Doug Barrow is the founder and president of Heritage Park Hospitality Group, a full service boutique management and investment group with a vision for the future of hotel stays and travel. He has always shared an eye for detail and a passion for the hospitality industry, bringing creativity and innovative ways of thinking to the small boutique hotel market. With over 25 years in the industry, he has built his experience from grassroots and humble beginnings.
His early career started in operations with major brands such as Hyatt, Marriot, and Starwood Hotels and later in his career, he worked directly for larger management firms. More recently, his passion and focus have been on independent collections that reserve a unique place in the market and attractive ambiance to travelers who are looking for a hotel experience, not just a room.
He has extensive experience overseeing developments and renovations to distressed or underperforming properties. He has been acquired as a trusted advisor to many hotel owners looking for more creativity, more effort, and more opportunities to maximize their assets. He was recognized as Orlando Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40 business professionals in 2014 and has been a guest speaker for UCF Rosen Hospitality school.
His personal interest include politics and using his expertise to bring positive changes to the hotel and tourism industry. He has served on the board of directors for Central Florida Hotel Lodging Associations’ political action committee and is actively passionate about politics and how they affect the future of the tourism industry. When he is not chasing mahi, you may find him on a dirt bike track or catching a wave at his favorite surf spot in Cocoa Beach, Fl. He loves traveling with his adventurous family and learning about new cultures.
Bojan Tegovski currently serves the Chief Operating Officer of HP Hospitality. His global experience in the IT and Hospitality field have brought new creative perspectives for streamlining business processes throughout the organization. Bojan obtained his BA in Management with emphasis on Marketing from Webster University in Vienna Austria. Upon graduation, he moved to Barcelona, Spain where he obtained his first Master’s Degree in Information Sciences in Business and Marketing. Upon completion, he moved to Prague, Czech Republic, where he worked as a consultant on an IT project development. In 2014, he moved to United States, where he obtained his second Master’s Degree (MBA with specialization in Hospitality Management).
In January of 2017, Bojan joined HP Hospitality as Revenue and Digital Marketing Manager. A year later, he was promoted to Director of Systems and Revenue Manager, under which he was responsible for all system integrations, project management, marketing and plan executions, as well as revenue management and strategical planning. In August 2019, he took the role of COO of HP Hospitality. Besides devoting himself to bring HP to the next level, he loves to travel frequently around the World and explore new adventures.
Born and raised on a farm in Indiana, Gabrielle grew up wanting to be a veterinarian. It was not until an impromptu trip that led this Indiana girl down a different path. She cashed in her return ticket and made the fabulous Florida Keys her home.
She began her career shortly after, working her way up from restaurants to the most iconic resorts in the Florida Keys. Gabrielle became the Area Sales Coordinator at the Islamorada Resort Collection where she was responsible for four properties and the execution of the many group events and weddings, coordinating group blocks, rooming lists, day of coordination and a host of sales duties. She held a Banquet Manager role for several restaurants where she sold, coordinated, and supervised events and later joined Cheeca Lodge & Spa as Senior Catering and Sales Manager. This position provided extensive experience in catering, sales, and marketing, as well as crisis management. Hurricane Irma devastated the resort in 2018, and her team led the reopening strategy after the resort’s $25 million renovation.
Gabrielle is always open to new opportunities and challenges and firmly believes “if you hear no, you’re asking the wrong question.” Aside from work, in normal times, she loves to be surrounded by her family, catch a good sunset, and of course travel to new places.
With a military family background and young children, Gabrielle is happy to be settled and growing roots in the Florida Keys for the years to come. She dreams of one day opening a venue of her own in her hometown. Until then, you can catch her in the Keys. So, when you are ready to experience a unique vacation, please contact her. She is eager to show you the Fabulous Florida Keys here in the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
Jim Herkert is the Area Director of Engineering for HP Hospitality and has lived in Florida for 40 years. He was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y. His background includes construction, both residential and commercial and has been with the hospitality industry for 12 years with brands such as Hyatt and Starwood, in addition to a large Convention Hotel in the Orlando area. In 2013, he achieved the highest certification for engineers in the hospitality industry with his successful completion of the Certified Hospitality Facilities Executive course, administered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. In addition, he holds several other certifications related to the construction and hospitality industry.
Jim prides himself on developing individuals to be able to perform the simplest of tasks, to having the ability to solve the larger ones. He takes a hands-on approach with his staff as needed, to ensure their complete confidence in obtaining successful results. He aims to develop employees with the attitude to work smarter, not harder. His daily approach is to provide all guests with facilities that are safe and fully functional for a stress free, enjoyable stay.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading about U.S. history and the Constitution. He also enjoys golfing, swimming, taking in some professional baseball or hockey games, travel and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
R.D. Wilkerson currently serves as HP Hospitality’s Director of Accounting and Revenue Management. He has over 25 years of experience in multiple facets of the hospitality business including the major brands of Marriott, Hyatt, IHG and multiple independent properties with most located in popular resort travel destinations.
R.D. obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and following graduation was able to successfully pass the state CPA examination. He also has considerable accredited training in branded revenue management practices and strategies. R.D. has served as the Vice President of Revenue Management for the HSMAI Central Florida Chapter and has earned the Certified Revenue Management Executive designation. His passion for driving revenues has resulted in many very successful top line achievements from improved pricing strategies and market share capture for his properties.
Originally from Virginia and now residing in Florida for the past 20 years, he enjoys most watersports including surfing, kayaking and fishing.
Elizabeth is a seasoned Human Resources Director with a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the HR Director at HP Hospitality, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce strategy and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
With over 10 years of experience in HR management, Elizabeth brings a wealth of expertise in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development. Her strategic insights and leadership have been instrumental in driving HP Hospitality’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through engaged and motivated teams.
Elizabeth’s career journey in hospitality began with a passion for service excellence and a commitment to nurturing talent. She has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry, having navigated through various roles that have equipped her with a comprehensive perspective on HR best practices.
At HP Hospitality, Elizabeth leads initiatives focused on enhancing employee engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion, and developing talent pipelines that support the company’s objectives. She is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with senior management and department heads to align HR strategies with business goals effectively.
Elizabeth holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Florida International University, complemented by certifications in HR management and leadership development. She remains actively engaged in professional networks and industry associations to stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations in HR practices.
With an associate’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA from EAE Business School, Campus Madrid, Spain, Vivan brings over 20 years of distinguished experience to the hospitality industry. Her career highlights include managing operations at Confortel Isla Bonita Golf & Beach Hotel during the VII Cumbre Iberoamericana in Margarita Island, and contributing insights to Barcelo Hotels & Resorts in esteemed locations such as Punta Cana, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madrid.
In Florida, Vivian’s professional journey began with Menin Hospitality, followed by pivotal management roles at Renaissance by Marriott, Northwood Hospitality at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Kimpton Hotels, and Turnberry within The Seagate Group, overseeing multifaceted operations encompassing a premier hotel and three exclusive clubs—an 18-hole Golf Club, Beach Club, and Yacht Club.
Throughout Vivian’s tenure in hospitality, her enduring passion for financial analysis has been a cornerstone of her approach, enhancing operational efficiencies and fostering sustainable growth.
Beyond professional pursuits, Vivian maintains a profound respect for work-life balance, viewing personal interests as integral to holistic well-being. Her affinity for the sea not only influences her leadership ethos but also underscores values of adaptability and resilience essential to effective financial stewardship.
Vivian enjoys exploring various cuisines, especially savoring fresh seafood, which resonates with her commitment to quality and genuine hospitality experiences. Travel isn’t just a hobby for VIvian; it’s a lifelong pursuit that broadens her perspectives on diverse cultures and landscapes. Above all, Vivian’s family is her rock, and she values every moment spent with them, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.