With a strong foundation in home décor, woodworking, and property management—backed by years of hands-on experience—the journey of Pineapple Cove Vacation Rentals has been one of creativity, resilience, and passion. From managing properties to weathering Florida’s unpredictable hurricane seasons, Christina's commitment to crafting unique spaces and delivering unforgettable guest experiences remains at the heart of her business.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history?

In 2018, we had to move out of our home due to a severe mold infestation in the walls, leaving us with little savings and an urgent need for a place to live. While searching online, I found a woman looking for an onsite caretaker to maintain her estate. To my surprise, she also had seven short-term rentals on the property. It felt like fate—especially since I had spent the past year immersing myself in everything related to short-term rentals through videos, podcasts, and research.

Like many, I felt stagnation during the pandemic. I realized I didn’t just want to be a consumer; I wanted to be a creator. That’s when we decided to start our own company. We found investors with blank canvases and got to work on our dream—creating unique, standout spaces in the short-term rental market.

What is your background?

My husband, Tamás, was born in Hungary and earned a degree in automotive collision repair. After graduating, he worked at a Peugeot dealership in his hometown before selling everything he owned in 2000 to move to America. He arrived without knowing the language but found an opportunity in the Tampa Bay area to work with a Hungarian-born general contractor. Over five years, he gained extensive experience in home building and renovation.

I am a St. Pete, FL native, but I traveled extensively as a child due to my parents’ work. My love for home décor and woodworking led me to manage and create for my family’s shops, where I developed a passion for decorating and woodworking.

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

My journey with vacation rentals began in the early 2000s when my mom and I worked as onsite caretakers for a 10,000 sq. ft. luxury vacation rental—long before Airbnb existed!

What drew you to the area?

We love the Tampa Bay area—it offers abundant activities, adventures, and opportunities for residents and visitors.

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

The ability to create! We’re not just passive consumers—we’re actively involved in shaping our business, designing unique spaces, and providing memorable experiences for guests.

What do you dislike the most about it?

Being a Florida native, I thought I understood hurricane season, but 2024 was unlike anything we had ever experienced. We lost multiple properties and are now in the process of rebuilding. That’s the most challenging part of this business—focusing on a specific area vulnerable to natural disasters. It’s 364 days of paradise, but one bad day can completely upend everything.

How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?

We’ve tried several other platforms before, but nothing compares to OwnerRez. We rely heavily on it for automated messaging, owner statements, price adjustments across all platforms, and eliminating double bookings.

What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?

For us, the owner statements and comprehensive reporting features deliver crucial insights that illuminate our operations and ensure seamless operation.

It’s inspiring to see how Christina and Tamás have built Pineapple Cove Vacation Rentals with creativity, resilience, and passion. Despite the challenges, they continue to craft unique spaces and deliver unforgettable experiences for their guests. Wishing them continued success as they rebuild and grow their business!