Leadership
The People You'll Actually Work With
No layers, no account managers. This is the team running your property.
Chris Rutherford
President & Founder
Chris brings 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, built with some of the most recognized names in the business — Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, Extended Stay America and La Quinta.
His leadership journey began early. Before graduating from the University of South Carolina he was already serving as a General Manager, gaining hands-on experience in operations, team leadership, guest service and financial performance. Throughout his career he has focused on driving top-line revenue while maintaining a disciplined approach to the bottom line — balancing growth with operational efficiency, cost control and profitability. He also played a role in the development of the StayAPT brand.
Today, as President and Founder, he leads with a focus on people, performance and opportunity, built on the belief that strong relationships, talented teams and disciplined financial management are what make hospitality businesses successful and sustainable.
Mike Lindsay
Director of Operations
Mike began his hospitality career while attending college in the Chicagoland area, working part-time at a local hotel. He has since advanced through Assistant General Manager, General Manager, Multi-Unit General Manager, District Manager and Regional Director of Operations — a progression that has given him extensive expertise in hotel operations, team leadership and revenue growth. He combines operational discipline with strategic sales leadership to drive performance, improve guest satisfaction and develop high-performing teams.
Kristin Perry
Corporate Director of Sales
Kristin has an extensive background in extended-stay hotel sales, revenue generation and strategic business development, having partnered with StayAPT Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. She leads sales initiatives across multiple markets — corporate travel, construction and workforce housing, government and military, healthcare, insurance housing, relocation and group business — driving occupancy, increasing ADR and strengthening profitability. She is known for identifying untapped opportunities, negotiating high-value corporate partnerships, and a collaborative leadership style.
Mel Fry
Regional Manager
Mel began her hospitality career at the five-star Homestead resort, then moved through Hilton, Ramada and Wyndham, building layers of experience along the way. She went on to manage big-box retail, earning multiple awards and certifications — most memorably Manager of the Year. Real estate licenses in Florida and Virginia added depth in sales and marketing, which she applied as Manager of Affordable Suites in Waynesboro, where she became a top producer. After five years training and managing multiple locations she was promoted to Regional Manager. She is based in Roanoke, Virginia, and her strengths are guest service, sales results and marketing.
Annette Bingham
Regional Manager
Annette brings more than 15 years of hands-on hospitality experience to leading daily operations, building teams and driving revenue growth across multiple properties. A former military spouse and mother of two, she started in the industry from the ground up as a part-time housekeeper. Promoted to General Manager, she lifted guest satisfaction scores and delivered record revenue at her property inside her first year. She went on to serve as a Task Force Manager, training General Managers in operations and brand standards, before earning her promotion to Regional Manager. She is known for setting clear goals, coaching her people and promoting from within.