Leading with vision, passion and a deep-rooted knowledge of the independent hotel industry, Craig is focused on developing hotel management partnerships with developers and owners attracted to our culture and philosophy. He oversees all operational aspects of the properties and food & beverage partnerships to incorporate his personal experience, and root the company culture through example. Craig has a proven track record of success in the Independent Hotel & Restaurant industry, serving in leadership positions with the Library Hotel Collection in New York City, and Empire Properties and Summit Hospitality Group in North Carolina. Being an active member of both community and industry boards, Craig is a well-respected visionary hotelier with an intrinsic understanding of the independent customer.
People-focused and purpose-driven leader with a deep passion for building strong relationships and creating meaningful impact. I guide day-to-day operations and lead revenue growth through thoughtful strategy, resourceful planning, and collaborative business development. My leadership style is rooted in connection, whether it’s with team members, partners, or guests, and I believe that genuine relationships are the foundation of long-term success. Drawing from years of experience in operational and sales & marketing leadership roles at Marriott International and Summit Hospitality Group Ltd., I bring both insight and heart to every challenge. I’m also committed to giving back, actively participating in industry associations and community organizations to help strengthen the hospitality community and support those around me.
Nicole brings her extensive sales and marketing experience to lead the marketing team at Early Bird Night Owl. From overseeing a publisher representation team responsible for multi-million dollar advertising sales to transitioning a legacy catalog business to a successful e-commerce player, the breadth of Nicole’s career makes her a well-rounded advocate for our properties and partners. As the founder of her own successful e-commerce business, Nicole brings an entrepreneurial approach to her work and a unique eye for photography, design, and community engagement. As the leader of our marketing team, Nicole oversees brand voice and visuals, strategy, budgeting, implementation, public relations, advertising, search engine optimization, email marketing, social media, events, and community engagement. Nicole is a Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer by HSMAI.
Ashley is an experienced hospitality leader with over 20 years of expertise in team leadership and operational excellence. Specializing in multi-unit restaurant management, she is known for streamlining operations and ensuring compliance. Ashley consistently delivers on financial and operational goals while fostering positive change within the hospitality sector and her community. She has worked with multiple James Beard-nominated hospitality groups, playing a key role in expanding company growth, leading beverage programs, and cultivating positive work cultures in North Carolina, Boston, and the Hamptons.
Fueled by a passion for business health and growth, Shelly brings 20 years of Finance, Operations, and Human Resources management to the team. She oversees client financial operations and human capital management with focused efforts on ensuring these integral components of the company work cohesively together on a path towards success. Her multi-industry exposure allows her to view each endeavor with fresh and unique perspectives focused on operational efficiencies. Shelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance, a master’s degree in Psychology, and is currently pursuing a PhD. Shelly is a Certified Project Manager (CPM).
Lisa is a native to the hospitality industry and carries a strong HR background in instructional design, employee relations, and organizational wellness. Lisa’s experience includes a wide range of work in HR compliance and operations, Talent Acquisition, HRIS management and analytics, Employee Relations and Engagement, and instructional design and facilitation. She has worked with multiple esteemed hospitality brands, including LM Restaurants, Hilton Hotels, and Aimbridge Hospitality. With a foundation in Communication Design and HR Theory, Lisa combines strategic HR leadership with thoughtful, design-minded execution that prioritizes sustainable company growth and employee wellness. At EBNO, she leads Human Resources by delivering high-impact, people-focused systems that align with business goals and employee experience.
With a rich background in building and growing brands, Tianna brings her expertise in digital marketing and strategic planning to her role at Early Bird Night Owl. She is responsible for managing various marketing initiatives, including social media, email marketing, content creation, and community engagement. Tianna is passionate about storytelling and finding creative ways for brands to surprise and delight their clients at every touchpoint. Her experience in operations, analytics, and event coordination, combined with her eye for aesthetics and design, ensures that each brand interaction is not only engaging but also memorable and impactful.
Brittany’s hospitality background fuels her passion for crafting compelling brand narratives. With each brand she represents at Early Bird Night Owl, she brings their unique voice to life online. At EBNO, Brittany leads a multifaceted role encompassing email marketing, social media strategy, content creation, website management, influencer partnerships, community events, and performance analysis. Her dedication to fostering community engagement through social media and events strengthens the brand’s local presence.
Brian Janay is a skilled financial analyst specializing in information technology and business intelligence. With a deep understanding of financial strategy, budgeting, and forecasting, he provides valuable insights to optimize operational efficiency and drive profitability for hotel and restaurant properties. Brian’s expertise lies in identifying trends and developing actionable strategies to improve financial performance. His strong background in both finance and data analysis enables him to create tailored solutions that support sustainable growth and long-term success for hotel operations. At Early Bird Night Owl, he contributes to budgets, forecasts, market analysis, and database management. He has a bachelor’s degree from American University in Business Administration with minors in Information Systems and Management.
