Ad Agency Veteran Turns His Talents to Orlando Area Vacation Rentals

Fort Lauderdale's Starmark International has made "fun in the sun" its business since 1998, representing cruise lines, resorts, hotel chains, the Kissimmee CVB, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. And now, Starmark has set its sights on Orlando's vacation rental industry. Starmark's CEO, Dan Estes, believes it's a natural move for his company given their background. "We know how to market for travel and tourismwe've done it for years," Estes said. "This is a business we'll do very well in."

A skilled entrepreneur, Estes is the architect of three of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the United States over the past 25 years. Starmark/Chicago became the first company ever named to Inc. Magazine's List of the 500 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies for five years in a row. Estes sold Starmark/Chicago in 1994, but continued to sit at the helm, leading the management team to acquire GFX International. As Chairman, he built GFX into one of the leading point-of-purchase graphics companies serving fast-food marketers and major retailers nationwide. GFX was also named to Inc. Magazine's 500 list. After relocating to the South Florida boating and fishing lifestyle in 1998 Dan founded Starmark International in Fort Lauderdale.

Starmark's vacation rental division will operate as "Starmark Vacation Homes" with a dedicated staff based in downtown Celebration, FL. In the past months, Mr. Estes has spent a lot of time in the Orlando area recruiting top industry professionals for the new venture.

When asked about his expectations, Jeff Estes, Managing Director, had positive comments: "We have invested in state of the art software and all the tools and the talent we need to be successful," Industry veteran Isaac Diaz, Director of Guest Services for Starmark Vacation Homes, added "I've been in this business for over 10 years, and Starmark is poised to become a top contender."

Starmark Vacation Homes is actively pursuing new management contracts for three to seven bedroom homes in the Kissimmee/Davenport area. Please call 863-588-1453 or visit the Starmark Vacation Homes office at 715 Bloom Street in Celebration.