Casago Appoints Franchise Partner for 50+ Vacasa Homes in Coeur d’Alene
Casago, a leading vacation rental management company, has announced a significant expansion in the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, market with the appointment of a new franchise partner, Casago Unwind. The franchise will manage more than 50 vacation rental properties previously operated under Vacasa, marking a key milestone in Casago’s ongoing strategy to transition former Vacasa markets into its franchise-driven business model.
Casago Unwind is owned and operated by Edward and Michele Johnson, a local husband-and-wife team with deep ties to the region. Edward, who was raised in Coeur d’Alene, has an intimate understanding of the area’s communities, neighborhoods, and tourism dynamics. Michele, originally from nearby Montana, complements this knowledge with a passion for hospitality and a strong commitment to service. Together, they bring a unique combination of personal experience, local insight, and entrepreneurial drive to the vacation rental market.
“The Coeur d’Alene area is not just beautiful—it’s a community that we know and love,” said Edward Johnson, co-owner of Casago Unwind. “Our goal is to provide both homeowners and guests with the kind of attention and service that comes from truly understanding the local landscape. We’re excited to create memorable experiences for visitors while ensuring property owners feel confident their homes are in the best hands.”
The Johnsons’ vision aligns closely with Casago’s broader philosophy of combining local expertise with a national support network. Through the Casago franchise system, local operators like Casago Unwind gain access to a comprehensive infrastructure designed to streamline operations, marketing, and guest services. This includes state-of-the-art property management systems, professional booking platforms, and operational support designed to maximize revenue while enhancing the guest experience.
By leveraging Casago’s national systems and resources, Casago Unwind will oversee day-to-day operations locally. Homeowners and guests benefit from having a dedicated Coeur d’Alene-based team managing their properties, providing responsive communication and personalized service. In addition, discussions are underway to retain members of the existing Vacasa team in the area, ensuring continuity for homeowners and guests and minimizing disruption during the transition.
Steve Schwab, founder and CEO of Casago, emphasized the importance of local leadership in the company’s franchise model. “Edward and Michele are exactly the kind of leaders we want representing Casago,” Schwab said. “They have an intimate knowledge of this market, they care deeply about this community, and they share our vision for elevating vacation rental management standards. By combining their local expertise with our national platform, we provide homeowners and guests with the best of both worlds—personalized, locally-driven service supported by industry-leading technology and infrastructure.”
Michele Johnson added, “We’re thrilled to bring a fresh perspective to vacation rentals in Coeur d’Alene. Our focus is on crafting experiences that guests will remember while giving homeowners peace of mind that their properties are maintained to the highest standards. Casago provides the tools and support we need to grow, while still allowing us to keep things personal and community-focused.”
Coeur d’Alene is renowned for its natural beauty, including pristine lakes, scenic mountain views, and outdoor recreational opportunities that attract visitors year-round. The region has experienced significant tourism growth in recent years, making it one of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular travel destinations. With Casago Unwind’s local expertise and Casago’s national support, the franchise is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth while maintaining a focus on quality and community stewardship.
The transition from Vacasa to Casago Unwind represents more than a change in management—it reflects a broader shift in how Casago approaches market expansion. Rather than directly managing all properties under a corporate model, Casago leverages a franchise-first approach. This strategy empowers local owners to operate independently while benefiting from a proven operational framework and marketing resources. The model has enabled Casago to expand rapidly across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, setting new standards for professional vacation rental management.
Casago Unwind’s entry into the Coeur d’Alene market underscores the company’s commitment to creating a balance between local presence and national reach. Local ownership allows for personalized service, faster response times, and intimate knowledge of guest preferences and regional trends. At the same time, the backing of a national network ensures consistency in operations, marketing expertise, and access to technological tools that optimize bookings, revenue, and guest satisfaction.
Homeowners in Coeur d’Alene stand to benefit from this combination of local and national capabilities. Casago Unwind will provide full-service management, including marketing, reservations, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest support. With the support of Casago’s infrastructure, the franchise will be able to implement professional standards in property care, pricing, and guest services, while tailoring approaches to the unique needs of each homeowner and property.
Guests visiting Coeur d’Alene can expect enhanced service and attention to detail under Casago Unwind’s management. From personalized welcome experiences to streamlined booking and responsive on-site support, the franchise aims to elevate the vacation experience in the region. By creating stays that are both memorable and seamless, Casago Unwind is positioning itself as a trusted partner for travelers seeking high-quality accommodations in Coeur d’Alene.
The Johnsons also emphasize the importance of community engagement. Beyond property management, Casago Unwind is committed to supporting local businesses and promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both residents and visitors. “We see ourselves as stewards of the community,” Edward Johnson said. “Our goal is to support local businesses, preserve the character of the neighborhoods we operate in, and ensure tourism contributes positively to Coeur d’Alene’s growth.”
Casago’s franchise model, now exemplified by Casago Unwind, has become a key differentiator in the vacation rental industry. By pairing local ownership with national systems, the company provides a scalable approach to property management that maintains high standards while fostering local entrepreneurship. This hybrid model benefits homeowners, guests, and franchise operators alike, creating a sustainable framework for long-term success.
As the vacation rental market continues to grow nationwide, Casago’s franchise-driven strategy offers an innovative alternative to traditional property management models. The appointment of Casago Unwind demonstrates how strategic partnerships with local operators can drive operational excellence, community engagement, and guest satisfaction, all while expanding Casago’s presence in high-demand travel markets like Coeur d’Alene.
In summary, Casago’s collaboration with Edward and Michele Johnson through Casago Unwind represents a new chapter for vacation rental management in Coeur d’Alene. With a combination of local knowledge, personalized service, and national-level infrastructure, the franchise is poised to enhance the experiences of both homeowners and guests. As Casago continues its franchise expansion, the Coeur d’Alene market stands as a model for how local leadership and national support can work together to set a new standard for professional, community-focused vacation rental management.
