Empire Hospitality is a nationwide company based in Vancouver, WA; owned and operated by three managing partners along with a talented team of seventy-eight employees, to date. The company was formed in 2008 as a Limited Liability Corporation with the specific intent to source and manage government lodging contracts. The primary focus of Empire Hospitality is to provide lodging support for the United States Military. We are a multiple GSA contract holder offering the greatest value to our government clients while obtaining the highest return for our hotel partners.
Julie Hashey uses her expertise in sales and business management to ensure that every contract managed achieves the highest level of customer satisfaction for both government clients and hotel partners. Her attention to detail and prompt communication ensures a problem-free experience. Julie is honored to be Empire’s MAIDIQ Manager, a direct liaison to Fort Knox and HQ USMEPCOM for the MEPS program. She knows that when all is said and done, results are what count.
Robb Heisler specializes in Site Selection and MEPS program development. He uses his diverse business and management experience to ensure the highest ROI for the hotel partners. He recognizes that each contract is an opportunity to serve those who serve us, a commitment he is proud to fulfill.
Dennis Malin comes from an operations background in one of the largest and most respected hotel companies in the world. Dennis, a perennial top performer, has made it his life mission to provide excellence in every aspect of business. He has five years senior level management experience and has learned the industry from the bottom up. This combination of training and experience provides him a stable platform for managing the operations of Empire Hospitality and maintaining a personal relationship with all clients.
Ting oversees the day-to-day operations of the MEPS program. She works closely with her regionals, local site team members, and subcontractors to ensure all contract requirements are met and the exceptional Empire Hospitality’s Red Carpet treatment is fully executed. Ting, a proud Florida Gator alumna, has extensive fifteen years experience in the hotel and hospitality industry. This includes expertise in developing customer service, food and beverage, HR, payroll, and accounting while managing a complex multi-million dollar portfolio.
As the Vice President of Sales, Chris is the day to day business development and sales lead within Empire Hospitality. Specializing in sourcing and contract negotiations, Chris is a proven leader within the industry since 2002. Chris has an intuitive way of matching the specific needs and requirements of the customer with a property that exceeds client satisfaction. Chris currently serves on a national Hospitality Government Advisory Board. Prior to joining Empire, he was a National Operations and Sales Director, a Senior Business Process Solutions Manager and a Government Travel Liaison (Consultant). Chris appreciates the dynamic of the contracting process from RFQ to Technical Proposal submission and expresses the highest regard for internal and external customers.
Nicole Okicki is a tenacious, solutions-focused sales professional with a strong real estate and hospitality background, having succeeded with multiple Hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, and Carlson. She is a creative and ambitious individual with a proven approach to identifying, developing and servicing clients, and brings experience in day-to-day sales opportunities, negotiations and contract writing. Nicole works in tandem with Christopher Smith to solicit and develop hotel partners and property relationships on a national scope. Nicole – a Cleveland, Ohio native, now based in Tampa, Florida, – brings a wow-factor to the Empire Hospitality team.
The Empire app is a bid sourcing app for hoteliers looking to simplify their life. The Empire app searches for government lodging, meals, and meeting space opportunities. Simply download the app, enter your basic search parameters, and every day the Empire app will alert you to new and updated opportunities in your area. Never miss a bid again with the Empire app!
Empire Hospitality is proud to be one of five Prime Vendors in the country authorized to bid and manage contracts for the Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). MEPS is a joint service organization staffed with military and civilians. Their primary focus is to determine an applicant’s physical qualifications, aptitude, and moral standards set by each military branch, the Department of Defense, and federal law. Local MEPS branches conduct applicant testing and physicals as part of the applicant’s approval process to enter the military. Multiple visits may be required of an applicant before acceptance into the military and departure for basic training.
The Department of Defense oversees the MEPS program and provides lodging, meals, and transportation for applicants interested in joining the military. MEPS requires accommodations Sunday through Thursday and approximately thirty Fridays per year with most rooms having double occupancy. The applicants will be provided dinner the evening of check in and breakfast the morning of check out. Specifications may vary from city to city. Please contact bids@ehotelgroup.com for more details.
Empire provides lodging support for multiple divisions of the US Army nationwide. This includes on and off post lodging to support ROTC training, Battle Assemblies (BA), Rescheduled Training (RST), and medical personnel requiring lodging.
Since 2009, Empire has provided over 50,000 room nights for the US Navy in various locations across the country.
Empire Hospitality was honored to be the prime contractor for the Wounded Warrior program and to provide lodging to the family members of critically injured soldiers.
Empire Hospitality is proud to be one of three Prime Vendors in the country for the Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS).
Empire has played a significant role in assisting MSC to locate lodging for their civilian contractors. This includes the procurement and delivery of both apartment and hotel lodging.
Empire provided Lodging for the TSA Personnel while in a training status.
Empire provides Lodging for US Coast Guard Training Weekends, new Cutter delivery, dry dock lodging.
Empire provides Lodging, Meals, Transportation, and Meeting space nationwide for Yellow Ribbon Events, Unit Training Assemblies, and Midwest Counter Drug Training Programs.
A newer initiative by the NPS has given Empire the opportunity to serve as a corporate housing partner for the NPS. Empire provides long term housing in multiple cities across the nation in support of the travelers of the agency.
Empire currently manages several contracts nationwide in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs. These contracts are in multiple states and encompass lodging, transportation, and meals.
Empire currently manages several contracts supporting NOAA in many coastal markets.
Empire provided full conference support for the USDA annual meeting with a Partner hotel in Cleveland, OH.
Empire supplies and supports long term lodging needs during extensive dry dock stays.
Empire was awarded the contract to support two Navy CREDO retreats in Wisconsin. The full event support included meals, room registration, audio-video and event logistics’.
Empire has supported joint missions in supplying lodging and conference space for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms.
Empire Hospitality is committed to maintaining ethical and moral business practices while remaining an industry leader in government contracting. Our clients are at the forefront of our business model and from that focus comes a committed approach to excellence.
Empire Hospitality is always looking for talented people to join our team of dedicated hospitality professionals. We are currently looking for associates in the following cities: Phoenix, Des Moines, Portland, ME.
Empire Hospitality is an industry leader in the preparation, development, and servicing of federal and state contracts.
We strive to be the best Contract Management Company and this goal is supported by decades of hospitality contracting experience.