Local Casago Franchisee Expands California Portfolio With Acquisition of Former Vacasa Properties

. BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Big Bear Vacations, one of Casago’s longest-standing franchises in the U.S., has acquired property management contracts formerly managed by Vacasa in Big Bear, California, expanding its local management portfolio to more than 340 properties.

Nick Lanza, owner of Big Bear Vacations, will operate the expanded portfolio. Lanza brings more than 30 years of local hospitality expertise to the region and, as Casago’s first U.S.-based franchisee in 2019, has helped shape the company’s franchise program. The latest expansion into the region signals increasing momentum for Casago’s scalable, community-rooted model.

The move follows a series of strategic transitions as Casago brings former Vacasa markets into its franchise ecosystem. With a growing number of property owners seeking transparent, personalized service and long-term stability, Casago’s blend of national infrastructure and local leadership is increasingly standing out in a saturated vacation rental market.

As part of the transition, Casago will deliver deeper operational support alongside the high‑touch, locally led service that homeowners and guests have come to expect.

Steve Schwab, CEO and Founder, Casago said: “This acquisition represents more than just market growth, it’s a proof point for the franchise model we’ve been building from day one. When local operators with deep community ties are given the right systems, support, and autonomy, the result is a stronger, more sustainable approach to vacation rental management.

“Nick Lanza, our local franchise partner in Big Bear, shows that scale doesn’t have to come at the expense of service or identity. It’s a model that blends national reach with local ownership, and it’s working. This transition is a clear example of what the future of the industry looks like: experienced operators expanding their portfolios or growing into new markets on their own terms, while delivering consistent value to homeowners and guests.”

Nick Lanza, local franchise partner in Big Bear, said: “This expansion is the result of years of building a business that understands the nuances of the local market, and then combining that experience with a platform built to support growth without compromise.

“The partnership with Casago allows for the operational advantages of a larger network while keeping the decision-making close to home, where it belongs. That balance has made it possible to take on new portfolios with confidence, maintain long-standing relationships with homeowners, and continue delivering the kind of guest experience that built trust in the first place. Growth isn’t just about adding properties, it’s about growing in the right way, with the right people behind you.”

About Casago

Casago is a top-rated vacation rental management company providing professional property management services for homeowners across North America, Belize, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. Founded in 2001 by former Army Ranger Steve Schwab, Casago has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and reliable property management services through a franchise-driven model. In 2025, Casago expanded its footprint by acquiring Vacasa, a leading vacation rental platform in North America. With a customer-centric approach, the combined company empowers local teams to provide personalized, responsive support for both homeowners and guests. Casago's commitment to quality is reflected in its industry recognition: it is the only property management company of its scale to be rated in the Top 1% by Comparent. Additionally, nearly 95% of U.S.-based local operating partners are Airbnb Superhosts, VRBO Premier Partners, or both.