Based out of our Loveland office in Colorado, I joined HVS Consulting & Valuation in January 2023 as an associate and currently hold the position of Manager. From the beginning, the role felt like a natural fit—blending my passion for real estate and hospitality into a career that is both analytical and people-oriented. Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of appraisal and consulting assignments across the country, from economy motels to full-service branded hotels. I especially enjoy tackling complex consulting projects and the chance to explore new markets, with each destination offering the unique opportunity to continue learning.

No two weeks are ever the same in this role. I often juggle multiple assignments, collaborating with colleagues across the HVS West region and traveling to conduct onsite inspections and fieldwork. Balancing travel with working on appraisals and consulting projects requires strong time management and organizational skills, something that I’ve worked hard to develop. Whether I’m analyzing hotel market data, touring a property, or writing an appraisal report, I’m constantly learning and improving my skills with each new project.

One of the most rewarding aspects of HVS has been the culture—supportive, collaborative, and genuinely invested in our growth. The flexibility and autonomy we’re given is rare, and it’s clear that leadership is committed to helping us thrive both professionally and personally. For anyone considering a role with HVS, I’d say come ready to learn, work hard, and have fun along the way. It’s a fast-paced and challenging environment, but one where you’ll be surrounded by great people who want to see you succeed. Here’s a look at what a typical week in my role might entail.

Monday

  • Organize the week ahead, respond to outstanding emails, review calendar appointments, and update my task list.
  • Catch up on hotel industry news and hospitality trends that could impact my upcoming assignments.
  • Begin the preliminary market research for an upcoming appraisal assignment.
  • Review STR reports and identify the initial competitive set.
  • Map out new hotel supply and identify any planning/zoning office leads to contact.
  • Set up interviews with local hotel general managers (GMs) for competitor insights.
  • Prepare travel arrangements for fieldwork scheduled later in the week.
  • Book flights, car rental, and hotel room (e.g., a two-day, out-of-state trip).
  • Meet with our task force team to brainstorm upcoming employee engagement activities.

Tuesday

  • Join monthly office video call to review project updates, internal initiatives, and regional office updates.
  • Input financial data and review:
    • Input historical financial and operating statistics into HVS modeling templates for the project at hand.
    • Analyze preliminary operating data for inconsistencies or missing information.
    • Draft list of follow-up questions for owner/operator based on financial review.
  • Research competitive set:
    • Finalize competitor list for said project.
    • Call local GMs and Directors of Sales to set up competitor interviews.
    • Map competitive set and print any documents I need during fieldwork.
  • Fieldwork preparation:
    • Finalize travel logistics (e.g., flight, rental car, hotel, etc.)
    • Prepare fieldwork checklist and print fact sheets for the subject hotel/property (SP) and competitors.
    • Research tax-assessment records for comparable hotels in the SP’s market.
  • End of day:
    • Confirm all appointments scheduled for my upcoming trip.
    • Touch base with supervisor regarding project status and any challenges.

Wednesday (Fieldwork Day)

  • Take a morning flight (or drive) to the destination.
  • Conduct a full inspection of the SP:
    • Tour the SP and take photos (e.g., guestrooms, meeting space, amenities, and exterior)
    • Interview GM and Director of Sales (using our fieldwork form).
    • Confirm operational details, including the hotel’s historical performance and capital investment plans.
    • Learn more about the competitive set (e.g., highlights, recent renovations, etc.) and local market developments.
    • Tour competitive hotels and conduct interviews with GMs to continue gathering more information.
  • Evening: organize photos, review fieldwork notes, and outline updates needed for the appraisal report based on observations gathered in the field; if time allows, start on the first phase of writing/creating the appraisal report (e.g., SP-specific paragraphs and/or competitor write-ups).

Thursday

  • Visit relevant local government offices if needed (e.g., Planning Office, Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Economic Development, etc.) to gather additional market intelligence.
  • Take return flight home (or drive) and transition back to office work.
  • Begin drafting updated market analysis section of the report:
    • Integrate findings from fieldwork and ownership interviews.
    • Refine lodging demand drivers based on new data collected from market participants and local Economic Development officials.
    • Review fieldwork expenses and submit for reimbursement.

Friday

  • Clear out inbox and respond to outstanding client emails or internal communications.
  • Finalize first draft of the appraisal report:
    • Refine property description and market analysis sections.
    • Prepare maps and graphics for inclusion.
    • Review and order final STR trend report, including the subject hotel’s competitive set.
  • Participate in an internal call prepping for a volunteer event being coordinated through the Recognition & Fun Task Force Committee.
  • Wrap up the week by planning next week’s schedule, ensuring deadlines are set and internal calls and meetings are lined up to complete the analysis for this report so that I can complete the rest of the report on schedule.