Welcome to Island Life
WOULD YOU LIKE TO VACATION OR STAY FOREVER?
About Island Real Estate - Your Top Choice For Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals
Island Real Estate is Anna Maria Island`s leading full service Real Estate and Vacation rental agency specializing in waterfront properties, investment rental property, beach homes, private pool homes, condominiums and more. In the heart of Holmes Beach, our real estate office is located at 6101 Marina Drive ~ where Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key and Perico Bay have received the best real estate services since 1970.
Real Estate Services
Island Real Estate is one of the oldest real estate offices on Anna Maria Island. Patricia Hendricks founded her brokerage in 1970 with Sis Dudley under the name of Dudley Real Estate. In later years, it was Patricia Hendricks Real Estate and then Hendricks Real Estate. Her sale of the business in 1990 and the subsequent name change to Island Real Estate in August 1991 were merely the latest steps in the continual effort to professionally serve the community. December 2011, Island Real Estate acquired Betsy Hills Real Estate located in Anna Maria City, Anna Maria Island. Betsy Hills Real Estate had a long standing history of serving both real estate services and the local community. As most locals know and now you can see from our brief history lesson, for more than 50 years it has been a top priority for Island Real Estate to specialize in Anna Maria Island properties in a competent and progressive manner. Island Real Estate is fortunate to have inherited a reputation of honesty, integrity and a "soft touch for good service". Our real estate professionals constantly strive to adhere to this way of conducting our business, we earn the loyalty and trust of the customers and community we serve.
Vacation Rental Services
Island Real Estate Vacations is the newly revamped rental division of Island Real Estate. Previously, Island Real Estate grew our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals to over 300 properties before selling the vacation rental management division in 2017. In January 2020, Island Real Estate returned to vacation rental management at the urging of our dedicated real estate sales customers, previous vacation rental owners and past rental guests who we have serviced for more than 20 years. As a vacation rental customer of Island Real Estate Vacations, you can expect the same superior service and qualified experienced team to meet your Vacation Rental needs as our Island Real Estate Sales team is to Real Estate. We are excited to be able to provide personalized customer service to our vacation rental customers again and look forward to what the future holds!
So, whether it`s a few days or for a lifetime ~ Island Real Estate can find you the perfect "peace" of paradise. Please visit our website, www.IslandReal.com for more information on Vacation Rentals, Real Estate, Annual property management as well as condominium management.
Meet Our Vacations Team
Island Real Estate Vacations has recruited the best of the best local leaders to develop our Vacation Rental Division. Those that were with Island Real Estate in prior years will recognize a few faces below. We are prepared to invest in our business and that starts with the core leadership team managing our vacation rental properties. No history with Island Real Estate? Visit our testimonials page to see first hand how our employees from the past have made a big difference for our owners.
Jodi Nichols
Our Chief Executive Officer, Jodi ensures that all facets of our vacation rental management program meet both owner and vacation guest expectations. Jodi has over a quarter century of resort hospitality and vacation rental management experience including all aspects of resort operations from Front Desk to Employee Training and everything in between. Jodi started with Island Real Estate in August 2012 and with her wealth of knowledge in Hospitality, Operations, Property Rental Management, Team Building, and Training & Development helped take Island Real Estate’s vacation rental division to the next level. Email: Jodi@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1294
Lawrence Chatt
Larry received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. Previous Executive Leadership experience with General Motors, General Electric and Precision Castparts Corporation has prepared him well for his leadership position as Broker/Co-Owner of Island Real Estate. Larry has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in Europe, New England, Ohio, Iowa, and Colorado. The first-hand experience as an absentee owner gives him a unique perspective of all the concerns involved with the purchase and management of a resort property. Larry is very active in the community as the Vice President of the Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association and is a former Chairman of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.Email: Larry@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1288
Claudia Mir
Claudia originally started with Island Real Estate (IRE) in 2013. During her first 4 years, Claudia had progressive growth from HSKP Team Lead Inspector to MAINT Dispatch Coordinator to MAINT Supervisor to Guest Services Manager. In addition, Claudia was a valuable resource for our Operations Team who developed many positive relationships with owners, guests, and vendors. After the sale of IRE in 2017, Claudia decided to use that opportunity to focus on school. She returned to Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in MAY 2020 as a part-time Vacation Rental Specialist while still attending school full-time. During this time, Claudia also worked as the Laundry Team Lead where she helped plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day operations of the Housekeeping and Laundry Departments. In 2021, Claudia left IREV to start a family cleaning business while continuing her education and where she acquired the ability to successfully manage a business while providing high quality services to ensure customer satisfaction. As a recent graduate from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Claudia possesses great communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, her educational background has equipped her with the necessary analytical and critical thinking skills to solve problems and make appropriate decisions. Claudia rejoined the IREV team as General Manager in FEB 2023. In this role, she will utilize her 10+ years of progressive work knowledge in the vacation rental industry to create memorable and lasting owner, guest, and employee experiences. As the General Manager, Claudia will work directly with the local team towards success while being accountable for driving our 5-star rating reviews by building a rapport with staff, guests, and owners as well as driving revenue, rebuilding the IRE brand, and seeking new growth opportunities.
Kacey Varga
Island Real Estate Vacations welcomed Kacey back February 2020 as our Vacation Rental Revenue Manager. As the Revenue Manager, Kacey manages the day to day rate yield operations for our vacation rental bookings with the primary goal of maximizing rental revenue for Owners. Kacey originally started with Island Real Estate (IRE) January 1999. During Kacey’s 23 years with IRE she progressively excelled to higher leadership roles and took on many duties across all departments to include assisting Rental Owners, Vacation Rental Guests, Real Estate Sales Clients and Community Leaders. Kacey will develop LOCAL pricing strategies for each vacation rental and use forecasting tools along with statistics to ensure our vacation rental rates stay competitive in the Anna Maria Island marketplace. Email: Kacey@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1287
Logan Nichols
Logan originally started with Island Real Estate Vacations June 2020 after getting out of the Air Force and was the Community Association Manager for IRE until leaving in 2021 to spend time with his family. After a year hiatus, Logan is returning to IREV to fill the Owner Relations Manager (ORM) position. The ORM is the main point of contact for property owners on the IREV vacation rental program responding to owner concerns and acting as the liaison between the owner and IREV’s internal departments. During his time in the military, Logan enforced Cyber Security regulations and learned immense troubleshooting skills in unique environments, safeguarding millions of dollars’ worth of assets. While in the Air Force, Logan served 2 tours in Afghanistan. He received 3 Metals of Commendation and 2 Metals of Achievement for his accomplishments and leadership in Afghanistan, for overseeing a 40+ personnel team at the San Antonio Trauma Center, and for improving effectiveness and process implementation for 2,600 users and devices worth $56 million dollars. In September 2019, Logan earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management graduating with honors. He also happens to be the middle son of our CEO, Jodi Nichols. Email: Logan@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1284
Briana Gagnier
Briana started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in June 2021 as a Vacation Rental Specialist for Vacation Rentals and in 2022 was promoted to Vacation Rental Manager. Briana leads the team that books our vacation rental properties and who assists in-house rental guests with their requests. Prior to working for IREV, Briana has been a Household Assistant and Nanny to a local family for the past 9 years. During her time there, Briana had several responsibilities to include but not limited to: managing family events, supervising HSKP and MAINT staff, communicating with individuals and businesses on the families behalf, purchasing for the family/household, maintaining budgets and accounts and any other daily responsibilities as needed. Briana earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2017. Email: Briana@IslandReal.com
Karen Astor
Ashley Gagnier
Ashley started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in November 2020 as our Housekeeping & Laundry Facility Manager for Vacation Rentals reporting to Jodi Nichols to oversee Housekeeping and Laundry. Prior to working for IREV, Ashley was the Lead Housekeeper at Vacasa managing the cleaners to include scheduling and ordering supplies, guest and owner correspondence, and working with the laundry lead to ensure bags were properly made and ready for arrivals for two rental companies and several contract cleaners. Ashley also has her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science and is part of the NOAA Cooperative Shark Tagging Program on Anna Maria Island and has previous work experience interning at Mote Marine and as a Visiting Scholar at Bimini Biological Field Station in Bimini, Bahamas. Email: Ashley@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1296
Yahaira Malave
Yahaira started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) on Monday January 2, 2023 as the Head Inspector reporting to Ashley Gagnier. Some of you may recognize her since Yahaira was once a long time employee of IRE who was originally hired August 1, 2011 as a Laundry Attendant and remained on with Vacasa through the sell of IRE in NOV 2017 until December 2022. During her time at Vacasa, Yahaira worked in Housekeeping, Inspections, and Laundry. As the Head Inspector for IREV, Yahaira will lead the HSKP Inspection Team as well as conduct detailed property inspections and audits for arrivals and departures to ensure properties are properly cleaned per the required IREV cleaning standards for vacation rental. She will work at the Laundry Facility with Ashley. Email: Yahaira@IslandReal.com
Jeffrey Moore
Jeff started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) February 2022 as the Maintenance Manager reporting to Jodi Nichols. The Maintenance Manager oversees the maintenance department to include the dispatch coordinator and the field technicians to get work orders completed for in-house vacationing guests and rental owners and will be responsible for all maintenance related duties for properties in our vacation rental program. Jeff brings to IREV extensive management experience and previously lead over 70 employees as the Operations Manager for Octochem, Inc. He also has previous hotel experience and was the Commercial Sales Manager for Allstate Insurance. Jeff has handyman knowledge with maintenance related experience and is in the process of renovating his home himself. He has also held several certifications to include his Series 6 License, his Six Sigma License, his Property & Casualty License and is Forklift Certified. Email: Jeffrey@IslandReal.com | Direct Line: (941) 345-1298
Andrew Carbone
Andrew started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) on March 2021 as the HOA Manager for IRE association properties reporting to Larry Chatt. Andrew is a Florida native from Bradenton. Andrew previously worked for IRE from 2012 until IRE sold to Vacasa in 2017. During his time at IRE Andrew wore many hats from IT to Marketing to MAINT Supervisor. Andrew remained on with Vacasa until the pandemic hit and then worked for AMV until starting at IREV. Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering and Business. Email: Andrew@IslandReal.com | Direct Line : (941) 345-1295
Nicole
Nicole started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) on Monday August 2022 as a Dispatch Coordinator for our maintenance team. The MAINT Dispatch Coordinator assists the maintenance manager to coordinate all maintenance related calls and emails for properties in our vacation rental program. Nicole says she is successful at multi-tasking and delivering prompt and friendly service to all customers while maintaining a positive attitude. She deals well with problem solving and diffusing situations. Nicole’s previous work experience has been in the hospitality industry working for restaurants such as D’Lites Shoppe, Nutritious You Café, and Beef O Brady’s. Email: Nicole@IslandReal.com
Xzeaiver
Xzeaiver started with IREV on Tuesday June 2021 as Maintenance Dispatch and was promoted in 2022 to Marketing Coordinator. Xzeaiver previously worked for IRE and stayed on with Vacasa since the sale. Xzeaiver also stars in a lot of our Island Real Estate generated videos. Fun fact about Xzeaiver he is often the star in out TikTok videos. Xzeaiver is a kind and gentle soul from Ripley, MS and moved to Bradenton in 2012 where he lives today with his two dogs Nera and Buddy. When not at work Xzeaiver enjoys being lazy at home with his dogs. Email: Xzeaiverm@IslandReal.com
Lewis
Island Real Estate Vacations welcomed Lewis back April 2020 as our Senior Property Technician. As the Senior Property Technician, Lewis’ main duties are to perform minor maintenance repairs and other maintenance related tasks for IREV. As a member of our design team, Lewis will also assist with IREV interior design projects and renovations. Island Lewis originally started with Island Real Estate (IRE) in January 2013 as a Maintenance Technician. During his 5 years with IRE, Lewis showed his expertise through proven results and quickly progressed to become our Senior Project Technician for Owner Relations. Prior to working for IRE, Lewis worked with his dad renovating residential properties and later utilized that knowledge to team up with Jodi Nichols to renovate and update over 40 rental properties on Anna Maria Island. He is one of the top technicians working on the island today and few have the experience he does. Some of Lewis’ skills include but not limited to, residential construction, pool and spa, electrical, plumbing, handyman service and a keen eye for detail.
Oleg
Oleg started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) November 2022 as a Design and Renovation Project Tech reporting to Jimmy Peters. As the Renovation Project Tech, Oleg will work with our design and renovations team. This position requires advanced residential handyman skills for renovating and updating vacation properties on our rental program as well as internal renovation projects, and residential properties. When not in a renovation project, The Renovation Project Tech will work in our maintenance department performing minor maintenance repairs and other maintenance related tasks for IREV Vacation Rental Properties to ensure the highest quality of service to our guests and property owners. Before working for IREV, Oleg handled MAINT for Vacasa and has extensive maintenance and handyman experience.
Tiffany
Tiffany (Tiff) started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in June 2020 as a Vacation Rental Specialist and in 2022 was promoted to Property Operations Coordinator. In this role, Tiff will help with property inspections, onboarding, and property upgrades. Tiff previously worked for Island Real Estate during the summer when she was in high school helping with filing. In 2019, she graduated from Manatee School for the Arts and started taking college courses at SCF. Email: Tiffany@IslandReal.com
Stephanie
Stephanie started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) on Monday August 2022 as a Vacation Rental Specialist reporting to Briana Gagnier. Stephanie will be part of our team that books our vacation rental properties and who assists in-house rental guests with their requests. Stephanie brings to IREV over 10 years hotel/resort experience and progressive growth in the hospitality business. Starting in 2011 she was the Front Desk Supervisor for Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and then ran the Front Office at Shorewalk Vacation Villas for a short time. She then became the Lead Front Desk at Tropical Breeze Resort and was transferred to Bali Hai Beach Resort to assist the front desk. Finally in 2020 to present, Stephanie was the Resort Manager at Longboat Bay Club on Longboat Key. Email: Stephanie@IslandReal.com
Frank
Frank started with IREV on Monday May 2021 as a Vacation Rental Specialist/Real Estate Office Assistant reporting to George. Frank will train for his first month at our East Bay office and then will work from Marina. During the week Frank will work for IREV vacation rentals and on Fridays and Saturdays he will be at the front desk for IRE Real Estate Office in addition to IREV rentals. Frank has a Business Degree as well as his New York Real Estate License. Prior to working for IREV, Frank has been working at Home Depot while he looked for a permanent job in the local area. Email: Frank@IslandReal.com
Mitch
Mitch started with Island Real Estate Vacations (IREV) in May 2020 as our Property Operations Technician for Vacation Rentals reporting Jimmy Peters. As a Property Operations Technician, Mitch’s main duties are to perform minor maintenance repairs and other maintenance related tasks for Island Real Estate Vacations. Prior to working for IREV, Mitch worked for Vacasa as a Maintenance Technician for the last two years. Mitch is originally from Chicago where he worked as an Engineer for 18 years, and then 16 years at an apartment complex in Sarasota.
Don
Don started with IREV on Monday May 2021 as a Maintenance Technician reporting to Jimmy to handle daily maintenance work orders and monthly maintenance tasks for IREV vacation rental properties. Don is originally Rockwood, MI and moved to Florida in 1984 to live with his sister. He currently lives in Bradenton. Prior to working for IREV, Don worked for the City of Holmes Beach since 2011, first as a Mechanic then as Project Coordinator and then as his final role of MAINT Technician. Prior to that, Don was the owner/operator of Don’s Small Engine Repair in Holmes Beach from January 1990 to June 2011.
Laundry Team
The Island Real Estate laundry team cleans terry and bed linens for Island Real Estate Vacations as well as several other vacation rental companies on Anna Maria Island. Their reputation for quality has driven demand from customers large and small. We utilize the best terry for our towels providing pool towels, bath towels, bath mat towels, hand towels, wash cloths and kitchen towels.
Our bed linens are bar none the best on Anna Maria Island. We use a high quality linen that are utilized in 5 star hotels. Our vacation rental customers as well as the companies we provide linens to all agree with phenomenal comments about our bed linens. If you have an interest in receiving our world class linens give us a call or email us. We would be happy to provide a no obligation quote.
This is just a small portion of our laundering team with many others behind the scenes providing tens of thousands of pounds of linens to the Anna Maria Island area. It is a physically demanding job and so thankful to have this wonderful and caring team at the helm led by Ashley Gagnier and Yahaira Malave.
