dhoward@hwhotels.com | (859) 263-0106, Ext.25
Don began his hotel career when he joined his father in the family business in 1981. During the first few years, Don managed several 100 – room hotels in Kentucky and Tennessee. During the mid 80’s, his emphasis shifted to acquisition and development. H&W Management Company was started in 1985, and since that time Don has been involved in acquisition, disposition, and/or the development and construction of over 35 hotels.
The network of contacts Don has developed during his years in the hotel industry include lenders, hotel owners and operators, investors, commercial real estate brokers, hotel franchisers, construction general contractors, and other hotel/motel brokers. This network keeps H&W informed on development activity in Kentucky and bordering states and alerts the company to opportunities in the region.
Don is a graduate of Memphis State University and worked as a product marketing specialist for Northern Telecom, Inc. in Dallas, TX. Since moving to Kentucky in 1981, Don has become very involved in the community. He has served 2 years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lexington Christian Academy and has also chaired the Finance and Executive Committees. As a member of the Project Committee, he spent two years overseeing the renovation and conversion of a 200,000 square foot tobacco pressing plant into a state of the art high school. Don serves on the Advisory Board of Central Bank and Trust in Lexington, KY and has also served six years on the Board of Directors of Child Place, a program that provides counseling and adoption services to troubled youth.
Don lives with his wife Shannon and their two sons.