Brad Hinkelman

Brad Hinkelman

CEO

Casacol

Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

About Brad Hinkelman

Brad Hinkelman is the founder and CEO of Casacol, a key player in Medellín's real estate and hospitality industry. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Hinkelman moved to Medellín, Colombia in the early 2000s after completing his education in Business Administration at Simon Fraser University and furthering his finance studies at New York University (NYU).

His initial venture in Colombia began with a single Airbnb listing in 2010, which rapidly expanded as the market grew. His company, Casacol, now manages over 500 properties and is the largest Airbnb operator in Medellín. Additionally, Hinkelman oversees a 350-room hotel operation, making Casacol a major force in Medellín's tourism sector.

Under his leadership, Casacol has not only provided substantial economic contributions to the local economy but has also been pivotal in transforming Medellín into a vibrant tourist destination. His strategic focus on sustainable and community-focused development has helped shape the city's reputation as an attractive location for international travelers and investors alike.

Hinkelman's vision and entrepreneurial spirit have been central to his success, reflecting a deep commitment to fostering growth and development in Colombia's tourism and hospitality industries. His work continues to influence the broader economic landscape of Medellín, enhancing its global appeal and cultural vibrancy.

Areas of Focus

Real estate developmentHospitality managementAirbnb operationsMedellín tourismBusiness administration

Career Background

Casacol Group of Companies

CEO

Medellín, Colombia

2014 – Present

Oracle Corporation

Region Manager / Various Roles

Canada and United States

2007 – 2014

IBM Corporation

Various Roles - Sales and Marketing

Canada and United States

2000 – 2007

Education

New York University

Executive Continuing Education, Finance

New York, New York, USA

2012 – 2013

Simon Fraser University

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, Economics

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

1999 – 2003

Media

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Press

Op-Ed: For Tourism to Flourish in Colombia, Hospitality Investors Need Government Collaboration

In this op-ed, Brad Hinkelman discusses the critical need for government collaboration to sustain the booming tourism sector in Colombia. Highlighting the significant growth in visitors and investment under his leadership at Casacol, he advocates for robust policy support to enhance safety and maintain the industry's integrity amidst challenges.

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Brad Hinkelman, Ideamensch Interview

Brad Hinkelman, CEO of Casacol, shares his experiences and strategies in transforming Medellín into a prime tourism and real estate hub. He discusses his journey from starting with a single Airbnb listing to leading the largest hotel operation in the city, his commitment to sustainable practices, and the importance of adapting and evolving in business.

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Medellin Real Estate: Foreign Buyer's Guide

Brad Hinkelman, General Manager of Casacol, outlines key strategies for safe and secure real estate investment in Medellín, Colombia. He details the step-by-step process, from assessing investment motivations to navigating local regulations, ensuring both foreign and local investors can make informed decisions in this emerging market.

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Real Estate in Medellin – a vast evolution

In this interview with HalloCasa, Brad Hinkelman discusses his journey in transforming the Medellin real estate landscape through his company, Casacol. He explains how starting as an investor led to founding a company that integrates development, property management, and legal services to support both local and international clients.

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Medellin and Colombian Tourism: an Interview with Brad Hinkelman

In this interview with Timothy Scott, Brad Hinkelman, CEO of Casacol, discusses the transformation of Medellín into a dynamic hub for tourism and real estate investment, and how his company has contributed to the local economy and the growing appeal of Medellín as a destination for international visitors and remote workers.

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House Hunting … in Colombia – NY Times

An in-depth look at the contemporary real estate scene in Medellin, Colombia, through the lens of Brad Hinkelman, General Manager of Casacol. He discusses the evolution of the market, key considerations for foreign buyers, and the opportunities that Medellin offers for investment.

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Riding the Trend – The Business Year

Brad Hinkelman, General Manager of Casacol, explores the evolution of Medellín's real estate market since leaving his tech executive role in New York in 2008. He discusses how Casacol became the largest manager of furnished apartments in Medellín and expanded into boutique hotels, driven by customer feedback and market data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Brad Hinkelman do?

Brad Hinkelman is the founder and CEO of Casacol, a leading real estate and hospitality company in Medellín, Colombia. He oversees a portfolio of over 500 rental properties as well as a 350-room hotel operation.

What is Brad Hinkelman known for?

Hinkelman is known for building Casacol into the largest Airbnb operator in Medellín, starting from a single listing in 2010, and for his role in transforming the city into a major tourist destination. He has been featured in press interviews and op-eds discussing Medellín's real estate market and tourism industry.

Where is Brad Hinkelman based?

Brad Hinkelman is based in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.

Where did Brad Hinkelman study?

Hinkelman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Economics from Simon Fraser University and later pursued executive continuing education in finance at New York University.

Who does Brad Hinkelman work for?

Brad Hinkelman works for Casacol, the company he founded and leads as CEO.

Last updated July 16, 2026