Howard J. Wurzak
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Wurzak Hotel Group (“WHG”) is a Philadelphia based, vertically integrated owner, developer and operator of premium branded full service, extended stay and focus service hotels. WHG’s core expertise is its unique ability to develop and operate hotels and food and beverage outlets in an entrepreneurial manner maximizing returns on the investment and developing long term relationships with customers. WHG gains its competitive advantage by developing talent within the organization who embody the same entrepreneurial spirit of our leadership team and who seek to create value through tireless innovation and a tight focus on the operational details.
Led by Howard Wurzak and Jake Wurzak, Wurzak Hotel Group has a proven track record of developing and managing hospitality assets for over 30 years and continues to be recognized as one of the regions top hospitality companies. WHG has successfully managed properties through two real estate downturns and understands what it takes to be profitable through up and down business cycles. With a long history as a successful owner, developer and operator of high quality branded hotel assets we always build like owners and manage like owners - because we are owners.
Howard J. Wurzak is Chairman and CEO of the Wurzak Hotel Group, a vertically integrated hotel development and management company he formed in 1990. Over the past twenty years Mr. Wurzak has structured more than $200 million worth of real estate transactions including hotel, restaurants, and multi-family apartments. Mr. Wurzak provides overall strategic guidance and oversees the development, hotel operations, franchise relationships for the company.
Under Mr. Wurzak’s leadership The Wurzak Hotel Group has developed and currently operates some notable properties in the Philadelphia region and he continues to be recognized as one of the leading hotel executives in the area. Mr. Wurzak takes an active “hands on” approach to all aspects of the Wurzak Hotel Group and is intimately involved in the design and construction of all development projects.
Mr. Wurzak currently serves on the board of Royal Bank America (NYSE: RBPAA) and the City Avenue Special Services district. He has also served on industry forums relating to hotel development, operations and construction. Mr. Wurzak received a BS in Business and a BS in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of New Haven and an Associates degree in Hotel Technology from Sullivan County College.
Jake Wurzak is the President at Wurzak Hotel Group. Jake also serves as the company’s in-house counsel and co-general counsel.
Jake has been involved in the family hotel business from a very young age and is passionate about creating hotels and developing hospitality concepts in order to better enhance the guest’s experience. He is primarily focused on the analysis and executions of new acquisitions and dispositions, deal sourcing, new business development and the pursuit of third party management agreements. Jake also plays a key role in working with our brand partners as well as our capital and development partners to help grow the Wurzak Hotel Group. In addition, he leads the purchasing and procurement company, WHG Supply, LLC. Jake is also a member of the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Board of Governors.
Prior to joining Wurzak Hotel Group Jake worked with The Kor Group in Los Angeles, and Hersha Hospitality Trust in Philadelphia. Jake received his BBA, cum laude, with honors from The University of Miami School of Business. He later earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Jake also serves as partner in Dove Hill Holdings, LLC, a real estate investment firm. Jake is a member of the Florida Bar.
Eric Davies is the Chief Operating Officer for the Wurzak Hotel Group. A 23-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Eric is responsible for the company’s operational functions at both the corporate and property levels. In addition, Eric plays an important role in WHG development and construction projects as well as maintaining brand relationships with the company’s hotel partners and sourcing third part management opportunities. Eric’s responsibilities also include leading the purchasing and procurement projects for WHG Supply LLC, an affiliate of Wurzak Hotel Group.
Prior to joining the Wurzak Hotel Group in 2004, Eric served as a General Manager for multiple properties in the Philadelphia Market under the Hilton Worldwide and Intercontinental Hotel Brands.
Eric is a member of the Home2 Suites by Hilton Owners Advisory Committee as well as the Board of Directors for the King of Prussia Business Improvement District. In addition, he is a member of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association. Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle University and is a Certified Hotel Administrator from the American Hotel & Motel Association.
Rene Poobalan is the Director of Finance for the Wurzak Hotel Group.
Rene has spent over 30 years in the Hospitality industry where he started his career with Hotel Ceylon Inter-Continental as an Accounts Receivable Clerk in 1979 and was promoted to Cost Controller in 1982. In 1984 Rene moved to the Middle East working for Holiday Inn United Arab Emirates and Kuwait prior to moving to the United States in 1989 where he spent 14 years with Field Hotels as Financial Controller for multiple properties in the company’s portfolio of Hilton & Inter-Continental Hotels. In 2006 Rene joined Aramark’s Sports and Entertainment division overseeing “The Wachovia Center” and “The Spectrum” as the Controller and left in 2009 to join the Wurzak Hotel Group.
Rene is a Certified Management Accountant and a member of the “Chartered Institute of Management Accountants - London” and the “Institute of Financial Accountants - London”.
With over 30 years of experience Wurzak Hotel Group is recognized as a worldclass hotel company specializing in development, investment and management of premium branded hotels. Wurzak’s entrepreneurial approach to business has propelled the company’s portfolio of full service and focus service assets in key high barrier to entry markets. Wurzak prefers to co-invest in its deals along side our partners ranging from private equity firms to high net worth individuals and family offices. Wurzak Hotel Group is a full service hospitality company with a deep experience in all facets of the industry including site selection, construction management, franchise affiliation, capital markets, management of full service, extended stay and focus service hotels. Wurzak has also gained a reputation for its food and beverage and catering.
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ALWAYS ADDING VALUE WITHOUT ADDING COST
With over 30 years worth of development experience and over 200 million dollars of completed projects and an impressive future deal pipeline, Wurzak Hotel Group continues to be one of the most opportunistic and successful hospitality developers in the region. WHG’s innovative and cost efficient strategies create compelling opportunities for development partners and ensure long-term value creation. Wurzak Hotel Group principals prefer to co-invest their own capital in the company’s projects thereby creating an alignment of interests and a greater incentive to excel.
Wurzak Hotel Group is relentless in its effort to deliver projects on time and with the highest level of value engineering in order to ensure long-term profitability and return on investment. Our Leaders have a special expertise in conceptualization, challenging hospitality renovation projects, strategic positioning, feasibility and financial analysis, development budgeting, permitting, loan procurement, franchise negotiations, design coordination, scheduling, construction negotiation, and project management. Wurzak Hotel Group enjoys a reputation among its Partners, Investors, and stakeholders for value-creation by its creative opportunistic strategies in ground-up construction projects, repositioning of existing hotels and the adaptive re-use of older commercial real estate.
Wurzak Hotel Group is a preferred developer and manager for Hilton Hotels Worldwide and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. |
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ENTREPRENEURIAL HANDS-ON APPROACH
Wurzak Hotel Group has a successful history of delivering superior results by using our entrepreneurial-minded approach to hospitality management. Our company’s culture translates into an accountable leadership style focused on driving sales, enhancing the customer experience and capturing market share. Wurzak Hotel Group has developed a specialized expertise in full service and focus service properties and has developed specialized tools and systems that enable our Property leaders to operate more efficiently and drive margins. The Company has typically invested in all of our managed properties so our management team has the unique understanding of what is actually important to an owner. All our managers embody the passion and spirit of our CEO and strive to grow the top line while carefully monitoring expenses to maximize bottom line profitability.
WE UNDERSTAND OWNERS BECAUSE WE ARE ONE
With over two decades worth of management experience Wurzak Hotel Group understands the goals of owners and what it takes to deliver at the highest level of service, cost control and revenue generation. Our experience in operating premium branded hotels has earned Wurzak Hotel Group the approved operator status from Hilton Worldwide and Starwood Hotels.
Wurzak Hotel Group manages both full service and focus service hotels and has a specialization in hotels with large banqueting and food and beverage outlets. The company’s full service properties have earned reputations in their communities for delivering the best quality food with highly passionate service.
SHARED SERVICES
Wurzak Hotel Group’s infrastructure allows for more efficient on property operations and cost savings in certain instances through Centralized Accounting, Human Resources and Finance. |
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DELIVERING THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK
From complicated full-scale construction projects to limited-scope renovations Wurzak Hotel Group’s experienced construction and design team provides the leadership necessary to deliver a project on time and within a budget. Using strategic relationship-based negotiations Wurzak Hotel Group is capable of aligning the interest of the owner, manager and the brand to result in the best product possible for the least amount of cost. |
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WHG Supply LLC, is a full-service FF&E and OS&E purchasing and procurement company servicing the commercial and hospitality industry providing superior global sourcing, significant buying power and strategic negotiating techniques. The company is highly skilled at managing complex projects from start to finish including budgeting, competitive bidding, model room preparation, project management, warehousing and install. WHG Supply has worked major hotel chains and understands the brand requirements and processes at every quality level. Our Company will provide literally every item required for opening a new hotel, resulting in a seamless transition from the completion of the general contractor’s scope.
WHG Supply LLC, consistently delivers under budget while striving to exceed brand standards and efficiency. For inquiries, please contact Jake Wurzak at jwurzak@whgsupply.com.
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Wurzak Hotel Group is growing and leveraging relationships with key players in private equity and real estate by targeting prime locations in superb markets. Wurzak excels in both strategic rebranding renovations and ground-up development in both urban and suburban markets. Wurzak Hotel Group manages all of the hotels in its portfolio from brands by both Hilton Worldwide and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Address: 299 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 945-9500
Address: 299 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Phone: +1 954-945-9400
Element Fort Lauderdale is an eco-chic extended stay hotel in Downtown Fort Lauderdale with all rooms featuring full kitchens and Westin Heavenly beds. Part of THE DALMAR Hotel complex, we connect visitors to the thriving local culture. Located in Flagler Village Arts District, the hotel is positioned within a mile of Theatres, Nightlife and famed Las Olas Boulevard's dozens of shops and restaurants. Head 2.5 miles east to arrive at Fort Lauderdale's long stretch of pristine beaches, where sunbathing and watersports await. Our state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, refreshing pool, and healthy food options all help you be at your best. Bright multi-purpose public spaces are inspiring settings for work, play, socializing, and unwinding. Our open-flow guest rooms are designed to meet all your needs, with 55-inch HDTV, iPads, spacious bathrooms, complimentary wifi., and more. This one of a kind Element also offers five restaurants and lounges including the cities only 25th story rooftop Lounge; Sparrow
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Address: 1617 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 626-1700
Cruise into coastal luxury at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel. Here, in the heart of the vibrant 17th Street Cruise District, our recently renovated Port Everglades hotel helps guests ease into vacation mode with inviting, locally-inspired decor, stylish, modern guest rooms and an array of thoughtful amenities. Vacationers can fuel up in the morning with breakfast in Bistro 17, then soak up the sun at our resort-style outdoor pool, while business travelers prep for meetings in our intuitively designed event spaces. With 3 delicious onsite dining options, guests can sip locally roasted coffee at Calusa Coffee Bar, savor Caribbean cuisine at Bistro 17, or unwind in the evening over cocktails & craft beer at R Lounge. Connected to the bustling downtown area via Las Olas Blvd., just 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and only a short drive from Miami, the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel makes it easy to find authentic local experiences.
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Address: 4200 City Ave Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 879-4000
The Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue was developed by Wurzak Hotel Group on what was originally a banqueting center. Located on the border between Philadelphia and the affluent Main Line the hotel features 208 guestrooms and suites along with 35,000 square feet of luxurious meeting spaces. The Hilton Philadelphia has gained a reputation for its outstanding food and beverage program for both social and coporate events. The Hilton’s restaurant Delmonico’s is one of the areas finest Steak Houses and the Polo Lounge bar is a popular meeting destination for local celebrities from the business and political spheres. The Hotel’s ballrooms were completetly renovated in 2012 and 2014 and the lobby and guestrooms are planned for a Q3 2013 complete renovation.
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Address: 4200 City Ave Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 966-3000
Directly adjacent to the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, the Wurzak Hotel Group completed construction on the Homewood Suites in 2005. A pioneer in the “dual branded concept” Wurzak strategically connected the Homewood Suites to the Hilton allowing for cost synergies and easy access for the Homewood guests to the Hiltons restaurants and meeting spaces. The Homewood features 130 studios and suites with open kitchens, a dining area and spacious bathrooms. The Hotel is five miles west of downtown, home of historic sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and it is ideally located for visiting Philadelphia’s colleges and universities and museums.
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Address: 480 N Gulph Rd King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: (484) 238-1800
In the summer of 2009 a Wurzak Hotel Group acquired a run down former Sheraton Hotel on 8 acres of ground from Starwood Hotel Resorts Worldwide. Upon closing Wurzak conceived of and orchestrated a total hotel renovation which included the exterior of the building all of the guestrooms and public spaces and a 5,000 square foot ballroom addition. The original 280 guestrooms were converted to 180 spacious guestrooms featuring floor to ceiling windows, spacious bathrooms, and upscale furnishings and fixtures. The Property, which is now one of the nicest Sheratons in the country, features 25,000 square feet of meeting space, a lively lobby bar with soaring ceilings, a large swimming pool and fitness center. The architecture and interiors of the hotel were designed by the world renowned firm of Kling Stubbins. The nationally recognized award winning restaurant Ralphs of South Philly opened its second location inside of the hotel and features Italian American classics.
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Address: 1200 Arch Street Philadelphia PA 19107
Phone: (215) 627-1850
In February of 2011 Wurzak Hotel Group in a Joint Venture acquired the prominent site at the corner of 12th and Arch streets in Philadelphia and constructed a 254,000 square foot 10 story Hotel and Retail complex featuring the Home2 Suites Hotel by Hilton, BurgerFi and Panera Bread. The project was heralded as a major achievement and was the first new hotel built in Center City Philadelphia within the past 10 years. The Home2 Suites has 248 suite style guestrooms and is located directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and The reading Terminal Market. The boutique style lobby features high design furniture with high ceilings and an inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating groups for impromptu meetings. The Hotel is perfectly suited for business and leisure guests and is located right in the heart of the city within walking distance to major corporate headquarters and all of the great historical attractions.
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Address: 11810 Sunrise Valley Dr, Reston, VA 20191
Phone: (703) 620-9000
In the middle of all that Northern Virginia has to offer, we're moments from Dulles International Airport and a short drive to the nation's capital. Among our neighbors are Reston National Golf Course, Reston Town Center and Virginia historical sites. The hotel is just steps from Reston National Golf Course, where our guests enjoy exclusive discounts. We also offer 22,000 square feet of great meeting space. When it's time to catch up with colleagues or check in with friends, our computer workstations keep you connected. Our smoke-free guest rooms feature natural light and sweeping views of the golf course or garden, plus upgraded furnishings, luxurious showers. Business travelers will enjoy our private Club Lounge.
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Address: 555 Fellowship Rd, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone: (856) 778-7300
In 2009 Wurzak Hotel Group completed construction on the 173 room Westin Hotel located in the affluent Philadelphia suburb of Mount Laurel, New Jersey. The Westin is the areas premier Hotel and features guestrooms and suites with floor to ceiling glass windows with the Heavenly Bed and large, luxurious stone bathrooms. The Hotels well appointed Food and Beverage platform is locally recognized as the top place for social and corporate functions and can accommodate events up to 1,000 guests.
Address: 4200 City Ave Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 879-4000
Located within the Hilton Philadelphia City and reviewed by The Philadelphia Enquirer as the best Steakhouse in Philadelphia. Delmonico’s Steakhouse is the perfect location to enjoy a delicious meal. Delmonico’s boasts an atmosphere of relaxed elegance & style, serving classic steak house offerings such as chops, fresh seafood & only serves prime, dry aged meat. Delmonico’s features a large wine list, professional, gracious service & a glass enclosed private dining room for those special occasions.
Polo Lounge:
Located within the Hilton Philadelphia City, the Polo Lounge is one of the most popular destinations in the area for a business lunch or an after work drink. Serving delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails the Polo Lounge is open for lunch and dinner.
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Address: 480 N Gulph Rd King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: (484) 238-1990
Located within the Sheraton Valley Forge, Ralph’s serves both classic dishes from the original Ralph's Restaurant along with new exciting options. The original Ralph's restaurant was created in 1900 by Francesco Dispagno and named after his son, Raphael. Today, Ralph's is still owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the Dispigno/Rubino family and is the oldest Italian restaurant in America.
The new restaurant concept is a contemporary version of the original. Grounded with the style of Italian cooking we are all familiar with, the restaurant features many “Ralph’s Classics,” as well as new dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant offers premium dining and a full-service bar open for both lunch and dinner.
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Address: 44 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (267) 928-3882
Located adjacent to the Home2 Suites Philadelphia, BurgerFI is a modern burger joint open late and featuring all natural never frozen burgers, a full service, bar and a fun modern atmosphere. Each BurgerFi® store is built according to environmentally sustainable best practices, and includes earth-friendly elements, like chairs that are made from recycled Coke bottles, tables made out of compressed recycled wood, and large fans that use 66% less electricity. BurgerFi® maintains a low carbon footprint, and maintains strict recycling programs for oil, cardboard, bottles and cans.
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Address: 48 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 574-7678
Located adjacent to the Home2 Suites Philadelphia, Panera Bread is a chain of bakery-café fast causal restaurant in the United States and Canada. Featuring freshly baked on premises breads and pastries, Panera serves breakfast lunch and dinner. Menu Highlights include Sandwiches, Salads, Pastas, Paninis and Patries and coffee.
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