We are excited to introduce Fort Lauderdale, Florida as our latest branch in the Casago network

Basking in over 3,000 hours of glorious sunshine annually, Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant South Floridian city that beckons sun-seekers and globetrotters alike. So if you have not been there, this is a must-visit destination. 

Tucked along the awe-inspiring Atlantic coastline, this popular retreat steals the hearts of travelers with its diverse attractions and lively ambiance. And at the top of the things to do list are the city’s resplendent beaches. Imagine miles of unspoiled sands meeting crystal-clear waters, creating a picturesque backdrop for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. 

So whether you’re planning to swim, sunbathe, or dive into exhilarating activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, or jet skiing, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are your playground for endless fun and adventure. But the allure of this incredible destination stretches far beyond its sun-kissed shores and does not stop there. 

This tropical city is a cultural hotspot teeming with a variety of museums, art galleries, and performance venues. 

Here you can lose yourself in the intriguing Museum of Discovery and Science displays or let your spirit soar with the spectacular performances at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. So if you have an artistic streak, this city will surely satisfy your cultural cravings!

And let’s not forget the nature buffs—Fort Lauderdale is a treasure trove of natural splendors. 

Visit the lush Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or the enchanting Butterfly World to soak up the beauty of verdant landscapes and discover a myriad of flora and fauna. And just a short drive away lies the Everglades, a mesmerizing wetland ecosystem offering a unique chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

With its year-round tropical climate, Fort Lauderdale is a paradise that perfectly blends stunning beaches, cultural riches, natural wonders, and a lively atmosphere. 

Whatever your vacation style may be, this dynamic city promises unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. So pack your bags and get ready for an extraordinary escape to this South Floridian paradise!

Meet The Gonzalez & Zahler Vacation Rental Family

Andres Gonzalez and Gabrielle Zahler are seasoned professionals with more than 15 years of combined experience in the vacation rental industry. Together they have a deep knowledge of and appreciation for the Greater Fort Lauderdale area and want to share this incredible destination with you. 

With a genuine love for hospitality, they go above and beyond to ensure that homeowners receive top-notch care and attention while their guests enjoy an exceptional experience throughout their stay.

Highlights

We had a chance to catch up with Andres and Gabi to learn a little more about their family business and our latest Casago franchise in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Casago: Tell me a little about both of your backgrounds before deciding to get into the vacation rental industry.

Andres: I am an experienced vacation rental executive and licensed Florida real estate agent who served as the Director of Operations for a U.S. and Latin American travel/tourism company. Being one of the world’s largest travel/tourism companies, I helped launch operations for its new STVR division (establishing operations and guest service departments throughout new markets in the U.S. Southeast and Brazil). 

I also worked at the largest vacation rental property management organization in the U.S. as their Senior General Manager in Southeast Florida, where I grew and diversified a portfolio of 400+ vacation rentals from Palm Beach County to the Florida Keys. In this role, I was truly a jack of all trades as I led onboarding, business development, operations, guest experience, maintenance, and housekeeping teams. 

As a licensed real estate agent, I also work closely with property owners looking to convert their homes to vacation rentals and potential buyers interested in purchasing investment properties. But before real estate, I worked in international education management for 15 years as head of operations and student housing while recruiting students internationally throughout LATAM. 

I also owned a Student Travel Bureau (“STB”) franchise in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to owning one of the most prominent locations in the STB system, I also managed my location’s daily operations and had ultimate responsibility for hiring and training local staff, developing marketing campaigns, and working closely with students and their families. 

I earned my B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and my M.A. from Florida International University. 

And Gabi Zahler is our field operations superstar! 

She is known as a stickler for details and a reliable resource for colleagues and homeowners. Throughout the last 5 years, she’s worked as a Property Manager and Owner Relations Manager (managing over 100 homes) for the largest vacation rental operator in the United States, where she helped launch the Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood markets. 

Gabi’s efficiency and productivity have led to outstanding homeowner retention, property upkeep, and guest satisfaction scores. Before joining the STVR industry, Gabi worked with me as my real estate assistant, where she learned to create listings, organize open houses, and assist with transactions. 

Day and night, Gabi is dedicated to providing great localized service for guests while establishing close relationships with homeowners. There is no doubt she eats, sleeps, and breathes the hospitality industry because she loves it. 

And together, we form a consistent, dynamic, and dedicated team that believes in keeping things simple and truly caring for each property as if it were our own. 

Casago: Tell me why you decided to get into the vacation rental industry.

Gabi: Simply put, we share a deep love for hospitality and have fun as vacation rental managers! We both grew up in South Florida and enjoy showing off the wonderful places, activities, and foods that the Ft. Lauderdale / Hollywood area offers. 

As Andres says, “Broward County is a hot real estate market with lots of development, so there are some pretty cool properties around that make for awesome vacation rentals and great memories. The community is growing tremendously, and aside from the beach, there is a very lively downtown with a water taxi, lots of bars, restaurants, and shopping. You won’t get bored here.” 

Casago: Tell me why you decided to join forces with Casago.

Andres: Over the years, while working at other STVR organizations, we often thought about how we could create a better guest and homeowner experience by simply taking a more localized approach but keeping the same recognizable brand, marketing reach, and powerful software a large international organization holds. 

Instead of waiting for an endless line of approvals from numerous departments or attempting to manage multiple markets in the same uniform manner, we joined a talented team of STVR professionals who understand and strongly believe in the value of being local and the complexities of each market. So, we are very happy to join Casago as part of their newest franchisee team in Ft. Lauderdale / Hollywood. 

We look forward to growing the market and establishing a great locally operated vacation rental organization in Broward County.

 

Become a Casago Franchise

Why become a Casago Franchise? Competition in the vacation rental industry is fierce. 

As a partner of Casago, you will have access to a plethora of technology, resources, and support! We work to ensure that your business has all the tools necessary for success. Plus, with 20+ offices worldwide, we’re able to leverage our purchasing power for the best prices on products you use every day. 

Casago is a family of people who are passionate about the Vacation Rental industry and love helping each other thrive. To learn more about becoming a part of the franchise family, check out our Franchise Page.  

We look forward to hearing from you!