Company Profile

Lodging First provides both the leadership and experience along with proven operations capable for both new hotel turnaround and hotel operations.  Our ability to assess market demand, define the appropriate hotel product, employ and train management staff and maintain effective control of multiple hotels, will allow the company to achieve its ambitious growth plans over the next five years.

John J. Eau Claire, President  (email) 
Mr. Eau Claire's experience in the hospitality field spans over 24 years working in all departments of a hotel and as a co-owner and managing partner with restaurant chains.  As a consultant in the hotel industry, he has helped many organizations improve policies and procedures to increase revenue and profits.  Mr. Eau Claire has the proven ability to identify and address concerns in all facets of a business operation, repeatedly taking distressed properties and organizations and successfully creating profitable entities.  
 
Robert Rentzsch, Executive Vice President (email)
Mr. Rentzsch has 24 years of hospitality experience with 15 of those years concentrated in the hotel field.  Obtaining his Bachelor's of Science in Hospitality Management from the Ohio State University, Mr. Rentzsch's career has brought him to become an expert in multiple brands and properties - some of which include those under IHG, Hilton and Wyndham flags.  His experience, expertise and leadership skills are a valued asset to the Lodging First team.

Jeffrey Clark, Vice President of Security & Loss Prevention (email)
Mr. Clark is a retired sergeant with the Columbus Ohio Division of Police and has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and security services.  He has extensive training and experience in all areas of law enforcement practices, principles and procedures.  Mr. Clark's expertise in law enforcement practice and procedures, human relations, community relationships and development provides Lodging First with professional and courteous security and loss prevention services.

Lenny DeGiralomo,  Vice President of Life Safety (email)
Mr. DeGiralomo is a Captain with a central Ohio Fire Department and has over 30 years in the fire service.  He has an Associate Degree in Fire Science along with a wide variety of related training.  Mr. DeGiralomo assists Lodging First to attain its objectives in the most important of areas - fire and life safety. 

Janet Lee, Vice President of Human Resources (email)
Ms. Lee has worked in the hospitality field for over 20 years in a variety of markets.  Her strengths lie in hiring the best, training, and developing associates to exceed customer expectations.  Ms. Lee has worked with some of the countries largest hotel management groups and with Marriott and Hyatt. It is important to Lodging First's success to create and foster a climate to motivate and inspire these associates in their accomplishments. 

Jim Shoup, CPA, Vice President of Finance (email)
Mr. Shoup is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and has been in professional accounting for 13 years.  He and his staff provide the financial part of the equation for Lodging First.  From daily cash controls, to profit and loss statements - with the help of Mr. Shoup, Lodging First is able to handle and support any and all accounting needs of the hotels and ownership.