Jay Howell (‘86) - Weiss Lake Concierge
By Brittney Kimber
Born and raised on Weiss Lake, Jay Howell (‘86) now owns and operates Weiss Lake Concierge in Centre, Alabama, with his wife, Tonya. He credits Tonya for the business concept, seeing the need for a property management and vacation rental business in the area.
“In 2020, Tonya had the idea to start Weiss Lake Concierge Property Management and Vacation Rentals, which was right during COVID-19,” Howell said. “It has been exciting to work with her and to build a business from the ground up.”
Howell said they are the only full-time, home-owned, and home-operated property management and vacation rental company on Weiss Lake. He said clients can expect personal attention when working with the Weiss Lake Concierge team.
“We currently have 24 lake-front homes and one in Mentone, Alabama,” Howell said. “We also manage Cowen Creek Resort, located on Weiss Lake, which has 16 tiny homes and a general store.”
Weiss Lake Concierge offers lawn care, home maintenance, cleaning services, dock maintenance, shoreline maintenance, as well as the rental platform.
“When a client puts their home with us, we handle everything for them,” Howell said. “We list the homes on VRBO, Airbnb, Google Travel, and of course, our website. Our company uses a software program that manages the reservations and provides the homeowner with information about their home.”
Howell said the area has much to offer with the lake, mountains, Cherokee Rock Village, Little River Canyon, and Terrapin Creek nearby.
“We have it all in one place,” Howell said. “I can’t imagine why anyone would not want to live here. My wife, who actually runs the business, is also a real estate agent. Let her find your piece of heaven here on Weiss Lake.”
Howell graduated from Jax State with a degree in criminal justice and is a retired Alabama State Trooper with 25 years of service. He was also elected Mayor of Centre in August 2025.
“During my last eight years with the Alabama State Troopers, I was assigned to the Protective Services Division, where I served on the Governor’s Security Detail and the President Pro Tem of the Alabama State Senate. My degree in criminal justice from JSU prepared me with the knowledge and discipline for a career in criminal justice. JSU has an awesome Criminal Justice program.”
Howell said he loved the atmosphere while on campus. The Howells continue to go to all the home football games as season ticket holders.
“My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic and to treat everyone with kindness,” Howell said. “My advice is to work hard and never give up. If you get knocked down, get up!”
To contact Weiss Lake Concierge, call (334) 399-3204 or visit www.wlcal.com for more information.