Experience & Leadership

I have spent the past 3 decades leading the concept creation, design, development and operations of over 100 hospitality venues, including resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars, destination spas, retail outlets, marketplaces, fitness centers, entertainment venues, and indoor and outdoor waterparks.

If you want to learn more about my experience, please feel free to download my resume using the link above. But if you want to learn the “why” behind what I do, please read on…

Being responsible for the entire life cycle of a project from inception through operation has taught me the importance of crafting unique experiences that drive positive financial results. It goes without saying that delivering a great guest experience is important, but unfortunately most operators use “experience” as a synonym for “service.” Guests expect good service. A great experience goes beyond service in ways that deeply resonate with your guests.

I learned early on that every destination has its own unique story. Mostly defined by its history, the surrounding landscape and the people that crafted these communities. I believe it’s important to tell this story and transform the traditional hospitality model into immersive and authentic experiences that engage, educate, entertain and immerse the guests. I’ve found that if you do this correctly, they will gladly pay whatever they can to have that experience.

This is why my favorite movie of all time is “Field of Dreams.” This movie reflects how our innate human desire is to live and relive our best experiences, and the pursuit of our dreams are not limited by either reason or cost. As James Earl Jones’ character stated when Ray’s brother-in-law showed up with the foreclosure papers and said,

“Ray, people will come Ray. They’ll come to Iowa for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they’re doing it. They’ll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won’t mind if you look around, you’ll say. It’s only $20 per person. They’ll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack.”

Yes Ray, if you build it, they will come.