CRP, CCHP, was proudly named to the Houston Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” list — a recognition reserved for Houston’s most influential young business leaders shaping the future of the city’s economy. This award highlights Samantha’s remarkable journey as a visionary entrepreneur and respected leader in the corporate housing, relocation, and temporary furnished apartment industry. It’s the latest milestone in a series of professional accomplishments that underscore both her individual drive and the enduring excellence of Preferred Corporate Housing (PCH).
Over the past several years, Elliott has led PCH through exponential growth, earning recognition such as Houston’s 29th Fastest Growing Woman-Owned Business and election to the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) Board of Directors — a role that allows her to help shape national standards for service quality, compliance, and innovation within the industry. The addition of her “Top 40 Under 40” accolade is another reflection of her dedication to building a company that values integrity, professionalism, and exceptional service delivery.
“We’ve all worked tremendously hard through these times of economic uncertainty,” said Samantha. “I am deeply honored to be recognized among Houston’s top leaders, but this award truly belongs to my incredible Preferred Corporate Housing team and my family, who have supported me every step of the way. Our success is built on collaboration, vision, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.”
The Houston Business Journal (HBJ) honors forty outstanding professionals under the age of 40 each year, representing a diverse array of industries including technology, energy, real estate, healthcare, and hospitality. Candidates are evaluated on measurable business success, innovation, leadership within their field, and community involvement. HBJ’s editorial panel, alongside local business leaders, reviews nominations to identify those whose contributions have made a lasting impact on Houston’s economic and civic growth.
This year’s honorees were celebrated at a special awards ceremony presented by Sterling Bank, co-sponsored by PKF Texas, HYPE, and The House of Blues Houston, held on May 19. The event spotlighted Houston’s brightest innovators and change-makers — individuals like Samantha Elliott who have demonstrated the ability to lead through change, inspire their teams, and redefine excellence within their respective industries.
As the CEO of Preferred Corporate Housing, Samantha’s leadership has transformed the company into a nationally recognized provider of furnished temporary housing solutions for business travelers, relocating employees, government agencies, and extended-stay clients. With access to over 75,000 fully furnished apartments across North America, PCH is known for its reliability, service quality, and client-focused approach. Under her guidance, the company has pioneered technology-driven solutions for streamlining the relocation process, enhancing guest satisfaction, and ensuring operational efficiency from inquiry to move-out.
“The foundation of our success is our focus on people,” said Elliott. “We never forget that behind every reservation is a person going through a transition — whether it’s a job relocation, a disaster recovery, or a long-term project. We make sure their stay is as comfortable, seamless, and stress-free as possible.”
Partnering with a company led by seasoned professionals like Samantha Elliott offers tremendous advantages in the corporate housing and temporary accommodations industry. Experience is everything when it comes to managing furnished apartments for corporate travelers, because each client’s housing needs are unique and time-sensitive. Having a leader who has weathered economic shifts, industry changes, and evolving client demands ensures the company is equipped to provide consistent, high-quality results — every time.
Experienced owners bring not just business acumen but deep operational insight. They understand the intricacies of corporate relocation logistics, real estate partnerships, lease negotiation, and compliance standards. This knowledge enables companies like Preferred Corporate Housing to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet the specific expectations of HR departments, procurement teams, insurance adjusters, and mobility professionals. From creating flexible lease terms to ensuring full furnishings and utilities are in place before move-in, experience ensures reliability and precision in every detail.
Moreover, leaders like Samantha Elliott bring valuable industry relationships built over decades of service. These networks — which include apartment communities, property management firms, relocation management companies, and global mobility service providers — allow Preferred Corporate Housing to negotiate competitive rates, secure premium housing inventory, and offer nationwide coverage that smaller or less experienced companies cannot match. Such connections foster trust, collaboration, and efficiency throughout the corporate housing ecosystem.
In an era where the temporary housing and short-term rental industry is evolving rapidly, experienced leadership ensures adaptability. Samantha’s commitment to innovation has positioned PCH at the forefront of technology adoption, including advanced property-management systems, automated quality-control tools, and real-time inventory tracking. These innovations help clients receive accurate, up-to-date housing options faster, while maintaining the personalized service PCH is known for.
Equally important is the company’s emphasis on ethics and transparency — traits that Elliott has championed throughout her career. In an industry where clients depend on reliability during high-stress transitions, Preferred Corporate Housing’s reputation for integrity has become one of its strongest competitive advantages. Each housing solution is delivered with a focus on compliance, safety, and comfort, supported by a dedicated team that understands the nuances of every client request.
Partnering with an experienced, woman-owned business also brings added benefits in today’s corporate supply-chain landscape. Many organizations actively seek to collaborate with diverse suppliers as part of their ESG and inclusion goals. Preferred Corporate Housing’s designation as a certified woman-owned business not only supports diversity initiatives but also connects companies with a proven, award-winning partner capable of managing large-scale housing programs efficiently.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Samantha is deeply committed to giving back to the Houston community. She has supported numerous charitable initiatives related to housing assistance, education, and disaster recovery — areas closely aligned with her company’s mission. PCH’s partnerships with local nonprofits and its rapid-response housing services following natural disasters have provided temporary homes to thousands of displaced families over the years. These community efforts reflect Samantha’s belief that business success should go hand-in-hand with social responsibility.
“We’ve built this company not just to serve corporate clients, but to make a difference,” Elliott said. “When hurricanes or floods impact families, or when companies relocate hundreds of employees at once, we’re here to help. It’s about providing stability and comfort when people need it most.”
The Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) has recognized Preferred Corporate Housing for its leadership and adherence to industry best practices. As an active board member, Samantha works with fellow executives to advance professional standards, enhance consumer protection, and promote innovation in the global corporate housing community. Her influence extends beyond Houston — helping to shape how corporate housing providers worldwide deliver safe, compliant, and customer-centric accommodations.
Under her leadership, PCH continues to be an innovator in the temporary furnished housing market, offering customized housing programs for Fortune 500 companies, government contractors, and relocation firms. From energy executives in Houston to traveling nurses in New York and engineers in Silicon Valley, PCH delivers comfort and convenience that reflect the highest standards in the industry.
The Houston Business Journal, which has honored Samantha Elliott among its elite “Top 40 Under 40,” remains the region’s leading source of local business intelligence. Its award program has a long history of identifying rising stars who contribute to Houston’s thriving economy. By celebrating leaders like Samantha, HBJ continues to recognize the spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation that define the city’s business landscape.
With a readership spanning digital, print, and event platforms, the Houston Business Journal provides indispensable insights to professionals across the Gulf Coast region. Its coverage of business development, real estate, energy, technology, and leadership keeps Houston’s economic engine well-informed and forward-moving. Being featured among the publication’s most influential figures places Samantha and Preferred Corporate Housing among the ranks of Houston’s most accomplished innovators and industry trailblazers.
In conclusion, Preferred Corporate Housing continues to set the benchmark for excellence in temporary furnished housing and corporate relocation services. Guided by Samantha Elliott’s strategic vision and dedication to integrity, the company embodies what it means to be client-focused, community-minded, and forward-thinking. Her recognition as one of Houston’s “Top 40 Under 40” isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a reflection of an organization built on passion, professionalism, and purpose. As PCH continues to expand across North America, it remains committed to its mission of providing quality housing solutions that empower people, strengthen companies, and build stronger communities.