Kalyn Wolfe | New Business
With the new year in full swing, the omicron variant has continued to cast a shadow of uncertainty as new developments are brought to light. But despite the challenges associated with the ongoing pandemic, there’s one thing that’s certain — 2022 is expected to be a big year for travel and tourism in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.
Particularly in Perdido Key.
“This is an area that will be seeing substantial growth,” Perdido Properties owner Adam Stergion said. “It’s already happening.”
According to the 2020 census, there are nearly 13,000 housing units. Of those units, renters occupy more than 40% of them.
“When you own a vacation rental and you place it into the hands of a property management company, they may be managing hundreds or thousands of other rental units,” Stergion said. “Everyone is getting bought out by national companies. It’s now more important than ever to bring it back to a more personal touch.”
Even though Stergion and his business partner, Cristian Garcia, are strictly focusing their efforts in Perdido Key, they’re also turning to national listing platforms and using their website to expand its digital footprint.
“Our properties are featured on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and hostaway,” Garcia said. “We’re also in the process of implementing integrated software to ensure that there are no double bookings.”
Garcia, currently studying finance at the University of West Florida, is the number cruncher of the dynamic duo. With combined experience in housekeeping, property management and renovations, Garcia and Stergion are also able to offer maintenance, housekeeping, cleaning and renovations to their list of services.
“These properties can be beat up a bit with constant rental traffic,” Stergion said. “It’s important to put in that extra love and attention into them on a regular basis.”
But what really stands Perdido Properties apart from the rest, is how it structures its services. Property owners can purchase monthly cleaning, housekeeping and maintenance packages with Perdido Properties without ever enrolling their property into the rental program. Offering these services ala carte style, though uncommon, opens the door to building a relationship with the owner.
“We see our owners as partners,” Stergion said. “It gives us a foot in the door, because they’re interviewing us, just as much as we’re interviewing them. Their vacation rental may also be a second home for owners. We want them to also come back home, enjoy their time here, and we even offer a gift basket for our renters and owners as a way to show our appreciation.”
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For Stergion and Garcia, it’s also all about family.
Perdido Properties recently cut the ribbon with the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce Jan. 14. But it’s not the only new business taking shape at 13564 Perdido Key Drive.
Coastal Paradise Real Estate also opened its doors, with Stergion’s mom Agnes serving as managing broker.
“I’ve been here since 1996, so this is really a rebranding for me,” Stergion said. “I was driving along and the name ‘Coastal Paradise Real Estate’ just stuck. It all fell into place. However, I am so excited for Adam and Cristian. Everything is new for them. I’ve also been friends with Cristian’s mother for years. They have exactly
what it takes to succeed.”
Perdido Properties is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit perdido-properties.com or call 404-849-0454.
Kalyn Wolfe is a freelance columnist for the News Journal. Send new business tips to [email protected]
