Tim Brown
Tim Brown
Regional Director of Sales
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After stumbling upon an entry level sales role in Atlanta, GA while in search of his “forever career”, Tim found his passion: Hospitality! He brings with him experience ranging from luxury full-service hotels to extended stay, with brands like Marriott, Hilton and Independent properties. Before joining Sandpiper, he held the role of Director of Sales and Marketing for an Independent Boutique hotel in Nashville, TN. During this time, he also served multiple sales teams as a Taskforce Director of Sales and Marketing. Tim is excited to about the endless opportunities within Sandpiper Hospitality and assisting his Team to exceed expectations.

Charles Hegeman Jr.
Charles Hegeman Jr.
Senior Regional Sales Manager
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A part-time job at a boutique hotel in Washington DC turned into a career and an unexpected passion, hospitality. Charles joined Sandpiper Hospitality in January 2021 bringing over 20 years of hotel sales and operations experience. Charles directly supports the on-property sales efforts in the Mid-Atlantic and select Northeast properties.

Prior to his current role, Charles was the Director of Sales and Marketing of the 300 room Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC. During his tenure, the hotel achieved recognition as one of the top three performing hotels in the Brand for RevPAR and profitability.

When Charles is not selling hotel rooms, he is volunteering with community organizations and coaching with the local Boys and Girls Club.

Grace Velez
Grace Velez
Senior Regional Sales Manager
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Grace’s career in the hospitality industry started at Westgate Resorts, where she worked for over 15 years. She began as a tour desk agent and worked her way up to Director of Specialty Sales. As a director, Grace oversaw specialty sales operations for all of Westgate Resorts nationwide. She is proud to say that the departments she managed were key in helping break a sales record of over $2,000,000 in specialty sales.

Grace then went on to work for the local CVB in Kissimmee, Florida, Experience Kissimmee. Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County. As a team, they developed sales, marketing, and communication programs that encouraged millions of overnight guests annually. As this area was known as the Vacation Home Capital of The World, she then ventured out and began her sales career.

Grace began her sales career as a Director of Sales for Oak Plantation Resort and The Days Inn at Oak Plantation (Wyndham). She knew she had found her place in the hospitality industry. Helping families and groups build life-long vacation memories was very rewarding. It was just as rewarding to be able to make families feel comfortable with the transition to temporary homes, no matter the reason. Creating the “home away from home” feel and the friendly treatment of all guests is what hospitality is all about.

As Grace enjoyed working with the Wyndham Brand, she went on to work as the first Sales Manager for Magic Village Views, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. It was a wonderful opportunity where she gained the experience of promoting a new build property and prospecting for new business. This in turn also helped families create wonderful new memories!

Grace has joined Sandpiper Hospitality as a Regional Sales Manager, and we are glad to have her on the team!

Joe Chrien
Joe Chrien
Senior Regional Sales Manager
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Joe has over 11 years of Hospitality experience and over 22 years management/sales experience and is an experienced, energetic, and motivating leader with proven ability to effectively manage both personnel and projects. Joe started his career at a boutique hotel as a front desk agent and ultimately was promoted to Front Office Manager. He then spent the next 11 years as Manager, Business Development Manager, and VP of Sales and Marketing in the Railroad Industry, when he realized that Hospitality was his true passion. He spent the next years as Director of Sales with Sonesta International before joining the Sandpiper Team in 2023.

Stephanie Evans
Stephanie Evans
Regional Sales Manager
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Stephanie began her career in the hospitality industry as a front desk agent for Studio Plus. With determination and hard work, she quickly progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming an Area Operations Manager for ESA. For 13 enriching years, she dedicated herself to her work in Iowa and Texas, gaining valuable experience and expertise in hotel operations.

In 2015, seeking new challenges and opportunities, Stephanie made a transition into the field of sales. She aligned herself with renowned hotel brands such as Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and Wyndham. Leveraging her extensive knowledge of the industry and exceptional interpersonal skills, she thrived in her new role, forging successful partnerships and driving revenue growth.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated a passion for delivering exceptional customer service and a commitment to excellence. With a solid foundation in hotel operations and now a successful track record in sales, she continues to make a significant impact in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.

Brad Garrett
Brad Garrett
Regional Sales Manager
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Brad started his career as a sales manager for Sunburst Hospitality in 1998. In 2000, he joined Wyndham Vacation, where he sold and managed sales lines. Brad also served as the Program Manager for Wyndham Vacation’s $50 million dollar Exit Program called Discovery. Later, in 2010, he became a Regional Sales Director at Extended Stay America, and there, he created the GSR Superstar Sales Program, which evolved into the companywide Reach for Rewards Program. This program became the largest revenue-producing initiative in Extended Stay America’s history, generating over $350 million a year in qualified leads.

In 2012, Brad was promoted to Director, National Account Sales, overseeing an $80 million dollar portfolio. Subsequently, in 2018, he joined Hotel Management Services as a Regional Sales Director, responsible for 12 hotels in the Southeast. Brad furthered his journey in 2023 by becoming a Regional Sales Manager at Sandpiper Hospitality.

An ambitious sales leader, Brad passionately embraces the art of sales. He collaborates with hotel teammates to devise strategies that drive new revenue, consistently exceeding budgets for hotel owners. Working with people and ensuring clear goal comprehension, he executes plans of action with precision. Brad adopts various sales styles to prospect, manage, and achieve goals that surpass budgeted expectations. With over twenty-five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Brad’s expertise and dedication continue to shine.

Emily Crawford
Emily Crawford
Regional Sales Manager
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Emily discovered Sandpiper Hospitality at the Virginia Tech Destinations Career Fair in 2022, unsure of what she wanted to do with her Communications degree. Having interned at a resort the previous summer, Emily visited the career fair to see what opportunities were available. Emily connected with Donald Burke, and from there developed a relationship with the rest of the Sandpiper team. She began the Apprenticeship Program in June 2022, where she spent time in Pflugerville, TX and Reno, NV learning from the teams and discovering exactly where her interests lie. In January 2023, Emily began a more focused track with the sales team, where each member had a hand in shaping her journey. Since then, Emily has assisted with almost every brand in the Sandpiper portfolio and has met tons of incredible people along the way. As of 2024, Emily manages our growing portfolio of ECHO Suites by Wyndham.

Brandon Bellamy
Brandon Bellamy
Area Director of Sales
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Brandon began his hospitality journey back in 2011 working as a front desk agent for Woodspring Suites (formally known as Value Place) in Columbus, Ga. He worked his way up to property manager, and after a few years he found his calling with Sandpiper Hospitality in late 2013 in the role of General Manager for the newly constructed WoodSpring Suites Manassas, VA location. Throughout his journey with the hospitality company, he has been awarded numerous awards within the brand; these include WoodSpring Suites hotel brand champion, Mentor of the Year, and Sandpiper Cup Champion. Takingadvantage of opportunities in the Atlanta, GA market, Brandon has transitioned from the General Manager role into the Area Director of Sales role.