Steve’s passion for the hospitality industry is inextricably tied to his personal life. He and his wife of 20 years met at the first hotel he ever worked at. A self-described ‘extreme extrovert,’ Steve thoroughly enjoys people and communicating with them. “Not just a few people, but lots of people. When I discovered that hospitality had hundreds of guests and hundreds of associates at any given time, I knew it was for me.”
This passion for people is why Steve excels as CoralTree Hospitality’s VP of Sales and Marketing Operations based out of Charleston, SC. Always engaging with people, he drives topline revenue through sales, marketing and public relations efforts while also working with owners and new business development to grow the company’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Previously, he held VP of Sales and Marketing positions with Hyatt, Two Roads Hospitality and Destination Hotels, including four years as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Wild Dunes Resort. Steve is a proven leader with a record of smashing sales goals, resulting in multiple promotions throughout his career. However, his greatest passion for his job is when he sees others shine.
“A major passion of mine is training, development and career pathing. Playing a role in developing talent who I then see recognized with awards, grow in their own careers, and reach their full potential is very fulfilling. This is by far the best part of my job.”
When he travels, Steve always seeks out the unique in an effort to enrich his life, with several family trips each year. “I want my children to have a greater view of the world and the great wonders within it.” And he believes travel is not only good for your soul, but your health. “If you’re able to immerse yourself in an environment to a point that your heart rate lowers and your mindset changes, you lower stress and relax—it’s a benefit.”
But it was a vacation on the water that is his favorite. He and his family share a love of boating and fishing, and in 2021 they took their boat from the U.S. to the Abaco Islands in The Bahamas—an 11-hour journey each way—where they spent eight days on Elbow Cay snorkeling, fishing, swimming with sharks and stingrays, and island hopping. Although their family tries not to repeat travel experiences, this one was too good not to. “We all agree it was by far our best trip and that it’s one we will indeed repeat.”
