HFS Group of Companies: delivering turnkey solutions to the hospitality industry

Hotel & Motel Management, Sept 20, 2004

Hoteliers around the world have sustained a weakened economy, a recession and a major act of terrorism. And now they are turning their sights to a bustling recovery fueled by leisure and business travelers ready to resume their travel. And creativity has been unleashed as developers look to bring new properties online while interest rates remain low.

The challenge is how to market properties that have not been updated, refreshed and renewed during the past five years of economic hardship, and how to compete in a world where consumers demand more thrilling and fulfilling experiences for their money.

The HFS Group of Companies was created specifically to provide a single source for hoteliers of every size--for renovations as well as new construction projects.

HFS has carved its own niche by bundling products and services for the hospitality industry. Services offered within the umbrella organization include architecture, design, procurement and strategic sourcing, technology and media, and FF&E financing, including a 34,000-square-foot showroom in Las Vegas and a 28,000-square-foot architecture and design office in Long Beach, Calif.

For years, the hospitality market has been approached on a fragmented basis with smaller companies providing certain services and regional and national companies providing the remaining services.

"The idea behind HFS Group of Companies is to provide a turnkey solution in a highly fragmented industry," HFS President Jerry Howard said. "We can provide clients with everything they need to complete a project, or if a client only needs a few specific services, we can take care of those, too."

A case in point is the Sumner Pointe Lifestyle Center in Hendersonville, TN, which is being developed by Arthur (Butch) Hutcherson and Stuart Wiston. When complete, the center will be a self-contained mixed-use development of more than 500,000 square feet and will feature a 170-room hotel, 40,000-square-feet conference and entertainment venue, an office tower, multiplex theatre and more than 250,000-square-feet of high-end retail outlets.

HFS was retained by Sumner Pointe for land planning, architecture, interior design, procurement and technology related services for the hotel, convention center, entertainment venue and office developments. HFS has worked with the developer to create an upscale "old southern" architecture organized along a vibrant Main Street dedicated to pedestrians, giving the development a true sense of place without the impact of vehicular traffic.

From interior design, architecture, land planning, purchasing and financing to carpets, pillows, window dressings, mattresses and television sets, there is little a resort destination, hotel or motel owner won't be able to accomplish through the HFS Group of Companies.

HFS Showroom

The HFS Showroom in Las Vegas debuted in April and showcases 15 model rooms featuring the latest in hotel guest room designs and technology.

Architecture and Interior Design Services

Concepts 4, a division of HFS Group of Companies, has been ranked as one of the top 10 Design Giants by Interior Design Magazine for more than 10 years. Founded more than 25 years ago, Concepts 4 has a proven track record completing architecture and interior design services for such clients as Westin Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club International, Embassy Suites and other developers throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Asia.

Procurement and Strategic Sourcing

Hospitalitygoods, the procurement division of HFS Group of Companies, specializes in strategic sourcing, importing, procurement and selling of hospitality related goods and equipment including furniture, artwork, food and beverage supplies and electronics. HFS has offices in the United States, China and Taiwan, and will be expanding within the next 18 months to Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Technology and Media

HFS Technology and HFS Media allow the HFS Group of Companies to package and customize technology solutions that are cost effective for each client. HFS can offer affordable solutions for high-speed Internet access as well as new emerging technologies such as voice over IP.

FF&E Financing

HFS can assist its clients by financing FF&E purchases, enabling hotel customers to renovate sooner rather than later and amortize the costs over the life of the renovation.