Tech vs. Hospitality: Finding the Balance with Steve Schwab | Episode 1

In Episode 1 of 15 Minutes with Steve Schwab, the founder of Casago sets the tone for the series with a candid take on the future of vacation rentals and why hospitality must remain at the heart of it. Steve challenges the growing overreliance on automation and reminds us that while technology can streamline, it should never replace the human touch that defines truly great guest experiences. This quick, thought-provoking conversation explores:

• Why hospitality is more than logistics
• The risk of becoming a commodity in a tech-saturated market
• What it really takes to build a service-driven brand in short-term rentals

🎧 If you’re scaling your STR business and want to stand out for all the right reasons, this interview is a must watch. 00:07 How has Casago maintained an owner-centric approach while scaling? 01:18 What are the biggest challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them? 02:26 What actions does Casago take to demonstrate its commitment to its owners? 03:39 Beyond the day-to-day operations, how does Casago build genuine trust and long-term relationships with its property owners? 06:19 Can you share a moment when owner feedback directly led to a change or improvement at Casago? 08:21 How do you balance the need to implement new technologies and systems with the desire to maintain a personalised, owner-centric experience? 09:39 How does Casago empower local property managers within its franchise model? 11:03 How does Casago stay connected with its property owners and ensure their voices are heard? 12:24 What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you see in maintaining an owner-centric focus in the vacation rental industry? 13:54 What advice would you give to other leaders in the vacation rental industry who are striving to build or maintain a truly owner-centric business model? 🔗 Watch now and join the discussion about where our industry is headed and how to stay human while scaling.