SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA—With an influx of luxury developments offering five-star resort types of amenities, the real estate industry is more heavily influenced by the hotel and hospitality sector than ever before. However, the key to implementing these amenities and experiences requires a different skillset and expertise than most development teams have on staff.

Enter hospitality industry executives. Many real estate developers have tapped into the hospitality industry, hiring leading executives to spearhead these increasingly impressive suites of residential amenities. These seasoned general managers, who are among the most high-profile executives in the hospitality industry, are being tasked with launching and maintaining a range of amenities, overseeing staff members and delivering a full suite of services.

One example of this trend is the recent hire of industry veteran Franck Savoy as the general manager of Clear Creek Tahoe, a new private residential community and club in the mountains just east of Lake Tahoe. Savoy was formerly the director of food and beverage at Disneyland Paris, director of operations at Hotel Casa Del Mar, and director of food and beverage at Four Seasons Hotel, New York. He recently discussed how his background in hospitality was a plus for this particular real estate application.

GlobeSt.com: How has your hospitality background been beneficial within the luxury real estate sector?

Savoy: I've noticed a growing trend within the luxury real estate industry of developers seeking to offer owners elevated experiences at private communities around the world. Having worked within a variety of world-class five-star resorts, I have a deep understanding of the industry and how to improve guest experiences through the implementation of creative and strategic offerings.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the key responsibilities of your current role? How does this differ from some of your previous roles?

Savoy: I will be responsible for introducing the communities' amenities, including its 18-hole championship Coore & Crenshaw golf course, family campus and clubhouse. I'll also oversee a staff of 75, assisting the talented team with executing exquisite service and unique offerings for our members to enjoy.

My previous roles entailed similar responsibilities. However, Clear Creek Tahoe is a private residential community in the mountains that is more family-oriented and activity-driven. Additionally, I'll be working with owners and members as opposed to visitors, providing them with a different type of experience that develops a long-term relationship. With my background, I'm able to understand the quality expected by members and the importance of details, and as such, ensure those expectations are met.

GlobeSt.com: How did the vision for Clear Creek Tahoe come about? What is your vision for the future of the property?

Savoy: Clear Creek Tahoe has a rare respect for the land and a view of the natural world as a place to be shared and not conquered. The entire goal has been to create a sustainable and responsible environment, one evidenced by the 853 acres we've placed into a permanent conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy.

This commitment to responsibility extends to the creation of diverse and cutting-edge amenities including health and wellness. These elements, combined with the tax-friendly Nevada environment and the multi-generational component of the membership, attract those with an eye toward legacy planning.

GlobeSt.com: How do you maintain successful relationships with the owners/members of Clear Creek Tahoe?

Savoy: We maintain successful relationships by understanding the changing needs of members and owners, and introducing new programming and updated amenities to address them. Additionally, we work to ensure that they receive the same experience they would at a five-star resort, with everything from innovative food and beverage offerings to comprehensive concierge-like services.

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