Rick Krueger oversees and directs all aspects of the company’s operations, strategies and growth. A 35+ year veteran of the hotel business, Rick began his hotel career in 1981 as a line-level associate with Vista Host, Inc. After working in and managing all departments at several hotels and traveling extensively for the company in roles involving new hotel openings, hotel acquisitions, projects, training and more, he was a successful General Manager and then continued to grow and take on multi-unit management roles.

After sustained success in roles of Regional Director and Vice President, Rick served for several years as Sr. Vice President of Operations for Vista Host. In addition to Operations, he was responsible for Revenue Management, Sales & Marketing, Purchasing and more. During his tenure with Vista Host, Rick was very involved with Hilton, Marriott, IHG and other major hotel companies and put together an excellent track record in operating brands including: Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Fairfield, Springhill Suites, TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and more. Rick became Executive Vice President of Operations and was responsible for the overall operation of 166 extended stay hotels in nine states in the Southeast United States.

In 2014 Rick took on the role of Asset Manager for Four VP Houston, Inc.; supporting ownership with asset management and operations oversight of 12 Value Place hotels. As the portfolio grew to 16 hotels and with more in development and with the hotels re-branded to WoodSpring Suites, Gulf Coast Hotel Management, Inc., was formed in 2016 and began managing hotels in early 2017. Rick grew up in the Florida panhandle, attended Auburn University and lives in Houston, Texas.