This week, we are featuring Ryan Martin, founder of Kare Management and an OwnerRez user for over five years. More than 20 years after knocking on doors to earn his first clients, Ryan and his wife now manage 18 vacation rentals across Puerto Rico alongside their trusted team.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history?

I was born and raised in New Jersey. Growing up, I played every sport I could. I have great parents and a loving, supportive (also crazy) family. I went to college in South Carolina and graduated with a BA in business. I’m an artist at heart. I'm married to a strong, beautiful woman, and we have two amazing boys!

What is your background?

Italian roots, born and raised in the USA.

Were you always in vacation rentals or property management, or is this a second career?

I’ve had many jobs throughout high school and college, but this was my first career. My parents had a little rental property over 25 years ago, and I watched over it for them. After doing that for 2 years or so, I figured I could manage properties for others as well. There was no Airbnb yet. I went door to door, pitched the idea to owners, and slowly built Kare Management. 20 years later, my wife and I run the business with our long-time, trusted, and amazing team.

If a later career, what did you do before?

I’ve had various jobs, from paving driveways to short-order chef to photographer, etc., but property management was my first career.

Are you from the geographical area where your properties are located?

I am not originally from Puerto Rico; I moved here after college.

What drew you to the area?

I love to surf and love the ocean in general. I would say that was the biggest initial draw. But as I spent more time here, I fell in love with the Puerto Rican people and culture. I will always consider myself a guest to this beautiful island, but have felt overwhelming warmth and acceptance in my years here.

What do you love most about the vacation rental business?

I love that no two days are the same, and it keeps me on my toes. I love being my own boss and making my own schedule, and having time for my family while still working hard. I also enjoy helping people have a great vacation and experience the enchantment of Puerto Rico.

What do you dislike the most about it?

I’d say the most challenging part is navigating guests’ (sometimes unrealistic) expectations. Also, getting out of bed in the middle of the night to address an issue at a house is the worst!

How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?

I use OwnerRez to update listings in one place, keeping calendars synced in real time. I use it to allow owners and staff access to the calendars, schedule cleaning, maintenance, etc. For direct bookings, I use it to make and send quotes. I also use it to generate owner statements at the end of each month.

What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?

OwnerRez has improved my business and therefore personal life so much it’s hard to pick one. I’d say just having everything integrated, automated, and updated is priceless. Also, the ease with which you can create owner statements has saved me tons of time at the end of each month. I love a good formula, putting work in the preparation to save time in the long run has always been rewarding to me. Thanks, OwnerRez!

Ryan and his wife have done an incredible job building Kare Management over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to support their business while finding new ways to save them time, so they can spend more time with their family and doing what they love.