Latest News
Columbia Sussex boasts a rich history of more than 50 years in the hospitality industry. Originating with motels catering to highway travelers, our company has evolved significantly to include luxury brand hotels and diverse hospitality ventures. Throughout its journey, Columbia Sussex Corporation has cultivated a reputation for excellence and innovation, attracting long-term loyal employees who contribute to its continued success and growth in the competitive hospitality sector.
William Yung, a visionary entrepreneur, initially aimed to acquire and develop real estate properties, leading him to establish Columbia Sussex with a focus on owning and managing motels, hotels, restaurants, and related businesses. Drawing inspiration from his experiences at the Andrew Jergens Company and Interchemical Corporation, Mr. Yung embraced efficient management practices early on. His interest in the hotel industry was sparked by family trips to Florida and his mother's successful real estate ventures. Leveraging the opportunities presented by President Eisenhower's interstate highway system in 1957 that boosted travel demand for overnight lodging along highways, Mr. Yung secured a loan from Kentucky Enterprise Bank to build his first Days Inn motel in Richwood, Kentucky. Through meticulous data analysis with his wife Marty by counting passing cars near interstates 71 and 75 for location selection purposes—a true "Family Affair"—Mr. Yung's dedication laid the foundation for Columbia Sussex's success as a prominent player in the hospitality industry today.
Bill Yung embarked on the journey of building motels, starting in Richwood. With a hands-on approach, Mr. Yung acted as the general contractor for the construction of the first motel and later streamlined processes by using prefabricated units from Days Inn franchise. The efficiency led to rapid expansion with multiple builds completed in record time. The success attracted travelers seeking affordable stays with essential amenities like gift shops and restaurants. As Columbia Sussex became a prominent franchisee of Days Inn motels, strategic expansions continued under Mr. Yung's leadership, transitioning towards mid-market and upscale hotels for better profit margins in the 1980s. The company's growth was fueled by meticulous planning, strong leadership, and a commitment to providing quality accommodations across various locations in the United States.
In the 1980s, Columbia Sussex strategically shifted its focus from operating Days Inns to acquiring upscale brands like Holiday Inns to increase profitability. By purchasing Holiday Inn properties in Ohio and Michigan and later expanding into urban areas like Louisville and Chicago, the company aimed to cater to a more affluent clientele. With a keen eye on efficiency and revenue generation, Columbia Sussex transitioned some properties to Marriott after demonstrating their ability to meet the brand's expectations, which emphasized the importance of aligning with strong revenue-driving brands like Marriott while focusing on managing expenses effectively. The company's success was attributed to Mr. Yung's leadership, emphasis on efficiency, and strategic decision-making that propelled them from budget hotels to upscale brands in a competitive hospitality industry landscape.
Columbia Sussex has a strong foundation built on promoting from within, with key employees who have been loyal for decades. Bill Yung’s effective managerial methods, along with the retention of key executives and strong leadership from the Senior and Regional Vice Presidents of Operations, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Food and Beverage leadership, Regional Directors, Managers, and Revenue Managers, have led the company to success. These important positions oversee all aspects of operations and emphasizes sharing best practices among managers while recognizing individual location differences. The construction department has evolved over the years to focus increasingly on new development projects in response to changing economic trends. The Development Department is led by seasoned professionals with extensive experience in identifying successful hotel acquisitions and land development opportunities.
In 1988, Bill Yung embarked on the vision of building a resort in the Caribbean, leading to the successful establishment of the Radisson Inn on Grand Cayman Island. Despite facing challenges such as Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and financial crises, their ventures expanded to include properties like Westin Casuarina Resort and Westin Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix. However, setbacks like Hurricane Irma in 2017 necessitated rebuilding efforts for properties like the Westin Dawn Beach hotel on St. Maarten, showcasing resilience and adaptability within Columbia Sussex's hospitality endeavors under Bill Yung's leadership.
Columbia Sussex has a rich history of over 50 years in the hospitality industry, focusing on design, construction, and hotel operations. Bill Yung's vision led to the creation of sophisticated hotels and casinos with top luxury standards. The company's success is attributed to its emphasis on exceptional operations management and a dedicated team. Columbia Sussex resorts are recognized for their dedication to service excellence across every guest touchpoint. Looking ahead, the formation of a Board of Directors signals a strategic move towards ensuring continued excellence through future generations of family ownership. With stable management in place and a focus on growth and success, Columbia Sussex is poised for a bright future under Bill Yung III's leadership and guidance from the newly established board members.
