Casago's Local-First Model Remakes Idaho's Vacation Rental Scene

BOISE, ID – April 16, 2026 – By Brenda Thompson

A significant shift is underway in Idaho’s vacation rental market. Casago, a prominent property management company, has launched a new locally owned franchise serving the popular destinations of McCall and the greater Boise area. The move, led by Idaho residents Alex and Susan Pedigo, marks the latest chapter in a bold, industry-shaping strategy following Casago’s acquisition of rival giant Vacasa in 2025.

This expansion is more than just new dots on a map; it represents a deliberate pivot away from the centralized, corporate management style that has dominated the sector. Instead, Casago is betting its future on a “franchise-first” model, converting former Vacasa territories into businesses led by local entrepreneurs. The new Idaho franchise, which went live on March 1 with 120 homes and a team of 14 local employees, serves as a crucial test case for this ambitious vision.

A New Blueprint for Vacation Rentals

The strategy stems directly from Casago’s blockbuster acquisition of Vacasa, Inc. in May 2025, a transaction valued at approximately $130 million. The deal combined Casago’s established franchise system with Vacasa’s massive scale, creating a portfolio of over 40,000 properties. However, instead of simply absorbing Vacasa’s operations, Casago initiated a systematic overhaul.

The core of this transformation is a direct response to the challenges that plagued large, centralized operators. Vacasa, for instance, reportedly struggled with high homeowner churn, with some industry reports indicating it lost as much as 30% of its management contracts after acquiring smaller portfolios. The perceived disconnect between a distant corporate office and on-the-ground realities often led to dissatisfaction among property owners.

Casago’s model aims to invert this dynamic. By empowering local franchisees who are embedded in their communities, the company seeks to foster stronger relationships and accountability. Steve Schwab, founder and CEO of Casago, articulated this philosophy clearly. “Alex and Susan represent exactly what Casago stands for - locally invested, community-minded operators delivering a better experience for homeowners and guests,” Schwab stated. “Our model is built around empowering people who know their markets best, and we’re proud to support their growth in Idaho.”

Local Roots in a Growing Idaho Market

The choice of Alex and Susan Pedigo to spearhead the Idaho expansion appears strategic. Alex Pedigo brings over 15 years of industry experience, including a lengthy career in sales and business development at Vacasa. His role later shifted to helping Casago transition other Vacasa markets into the franchise model, giving him a unique, inside perspective on the process. Susan Pedigo complements this with a background in marketing and business leadership.

Their new franchise enters two of Idaho’s most dynamic and distinct vacation rental markets. McCall, a scenic resort town, is a midsize market that has seen its supply of short-term rentals grow by nearly 25% in the past year. With an average daily rate of $347, it attracts families and larger groups, particularly for its year-round outdoor recreation. Boise, the state’s capital, is a larger, more established market where rental supply has surged by over 40% year-over-year, driven by a booming tech sector and consistent demand.

This growth is occurring within a newly favorable regulatory landscape. A state law passed in March 2026, HB 583, significantly limits the ability of local governments to impose restrictive rules on short-term rentals, such as caps on rental days or owner-occupancy requirements. While this may ease operations for companies like Casago, it also lowers the barrier to entry for new operators, likely intensifying competition for both homeowners and guests.

The Promise of Community-Centric Tourism

Central to the Pedigos' mission is the promise of a more integrated, community-focused approach to tourism. They are betting that a local touch can create a more sustainable and profitable business model that benefits the entire region, not just the company’s bottom line.

“Idaho is incredibly community-driven, and that’s a big part of why this opportunity felt like such a natural fit for us,” said Alex and Susan Pedigo in a joint statement. “We’re focused on building a business that reflects the character of these communities. That means hiring and supporting local people, strengthening relationships with homeowners and small businesses, and creating a more personal, high-quality experience for every guest.”

This commitment extends beyond direct employment. The franchise plans to use its guest communication channels and digital platforms to actively promote independent restaurants, shops, and local experiences throughout McCall, Long Valley, and Boise. The goal is to ensure tourism dollars circulate within the local economy, a stark contrast to models where revenue is primarily extracted to a corporate headquarters out of state.

This philosophy aligns with broader economic data on franchising, which suggests that locally owned franchises can be powerful engines for job creation and economic activity. By combining the resources and technological backbone of a national brand with the agility and community investment of a small business, Casago is positioning its model as a win-win for entrepreneurs and the towns they operate in.

Navigating the Post-Acquisition Landscape

Despite the optimistic vision, the road ahead is complex. Converting Vacasa’s vast portfolio of over 35,000 properties into a network of successful franchises is a monumental undertaking. The process has reportedly faced difficulties in some regions, with Casago opting to sell certain inventories to non-franchise operators. The sheer scale of the integration presents significant operational and cultural challenges.

While Casago touts its high industry ratings—including being the only company of its scale in the Top 1% by Comparent and having nearly 95% of its U.S. partners achieve Airbnb Superhost or VRBO Premier Partner status—maintaining that quality across a rapidly expanding network will be paramount. The success of the model hinges on the ability to recruit, train, and support franchisees who can consistently deliver on the brand’s promise of superior, personalized service.

The Idaho expansion, therefore, is more than just a business launch; it is a critical proof point for Casago’s entire post-acquisition strategy. The performance of the Pedigos' franchise in McCall and Boise will be closely watched by homeowners, competitors, and industry analysts as a key indicator of whether a localized, franchise-driven approach can truly become the new standard for professional vacation rental management.