VTrips acquired two of the most recognizable brands in the vacation rental industry, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations in McHenry, Maryland, and Ryson Vacations Rentals in Galveston, Texas.
According to an internal memo at VTrips, all of the employees of Taylor-Made and all but two staff members of Ryson Vacation Rentals in Galveston are joining the Vtrips team: “We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded the VTrips community by 701 properties and 263 employees! Effective November 1, Ryson Vacation Beach Rentals in Galveston, TX, joined the VTrips family, adding 240 properties and 65 employees. Additionally, effective December 1, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacation Rentals in McHenry, MD, came on-board with us adding 461 properties and 198 employees.”
According to VTrips CEO Steve Milo, the founders and owners of Taylor-Made, Jodi Taylor Refosco, Chad Taylor, and Joe Refosco, are all remaining with the company and as shareholders in VTrips. In addition, Milo made it clear that the Taylor-Made name, website, and logo would remain as the brand in Deep Creek.
“We recognize the value of the Taylor-Made name for the entire community,” said Milo. “We are buying the goodwill of the name of the company and all of the employees that have made Taylor-Made the #1 brand in Deep Creek. The deal only made sense if Jodi Taylor Refosco, Chad Taylor, and Joe Refosco stayed on in charge of Taylor-Made.”
Jodi Taylor Refosco is a pioneer in the vacation rental business and started in the industry at a very early age when her father Zachary Taylor co-owned Railey Mountain Lake Vacations in Deep Creek which was later acquired by TowneBank.
According to Jodi Refosco, “When we started Taylor-Made in 2008, I promise you it was not easy. Joe and I had our first child and we worked other jobs to pay the bills. Chad at that time had two children he needed to support. We did everything from plowing, to cutting grass, to housekeeping and folding laundry 7 days a week. We were determined to make this company everything my parents would have been proud of.”
“The Ryson and Taylor-Made acquisitions follow other large acquisitions earlier this year including Resort Collection in Panama City Beach, Distinctive Beach Rentals in Ft Myers Beach and Resort Property Management in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These acquisitions will compliment the more than 20 prior acquisitions and are part of our strategic plan for growth,” said Milo.
The Ryson Vacation Rentals team will report to Melissa Prewitt, Regional General Manager and Taylor-Made will report to Stan Januska, COO.
“VTrips believes that employees are the lifeblood of these companies, and we are doing everything possible to create a positive environment for them.” Milo added. “Sellers dedicated their life to making great memories for their guests and employees and they want a buyer who shares their same values.”
Awesome news