Our story

True hospitality begins at home, and Royal American Hospitality’s story begins in the home of Joseph F. Chapman III. The Chapman family launched the Royal American Hospitality brand in 1993 and has been woven into the fabric of Bay County ever since. In those nearly 3 decades, we have grown into a full network of properties and services that deliver a seamless experience to guests—and growth opportunities for our hometown partners.

Integrated hospitality

Royal American Hospitality was created with the ideals of Joseph F. Chapman III. Mr. Chapman believed that it was our duty to be stewards of the communities we serve for the betterment of all. Through consistent leadership, constant innovation, and the uniquely coastal grit behind our work ethic we have built a family of tourism-related companies. Providing everything from attractions to accommodations that makes us a one-stop-shop, creating economies of scale essential to the success of our partnerships. 

Grow with Royal American

Experts in each aspect of the hospitality business, working to seamlessly bring it all together.  Our depth of knowledge and innovative, integrated approach deliver the best possible experiences to our guests and partners alike.

Marcus Jones

Director of Guest Services

Marcus Jones has been in the hospitality industry for 16 years. He began his career with the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He moved to Albany, GA with IHG as the front desk manager with Holiday Inn, where he specialized in staff development and hospitality training. In 2014, he relocated to Panama City Beach at the Holiday Inn Resort’s Front Desk as the Manager/Training Manager. Marcus joined Royal American Hospitality in 2019 as the Director of Guest Services. Marcus’ undeniable drive, attention to detail, and leadership by example always focuses on building his team and cultivating stellar talent. When Marcus isn’t diligently working to ensure guest satisfaction, he spends his free time cooking, traveling, and doing daily devotionals.

Panama City Inshore

For light-tackle and fly fishing, you need an experienced inshore guide. Expert guidance and great hospitality are Panama City Inshore’s specialty for inshore and bay fishing!

Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center

An incredible value at an incredible location. Boardwalk Beach Hotel offers a spacious beachfront—plus indoor and outdoor event facilities for gatherings of any size.

Royal American Water Sports & Beach Service

From beach chairs and umbrellas to jet ski rentals, we enhance guests’ experience on the beach—and on the water.

Beachfront Adventures

Beachfront Adventures puts the fun of a family-friendly adventure park right where guests want it most: the beach. Located across from the county pier.

Papa Joe's Pontoons

Imagine launching your own boat from Papa Joe’s Bayside and exploring St. Andrews Bay. Our 23-foot pontoon rentals make it a reality.

Papa Joe's Bayside

Locals love being by the bay, and Papa Joe’s Bayside is a gathering place where guests can live like a local—great food, cold drinks, live entertainment, a sandy bay beach and pontoon rentals!

Grand Mére – Shell Island Cruises Dolphin Watch

This is the legendary Shell Island cruise—a Panama City Beach vacation tradition! Get out there on our double-decker cruiser with air-conditioned cabin and a full bar with snacks.

Heritage Excursions

Since the 1800s, the family behind Heritage Excursions has been fishing the waters of northwest Florida. Today that means expert, reliable fishing and water excursions for visitors.

Angela Brooks

Executive Director of Human Resources

Angela Brooks serves as the Executive Director of Human Resources for Royal American Hospitality, bringing over 19 years of diverse human resources, payroll, benefits, and risk management experience. Prior to being promoted to Director of HR in 2017, she served as an HR Assistant, then Human Resource Generalist and Recruiter for Royal American Companies. Angela served as the Human Resources Administrator and Risk Manager for a GAC, where she developed the HR department, handbook, policies, and procedures, and provided strategic HR support, team mentoring, managed employee relations and recruitment, benefits, and more. She enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her two fur babies, friends, shopping, traveling, and community outreach service.

Alexander Cinque

IT Director
Alexander Cinque is a highly skilled IT professional with over a decade of experience in the field. Born and raised in Colorado, Alexander discovered his passion for technology at a young age and pursued it by joining the Army in 2011. During his service, he gained valuable experience in the field of IT and learned the importance of attention to detail and timely execution. Alexander has since obtained numerous certifications, including CompTIA Network+, Dell and HP certified. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with a specialization in Cyber Security from Colorado Technical University. His academic background coupled with his extensive work experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the technical and security aspects of IT. In his free time, Alexander enjoys playing guitar, video games, and learning new things.

Brian Grant

Director of Revenue Management

Brian Grant is the Director of Revenue Management for Royal American Hospitality. A true Panama City native, Brian began his career in the hotel business working with his grandparents’ and parents’ mom-and-pop beachfront hotels located in PCB (Trips and Georgian Terrace). Brian learned revenue management from his parents using paper and pencils on reservations charts. Brian received a BS in Business Management from Florida State University. Brian worked at Resort Collection Vacation Rental Management, later with Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa and By the Sea Resorts. In 2014, Brian joined the Royal American Hospitality family. Brian enjoys college sports, especially Alabama football, and spending time with his beautiful wife, Devon, and two amazing children, Taylor and Jaxon.

Courtney Kays

Senior Graphic Designer
Courtney Kays is Royal American Hospitality’s Senior Graphic Designer with over 18 years of experience in the field, specializing in brand design, creating digital content, web design, and illustration. She is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design and has worked for large companies such as EBSCO, International Expeditions, and Raytheon. Courtney is passionate about scuba diving, photography, and spending time with her rescue Greyhound, Freya.

Teresa Gunter

RABG General Manager

Teresa Gunter is the General Manager of Royal American Beach Getaways Vacation Rental Management. Teresa joined Royal American Hospitality in June 2020. She brings 30+ years of experience in the Hospitality/Hotel Management industry from destinations such as Florida to South Carolina, South Dakota, California, and Tennessee. Teresa has worked for industry-leading companies such as John Q. Hammons Hotels, Sandcastle Resorts & Hotels, IHG, and Gaylord Entertainment. Teresa worked for brands like Hilton, Radisson, Embassy Suites, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Gaylord Opryland. Teresa has served on many resort and hotel opening property task force teams including two as general manager. The second was an independent condominium development in Destin, The Palms of Destin, where she was the General Manager of 2 Gulf-front properties. She enjoys spending time outside running or working in the yard, at the gym, and with her daughter Lauren a Purdue Graduate who works as a Computer Engineer for Tesla.

Woody Drobia

General Manager - Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center

Woody Drobia is the General Manager of Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center. He started his hotelier career as an Executive Chef with Hyatt and the Holiday Inn Leto Beach in Sarasota, Florida. In 1996, Woody joined Royal American Hospitality as the Executive Chef of the Boardwalk Beach Hotel. Later in his career, he worked for the Radisson in Kalamazoo and Hay Creek company in New Hampshire before returning to Royal American Hospitality in 2008 as Executive Chef at Boardwalk Beach Hotel. Soon after, Woody was promoted to AGM / Director of Food and Beverage, and ultimately General Manager in 2015. When Woody is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Claire and son Crew. Woody is originally from Boston and is an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics.

Shanon L Bawcom

Controller

Shanon Bawcom is the Controller for Royal American Hospitality. She is a born and raised Panama City native. Shannon has a BA in Accounting from Florida State University. She began her career in 1996 with Bay Point Association Management and then joined Resort Collection Vacation Rental and Association Management. She has been a valued member of the Royal American Hospitality team since 2010. Shannon enjoyed spending time with her family including her husband Tracy and two children, Alyssa, Trenton, and her dog Abbie.

Steve Coleman

Director of Facilities
Steve Coleman is the Director of Facilities of Royal American Hospitality. As a seasoned facility professional, Steve has been active in Asset and Facilities Management for almost three decades. Drawing from a diversified background developed in governmental, industrial and hospitality environments. Steve provides technical insight, vision, and solid decision-making skills. Formally, Director of Engineering for Resort Development Inc. in Destin, Florida, where he served as Developer Representative and Facilities Manager for such projects as; Silver Shells Beach Resort, Silver Beach Towers, One Beach Club Drive, The Palms Resort and Conference Center. A Veteran of the United States Air Force Steve has a deep love of country and a desire to serve.  When not at work you will find Steve active in service to his family and church.

Michael Greer

Vice President

Michael Greer has served as Vice President of Royal American Hospitality since joining the management company in 2008. Greer is responsible for all aspects of company-owned and managed operations. Commitment to product quality, operational efficiencies, and management of our talented associates are his core values. Michael is a lodging industry veteran of over 30 years with extensive joint operational and executive-level experience in most segments of hospitality: food and beverage, hotel resorts & convention centers, condo/hotels, vacation rentals, and special events. A career shaped by industry-leading organizations such as Boykin Lodging, Opryland Nashville, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt, and Trump Hotel & Casino Resorts. Greer is a frequent guest speaker at trade events and conferences, has served as a career advisor to high schools and college hospitality programs, past Chapter President of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Emerald Coast Vacation Rental Managers Association, and past marketing committee member for Bay County Tourist Development Council. He is active in fraternal/charitable and not-for-profit organizations, serving as an officer/director.

Katherine O’Connor

Marketing Manager
Katherine O’Connor is the Marketing Manager for Royal American Hospitality. Katherine joined Royal American Hospitality in March of 2021. She has a BS in Communications from Florida State University and her expertise lies in social media, copy writing, content creation, and public relations. Katherine brings experience from Sheraton Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa and Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa. Katherine is passionate about video games, photography, and spending time with her family.

Royal American Beach Getaways

Royal American Beach Getaways brings together the best vacation addresses along 27 miles of beach, plus everything else for the ideal getaway. Dining, attractions, events and more!
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