Bryan Messer

About Bryan Messer

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I’ve built a consistent track record of driving sales growth, expanding market share, and leading high-performing teams across diverse hotel segments—ranging from full-service and select-service to resort, boutique, independent, and extended-stay properties.As Vice President of Sales & Marketing at GF Hospitality hotels and Resorts, I oversee strategic initiatives that fuel sustained revenue growth and strengthen brand performance across our portfolio.Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with global brands including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, as well as independent and resort properties across the U.S. and CALA. My leadership approach integrates commercial strategy with operational excellence—driving profitability through market positioning, service quality, and cost management. I’ve led successful initiatives to improve GOP margins, enhance F&B performance, implement service recovery training, and execute property improvement plans that impact both short-term results and long-term brand equity.In addition to steering commercial performance, I have extensive experience managing hotel renovations, new openings, receivership, and management transitions. I also work hand-in-hand with development teams to secure new HMA opportunities, bringing a comprehensive operational and strategic perspective to every project. Above all, I’m passionate about mentorship and committed to developing the next generation of hospitality leaders who excel in both sales and operations.

Experience

1. Vice President of Sales & Marketing

   GF Hotels & Resorts

   Apr 2025 — Present

   Over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry with a consistent record of driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and leading high-performance sales and operations teams across diverse hotel segments, including full-service, select-service, boutique, resort, independent, and extended-stay properties.• Skilled in aligning sales strategy with operational execution—partnering closely with property operations, finance, and revenue management to optimize performance, streamline processes, and enhance guest satisfaction.• Experienced in collaborating with global hospitality leaders such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, alongside independent and resort properties across the U.S. and CALA regions.• Expertise in commercial and operational leadership, with a focus on improving GOP margins, elevating F&B performance, executing service recovery programs, and implementing property improvement plans that strengthen both brand equity and profitability.• Proven success in leading strategic initiatives across hotel openings, renovations, receivership transitions, and management conversions, ensuring seamless operational stability and market competitiveness.• Partner with development and ownership teams to secure new HMA opportunities through a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, brand standards, and investment potential.• Passionate mentor and advocate for developing the next generation of hospitality leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and performance excellence across sales and operations.

Education

• Michigan State University

  Fire Science Medicine/ Business Management

  2000 — 2004

Skills

• Front Office
• Management
• Food & Beverage
• Sales Operations
• Customer Retention
• Customer Service
• Business Development
• Forecasting
• Budgets
• Sales Process
• Hotels
• Resorts
• Sales
• Yield Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Tourism
• Pre-Opening
• Leadership
• Product Marketing
• Crm
• Search Advertising
• Hospitality Industry
• Customer Satisfaction
• New Business Development
• Asset Managment
• Time Management
• Hospitality Management
• Recruiting
• Sales Management
• B2b
• Account Management
• Revenue Analysis
• Direct Marketing
• Hotel Management
• SEO
• Trade Shows
• Negotiation
• Market Analysis
• Social Media Marketing
• Management Consulting