THE FACES BEHIND OUR CALIFORNIA HOTEL COLLECTION
The Martin Resorts Team
Martin Resorts, a California hotel collection, is a family-owned organization on the vineyard covered Central Coast. One of the area’s top 20 employers, Martin Resorts is headquartered in San Luis Obispo (Oprah’s 2011 pick for “America’s Happiest City”). In 2015, the Pacific Coast Business Times honored Martin Resorts in their "50 Fastest-Growing Companies" for top revenue growth for companies that operate in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Shortly after, the Pacific Coast Business Times also voted Martin Resorts one of the "Best Places to Work" on the Central Coast in May 2017. Read all about the people who make this organization work - The Martin Resorts team.
Noreen Martin, member of KSL Resorts’ advisory board
Since 2005 Noreen Martin led Martin Resorts, founded by her late husband Tom Martin in 1999, as president and CEO. She drove the family business to thrive as one of the top private, woman-owned employers in the county. Noreen succeeded in building a highly respected collection of boutique hotels creating a culture where people succeed, all while giving back to the community. Noreen remains close to the portfolio as a member of the KSL Resorts’ advisory board.
Sara Kennedy, Director of People and Culture
Sara Kennedy joined Martin Resorts in 2019 as the Director of People and Culture, a title that was chosen due to her reputation in the community. Sara received her career start in Customer Service and when she moved paths into the world of Human Resources, she was a natural. Sara strongly believes that the employees are her customers, and they are why she has a job. Sara now brings 24 years of expertise with experience at local companies like Miner’s Ace Hardware and Adelaida Vineyards & Winery. She also has 8 years of public sector experience from Cuesta College as well as global experience from Scientific Drilling/Applied Technologies. Click the button below to continue learning more about Sara.
Sara has served on the local Human Resources Association of the Central Coast Board for over 12 years and is currently their Director of Professional Development. She previously chaired the San Luis Obispo County Employer Advisory Board and currently actively participates in a monthly Human Resources Professionals Round Table Consortium. As a professional in HR Sara continually updates her knowledge of Labor Laws by attending countless webinars, reading HR journals, and recently attending the SHRM Convention which reignited her passion for Human Resources.
The Company’s Mission Statement and Core Values are extremely important to Sara, as they drive the culture she brings every day to her work style. Promoting a contagious spirit of hospitality that enriches the lives of employees, one experience at a time is embodied in our fun people-centric culture with events like LEAD Academy Training, “Morealendar” Events, Employee Appreciation Week, and our most loved tradition, 12-Days of Christmas.
During the onset and height of Covid 19, Sara spent many hours on the phone responding to employee concerns and bringing calm and reassurance to the front-line staff of Martin Resorts. Her efforts created a closer bond and a higher level of loyalty among the teams.
Sara was born and raised in Atascadero, a central coast native who recently picked up her roots to start a new cattle and livestock farming legacy in Magazine, Arkansas. She and her husband Ronny have been married for 20 years, with 2 beautiful daughters, Annabelle, and Danica. Sara and her family enjoy the outdoors by fishing, gardening, farming, and her favorite pastime of all time, cutting and splitting firewood.
Barbara Parra, Dual Property General Manager, Shore Cliff Hotel & Pismo Lighthouse Suites
A long-time hospitality industry professional, Barbara Parra is recognized for her collaborative and diplomatic management style.
As the general manager of Shore Cliff Hotel and Pismo Lighthouse Suites, oceanfront hotels in Pismo Beach, she oversees day-to-day operations of both properties. Click the button below to continue learning about Barbara.
Throughout her 24-year tenure in the hotel industry, she has steadily climbed the management ranks having started her career as a guest care manager. A career highlight was opening Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach – a stunning central coast property now operated by KSL Resorts – as general manager.
With extensive experience in both hospitality management and human resources, she has cultivated a team-oriented and patient approach to leadership and especially enjoys connecting with her employees to create a positive workplace.
Active professionally, she is a board member of the Human Resources Association of the Central Coast and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA). She is a certified hotel professional and holds the SHRM-CP credential, a human resources certification.
Her off time is often spent with her grandchildren. She is a baking and gardening enthusiast and enjoys hand lettering and anything related to Christmas.
Erica Fryburger, Dual Property General Manager, Paso Robles Inn & The Piccolo
Erica Fryburger is a seasoned hospitality industry professional known for her strong work ethic, leadership skills and upbeat approach.
As general manager for both the historic Paso Robles Inn & The Steakhouse – where she has worked for more than 15 years – and The Piccolo, a boutique hotel also in Paso Robles, she is charged with overseeing day-to-day operations at each of these Central Coast, wine country properties. Click the button below to continue learning more about Erica.
Her patience, honesty and creativity have served her well during a more than 25-year hospitality career in positions from night auditor to hotel manager. She earned a leadership award in 2019 by Martin Resorts, the former owner of both Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo.
Her success is not surprising. She views her management team as extended family and relishes collaborating with them to create exciting activities and enduring memories for hotel guests.
She serves as a board member of the San Luis Obispo County Quarter Horse Association and is a member of the San Luis Obispo County Cattlewomen’s Association. A skilled equestrian, she spends her off time with family – and enjoys showing horses, horse racing, sewing, and gardening.
Martin Beckett, Director of Hospitality, The Piccolo
