Recognized Vacation Rentals Leaders 2025

Kristan de Graaf is the founder of Elite Rentals Dubai, known for its luxury cars and yachts, including Dubai’s only Lamborghini Yacht. He was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30. Since 2019, Kristan and his brother Julian have built a fleet of 90+ luxury cars and yachts. Kristan also flips Dubai mansions, turning them into top-selling homes. Kristan’s work sets new standards in luxury.

Julian de Graaf is the co-founder of Elite Rentals Dubai, overseeing a fleet of high-end cars and yachts, including Dubai's exclusive Lamborghini Yacht. Since 2019, Julian and his partner Kristan have expanded their collection to more than 90 luxury vehicles and vessels. Julian is also known for transforming Dubai’s luxury real estate, flipping mansions into record-setting properties. Julian’s vision and dedication fuel the success of his luxury ventures.

I'm an experienced marketing leader with 13 years of proven success in the healthcare, e-commerce, and travel & hospitality industries. Currently, I'm serving as the Director of Consumer Marketing at RedAwning, the industry's leading short-term rental (STR) management company. With a unique hospitality platform, RedAwning leverages technology and AI to help STR owners and managers increase visibility and generate more revenue. Travelers benefit from a seamless travel experience through booking directly on RedAwning.com where they can access 20K+ vacation homes, condos, villas, and more.

My name is Humberto Marquez. I am a seasoned real estate investment strategist with a keen eye for spotting high-potential properties and optimizing them for exceptional returns. As the Founder of gethomecash.com, I have redefined property acquisition and management by leveraging innovative Airbnb strategies and a commitment to quality over quantity. My approach ensures that each investment is carefully selected and managed to maximize its full potential. Holding a Texas Real Estate Broker License and backed by five years of hands-on experience in short-term rental management, I have successfully helped over 100 investors secure profitable vacation rental opportunities nationwide. Recognized in numerous publications and trusted by industry leaders, I continue to set new standards in property management and investment excellence.

I’m a successful entrepreneur with a track record of building multi-million dollar businesses across direct sales, retail, and network marketing. Though I graduated with a degree in science, I discovered my true passion in helping others achieve success through entrepreneurship. I believe my greatest gift is seeing potential in people—even when they don’t see it in themselves. Today, I operate a large chain of tanning and spa resorts with over 30 locations across Virginia and Florida, along with leading a global network marketing business. While business success has brought a fulfilling lifestyle and incredible opportunities, I view entrepreneurship as what I do—not who I am. At my core, I’m defined by three words: Christian, Husband, and Father. Those roles mean the most to me.

My name is Andreis Bergeron. I am the VP of Sales at RedAwning.com, a short-term rental (STR) management company. I oversee the acquisition of new customers. RedAwning manages short-term rental properties across the nation and is the only management company with millions of short-term rental data points, which we use to support sound real estate investment and management decisions. I hold a mortgage origination license, further enhancing my expertise in the real estate field. My insights on startups, Proptech, leadership, go-to-market strategies, investment real estate, and other topics have been quoted in Forbes, INC, MIT, MSN, Yahoo, TheStreet, Realtor, and more. Andreis Bergeron VP of Sales, Redawning.com https://www.redawning.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreis-bergeron/

Hassan Morcel is an established specialist in travel and tourism, real estate investment, and interior design for vacation rentals. As the founder of three hospitality brands ('Keys Please Holiday Homes' & 'Dubai Short Stay' and 'Beirut Short Stay'), he runs a range of high performing vacation properties within Dubai. With personal experience in overseeing guest operations, generating rental ROI and producing spaces that generate 5-star reviews, Hassan brings a level of deep practical knowledge about how the three industries intersect.

Real Estate Investor | Cash Homebuyer Specialist | Nevada Market Expert Owner of 702 Cash Buyers, I help homeowners sell their houses as-is quickly and stress-free. With over 7 Years of home buying experience, I specialize in foreclosures, probate sales, and inherited properties, offering actionable advice and fast solutions for sellers. Known for my transparency and market expertise, I’m passionate about helping families navigate challenging situations with confidence. I’m always ready to provide insights on real estate trends, the Nevada market, and strategies for hassle-free home sales. 🌟 Outdoor enthusiast | Family man | Advocate for integrity-driven outcomes

Adam Chahl is an award-winning Vancouver Real Estate Agent with Oakwyn Realty, a member of the Medallion Club (awarded to the top 10% of agents in Vancouver), and has been empowering people to purchase real estate for many years. Growing up in the UK amidst a family heavily focused on Real Estate Development. Adam has sought out, secured financing, and project managed successful and profitable build projects in the UK, the Caribbean, and here in Beautiful British Columbia. Having a strong business background Adam graduated from Aston Business School in the UK with Honours, he has worked with several large ‘blue chip’ corporations in Project Management and Business Development roles. He actively donates to the Children’s Miracle Network, the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, and is a ‘Big Brother’ with the Urban Native Youth Association.

My name is Chad Phillis. I'm a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned real estate investor, and I'm the founder and CEO of Checkmate Rentals—a premier short-term rental management company focused on maximizing revenue, optimizing operations, and delivering unmatched experiences for both guests and property owners. I built Checkmate Rentals to stand apart in an industry often marked by one-size-fits-all solutions and a lack of transparency. With deep expertise in Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Google Vacation Rentals, I recognized that most property management companies treat owners like just another number. That's why I prioritize profitability, transparency, and genuine partnerships, treating each owner like family with tailored strategies and clear financial insights. My hands-on experience in dynamic pricing, listing optimization, and operational automation has helped countless property owners turn their rentals into high-performing, passive income streams while providing exceptional guest experiences. As a trusted thought leader in the short-term rental space, I also advise investors on scaling portfolios, navigating industry regulations, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. By blending market analysis, cutting-edge technology, and a people-first approach, I've redefined what short-term rental management can be—because at Checkmate Rentals, the difference isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the relationships.

Paul Herskovitz is the founder and CEO of Discount Lots, a pioneering real estate company dedicated to making land ownership easy and affordable for everyone. Leveraging his extensive background in e-commerce and marketing, Paul established Discount Lots in 2019 with the vision of simplifying the often complex and expensive process of purchasing land. Under his leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth, facilitating thousands of transactions and helping a broad spectrum of buyers—from first-time landowners to seasoned investors—acquire valuable land nationwide. Beyond its commitment to affordable land solutions, Discount Lots plays a key role in tackling the nation’s housing shortage by preparing land for development. By coordinating with local governments and navigating entitlement procedures, the company ensures its properties are well-positioned for new homes and community expansion. Guided by Paul’s expertise in scaling businesses and cultivating strong customer relationships, Discount Lots has become a go-to resource for individuals and developers alike, providing comprehensive support that goes beyond merely selling land. As a result, Paul continues to shape the real estate landscape by championing innovative, customer-centric approaches to property ownership.

Hi, Nazir here! I’m an SEO Specialist at Elite Rentals Dubai. I love helping businesses improve their websites and make money online. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for advice or SEO services!

I'm a seasoned real estate investor, stager, and designer, with extensive experience in conducting deals across North America. Over the years, I’ve built and run four successful house-buying companies, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of real estate. My expertise has earned me mentions in hundreds of publications such as Men's Journal, Zapier, and Bustle, covering a range of topics including finance, sales, real estate, and home décor. Whether it's buying and selling homes or discussing market trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to every conversation.