For Estate Managers and Family Offices looking for solutions to monetize and manage little or unused residential properties, converting them to vacation rentals has become an appealing option. Jack Laurier, a boutique luxury real estate operator and advisory firm, has emerged as a significant player in the Single Family Leisure (SFL) real estate sector, positioning these assets as institutional-grade investments for Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) individuals. The firm’s unique approach to luxury vacation rental management has yielded impressive results, consistently outperforming industry standards and other asset classes in the NCREIF Property Index.
Operating across 36 luxury SFL markets spanning the Americas, Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Jack Laurier currently manages properties in Providenciales (Turks & Caicos), Guanacaste (Costa Rica), Quintana Roo (Mexico), Grenada, and Scottsdale (Arizona). This global presence underscores the firm’s extensive experience in diverse luxury real estate markets.
The genesis of Jack Laurier’s distinctive operating model stems from founder Charles Centauro’s 16-year immersion in luxury real estate, coupled with his family background in luxury construction. Charles identified a critical gap in the short-term rental niche, particularly concerning wealth preservation for UHNW families. He notes, “For every 9 out of 10 UHNW family offices, the wealth doesn’t make it past the second generation. And the luxury SFL asset class is one of the smartest vehicles for preventing intergenerational wealth dilution, but only if it’s operated for profit.”
Jack Laurier’s approach diverges significantly from traditional property management models in the luxury vacation rental industry. The firm’s primary focus is on luxury real estate as a long-term investment vehicle for wealth preservation and growth. This strategy is underpinned by a track record of generating profitable cash flows year-over-year. Charles states, “Assets under our stewardship generate more revenue than 99% of all highest-grossing properties in our segment, outperforming notable local and larger operators as much as 10 to 1.”
A key aspect of Jack Laurier’s philosophy is the prioritization of market demands over individual owner preferences once a property enters the short-term rental market. Charles explains, “Although this might seem counterintuitive, we try really hard not to balance [owner needs and renter expectations] at all. Our belief is that once a luxury vacation home goes on to the short term rental market, it then becomes a for-profit business and consumer-facing hospitality product.”
For principals who opt for standalone estate management without entering the rental program, Jack Laurier offers the same level of care and involvement, albeit with lower operational costs due to reduced turnover. The firm builds dedicated home care teams and collaborates with local trade professionals to ensure meticulous attention to detail and exceptional workmanship.
Jack Laurier’s staffing approach emphasizes cultural fit alongside qualifications. “We staff mostly independent contractors, solopreneurs, and sometimes mid-size companies to perform specific maintenance duties. However, when picking people or teams, our main focus is on culture fit — assuming they’ve already reached our minimum standard qualifications for the role…Without culture fit, there will be no longevity or stability in the role, or might require a different role within the operation”, notes Charles.
“When finding a housekeeper or property caretaker, for example, besides the min standard qualifications, the two skills we filter for are a) Organization, systems & attention to detail, and b) Happiness/willingness to serve.”
In contractor relations, Jack Laurier prioritizes transparency, minimal oversight, and mutual respect. Training for new team members focuses on scheduling, communication protocols, and transparency, with ongoing training centered on implementing small, organic improvements. “We hire experienced professionals who can complete their duties with efficiency and discretion, and can communicate when anything slightly out of the ordinary comes up during their work. New hires already know how to do the ordinary duties of their role, we simply make sure they know how to perform their tasks in our environment.”
Jack Laurier’s innovative approach to luxury SFL real estate management represents a significant shift in the industry, offering a compelling solution for wealth preservation and growth in the luxury real estate sector. As the firm continues to evolve and refine its strategies, it stands poised to reshape the landscape of luxury vacation rental operations and investment.
For more information, see their Industry Partner profile: Jack Laurier
