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About Us

Our Story

Since 1994, Florida Vacation Connection has been locally owned and operated, built on a foundation of personal service, community connection, and a true hands-on approach to caring for both owners and guests. For more than 30 years, our company has earned a trusted reputation on Longboat Key and the surrounding areas by prioritizing integrity, responsiveness, and exceptional hospitality.

At the heart of our philosophy is The Palm Tree Promise, the guiding spirit behind how we serve.
Like the iconic palms that define our coastline, we remain firmly rooted in our core values of integrity, care, and connection, yet flexible enough to adapt to the needs of every guest, owner, and situation. The palm tree thrives by bending with the wind and rising stronger after every storm, and we approach hospitality the same way: standing tall in our standards, responding gracefully when circumstances shift, and always returning to center, calm, resilient, and ready to grow.

Our professional team includes experienced specialists across two core areas:
• Client Experience & Reservations – ensuring smooth, responsive communication and outstanding homeowner and guest satisfaction.
• Operations – dedicated to maintaining safe, spotless, and consistently well-cared-for properties.

As a boutique company, we offer a level of personalized attention that larger organizations can’t match. Every owner and guest receives prompt, thoughtful service, and because we focus exclusively on Longboat Key and the nearby coastal communities, we know our properties and the area with exceptional depth.

Our relationships are at the heart of our success. Guests return year after year ,whether they need help selecting the perfect home or immediate support with a maintenance concern, because they know they can count on our experience, our communication, and our care.

Florida Vacation Connection remains committed to the values that have guided us since the beginning.

Our Team

Lindsy Kruse

Owner
 
Lindsy brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality and high-end property management experience to Florida Vacation Connection. Her career began at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, where she developed a passion for creating thoughtful, memorable experiences and leading with genuine care. She went on to help build one of the largest locally operated property management companies in the region, strengthening her expertise in operations, guest service, and owner relations.
A proud Bradenton native, Lindsy is deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to preserving the longstanding values that have defined Florida Vacation Connection since 1994. As owner, she is committed to delivering the highest level of service, upholding the Palm Tree Promise, and ensuring that every interaction, whether with a guest, homeowner, or vendor, feels personal, attentive, and exceptional. Approachable, engaged, and always accessible, Lindsy is honored to lead FVC into its next chapter and looks forward to continuing its tradition of trusted, local expertise.

Mark Dellamano

Compliance & Office Manager

 

With a distinguished career spanning global banking, hospitality, and vacation rental operations, Mark brings a unique blend of financial rigor, operational discipline, and industry knowledge to Florida Vacation Connection. His background includes more than a decade leading a vacation rental company in Canada, along with senior-level roles in international banking, where he specialized in client management, compliance oversight, process improvement, and technology integration.

As Compliance & Office Manager, Mark is responsible for ensuring internal processes, documentation, systems, and regulatory requirements are accurate, efficient, and consistently executed. His exceptional attention to detail and methodical approach help safeguard company standards, strengthen internal controls, and support smooth operations throughout every department. In addition to his banking and compliance experience, Mark has worked hands-on in hospitality as both a vacation rental operator and a Guest Service Manager at a luxury resort on Anna Maria Island. This dual perspective, rooted in both financial systems and guest-facing service, allows him to balance strict process alignment with the realities of day-to-day property management. Mark’s precision, organizational strength, and commitment to excellence make him a trusted leader and invaluable resource for both our team and the owners we serve.

Cindy Steiner

Office and Finance Coordinator

Cindy has been a valued member of Florida Vacation Connection since 2004 and brings more than thirty years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. As our resident bookkeeping expert, she manages bi-monthly owner statements with precision and ensures owners are paid promptly following guest check-in.

Her role spans far beyond bookkeeping, Cindy oversees guest accounts, sales and tourist tax reporting, property licensing, and vendor payment coordination. Her attention to detail keeps our operations running smoothly, while her upbeat personality and quick humor keep the office smiling. Reliable, experienced, and an essential part of our team, Cindy provides exceptional support across the entire FVC organization.

Gary Shelton

Maintenance Specialist


With more than twenty years of experience in the home maintenance industry, Gary is a cornerstone of our operations team. His extensive expertise and unwavering work ethic make him the first call for a wide range of maintenance needs across our vacation rental properties.

Always in motion and always willing to help, Gary ensures every home is safe, functional, and well cared for. His skill set covers all facets of home maintenance, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general repairs, and his proactive approach helps identify and resolve issues before they ever impact a guest’s stay. Gary’s dedication shows in the quality of his work and in his commitment to keeping our properties in top condition. Reliable, knowledgeable, and highly skilled, Gary is an essential part of the Florida Vacation Connection team.

John Stutsman

 Reservationist

 

With more than eight years of vacation rental experience, John brings strong hospitality knowledge and intuitive sales skills to our Reservations team. His career in the industry began in 2016 after relocating to the area to be closer to his retired parents, and since then, he has developed a reputation for helping guests find the perfect accommodation with ease and genuine care.

John combines decades of customer service experience with a natural ability to listen, problem-solve, and present thoughtful solutions. He approaches each interaction with sincerity and a true desire to serve, efficiently resolving questions, anticipating needs, and ensuring every guest and owner feels supported from start to finish. Dedicated, personable, and service-driven, John is a valued member of the Florida Vacation Connection team.
Dallas Green image

Dallas Green

Guest Services & Reservations

Dallas spent 20 years with Florida Vacation Connection before retiring in 2020, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her back with us on a part-time basis. With more than 25 years of experience in vacation rentals on Longboat Key and Lido Key, Dallas brings unmatched local knowledge and a genuine passion for hospitality.

A true people person, Dallas is known for the strong relationships she builds with both homeowners and guests. Her warm personality, attentive service, and deep understanding of our properties make her exceptional at pairing guests with the perfect vacation home. Dallas’s long-standing commitment to FVC and her love for helping others continue to make her an invaluable part of our team.