by Timbers Admin | Jun 22, 2018 | 2018
Robb Reportby Timbers Admin | Jun 11, 2018 | 2018
Forbesby Timbers Admin | May 29, 2018 | 2018
Robb Reportby Timbers Admin | May 10, 2018 | 2018
Forbesby Timbers Admin | May 9, 2018 | 2018
The TimesDarrin Griffin, a seasoned construction and real estate entrepreneur with over 30 years of industry expertise, serves the role of Chief Development Officer at Timbers Company. Darrin spearheads the identification of strategic development opportunities aligned with Timbers Company's ambitious expansion goals, including the addition of new residences to Timbers Resorts’ prestigious collection and the much-anticipated launch of Soleil Hotels & Resorts, a forthcoming collection of luxury properties situated in captivating locales.
Prior to joining Timbers Company, Darrin held pivotal leadership roles at RMC Property Group and Kelsey Construction and has held a 25-year certification as a Florida Certified General Contractor. His journey includes commendable service in the US Navy as a radiological controls supervisor on the USS Norfolk, a fast-attack nuclear submarine, and as an instructor in their prototype training unit. Notably, Darrin co-founded HGR Construction, successfully steering the company from inception to an impressive $350 million in annual construction.
Darrin’s commitment to excellence is underlined by his educational background, boasting an Associate of Science in Applied Construction Technology from Valencia College and advanced studies in Applied Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering.
Beyond the boardroom, Darrin is a passionate advocate for community engagement and dedicates his leisure time to fishing, scuba diving, culinary adventures, craft beer appreciation, and traveling.
Heidi recently joined Timbers Company in 2023 in the new role as chief marketing officer, marking a new era for the brand as Timbers which has grown to be a leader in the hospitality and real estate industry. The award-winning marketing executive is at the helm of Timbers’ top-level marketing strategies for both the luxury vacation rental and hotel division as well as residential real estate division, enhancing creative marketing channels and identifying opportunities to further elevate and drive revenue across the brand’s five-star portfolio. Additionally, she oversees new, ground-breaking initiatives aligned with the brand’s expansion plans, utilizing her impeccable skillset with renowned luxury brands to drive revenue and amplify Timbers’ presence with high-net-worth consumers as well as members of the financial, real estate and travel industries.
Heidi brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience with a primary focus in sales, marketing, e-commerce, public relations, event management and operations for international luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Salamander Hotels & Resorts. Her expertise transcends all facets of the hospitality industry, including luxury hotels/resorts, renowned spas, meeting spaces, dining concepts, championship golf courses, marinas, and sports centers. She most recently served as the director of sales & marketing for Kiawah Island Golf Resort where she was responsible for leading comprehensive strategies at the oceanfront luxury resort and hotel, resulting in record breaking revenue, increased digital presence across social media channels and several accolades from industry associations including Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Best Practice & Achievement Award for Global Group Sales.
Heidi holds both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s earned several awards including a Travel Weekly Magellan Award 2022 – Destination Marketing for Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s The Happy Hour/Work-From-Home Campaign as well as the “Women in Business Achievement Award” from Charlotte Business Journal. She also served as a board member for Hospitality Tourism Alliance as well as organizations such as Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Charlotte chapter of YMCA and Charlotte Sports Commission. Heidi currently resides in Orlando, Fla with her family.
As Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions & Capital Markets at Timbers Company, Scott Hall oversees all business development and acquisition efforts for Timbers Company with a focus on growing the brand’s comprehensive portfolio of exceptional vacation residences and luxury resort communities located in the world’s most desirable destinations. Working collaboratively with Timbers’ C-Suite leadership team, Scott supports the brand’s key verticals including Timbers Resorts; Soleil Hotels & Resorts as well as Andiamo, which offers streamlined access to Timbers’ bespoke collection of villas, suites and vacation rentals. As part of Timbers’ continued expansion, Scott also oversees the brand’s capital markets strategy, solidifying and strengthening relationships with investment and financial partners as well as owners and stakeholders.
Scott brings nearly three decades of real estate experience to the Timbers team, specializing in the investment and development of mixed-use projects including luxury destinations, unique residential developments, and year-round resort communities. He has held senior leadership positions with nationally recognized investment and development companies such as The Pizzuti Companies and CNL Financial Group, where he oversaw real estate structuring, acquisitions, development, and asset management.
Scott resides in Orlando, FL where he is actively involved in supporting the community by sharing his real estate experience with local nonprofits such as Lift Orlando, an innovative philanthropic partnership that helps strengthen disadvantaged neighborhoods and revitalize communities by investing in the places where they live, learn, work, and grow. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College.
As Managing Director of Hospitality Sales at Timbers Company, Gino Marasco leads sales and revenue strategies for the luxury vacation rental and hotel division for the brand. In his role, Gino utilizes both his business acumen along with creative proficiencies to support Timbers’ expansion throughout the hospitality realm.
With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Gino brings extensive knowledge in both luxury hotels as well as world-renowned resorts. Most recently, he served as Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts where he led multi-brand sales and marketing strategies across Wyndham’s lifestyle and upscale brands. Prior to his time at Wyndham, Gino held several leadership roles with iconic resorts including The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island as well as The Cloister and The Lodge on Sea Island, Georgia.
Gino has a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida with his family.
As Corporate Director of Human Resources, Marsha leads all aspects of Timbers Human Resources, providing effective leadership, direction, and professional expertise throughout the organization.
Prior to joining Timbers, Marsha served as the Human Resources Manager for TBI U.S. Operations and TBI Airport Management, Inc. (TBI) which is part of the global Vinci Airports organization based at the Orlando Sanford International Airport. In her role, Marsha was responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of Human Resources for TBI and its subsidiaries.
Marsha began her career at Sunterra Resorts after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Central Florida. She currently resides in Mount Dora, Florida, with her two children.
John Starr serves the role of Chief Financial Officer at Timbers Company where he is responsible for overseeing the entirety of Timbers’ business development and financial operations across the brand’s comprehensive portfolio including Timbers Resorts; Soleil Hotels & Resorts as well as the newly launched Andiamo collection. With Timbers at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory, John leads crucial initiatives such as external capital raising and strengthening investor relations for upcoming developments in addition to managing the brand’s current investments, and financial assets including its world-class portfolio of luxury resort communities and vacation residences. Additionally, John oversees the brand’s accounting and information technology departments to ensure Timbers continues to evolve cohesively and effectively.
John brings a wealth of leadership knowledge to Timbers Company as a veteran financial executive with over two decades of experience. Most recently, John served as the Chief Operating Officer of CNL Financials’ fund management group, where he was responsible for the operations and ultimately monetization of CNL’s externally advised Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT). His primary focus at CNL involved developing and implementing strategies to maximize the financial performance of real estate portfolios. Prior to his role as COO, John held key positions at CNL, including Senior Vice President at CNL Private Equity Corp, Chief Operating Officer of CNL Healthcare Properties II, and Chief Portfolio Officer of both Global Income Trust and Global Growth Trust. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Florida.
Outside of the financial world, John spends his leisure time pursuing outdoor adventures, including astrophotography, hiking, and scuba diving. John lives in Winter Park with his wife and three children.
As Corporate Director of Finance – Development, Andrew Blake guides Timbers’ financial decisions by establishing, enforcing and monitoring development policies and procedures. He has dedicated over 13 years to the finance and accounting departments at Timbers.
Andrew has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Colorado Boulder. He resides in Orlando, Florida with his family.
As Senior Managing Director - Hospitality, Jesse Geremia oversees all operational aspects of the brand’s portfolio, with a primary focus on Owner and guest experience, as well as the Timbers Reciprocity Program. He is also involved with new Timbers business development opportunities and acquisitions.
Jesse has been overseeing properties within Timbers Resorts for more than seven years, previously serving as the General Manager of both Timbers Kiawah and Timbers Jupiter after being promoted from Residence Club Manager at Timbers Bachelor Gulch and The Residences at Kapalua Bay, where he managed the transition process as they were rebranded from the Ritz-Carlton flag to Timbers. Prior to joining Timbers, Jesse worked for nine years at The Carneros Inn in Napa Valley, where he acquired an appreciation for luxury fractional real estate by holding several positions including Front Office Manager as well as Residence Club Manager.
Jesse has a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University, Sacramento. He resides in Winter Park with his wife and three daughters.
As Corporate Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, Paulene Kawasjee provides corporate support to resort leadership, oversees portfolio performance and manages the planning and execution of capital improvements. Paulene brings years of experience in the resort and recreation industry to Timbers, helping maintain the portfolio’s world-class stature.
Prior to joining Timbers, Paulene served as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Analytics at Xenia Hotels & Resorts, where she was responsible for portfolio and corporate financial analysis and reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning. Before Xenia, she began her career in the hospitality industry at Visit Orlando and Marriott International.
Paulene has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida.
As Director of Architecture, Gary Ross is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the architectural work of each project and often developing the initial design concepts of Timbers’ developments.
Gary started working with Timbers Resorts as a consultant in 2000 before transitioning into the Director of Architecture role in 2004. Prior to joining Timbers, he had a private architectural practice in Aspen, Colorado and served as Principal at a well-established architectural practice. Before moving to Colorado, he taught architecture and engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Gary has bachelor’s degrees in architecture and engineering in addition to a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Oklahoma. He resides in Carbondale, Colorado with his family.
As Chief Executive Officer for Timbers Resorts, Greg Spencer actively drives the company’s overall strategy and growth while ensuring employee, guest and Owner experience aptly represents the prestigious Timbers brand. Under Greg’s leadership, Timbers has evolved into one of the most esteemed companies in the industry with 16 properties located in the most sought-after destinations.
Greg’s passion for crafting unmatched lifestyle experiences stems from the pure joy he felt when spending time by the ocean in his childhood; a feeling that has propelled his vision for Timbers since joining the company in 2007. Throughout his 13-year tenure at Timbers, Greg held several prominent positions including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Corporate Finance, Director of New Development and Project Director for several Timbers Resorts properties.
Prior to joining Timbers Resorts, Greg developed high-end properties in the southeastern U.S. for his firm, Mont Ventoux Capital, and was a Senior Manager with Accenture where he specialized in financial services mergers and acquisitions with an emphasis on real estate related integration. Before joining the civilian workforce, he was a Captain in the United States Air Force and deployed in support of numerous operations around the world.
Greg has a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, an MBA from Webster University, and a Master of Science in real estate development from Columbia University. Greg received his commission as an Air Force Officer from ROTC, where he was the Corps Commander at Florida State University, a Distinguished Graduate, and recipient of the President’s Award. He resides in Winter Park with his wife and two daughters.