After growing up in the small towns of Springville and Camillus in upstate New York, my hospitality career began in the Berkshires in the quintessential New England village of Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
The venerable Red Lion Inn on its prominent corner of Main Street provided a rich introduction to independent hospitality and plenty of opportunities in all facets of a dynamic family business. During my 21-year tenure there I had worked in or managed every department in the Inn with a few assignments at sister properties Blantyre, Country Curtains, and the Porches Inn at Mass MoCA. When owner / mentor Jane Fitzpatrick presented me with the Red Lion Inn General Manager position I felt as though I pulled the sword from the stone. It was a Camelot-like experience all those years and the lessons learned there have served me well.
When the elder Fitzpatricks sold their shares in the Inn, there was a point in my life when I realized that similar opportunities were very rare. Private club opportunities led us to New Haven, Connecticut and to Kohler, Wisconsin. From there, we had the privilege of opening the luxury lodge and spa at Primland in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. A desire to combine Susan’s love of horses and hospitality then led us to guest ranches in Pearce, Arizona and Clark, Colorado.
We proudly opened the uniquely pet-centric Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile for Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. And now we have the pleasure of repositioning an extraordinary estate on Maryland’s eastern shore near Chestertown, Great Oak Manor.
As a student and teacher of graciousness and hospitality, the reflections here are my own (and a few of my grandfather’s) and perhaps you can tell I would like to pen the lyrics for a song one day. These musings were written along the crooked, sometimes unpaved, road of our lives while serving and helping others along the way in the field of hospitality.
I have eternal gratitude for the love and support of my wife Susan, of our family and friends; the lessons learned from so many coaches, colleagues, teammates, mentors, and elders; and through our service to others especially the legions of guests I have been privileged to know and serve.
We have loved each of the unique communities, friendly and supportive neighbors, and the wide-open spaces we have called home. Thank you for staying connected, for reconnecting, for your support, encouragement, and feedback.
Grateful thanks,
Brooks
innspired hospitality
mobile 970.846.4550
Brooks Bradbury 