From Automotive Engineering to Exceptional Guest Experiences

Hi, I’m Dirk Brassat, the founder of SaltyWaveStays, a vacation rental business based in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. Before launching into hospitality, I spent over two decades as a senior leader in the automotive engineering industry, most recently serving as Vice President of Engineering at Faurecia.
My career has included leadership roles at global companies like Johnson Controls, KEIPER LLC, and Faurecia Automotive Seating, where I led high-performing teams and delivered complex engineering solutions with precision, quality, and attention to detail. I hold a degree in Automotive Engineering from Fachhochschule Trier and speak both German and English fluently.

Why Vacation Rentals?

After years in a fast-paced, global industry, I wanted to build something more personal—something centered around family, comfort, and creating memorable experiences. That’s how SaltyWaveStays was born.
Our mission is simple: to offer luxury, family-friendly accommodations where every detail is thoughtfully planned, and every guest feels at home.

What sets us apart?

My background may be in engineering, but the skills I bring—project management, quality control, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence—are directly applied to how I run Saltywavestays. Whether it's managing renovations, ensuring spotless cleanliness, or promptly addressing guest needs, everything is handled with care, efficiency, and professionalism. From day one, I’ve built Saltywavestays to be more than just a place to stay. It’s a reflection of high standards, integrity, and a passion for hospitality.