12/22/20
Marketing Manager, Finger Lakes Premier Properties
Finger Lakes Premier Properties (FLPP) is quite a successful business. Tell us more about it!
Brian Zerges started Finger Lakes Premier Properties 28 years ago as Rental Plus, a short-term rental management program for lakefront vacation homes. He saw a need in the region to alleviate the stresses of renting vacation homes and to be a resource for visitors to find the perfect home to fit their vacation style. These services are still the focus of most of our operations today as we manage over 300 homes and host over 30,000 guests annually. Additionally, we have become very successful leveraging our lakefront expertise with developing one of the most successful real estate firms in the region. At the same time, we focus on lakefront homes and deliver premier services for homeowners to achieve their real estate goals – buying, selling, or renting a waterfront home in the Finger Lakes.
How did you become involved and what is your role?
I joined FLPP in 2016 as the marketing manager. I oversee the marketing department and all communications for each of our customer types – guests, owners, real estate buyers and sellers. I have worked in the tourism industry for over 10 years across the country and always knew I would return to the Finger Lakes. With my team, we are able to showcase the diversity of experiences offered by this region, which is very rewarding. Our favorite part of our jobs is looking through the photos submitted by guests and seeing the wonderful memories created at our homes.
What part of the Finger Lakes Region do you like the most?
That is a tough one. My family and I love the variety of activities available throughout the region. I love Keuka Lake, perhaps because I grew up in Penn Yan and still cherish that small-town feel. However, my husband and I always found ourselves gravitating towards Canandaigua on the weekends, which is where we live now. We love the easy access to the lake and hiking trails, great variety of restaurants, plus it still has the fun lake-life vibe.
What words of wisdom would you pass onto your childhood self?
Set goals, strive for each day to be better (whether professional or personal), and never stop learning.
What is one thing people often misunderstand about you?
While I have a passion for photography, I do not enjoy being on the other side of the camera.
