Marco A. Manzie - C.H.A. / C.A.M.
Founder/President
With over 50 years of dedicated experience in the Hospitality Industry, Marco A. Manzie brings a wealth of operational expertise and leadership. Since founding Paramount Hospitality Management (PHM) in 2001, he has grown the company from the ground up into an award-winning, industry-recognized firm. PHM was recently listed in the 2024 Hotel Business Green Book and Market Guide as one of the Top 100 Hotel Management Companies, positioning it for continued expansion with upcoming projects.
Marco’s comprehensive knowledge spans all facets of hotel acquisition, development, and repositioning, including budgeting, design, architecture, and construction—allowing him to lead projects at every stage. His specialization in “mixed-use” hotels has established PHM’s reputation as a distinctive player in the industry. Under his guidance, PHM has evolved from a third-party management company into a firm that also procures and takes equity stakes in projects.
A notable achievement was PHM’s successful management of The Grove Resort and Water Park, a property featuring nearly 1,000 luxury condominium-style apartments, F&B outlets, meeting spaces, and a water park. Initially a financially distressed asset, PHM reversed its financial trajectory in less than two years through strategic repositioning and operational enhancements. This turnaround allowed the ownership to sell the property for twice the initial target price, exemplifying PHM’s ability to create significant value, success and revitalization.
Prior to PHM, Marco co-founded Vacation Break Management in 1992, which became part of VBUSA, a NASDAQ-listed company. His innovations in the interval ownership and resort industry contributed to VBUSA’s acquisition by Wyndham Vacation Club, now part of Wyndham Worldwide.
Marco’s industry journey began in various operational roles, ascending through management positions at renowned brands like Park Hyatt, Hilton, Stouffer Hotels, and ITT Sheraton. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Condominium Association Manager (CAM), and holds licenses in Florida.
A distinguished educator and leader, Marco was inducted into the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2019 and has served as an active member of the Dean’s Advisory Board of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management since 2013. He also contributes to the industry as a sought-after speaker at conferences and sits on the IDrive District Advisory Board.
