ATLANTA—Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) is in the middle of what it's calling a record-breaking year after wrapping up a strategic expansion of its traditional business model. Over the past six months, HVMG has entered into 10 new management contracts and seven new hotel development agreements.

Here's the backstory: HVMG started evolving and expanding its business model in 2013 to leverage changing market dynamics and trends. The fruit of that shift is a portfolio of eight independent properties, including two Four Diamond boutique beachfront resorts under development.

“We are a multi-dimensional operating platform, able to provide virtually any service throughout the entire hotel life cycle, from development to maximizing operating performance and creating value through the disposition process,” says Robert S. Cole, HVMG president and CEO. “Consistent with our business plan and growth strategy, we strive to be recognized as an expert operator and maximizer of upscale and full-service hotels by delivering excellence in revenue generation, the guest experience and profitability.”

Cole is convinced his firm will accomplish that goal by developing a best-in-class revenue platform and driving innovation in food and beverage, as well as continuing to expand its talent base. HVMG is well on its way. Since the fourth quarter of 2014, the firm added six new key senior positions in areas such as revenue, finance, design and construction and business development. 

“Despite the growth in our corporate resources and support, we understand the importance of remaining nimble and agile in order to transact quickly and customize every hotel business plan and operating model around the specific ownership objectives," says Cole. "Given our track record of delivering premium performance, our pipeline is active, and our appetite for deals remains robust."

This is the core of HVMG's strategy: developing and growing through joint ventures, acquisitions and management of premium branded, upscale and independent and boutique properties. With that strategy in mind, 90% of HVMG's portfolio now consists of Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt or independent and boutique hotels.

Here are a few HVMG highlights from the first half of 2015: The firm was picked as lead developer and manager of the 140 room SpringHill Suites Orange Beach, AL; was chosen to manage two Four Diamond independent luxury resorts; has a $100 million-plus project in pre-development in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL; signed

five new hotels under development, including the Hotel Indigo in Downtown Atlanta and the Hotel Indigo in downtown Denver; acquired a joint venture interest in the 261-room Embassy Suites Atlanta – Galleria; and acquired the 299-room Marriott Greensboro-High Point Airport Hotel and assumed management while overseeing an $11 million renovation.