About Kingfisher Vacations

Kingfisher Vacations is committed to delivering professional quality and personal care to both our homeowners and guests. As proud residents of the Islands, we cherish our island home and treat every property as if it were our own.

With over 100 years of combined experience, our locally owned and operated team ensures you’ll always be working with true Island experts.

At Kingfisher Vacations, we go beyond the booking process to provide exceptional service every step of the way for guests and homeowners alike. So go ahead, give us a call. We’re here to help you make the most of your Island experience.

Meet The Team

Jeff

Owner Operator

A valued member of the Island community for over 25 years, Jeff has successfully managed and revitalized numerous condominium associations and rental programs across Captiva and Sanibel. In 2007, he leveraged his extensive experience to launch Kingfisher, transforming it into a highly respected and widely recognized vacation rental management program. For more than 18 years, Jeff has continuously refined and implemented his proprietary standard operating procedures, delivering premier vacation rental management services to the market. He firmly believes that the heart of Kingfisher lies in its people—the dedicated individuals who embody the company’s values, goals, and mission to provide world-class service. An avid sailor, Jeff completed a trans-Atlantic crossing from the UK to the Caribbean. The journey reaffirmed a belief he’s carried into business: success in both sailing and entrepreneurship depends on knowledge, experience, and a strong, reliable team. Jeff’s mission is simple—to lead the best vacation management company on the Islands. A goal validated by Kingfisher being named Best Vacation Management Company in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022

Sarah

Director of Operations

Sarah is an “island native” and was raised on Sanibel. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has strong attention to detail and is savvy with technology. Sarah’s goal is to exceed expectations for any project she works on. When away from the office Sarah appreciates the benefits of Southwest Florida from nature walks, to boating and beaches

Kelsey

Executive Associate & Community Association Manager & Owner Relations

Meet Kelsey Smith, a dedicated Kingfisher Realtor specializing in Southwest Florida's vibrant real estate market. Originally from Maryland, Kelsey moved to the region in 2020, bringing invaluable experience and a passion for exceptional service. Captivated by the islands' beauty, she advocates for sustainable fishing practices and island living. Kelsey's love for Kingfisher extends to her role as Executive Assistant, making her a perfect fit for our mission to provide exceptional vacation experiences.

Melinda

Director of Owner Relations

Melinda moved to Sanibel Island 10 years ago after vacationing on the islands since 2002. Prior to moving to the Islands she was the Learning and Development Manager for a major credit card company with sites in Ohio, Utah and Arizona. Upon moving to the island she took a job in Real Estate and quickly applied her skills and experience in the real estate and vacation rental industry. Melinda loves spending time enjoying the islands with her partner Tim, her daughter, grandson and two cats.

Karol

Director of Housekeeping and Inspections

Karol moved to southwest Florida in 2019 from Medellin, Colombia where the mountains are beautiful and the people are kind hearted. Prior to moving to the US she worked as a nurse at her local hospital. One of her proudest accomplishments was the joy she brought while volunteering as a clown helping patients with laughter therapy. Karol has been living in paradise here on Sanibel for some time now and this is where she met the love of her life, her partner who she married two years ago. Karol's hardwork and determination to bring others happiness has carried over into her current career. In her free time, Karol enjoys sharing her days with her husband fishing, boating and walking the beach together. Thank you Karol for all that you do for Kingfisher Vacations.

Laura

Maintenance Communications Director

Laura moved to Florida in 2010 from Wisconsin. Growing up in America's Heartland Laura learned from a young age about the importance of hard work and perseverance. Prior to working for Kingfisher Vacation Rentals. Laura worked in administration, sales, and customer service. Laura has brought those skills into her current career helping thousands of guests who choose Sanibel and Captiva Islands to vacation. Laura's background in guest relations spans nearly 20 years and shows in her daily practices. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, walking the beach and shelling, also soaking up the island sun! We are thankful to call Laura part of our Kingfisher Family!

Janet

Director of Reservations

Janet brings over three decades of expertise in the vacation hospitality industry to the Kingfisher Vacations team. Originally hailing from upstate New York, she made Cape Coral her home in 1985. Janet's journey in the vacation rental business spans from 1993, covering both Captiva and Sanibel Islands, where she has excelled in various roles. Her extensive experience ensures that guests enjoy nothing short of the perfect vacation. Outside of work, Janet cherishes moments with her husband, loves exploring the outdoors, and indulges in discovering new dining spots in the area.

Paola

Guest Relations

Paola moved to southwest Florida 20 years ago from Italy. She immediately fell in love with Sanibel and Captiva. Soon after moving to the area, she started work on the islands developing 15 years of experience on both Sanibel and Captiva in the rental management industry. She will be able to find the best property, with the best location to better accommodate your needs, desires, and dreams. She will be your best concierge in town to suggest the right restaurants, the most desired location, and the most breathtaking spot to enjoy the spectacular Sanibel and Captiva sunsets.

Francheska

Housekeeping Associate

Francheska Inel Santana Torres, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a devoted mother of three who made the courageous decision to emigrate to the United States in 2015. Her move was fueled by a deep desire to provide a brighter future for her children, particularly her daughter with autism, ensuring she has the peace of mind and opportunities to thrive. Francheska’s journey is a testament to her love, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her family's well-being. Since joining Kingfisher, she has grown into an integral part of the housekeeping team, where her dedication and work ethic continue to shine.

Emma

Guest Relations

Emma grew up deeply connected to the Sanibel community, which has fueled her passion for serving both the island and its visitors. Her career began in the hospitality industry, where she excelled in customer service and front-of-house planning in restaurants. Later, Emma expanded her skill set by working with the local police department, gaining valuable insights into public safety and community service. She has since joined Kingfisher as part of the reservations team, bringing a versatile approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to enhancing the experience for both customers and guests.

Kim

Guest Relations

Kim is a vacation rental pro with four years of experience, but her love for Sanibel and Captiva runs deep. She’s been visiting since the early '70s and made the islands her home in 2020 after nearly 30 years in trauma/ER nursing. When she’s not shelling on the beach or volunteering with SCCF and C.R.O.W., she’s spending time with her family—especially her granddaughter, Remi—or with McGee, her rescue Coonhound. Kim knows the islands inside and out and loves helping guests discover their hidden gems. Whether you need tips, recommendations, or just a friendly face, she’s here to make your stay feel like home.

Tim

Maintenance Technician

Meet Tim, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in residential construction, who recently relocated from New Jersey to the scenic island of Sanibel. Having frequented the island for years on vacations, Tim, along with his wife Rachel, now enjoy the tranquil beach life with their two dogs. In addition to his construction career, Tim owned and operated a successful hunter/jumper horse showing and training center in NJ. Their two sons, recent graduates of Bucknell University, have ventured to Hoboken, NJ, working in NYC. Family holds a central place in Tim's heart, and he and Rachel cherish moments with loved ones, be it on the beach or during skiing trips, vacations, and family visits.

Elier

Maintenance Technician

Elier was born and raised in Cuba, where he spent the first 26 years of his life. After moving to the United States, he lived in Miami and Orlando before making his home in Cape Coral. With over 20 years in the maintenance industry, Elier has honed his skills in various roles, earning a reputation for reliability, precision, and problem-solving. Elier joined Kingfisher in the wake of Hurricane Ian, where he was an integral part of the company's response efforts. His dedication and hard work during this challenging time solidified his team position. Outside of his professional life, Elier enjoys fishing and spending quality time with his family. A lover of Cuban cuisine, he remains deeply connected to his cultural roots.

Andrew

Maintenance Technician

Andrew grew up in Kentucky and moved to Sanibel Island 14 years ago, quickly developing a deep connection to the island community. With a decade of experience as a maintenance director for another property management company, he wore many hats, mastering everything from repairs to operations management. Andrew joined Kingfisher Vacation Rental in October 2024, bringing his strong work ethic, leadership, and hands-on expertise to the team. As an Eagle Scout, he embodies dedication, adaptability, and a service-first mindset. A former collegiate athlete for the University of Kentucky, Andrew competed in slalom skiing and wakeboarding, earning national rankings and sponsorships throughout college and his post-graduation years. Outside work, he enjoys surfing, wakeboarding, golfing, motocross, and woodworking.