Big Bear Vacations, Casago’s first U.S. franchisee, has expanded its footprint in California by acquiring 39 vacation rental contracts previously managed by Vacasa. The move increases its local portfolio to over 340 properties and reinforces Casago’s accelerating momentum through its franchise-driven growth strategy.
Nick Lanza, owner of Big Bear Vacations, brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to the expanded operation. As a Casago franchisee since 2019, Lanza has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s franchise model. “This expansion reflects years of building a business rooted in local knowledge, supported by a national platform designed for scalable growth,” Lanza said.
The acquisition follows Casago’s $130 million purchase of Vacasa’s assets, finalized in April 2025, as part of a broader consolidation strategy across the vacation rental sector. Casago now manages over 40,000 vacation rentals across North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. Unlike Vacasa’s centralized structure, Casago’s franchise model empowers local operators to maintain autonomy while leveraging national systems and support.
“This transition shows what’s possible when experienced local teams are given the tools to succeed,” said Casago founder and CEO Steve Schwab. “Nick Lanza proves you don’t have to sacrifice service or identity to scale effectively.”
Casago’s model continues to attract property owners looking for transparency, consistency, and hands-on service, especially in a saturated market. By keeping operational decisions local, Casago ensures strong community relationships and high-quality guest experiences.
“Growth isn’t just about volume,” Lanza added. “It’s about doing it the right way, with the right people behind you.”
The integration of these properties marks another step in Casago’s effort to redefine what sustainable scale looks like in vacation rental management, by blending local market insight with national infrastructure.
