Keynotes by Casago

In this episode of Casago Keynotes, host Steve Schwab sits down with Jennifer Hsieh, Managing Vice President and Global Category Leader for Premium and Endorsed Brands at Marriott International.Jennifer leads the strategy behind some of Marriott’s most influential brand extensions, including Marriott Homes & Villas and the broader Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem. In a wide-ranging conversation designed specifically for professional property managers and homeowners, she explains how Marriott successfully entered the vacation rental space without compromising brand trust—or the uniqueness guests expect from private homes.Key Topics CoveredWhy Marriott Entered Homes & VillasThe consumer insight that drove the strategy: nearly 27% of Marriott Bonvoy guests were leaving the ecosystem to book short-term rentals elsewhere—and how that gap became an opportunity.Standards vs. StandardizationWhy guests do not want cookie-cutter homes, but do demand consistent cleanliness, safety, reliability, and service recovery—and how Marriott enforces that balance globally.What Qualifies a Home (and What Disqualifies One)Jennifer breaks down the “signals of quality” Marriott looks for, from interior design coherence to maintenance details, outdoor spaces, and neighborhood context.The Power of Professional Property ManagementWhy Marriott partners exclusively with professional operators—and how that model protects homeowners, elevates guest experience, and enables scalable quality control.The Role of Reviews, Scores, and AlgorithmsHow guest feedback directly influences visibility, placement, and long-term performance within the Marriott Homes & Villas platform.Loyalty as a Demand EngineWith over 45% of bookings involving points usage, Jennifer explains how Bonvoy drives high-quality demand—and why Marriott guests tend to be better, more respectful renters.AI Search and DifferentiationWhat generative AI means for homeowners, why detailed property descriptions matter more than ever, and how features—not price alone—will increasingly drive bookings.Where Hospitality Must Stay HumanWhy technology should handle transactions—but people still define memorable stays, service recovery, and five-star reviews.Key Takeaway for HomeownersQuality over quantity. Homes that deliver consistent excellence—supported by strong operators and human-led service—will continue to outperform as global brands like Marriott shape the future of vacation rentals.This episode offers a rare, inside look at how the world’s largest hospitality company evaluates homes, partners with operators, and protects long-term value for homeowners in an increasingly competitive market. 

Enhancing Revenue Management and Owner Experience with Wheelhouse: An Interview with Matt HopeIn 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 Introduction00:38 Integrating Wheelhouse into Vacasa02:31 Challenges with Previous Systems04:17 Benefits of Wheelhouse for Revenue Management05:31 Owner Feedback and System Improvements07:51 Future Plans and Owner Engagement11:20 Designing Owner-Centric Revenue Management30:44 Franchise Model and Local Teams35:50 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Maximizing Vacation Rental Bookings with David Angotti: Strategies and InsightsIn 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 Introduction00:07 David's Background and Experience00:52 Property Management Insights01:39 The Vacasa Opportunity03:00 Marketing Strategies and Website Optimization05:34 Conversion Rate Optimization11:19 Future Opportunities and Content Marketing12:52 The Orange Reto and Owner-Centric Approach14:41 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Empowering Homeowners with Owner-Centric Revenue ManagementIn 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 Introduction01:04 Meet Andrew Kitchell: Founder of Wheelhouse01:49 The Journey of Wheelhouse04:17 Understanding Owner-Centric Revenue Management07:43 The Casago and Wheelhouse Partnership10:29 Empowering Homeowners with Data and Tools15:21 Building a One-of-a-Kind Dashboard21:40 Training and Empowerment for Better Service25:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Transforming Vacation Home Management with Craig Rashkow: Introducing the Casago Franchise ModelIn 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 Schwab00:54 Meet Craig: A Journey in Hospitality01:56 Transition to Casago: What Homeowners Need to Know03:42 Building Strong Local Teams05:31 Craig's Personal Touch: Family and Music07:03 Operational Improvements for Homeowners09:57 The Importance of Local Decision Making12:58 The Orange Credo: Stewardship and Values14:27 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.com00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions02:09 Kish's Family Journey into Hospitality09:48 Shirin and Jay's Perspectives11:19 The Importance of Relationships in Business17:59 Experiences at Casago University27:38 Vision for Homeowners and Future Plans34:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Owner-Centric Property Management with Michael Austad of CasagoIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet Michael Austad: From Retail to Casago02:06 Transition to Hospitality Industry03:25 Choosing Casago: Values Over Profit05:16 The KISS Principle in Vacation Rentals06:31 Authentic Conversations and Relationships06:51 Casago's Unique Value Proposition08:52 Owner-Centric Approach10:01 Advocating for Homeowners10:50 Handling Homeowner Issues12:04 Contacting Casago for Property Management12:52 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 StraitIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet Jennie Strait: Property Management Insights01:06 Jennie's Journey to Casago02:29 Passion for Santa Barbara03:39 Delivering Exceptional Guest Experiences04:54 Prioritizing Homeowners: Jennie's Approach06:09 Owner-Centric Model Explained06:50 Maintaining Transparent Relationships with Homeowners07:43 A Memorable Homeowner Story10:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Sustainable Success in the Vacation Rental Industry with Andrea and Cassandra from CasagoIn 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 Podcast00:37 Meet Andrea and Cassandra from South Padre00:46 Journey into the Vacation Rental Industry02:42 Background and Personal Stories04:08 Joining the Casago Family05:09 Making Homeowners and Guests a Priority06:01 The Owner-Centric Philosophy07:03 Building Relationships Beyond Business08:12 Environmental Sustainability Practices10:06 Lowering Onboarding Costs for Owners10:52 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Southern Hospitality and Resilient Property Management with Tim Smith from CasagoIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet Tim Smith: From Consulting to Property Management01:54 Philosophies on Hospitality and Property Management03:53 The Owner-Centric Approach at Casago05:52 The Importance of Accountability06:12 Prioritizing Homeowners Through Communication06:54 Balancing Guest and Homeowner Needs08:10 A Story of Dedication During Hurricane Ian09:37 Why Choose Casago for Property Management?11:22 How to Reach Out to Casago

Inside Casago: Transforming Hospitality and Property ManagementIn 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 Podcast00:38 Meet the Casago Aruba Owners01:07 Casacon 2024 Insights02:18 Family Life in Aruba03:35 Transition from Restaurateurs to Property Managers05:16 Joining Casago and Embracing Structure08:09 Building Trust with Homeowners08:51 Transparency and Control in Property Management09:45 The Orange Credo: Advocating for Owners10:36 From Restaurants to Rentals: Ensuring Satisfaction11:21 Back of the House: The Backbone of Operations12:48 Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Management14:01 A Heartwarming Homeowner Story16:34 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Journey to Excellence: Owner-Centric Property Management with Jeff and Marci HarrisIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet Jeff and Marci Harris01:36 Family Background and Relocation02:32 Joining Casago and Professional Growth03:24 Striving for a Six-Star Experience04:11 Handling Challenges and Earning Goodwill05:21 Community Engagement and Networking07:19 The Owner-Centric Approach08:31 A Memorable Homeowner Experience09:55 Reputation and Community Feedback10:18 Contacting Casago Hebrew11:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From Military Ops and Ice Rinks to Premium Property Management: The Casago StoryIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet JB and Ilona from Casago00:55 JB's Military Background01:25 Ilona's Journey from Skating to Real Estate04:17 The Power Couple in Property Management05:06 Commitment to Excellence at Casago06:59 Owner-Centric Philosophy in Hospitality07:22 Transforming Homeowner Experiences07:57 Boutique Service with International Support08:39 Ilana's Unique Approach to Home Management09:30 From Ukraine to the U.S.: A Personal Journey11:16 Creating Premium Guest Experiences13:35 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 Podcast00:37 Meet the Guests: Brendan and Wendy from Frio River01:08 Background and Journey into Property Management02:21 Joining the Casago Network03:17 Delivering Exceptional Guest and Homeowner Experiences04:38 Building Relationships and Partnerships05:29 Building Relationships Beyond Business05:45 Operational Differences: Boots on the Ground06:37 The Casago Credo: Principles in Action07:02 Standout Homeowner Stories09:23 Owner-Centric Approach: A Business Philosophy11:30 How to Get in Touch with Casago12:03 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Building Meaningful Relationships in Property Management with Mike ReinmanIn 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 Podcast00:43 Meet Mike Reinman: A Journey into Hospitality05:11 The Casago Difference: Owner-Centric Approach08:31 Building Lasting Relationships with Homeowners13:59 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Owner-Centric Success: Exploring Hospitality with Casago Costa RicaIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet Juan Carlos and Flor from Costa Rica01:03 Transitioning from Hotels to Vacation Rentals02:39 Hospitality and Owner Centricity04:58 Casago's Unique Approach07:23 Owner Communication and Trust09:40 Success Stories and Community Integration12:52 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Generational Insights: Navigating Property Management with the WessonsIn 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 Podcast00:39 Meet Greg and Stacy Wesson01:33 Journey into Property Management03:07 Hospitality Approach and Owner Relationships06:39 Community Involvement and Impact09:33 Owner-Centric Philosophy in Practice10:22 Memorable Stories and Long-Term Relationships12:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Maximizing Rental Revenue with B&B Finder - Keynotes Podcast with Steve SchwabIn 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 Podcast00:41 Meet the Guests: Michelle Gillin and Tim Wilson01:05 The Mission of B&B Finder01:58 No Guest Fees: A Win-Win for Homeowners and Travelers03:37 Increased Exposure with B&B Finder05:33 More Control for Homeowners08:29 No Algorithms: Prioritizing Traveler Needs09:40 The Casago Community and Final Thoughts