This week, we are highlighting John Muuse, owner of Beach Vacations OBX and an OwnerRez user since 2020. With a wide range of properties from quaint seaside cottages to large oceanfront estates, John draws on decades of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for the area to deliver exceptional service and local insight to his guests.
Can you tell us a little bit about your history?
I grew up along Lake Michigan, so being on the water was a big part of my life from an early age. Summers were spent fishing, boating, and enjoying the beaches, and our family often camped on nearby lakes. Some years, we would even rent a house in the Outer Banks, which gave me an early appreciation for the coast as well. Growing up surrounded by inland lakes and Lake Michigan meant we spent as much time on the water as possible, from summer well into the fall and even early winter before the lakes froze. Those experiences really shaped my love for the water and the outdoors.
Were you always in vacation rentals or property management? If not, what did you do before?
No, I wasn’t always in the vacation rental business. My first career was as a civil engineer with Norfolk Southern Railroad. In many ways, that experience prepared me well for property management. A big part of managing vacation rentals and owning properties is responding quickly when issues arise, as well as constantly looking for ways to improve and protect what you have. If a guest calls with a problem, you have to be able to respond right away. Working for the railroad was very similar; if a tree was down on the tracks or there was a broken rail, it didn’t matter what time of day it was, we had to respond immediately and get things resolved. That mindset of staying proactive and handling issues quickly has translated really well into the vacation rental world.
Are you from the geographical area where your properties are located, or did you move there later?
I’m not originally from the areas where my properties are located. My first career eventually brought me closer to the Southeast, with my last transfer being to Richmond, Virginia. That move put me within reach of places like North Carolina and Florida, where my properties are today. From there, I eventually transitioned into the vacation rental and property management path.
If later, is there something that drew you to that area?
Yes, there were definitely things that drew me to the area. Growing up near Lake Michigan, I always loved being around the water: boating, fishing, and spending time on the beach. As a kid, my family would sometimes vacation in the Outer Banks, and those trips left a lasting impression on me. Later, when my career brought me closer to the Southeast, it felt like a natural fit to invest in areas like North Carolina and Florida that offered that same connection to the water and coastal lifestyle.
What do you love most about the vacation rental business?
What I love most about the vacation rental business is how flexible and portable it is. In many ways, it’s a business that can travel with you. The same core principles: taking care of guests, maintaining properties well, and responding quickly when issues arise, apply almost anywhere. That makes it a unique industry where you can operate and grow in different locations while still relying on the same fundamentals.
What do you dislike the most about it?
One of the more challenging parts of the vacation rental business is that it’s not really a 9-to-5 job. Issues can come up at any time, late at night, on weekends, or during holidays, and guests expect quick responses. While that level of responsiveness is important for providing a great experience, it does mean you always have to be ready to jump in and solve a problem when something unexpected happens.
How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?
I use OwnerRez as the central hub for managing my vacation rental business. It helps me handle reservations, track payments, and communicate with guests efficiently. I rely on it to coordinate calendars, automate confirmations and reminders, and keep all property information organized. It also makes reporting and analyzing performance much easier, so I can quickly see what’s working and where improvements can be made. Overall, it’s a key tool that keeps the business running smoothly and allows me to respond quickly when issues arise.
What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?
Being able to sync calendars, automate guest communications (like confirmations, check‑in instructions, and reminders), and manage bookings all from one place saves a huge amount of time. That automation not only reduces errors, it also ensures guests get the information they need quickly and consistently, which makes for a much smoother experience on both sides.
John has built a strong, full-service business in the Outer Banks by combining his passion for the water with strong operations. We look forward to seeing Beach Vacations OBX continue to grow.