ABOUT US
We are committed to our clients, guests, employees & community.
MEET OUR TEAM
Matt Williams
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Matt grew up on a small fishing resort in Northern Minnesota where he learned the importance of great guest service at a young age. At 16 years old, Matt gained employment as a front desk clerk at a hotel and has been in the hospitality industry ever since. While in college, Matt was employed by a Hotel Franchise company assisting with opening new hotel properties. In his 30 plus years in the industry he has held positions including, General Manager, Vice President of Operations & Vice President of Development for
a Property Management Company managing 20 plus properties. He has served on several professional boards including college hospitality programs, city conference and visitor bureaus, as well as various non-profit organizations.
In addition to his knowledge of operations, Matt is also an owner or partner in several hotel properties
and understands the importance of investor communications. Matt’s formula of being a hands on
operator, providing attention to detail, creating innovative marketing plans and insistence on quality
has produced superior returns for Birch Lake Hospitality properties.
Gavin Fawbush
VICE PRESIDENT
After Graduating from The University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & Management, Gavin started his hospitality career as Sales & Marketing Director
for GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel of Rapid City, SD.
With Gavin's experience, motivation and success in the Hospitality industry he has held positions of
Sales & Marketing Director, General Manager, and Regional Director of Hotel Operations. He now
serves as the Vice President of Hotel Operations overseeing all phases of Birch Lake Hospitality's portfolio.
Andy Woodrick
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Andy is the Regional Director for Birch Lake Hospitality. A native of Michigan, he is a graduate of Belmont University, and has been involved with the hospitality industry for over twenty-five years. Prior to joining
Birch Lake Hospitality, Andy was the General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn and Cedar Falls Event Center, the General Manager of Honey Creek Resort State Park in Southern Iowa, and he served as the Vice President of Resort Operations for Odyssey Development in Duluth, Minnesota. He also held various positions with Doubletree Hotels and the Coastal Hotel Group. Andy's work has taken him many places throughout the country including Sun Valley, Idaho, Palm Springs, California and the British Virgin Islands.
Over the years Andy has served on several boards. His most recent positions include president of the Albia Chamber of Commerce, secretary/treasurer of the North Shore Scenic Byway Committee, secretary of the Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Association and member of the Centerville Main Street board of directors. Andy has been an active member of Rotary for the past twenty years.
Andy and his wife Lily live in Cedar Falls with their two sons, Jackson (13), and Alex (9).
Erik Metzler
DIRECTOR OF SALES, MARKETING & REVENUE MANAGEMENT
Erik Metzler started his career in the hospitality industry while attending the University of Wisconsin – Stout, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Erik worked a variety of management positions for Marriott International. Erik then joined GrandStay Hospitality to open the new GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel in Eau Claire, WI as the General Manager.
During Erik’s 25 plus years in of experience in the hospitality industry he has gained valuable experience and knowledge in Hotel Operations, Sales and Marketing and Revenue Management.