Enhancing Revenue Management and Owner Experience with Wheelhouse: An Interview with Matt Hope

In this episode, Steve Schwab, founder of Casago, interviews Matt Hope, VP of Revenue Management and Analytics at Vacasa and founder and CEO of Wheelhouse, about the recent implementation of Wheelhouse into Vacasa. They discuss the benefits and challenges of this integration, particularly how it simplifies and improves revenue management for homeowners and franchise partners. The conversation also covers the impact on local teams, the transition process, homeowner satisfaction, and future enhancements. Key points include the significant reduction in support tickets, the importance of clear and owner-centric revenue management, and the role of continuous education and proactive communication in fostering strong relationships with homeowners.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:38 Integrating Wheelhouse into Vacasa
02:31 Challenges with Previous Systems
04:17 Benefits of Wheelhouse for Revenue Management
05:31 Owner Feedback and System Improvements
07:51 Future Plans and Owner Engagement
11:20 Designing Owner-Centric Revenue Management
30:44 Franchise Model and Local Teams
35:50 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Maximizing Vacation Rental Bookings with David Angotti: Strategies and Insights

In this episode of Keynote, host Steve Schwab interviews David Angotti, a multifaceted expert in web development, marketing, and property management. David discusses his extensive experience in the industry, which includes pioneering online learning platforms, working as a pilot, and managing properties. The conversation includes insights into the merger between vacasa and Casago, aiming to create a leading vacation rental website capable of competing with major platforms like Airbnb. They explore strategies for increasing website traffic, optimizing user experience, and leveraging relationships to drive bookings. David also emphasizes the importance of an owner-centric approach in decision-making. Together, they look forward to future opportunities and initiatives that will benefit homeowners and enhance the vacation rental ecosystem.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:07 David's Background and Experience
00:52 Property Management Insights
01:39 The Vacasa Opportunity
03:00 Marketing Strategies and Website Optimization
05:34 Conversion Rate Optimization
11:19 Future Opportunities and Content Marketing
12:52 The Orange Reto and Owner-Centric Approach
14:41 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Empowering Homeowners with Owner-Centric Revenue Management

In this episode of Keynotes, hosted by Steve Schwab, founder of Casago, we dive into an insightful discussion with Andrew Kitchell, founder of Wheelhouse. The focus is on 'owner-centric' revenue management and its applications in the vacation rental industry. Andrew shares the journey of creating Wheelhouse, a platform designed to bring transparency and control over the revenue and performance of short-term rental properties. Key topics include the importance of empowering homeowners with clear, visual information, the impact of personalized pricing strategies, and the collaboration between Wheelhouse and Casago to enhance revenue management systems. The episode underscores the commitment to excellence, transparency, and rapid problem resolution, aiming to create a seamless, informed experience for homeowners.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:04 Meet Andrew Kitchell: Founder of Wheelhouse
01:49 The Journey of Wheelhouse
04:17 Understanding Owner-Centric Revenue Management
07:43 The Casago and Wheelhouse Partnership
10:29 Empowering Homeowners with Data and Tools
15:21 Building a One-of-a-Kind Dashboard
21:40 Training and Empowerment for Better Service
25:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Transforming Vacation Home Management with Craig Rashkow: Introducing the Casago Franchise Model

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab speaks with Craig Rashkow, a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry, about his recent transition to managing several Vacasa markets under the Casago franchise model. 

Craig shares his journey from working in operational roles to entering the vacation rental industry with Sonder and Roofstock. Emphasizing local support and personalized service, Craig discusses his vision for improving homeowner and guest experiences through better technology and operational practices. He also highlights the importance of community and interpersonal relationships in successful property management. Listen in to learn about the operational changes and improvements Craig plans to implement as part of the Casago team.

Reach out to Craig at *1-312-504-3462* or *craig.rashkow@roofstock.com*

00:00 Welcome to Keynotes with Steve Schwab

00:54 Meet Craig: A Journey in Hospitality

01:56 Transition to Casago: What Homeowners Need to Know

03:42 Building Strong Local Teams

05:31 Craig's Personal Touch: Family and Music

07:03 Operational Improvements for Homeowners

09:57 The Importance of Local Decision Making

12:58 The Orange Credo: Stewardship and Values

14:27 How to Reach Craig and Final Thoughts

The Inspiring Journey of Hospitality. 

In this episode, Steve Schwab, founder and CEO of Casago, sits down with Kish, Jay, and Shirin Kanji, the newest partners of Casago, to discuss the legacy and future of their family business, Impact Properties. They delve into the rich history of their family's move from India to Africa and ultimately to the United States, where they ventured into the hospitality industry. The trio shares personal anecdotes, their long-term vision focusing on owner-centric values, excellence, and anticipation in the business. Highlights include their experiences at Casago University, the importance of transparency and relationship-building in hospitality, and their plans for embracing the team and developing their strategy for success. 

For more information, please email: firstcoast@casago.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

02:09 Kish's Family Journey into Hospitality

09:48 Shirin and Jay's Perspectives

11:19 The Importance of Relationships in Business

17:59 Experiences at Casago University

27:38 Vision for Homeowners and Future Plans

34:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Owner-Centric Property Management with Michael Austad of Casago

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab talks with Michael Austad, owner of Casago in Willamette Valley, about his transition from a long career in retail to the hospitality industry. Michael discusses the importance of simplicity, authenticity, and owner-centric property management. Highlighting Casago's unique value, Michael illustrates how the company maintains a delicate balance between the advantages of a large corporation and the personalized touch of a local owner, fostering close relationships and effective management for homeowners.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet Michael Austad: From Retail to Casago
02:06 Transition to Hospitality Industry
03:25 Choosing Casago: Values Over Profit
05:16 The KISS Principle in Vacation Rentals
06:31 Authentic Conversations and Relationships
06:51 Casago's Unique Value Proposition
08:52 Owner-Centric Approach
10:01 Advocating for Homeowners
10:50 Handling Homeowner Issues
12:04 Contacting Casago for Property Management
12:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In light of the recent merger between Casago and Vacasa, Steve and Matt discuss the future of Casago, while giving insight to the current state of the vacation rental industry as a whole.

Exploring Property Management Excellence: A Deep Dive with Jennie Strait

In this engaging episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab converses with Jennie Strait from Santa Barbara about her extensive experience and five-year journey with Casago. Jennie delves into her personal philosophies on building honest and educational relationships with homeowners and her dedication to providing warm and welcoming experiences for guests. She recounts a memorable success story of managing ten new property units in Summerland through excellent service, timely communication, and comprehensive support from Casago. Listeners will gain valuable insights into property management and the importance of strong relationships in the short-term rental industry.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet Jennie Strait: Property Management Insights
01:06 Jennie's Journey to Casago
02:29 Passion for Santa Barbara
03:39 Delivering Exceptional Guest Experiences
04:54 Prioritizing Homeowners: Jennie's Approach
06:09 Owner-Centric Model Explained
06:50 Maintaining Transparent Relationships with Homeowners
07:43 A Memorable Homeowner Story
10:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Sustainable Success in the Vacation Rental Industry with Andrea and Cassandra from Casago

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab sits down with Andrea and Cassandra from South Padre Island to discuss their extensive experiences in the vacation rental industry. The conversation covers their professional journey to Casago, highlighting their technical, accounting, and managerial expertise. They emphasize the importance of personalized service and relationship building for homeowner and guest satisfaction. Additionally, the episode delves into Casago's commitment to environmental sustainability, detailing eco-friendly practices such as using bamboo paper products and recycled materials and promoting local non-profits like Sea Turtle Inc. The benefits of these practices for the business, including attracting eco-conscious travelers and increasing occupancy rates, are also discussed. For homeowners interested in learning more, Casago provides professional photos at no cost in exchange for a 90-day commitment and covers minor maintenance costs to lower onboarding expenses.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:37 Meet Andrea and Cassandra from South Padre
00:46 Journey into the Vacation Rental Industry
02:42 Background and Personal Stories
04:08 Joining the Casago Family
05:09 Making Homeowners and Guests a Priority
06:01 The Owner-Centric Philosophy
07:03 Building Relationships Beyond Business
08:12 Environmental Sustainability Practices
10:06 Lowering Onboarding Costs for Owners
10:52 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Southern Hospitality and Resilient Property Management with Tim Smith from Casago

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab interviews Tim Smith, the owner of Casago in New Smyrna Beach. Tim narrates his unexpected journey from Salesforce consulting to property management and discusses Casago's mission to align with homeowners' goals while delivering memorable experiences for guests. Emphasizing Southern hospitality, Tim describes treating every guest like family and maintaining constant communication with property owners. He highlights proactive measures taken during Hurricane Ian to safeguard properties, demonstrating Casago's reliability and personal touch. Practical insights into building trust, setting clear expectations, and being an on-site advocate during crises are shared, making this episode a valuable resource for homeowners and potential clients. Contact information for Casago is also provided for those interested in property management services in New Smyrna.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet Tim Smith: From Consulting to Property Management
01:54 Philosophies on Hospitality and Property Management
03:53 The Owner-Centric Approach at Casago
05:52 The Importance of Accountability
06:12 Prioritizing Homeowners Through Communication
06:54 Balancing Guest and Homeowner Needs
08:10 A Story of Dedication During Hurricane Ian
09:37 Why Choose Casago for Property Management?
11:22 How to Reach Out to Casago

Inside Casago: Transforming Hospitality and Property Management

In this comprehensive episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab engages with Philippe and Gerald, owners of Casago Aruba, to explore their journey from the restaurant industry to the realm of short-term rentals. During Casacon 2024, the conversation covers the benefits of implementing structured systems and maintaining transparent processes in hospitality management. They discuss Casago's commitment to homeowner advocacy and trust, illustrated through a case study about a homeowner who successfully converted a challenging rental purchase contract into a straightforward mortgage. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for homeowners and property managers aiming to maximize success and build long-term relationships.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:38 Meet the Casago Aruba Owners
01:07 Casacon 2024 Insights
02:18 Family Life in Aruba
03:35 Transition from Restaurateurs to Property Managers
05:16 Joining Casago and Embracing Structure
08:09 Building Trust with Homeowners
08:51 Transparency and Control in Property Management
09:45 The Orange Credo: Advocating for Owners
10:36 From Restaurants to Rentals: Ensuring Satisfaction
11:21 Back of the House: The Backbone of Operations
12:48 Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Management
14:01 A Heartwarming Homeowner Story
16:34 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Journey to Excellence: Owner-Centric Property Management with Jeff and Marci Harris

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab interviews Jeff and Marci Harris from Casago Heber. They discuss their evolution from starting their own property management company, Key in Memory, to joining Casago and achieving significant professional growth. The conversation emphasizes their commitment to delivering a 'six-star' guest experience, deep community involvement, and strategic differentiation from competitors. Key topics include the importance of owner-centric property management, clear homeowner expectations, ongoing communication, and trust within the community. The episode also highlights their expertise in local regulations and market expectations.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet Jeff and Marci Harris
01:36 Family Background and Relocation
02:32 Joining Casago and Professional Growth
03:24 Striving for a Six-Star Experience
04:11 Handling Challenges and Earning Goodwill
05:21 Community Engagement and Networking
07:19 The Owner-Centric Approach
08:31 A Memorable Homeowner Experience
09:55 Reputation and Community Feedback
10:18 Contacting Casago Hebrew
11:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From Military Ops and Ice Rinks to Premium Property Management: The Casago Story

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab interviews JB and Ilona from Casago, who manage vacation properties in Henderson and Las Vegas. Steve and JB reflect on their shared background in the Special Operations Army. At the same time, Ilona shares her journey from a world-champion figure skater and coach to a property management professional. The discussion highlights the importance of organization, attention to detail, and excellence in their property management philosophy. They emphasize prioritizing home improvements for homeowners, maintaining high client response rates, and creating a premium guest experience. Their unique backgrounds contribute to their success in transforming and managing properties, providing a seamless experience for both guests and homeowners.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet JB and Ilona from Casago
00:55 JB's Military Background
01:25 Ilona's Journey from Skating to Real Estate
04:17 The Power Couple in Property Management
05:06 Commitment to Excellence at Casago
06:59 Owner-Centric Philosophy in Hospitality
07:22 Transforming Homeowner Experiences
07:57 Boutique Service with International Support
08:39 Ilana's Unique Approach to Home Management
09:30 From Ukraine to the U.S.: A Personal Journey
11:16 Creating Premium Guest Experiences
13:35 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Forging Personal Connections: Insights from Wendi and Brannon Hightower.

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab has an enriching conversation with Wendy and Brandon from Frio River Resorts. They delve into their experiences in the property management business, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships with guests and homeowners. The discussion highlights their unique community-centered approach and the value of creating partnerships beyond mere business transactions. Additionally, they explore owner-centric relationships in the vacation rental industry, focusing on transparency, mutual respect, and aligning goals with property owners to ensure a positive guest experience. Contact information for Casago Infrio River's services is also provided for those interested in learning more.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:37 Meet the Guests: Brendan and Wendy from Frio River
01:08 Background and Journey into Property Management
02:21 Joining the Casago Network
03:17 Delivering Exceptional Guest and Homeowner Experiences
04:38 Building Relationships and Partnerships
05:29 Building Relationships Beyond Business
05:45 Operational Differences: Boots on the Ground
06:37 The Casago Credo: Principles in Action
07:02 Standout Homeowner Stories
09:23 Owner-Centric Approach: A Business Philosophy
11:30 How to Get in Touch with Casago
12:03 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Building Meaningful Relationships in Property Management with Mike Reinman

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab introduces Mike Reinman, owner of Casago in Kona and the Redwoods, who shares his journey from the Peace Corps to establishing a successful property management business. They discuss building strong relationships and trust with property owners, the importance of empathy in hospitality, and the unique value Casago provides as both a local business and an international brand. Mike highlights the significance of being 'owner-centric' and shares a heartfelt story about helping a homeowner transition his property for future generations. Listeners are encouraged to contact Mike to learn more about property management and the distinctive approach that defines Casago.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:43 Meet Mike Reinman: A Journey into Hospitality
05:11 The Casago Difference: Owner-Centric Approach
08:31 Building Lasting Relationships with Homeowners
13:59 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Owner-Centric Success: Exploring Hospitality with Casago Costa Rica

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab talks to Juan Carlos and Flor from Casago Costa Rica about their first year in the short-term rental industry. They discuss transitioning from hotel management to vacation rentals, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and owner-centricity. With a focus on communication and local expertise, they reveal Casago's unique blend of international standards and local presence. The conversation highlights the value of anticipating guests' and homeowners' needs, building trust, fostering positive experiences, and encouraging word-of-mouth recommendations. Contact details for Casago Costa Rica's property management services are shared for interested homeowners.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet Juan Carlos and Flor from Costa Rica
01:03 Transitioning from Hotels to Vacation Rentals
02:39 Hospitality and Owner Centricity
04:58 Casago's Unique Approach
07:23 Owner Communication and Trust
09:40 Success Stories and Community Integration
12:52 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Generational Insights: Navigating Property Management with the Wessons

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab interviews Greg and Stacy Wesson from Sun River, Oregon, about their experiences and philosophy in property management. The Wessons share the history of their family-run business, emphasizing the importance of a relational approach with guests and homeowners. They discuss the 'owner-centric' model that prioritizes transparent communication and trust-building with homeowners, viewing them as family. The episode also explores the Wessons' commitment to community involvement and the joy they find in sharing the Sun River experience with guests. The Wessons express their dedication to fostering generational relationships with homeowners, who often remain with them for decades. They conclude by inviting those interested in property management in Sun River to reach out via their website or phone for more information.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:39 Meet Greg and Stacy Wesson
01:33 Journey into Property Management
03:07 Hospitality Approach and Owner Relationships
06:39 Community Involvement and Impact
09:33 Owner-Centric Philosophy in Practice
10:22 Memorable Stories and Long-Term Relationships
12:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Maximizing Rental Revenue with B&B Finder - Keynotes Podcast with Steve Schwab

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab explores how Casago homeowners can benefit from using B&B Finder as an additional rental channel. Joined by Michelle Gillin and Tim Wilson from B&B Finder, they discuss five key advantages for homeowners, including no guest fees, increased exposure, greater control over policies, the absence of restrictive algorithms, and the supportive community within Casago. The discussion emphasizes how B&B Finder's unique approach can lead to higher bookings and more revenue for property owners.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:41 Meet the Guests: Michelle Gillin and Tim Wilson
01:05 The Mission of B&B Finder
01:58 No Guest Fees: A Win-Win for Homeowners and Travelers
03:37 Increased Exposure with B&B Finder
05:33 More Control for Homeowners
08:29 No Algorithms: Prioritizing Traveler Needs
09:40 The Casago Community and Final Thoughts

Homeowner Safety Essentials with Justin Ford

In this episode of Keynotes, host Steve Schwab talks with Justin Ford, a safety expert in the short-term rental industry, about essential safety measures homeowners can implement to protect their guests. Justin shares seven key actions, including installing quality smoke alarms, ensuring proper egress, removing tripping hazards, securing swimming pool areas, having accessible fire extinguishers, choosing appropriate barbecue grills, and selecting commercial-grade products for rentals. Justin recounts impactful stories highlighting the importance of these safety practices and provides practical tips to help homeowners prevent incidents and liabilities.

00:00 Introduction to Keynotes Podcast
00:40 Meet Justin Ford: The Safety Expert
04:19 The Importance of Smoke Alarms
08:06 Ensuring Safe Egress
11:14 Addressing Tripping Hazards
14:29 Swimming Pool Safety Tips
17:31 Fire Extinguishers: A Must-Have
20:10 Barbecue Grill Safety
24:05 Choosing the Right Products for Rentals
26:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts