Mr. Mercurio has spent his entire 34 year career in the hospitality industry. Beginning as a part time employee in 1972, he advanced through various positions working in the Front Office, Housekeeping, Accounting and Food and Beverage departments. He progressed to the position of Vice President and General Manager of the Holiday Inn Southwest in St. Louis, Missouri. During his tenure as GM, revenues increased from $4mm to over $8mm.
He is an Accredited CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) – the highest level administrative designation available in the hotel industry from the American Hotel and Motel Association / Educational Institute. He has served as a Board Member and Vice President of the St. Louis Hotel and Motel Association, as well as serving on several committee chairs. Mr. Mercurio is also Past President of the Hospitality Marketing Association of St. Louis; the first ever co-op marketing group of hotels within the Holiday Inn system. Holiday Inn co-op marketing groups work collectively to promote national and local marketing efforts in their greater metropolitan area.
Mr. Mercurio’s primary responsibilities with HMA focus on development and acquisitions. His ownership experience includes involvement with all of the major franchisee companies. Starting with its first hotel in 1998, a 65 room Holiday Inn Express, HMA has grown to 16 properties and has 3 more under construction.
HMA celebrates its 10th anniversary in October of 2008.