These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to lauren.pahmeier@tigeroak.com.
Theron Gore was recently named the chief marketing officer for East West Hospitality.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
The hospitality industry is in a very dynamic period with lots of capital and competition entering the space, which creates a lot of new opportunities. With our stability, operational expertise and 500+ people, East West Hospitality is well positioned for gains in this kind of dynamic marketplace. I am very excited to apply my years of entrepreneurial experience and help move the industry forward.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
My background is in consulting and entrepreneurism, so I’ve developed very strong problem solving skills. Having not come up through the hospitality industry, there is plenty that I don’t know – but I think that this gives me an advantage in recognizing opportunities. What I do know is that the business is changing, and I’m pretty good at navigating change.
3. How did you get into the industry?
My early experience is with big consulting on the technology side during the early days of the Internet era. The dotcom bust in 2000 created a decision point that redirected me into digital marketing and technology consulting for hospitality in Colorado. I founded and ran a boutique digital agency and worked with many hospitality companies in Colorado and beyond for over 18 years. Interestingly, East West Hospitality was one of our founding clients and I have worked closely with them for many years and it seemed like a great time to join the team.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
I’m very excited about the opportunity to help East West Hospitality create new revenue streams and operate more effectively using data and technology. The opportunity and will is present, so it’s down to vision and execution.
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The vacation rental business is incredibly dynamic at the moment. I love the increased focus on strategy and innovation that competition has brought to the industry and I believe that the end result will be a better experience for guests. That is critical – despite the incredibly sophisticated financial and technology acumen flooding the industry, what we sell is guest experience. It is pretty great to be in the business of making people happy.
