This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Hospitality America, a hotel management company built on three decades of partnership, performance, and people-first hospitality. Founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, Hospitality America continues to build on its strong foundation under the leadership of President and CEO Ben Campbell, who stepped into the role two years ago following the retirement of Cargen, the company’s former chief executive.
“As we mark 30 years, our focus remains unchanged—disciplined operations, strong partnerships, and consistent execution,” Campbell said. “Our growth over three decades has been built on trust earned from owners and developers who select Hospitality America to operate their assets and from associates who deliver for guests every day.”
Since its inception, Hospitality America has received recognition for design, growth, and organizational performance, including being recognized by USA Today as a Top Workplace for two consecutive years and named a Top Workplace for frontline workers. The company was ranked #22 on the South Carolina 50 Fastest Growing Companies list and is a recipient of the South Carolina Excellence in Business Award for employee retention.
“Hospitality has always been, and will always be, a people business, and we don’t shy away from the fact that labor remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges,” Campbell said. “As a management company, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where associates feel supported, respected, and engaged, regardless of which property they serve. When we invest in our people and give them the tools, culture, and leadership they deserve, they deliver better experiences for guests and stronger results for owners. That commitment has never been more important than it is today.”
Honoring 30 Years Through Associate-Led Engagement
In recognition of its milestone, Hospitality America is launching a series of associate-led internal initiatives designed to honor the company’s legacy while investing in the people and communities that will shape its future. Guided by the company’s PEACH values (Passionate, Excellence, Adaptable, Community, Humble) and curated through its Culture and Leadership Committees, these initiatives are intended to foster connection, celebrate shared history, and create opportunities for meaningful participation across the organization.
Planned anniversary initiatives include:
- A company-wide volunteer engagement goal aligned with Hospitality America’s commitment to community impact, encouraging associates to contribute time and service within the communities where they live and work.
- A 30-year storytelling and recognition series highlighting associates, hotels, and moments that have shaped Hospitality America’s culture and growth over three decades.
- Best practice and knowledge-sharing forums designed to capture institutional knowledge, operational excellence, and leadership lessons from across the portfolio.
- Associate recognition moments that honor long-tenured team members and emerging leaders who exemplify Hospitality America’s values in action.
To further enhance its portfolio scale and data-driven operations this year, Hospitality America is leveraging enterprise technology to support consistent operating standards, transparency, and informed decision-making across the managed portfolio, including:
- Hotel Effectiveness for labor analytics and productivity benchmarking
- Transcendent for facilities management and preventive maintenance oversight
- Ramp as the standardized corporate card and expense platform
- Sage Intacct to enhance accounting controls, reporting, and financial visibility
Looking Back, Forging Ahead
While many in the industry experienced slow growth in 2025, Hospitality America expanded its managed portfolio through new openings and development milestones across the Southeast and Midwest. Notable additions and development milestones included Element Charleston Airport (North Charleston, S.C.); Hotel Avail, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Rogers, Ark.); Sundry Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Springdale, Ark.); and Home2 Suites by Hilton (Murrells Inlet, S.C.). Marked portfolio tenure milestones, including five years for Home2 Asheville Airport; 30 years for Hampton Inn Miami–Coconut Grove/Coral Gables; and one year for Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown.
Hospitality America works in close coordination with ownership groups to support capital improvement initiatives across several managed hotels. Renovation and upgrade initiatives were completed or advanced at Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District (S.C.); SpringHill Suites by Marriott Roanoke (Va.); Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Downtown/Brickell (Fla.); Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown (La.); Hampton Inn Miami–Coconut Grove/Coral Gables (Fla.); and Hampton Inn & Suites Greenville Downtown RiverPlace (S.C.).
Hospitality America strengthened its executive leadership team to support portfolio scale, operational consistency, and organizational resilience. Kellie Hanselman was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Ryan Sistare appointed Vice President of Operations. These appointments reinforce Hospitality America’s focus on leadership continuity, internal advancement, and disciplined execution across its managed portfolio.
“As we mark 30 years, our focus remains unchanged; we will stay disciplined in our operations, strong in our partnerships, and consistent in our execution,” Campbell said. “Our growth over three decades has been built on the trust we earned from owners and developers who select Hospitality America to operate their assets, and from associates who deliver for guests every day.”
