Pacific View Lodging’s journey began nearly a decade ago, driven by a desire to create a getaway on the stunning Oregon Coast that would also serve as a thriving vacation rental business.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history?

Pacific View Lodging was established about eight years ago as Lincoln City Beach Retreats. My wife Peggy, an Oregon native, and I have a deep connection to the Central Oregon Coast. Initially, we purchased two condominiums in Lincoln City as vacation rentals, intending to use them while generating income.

As our success grew, we sold the condos and invested in two boutique motels—one in Netarts and the other in Depoe Bay. We managed these properties remotely from Eastern Washington, using contracted teams for daily operations while handling reservations and guest communication.

When we decided to move to Oregon full-time, our real estate agent found us a motel with an owner’s residence in Depoe Bay, which allowed us to add 12 more units to our portfolio. We also began managing vacation rental homes after previous guests requested our services, and now we manage 12 homes for others.

As we began considering our eventual exit strategy, we concluded that vacation rental homes were our best option. Consequently, we have shifted our focus to reinvesting profits into vacation rental properties. We now directly own an additional three homes in Lincoln City. In total, we currently have 41 individual rental units, with one or two more expected to be added before the end of the year.

What is your background?

I have spent most of my career in the technology sector, working primarily in project management for two large software companies. My journey began with retail technology and IT management, focusing on lumber yards and hardware stores, before moving on to big box retail and large chains. I eventually retired from my tech career after managing software implementations in the restaurant and hospitality industries for a major multinational software company.

Peggy has dedicated her career to customer service. She started in the banking sector but concluded her 20-plus years of work at a manufacturing firm, where she served as the executive assistant in the sales office.

Were you always in VR or property management, or is this a 2nd/3rd career? 

We fell into VR management out of a desire for a place to stay on the Oregon Coast, learning as we went. My experience as a business traveler helped shape our approach, as I knew what worked and what didn’t. With a tech background, we prioritized technology from the beginning, enabling us to manage our properties remotely without onsite staff. We implemented electronic door locks, online reservations, and messaging systems early on, which are now foundational to our operations. Guests can book, pay, receive instructions, and access properties without direct interaction, though we’re available for those who need assistance. Over the years, we’ve integrated more automation, expanding services to include guest insurance, housekeeping, guidebooks, and analytics as we grew. 

Are you from the geographical area where your properties are located, or did you move there later?

We had a strong connection to the Oregon Coast. Although we lived in Eastern Washington, we often vacationed in Central and Southern Oregon. My family, who moved from Montana to Corvallis, enjoyed the scenic hour-long drive to the coast.

Peggy’s family lived near Drain, south of Eugene, giving us access to the southern coast. Together, we explored the beautiful coastline from Reedsport to Pacific City throughout our lives..

If later, is there something that drew you to that area?

There is nothing quite like the Oregon Coast. It has to be one of the most picturesque areas in the country, with its rocky coastlines, sand dunes, long stretches of beach, massive rainforest trees, and beautiful waterfalls—it is simply spectacular! We were also very tired of the snow in Eastern Oregon, so we wanted to escape it for a while. My wife takes pictures of her blooming roses in December and sends them to friends in Washington just to have a little fun and show off.

What do you love the most about the vacation rental business? 

We love our guests who come from unique places and backgrounds. In the hospitality industry, there's never a dull moment; something new always arises that requires creative problem-solving. This could range from city evacuations due to wildfires, where we need to accommodate evacuees, to receiving late-night calls from elderly guests who have fallen and cannot get up, but the property's doors are deadbolted and safety-chained, and we can’t get in.

What do you dislike the most about the vacation rental business? 

Clogged toilets… I typically send the maintenance man instead of handling them myself. Over the years, I've learned a few tricks, but I still prefer to send our maintenance guy.

How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?

OwnerRez has been foundational for us. As a tech-savvy professional, I've conducted numerous software evaluations and cost-benefit analyses to ensure we make the best technology choices. After OwnerRez's last price increase, I revisited our analysis, confirming that OwnerRez remains the PMS we can grow with. 

Previously, we used a software we loved, collaborating closely with its developer. However, as our property count increased, relying on third-party "bolt-on" services became unsustainable due to rising costs and accountability issues, particularly with OTAs. After experiencing disappearing and double bookings, we realized we needed a built-in channel manager with a responsive company on our side. 

After evaluating multiple solutions, OwnerRez stood out for its cost-effectiveness, integration, and comprehensive features. Today, I still believe it's the best solution for us, offering the most value for our investment.

What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers? 

We utilize many features of OwnerRez, with direct integration with OTAs being the most valuable. We've reduced our reliance on OTAs, but a strong channel management feature remains essential for visibility and competitiveness.

The website is an improvement; I no longer have to manage a WordPress site. We also provide value for our owners by registering a domain for their properties, allowing them to promote on social media without navigating our main site.

Is OwnerRez perfect? No, there are features we’d like added, but it is the foundation of our business and our primary system of record. We do use bolt-ons for additional benefits, and while it would be great if they were integrated, they aren’t essential.

We love hearing how OwnerRez helps people manage their vacation rental businesses and wish Pacific View Lodging the best as they continue to grow and maintain their successful business.