Leadership
At Hart Family Hotels, leadership is about more than titles, it’s about trust, vision, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. We invest in talented individuals, empower them to lead with integrity, and foster a culture where collaboration and service come first. Our leaders set the tone for excellence, not by managing from a distance, but by working closely with their teams and leading by example. It’s this hands-on, people-first approach that fuels our continued success.
Get to Know Our Team
Our people are the heart of Hart Family Hotels. With decades of combined experience and a passion for hospitality, each team member brings skill, care, and dedication to everything they do. From general managers to housekeeping, front desk to finance, every role is essential—and every individual is valued.
We hire people who reflect our core values of trust, integrity, and genuine Midwestern hospitality. But we don’t just hire—we invest. Hart Family Hotels is committed to growing leaders from within by offering training, mentorship, and long-term career opportunities. Many of our team members have been with us for years, building careers rooted in pride, purpose, and the meaningful work of serving others.
Our team thrives in a culture of collaboration, support, and shared success. We believe the best hospitality comes from people who feel empowered and appreciated. That’s why we work hard to create an environment where every employee feels heard, respected, and inspired to give their best.
Together, we care deeply about the properties we manage, the guests we welcome, and the communities we serve. Our staff are more than employees—they’re ambassadors of the values that define Hart Family Hotels. When you stay with us, you’ll feel the difference a strong, committed team can make.
01
Experience
With more than 30 years in hospitality, our team brings a depth of knowledge that’s hard to match. We pair that experience with a personal approach, providing thoughtful, customized support to help each property succeed.
02
Dedication
Every day, our employees show up with heart. Many have built lasting careers here, driven by a genuine love for the work and a commitment to doing things the right way. That dedication is at the core of our culture—and it shows in every stay.
03
Excellence
Excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s our standard. Through training, leadership, and proven systems, our team delivers service that consistently exceeds expectations. We’re proud to operate award-winning hotels where quality, care, and professionalism shine.
Troy Hart
Owner, Chief Executive Officer
3rd Generation Hotelier with 27 years in hospitality, on top of what was learned at the kitchen table growing up. Troy started at age 10 filling pop machines, cleaning parking lots, and striping rooms. He graduated to front desk by age 12 where he learned that Guest Service is really just being kind to people. Troy attended South Dakota State University, earning a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. After graduation he joined the family business. After spending 15 years learning the business from his father, he started Hart Family Hotels in 2011 with a focus on Hotel Development as well as 3rd Party Hotel Management. To date he has developed 17 Hotels across 7 Brands. In addition to Hotels, Troy has developed 15 Scooters Coffee Locations, as well 2 Hawaiian Bros Island Grills with his partners at BraveHart Development. Hart Family Hotels is part of Choice Hotels Prominent Client Program for the top performing hoteliers in Choice’s System. He annually attends the Choice Hotels International Executive Forum (CHIEF). Troy currently is serving on the IHG Owners Association.
Roy Watson
Vice President of Operations
15 Years of Hospitality Operations working with 7 Brands across 4 States. Serves as Vice-President of Operations with Hart Family Hotels joining the team in March of 2019. Roy brings 15 years’ experience to our team with a background in Choice, IHG, Wyndam, and Independent hotels. Roy completed a bachelor degree in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa. While attending college Roy started his first business in 1995 and continued working in that for 10 years before starting his career in the hospitality industry as a General Manager. Over the past 15 years Roy has held roles including General Manager, Senior General Manager, Area Manager, Regional Director of Operations, and most recently Vice-President of Operations Roy has extensive experience in all aspects of the hotel business, including sales, finance, revenue management, human resources and guest service. Roy has managed properties that have consistently been Award winning and at the top of their brands throughout his career. Roy also oversees our 3rd party management operations where we come alongside hotel owners and help them implement successful operational guidelines that position their hotels for success in their markets.
Cora Lahr
Chief Operating Officer
12 Years of hospitality experience, with lots of experience of operational success in smaller markets. Cora holds a Hospitality Management Degree with over 10 Years of hospitality experience. Started as a General Manager and was promoted to Corporate Manager. Overseeing all hotel operations for an independent chain, comprising 12 hotels across Iowa. Experienced operational success in smaller markets. She joined Hart Family Hotels in 2016, becoming the Chief Operating Officer. Cora has extensive hotel development experience and is responsible for opening over 15 hotels according to brand standards, budgeting/ordering FFE, hotel set up, vendor contracts, hiring employees, and working with the project manager onsite during construction. Works daily with General Managers on daily operations, cost controls, sales efforts, and maintaining award winning hotels. She has a diverse background in sales, public relations, data management, and social media. Cora has several years experience of community involvement, fundraising, and board positions.
Learn more About hart Family Hotels
Want to know more about who we are and what drives us? From our Midwestern roots to our hands-on management style, Hart Family Hotels is built on values that prioritize people, performance, and lasting partnerships. Visit our History page to explore our story and what sets us apart.