P.O. Box 1618
1909 Harper Road
Beckley, WV 25801
(304)255-0228
Fax - (304)255-0647
Michael W. Darby, President, C.E.O.
Laurel Lodge Enterprises, Inc. was begun as a Darby family venture by H. Darrel Darby, Sr. in December, 1976. Mike was asked to manage the first hotel property, a 100 unit independent called Laurel Lodge which opened in July 1977. Under Mike's leadership, the company has grown and now manages five hotels all owned by the Darby family. Mike's vision led him to convert Laurel Lodge to become the first Comfort Inn in West Virginia and to develop the first Sleep Inn in West Virginia. Mike has been involved in all aspects of the development process from land acquisition to project completion and opening. Mike has also had hands on experience in all aspects of operations and brings a depth of knowledge that is invaluable.
Mike has a guiding principal based on the words of a great teacher, "He who would be the greatest among you must be the servant of all". The focus for Mike and Laurel Lodge Enterprises is to serve the needs of our guests. We do that by serving our employees and helping them become the best they can be. This translates into great success as evidenced by a Gold Award property, a Platinum Award property, a Chairman's Award property and the development of a dedicated and highly professional management staff. In spite of high gas prices and economic uncertainty, in 2006 Laurel Lodge Enterprises enjoyed its highest profit year in the company's history.
Mike currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau and is a past Chairman of the Board, the Communication and Transportation Committee of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Committee of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and is a past Board member of the West Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association where he served as President of the Lodging Division. Mike is a member of the Beckley Rotary Club where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Mike is also an active member of his church and is involved in numerous community activities.
Linda Dunkley
Linda is the Accounts Payable Director with over 20 years experience in the accounting field. She has the ability to focus on the big picture while keeping track of the smallest details. She is responsible for ensuring that suppliers are paid in a timely, accurate manner which directly affects the credit rating of the organization. She functions effectively to ensure good relations between the properties and its suppliers. Linda also negotiates pricing for every day operating items as well as renovation projects.
Tina Pauley
Tina joined LLE, Inc. in 2000 as Payroll and Human Resources Director. Tina has 19 years experience in management with 13 years with Wendy's overseeing the general operations consisting of sales, budgeting, hiring and training of new employees. She currently oversees the establishment and administration of policies and procedures ensuring the compliance with federal and state employment regulations and negotiates all health plans for LLE, Inc. and its properties.
Phil Lane
As Director of Sales & Marketing for LLE, Inc. Phil has more than 15 years experience in sales and marketing in the hospitality industry. He plays an integral role in working with the hotel personnel to develop new opportunities and attract new business. Phil provides a unique mix of operational expertise and sales and marketing that correlate to achieving profit objectives. Phil is responsible for all the Sales and Marketing efforts of all hotel properties including training, management of the sales process, hands on development, revenue management and e-commerce management.
Eric Floresca
Since 1996, Eric has been involved in both the financial and operational facets of LLE, Inc. He began his career as Controller overseeing the planning, implementation and achievement of the company's budgets and financial directives. His duties also included asset planning for project renovations, as well as, hotel acquisitions and development. As recently promoted C.O.O. for the company, he has taken the responsibility to ensure that employees are motivated and trained, that all guests receive a positive guest experience and that shareholders receive the maximum return on their investment. His goal is to lead the company in delivering operational excellence and achieving top bottom-line performance.
Robert Coleman
Robert started with LLE, Inc. in March 2008 as Maintenance Director he is a 3rd generation contractor with over 20 years experience in all phases of maintenance and construction. He oversees the daily maintenance needs and scheduling of all properties and is responsible for making sure all outside contractor work meets the organizations expectations.
