In the fall of 1995, the Talmadges were suffering from empty-nest syndrome. Though both were busy with careers--Jeff owned a software programming company, and Joan, formerly a teacher, was writing for an educational publisher--they felt adrift. The couple's third and youngest child had left their Wellesley, Massachusetts, home for college. "We needed a new project to fill the void," Joan says.

That's when they went looking for a summer place on Cape Cod. The four-bedroom, three-bath home they found in Orleans had expansive views and a long, sloping lawn that rolled down to the marsh. Nauset Beach was a five-minute walk away.

"We were so excited about owning this house," says Joan. "It was bigger and nicer than we ever imagined." It was also considerably more than they thought they could afford. The real estate agent suggested they rent it out during the summer to defray the cost.

The first summer everything went like clockwork, says Jeff. Rental agents had no problem booking the house. The following summer, however, a few key weeks were still available. By chance, the Talmadges received a flyer from an online vacation rental company. They listed their home on the Web site and filled the openings within two weeks. The experience inspired a career shift.

Four months later, on December 1, 1997, All Seasons Vacation Rentals went online. Specializing in Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard, weneedavacation.com got off to a modest start. Now in its seventh season, the photography-rich site has grown to more than 800 listings (including the Talmadges' home in Orleans), a search engine, and an availability calendar. Listings range from humble cottages to grand oceanfront estates.

Working together out of their Wellesley residence, the Talmadges have achieved their goal of blending technology with service. "Our personalities complement the business," says Jeff. "Joan genuinely enjoys helping people become successful. I get a charge out of the technical software challenges."

But both agree that all the technology in the world doesn't replace human touch. "People will call at 8 or 10 at night, and if we're home, we'll answer the phone," says Joan. "We've received calls from as far away as Hong Kong."

"You've got to please vacationers as well as homeowners," adds Jeff. "It requires we have high standards." He and Joan work long hours and admit that, like any business, it has its frustrations. "But how many people can say they love what they do?" says Jeff.

As for leisure time on the Cape, the Talmadges, golden retriever in tow, savor the off-season months--from Christmas family gatherings to quiet weekends alone. Their bayside home, Jeff says, "is everything we imagined it would be and more."