our story

In 1986, CEO Bruce Thompson, entered the vacation ownership industry, co-founding the highly successful Gold Key Resorts with 30 employees and 170 rooms. Thompson then expanded into hotels and restaurants, and the company evolved to include Professional Hospitality Resource (PHR). 

In the past 30 years, we have developed nearly $920-million in successful projects, thousands of hotel rooms, top destination restaurants, and retail and office space.

Today, with $623 million in asset value and $140million in annual revenue, Gold Key | PHR - a privately held corporation - boasts hotels under the Hilton and Marriott flag, award-winning restaurants and is the state’s largest hospitality employer.  

The company has exponentially grown to develop, own and manage hotels, and is the proud owner of one of only three Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Virginia, along with commercial real estate and luxury residential projects along the mid-Atlantic. 

The vision

At Gold Key | PHR, we strive to be acknowledged as a leader in the hospitality industry by our guests, our investors, our peers and our Associates.

The goal

Our goal is to double our companies' assets and cash flow over the next 5 years by providing exceptional career paths for our Associates and above average return for our investors.

The mission

Planned, predictable, sustained earnings

Dedicated, focused, motivated associates

Exceed guests' expectations every time through a guest-centric philosophy

Preservation and effective utilization of assets

Long-term stability through diversification

Personal responsibility and accountability