Leadership Team
Tom Baker is the President of Watermark Hospitality and Managing Principal of AHA Hotel Consulting. Previously, Mr. Baker was the CEO of Access Hotels and Resorts a prominent hotel management and development company known for its extensive expertise in the hospitality industry. Prior experience includes working for The Melrose Hotel Company were he served in varies leadership roles including Corporate Vice President of Marketing and General Manager for both the Westin Great Southern Hotel and the Melrose Hotel in Dallas. During his tenure at the Westin, he successfully raised revenues and quality standards through his active hands-on leadership of the operation. The guest satisfaction index of the hotel increased considerably (Top 10% of Westin Brand Standard) contributing to enhanced profitability and employee morale. During his tenure at the Melrose Dallas, both the hotel and Landmark Restaurant were awarded the AAA Four Diamond award. As the Corporate Vice President of Marketing for the Melrose Hotel Company, he utilized his expertise to build corporate brand awareness and drive revenues through proactive revenue management, e-commerce, direct mail, social media, and print media strategies.
Tom’s 25 year career focus has been in sales and marketing and hotel operations. Tom has held various positions throughout the industry including Resident Manager for the Four Star/Four Diamond Enchantment Resort and Spa in Sedona, AZ, Director of Sales for the world-renowned 680-room historic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA and Director of Sales and Marketing for the Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Mr. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Chapman University.
Mark Hindle is a principal at Watermark Hospitality and AHA Hotel Consulting. Prior to joining AHA, Mark was the CFO/COO for Harbaugh Hotel Management Corporation for 29 years, overseeing a portfolio that included both independent and branded properties. In this role, he implemented cost saving measures in the areas of labor, benefits, contracts, taxes, and insurance that saved the properties millions of dollars. Mark wrote the Controller’s Manual and introduced a self-audit program to establish internal control monitoring. In addition, he has extensive union labor management experience, helping to negotiate collective bargaining agreements in D.C, Dallas, Houston, San Bernardino, and Las Vegas. Lastly, he was a Trustee for the 401k/Profit Sharing Plan, Benefit Administrator for all insurance plans, Risk Manager, and Liaison to the Asset Managers.
Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in Hospitality Management. He began his career with Sheraton, where he held various positions in operations and accounting. Mark successfully completed the Controller’s Training Program in Stamford, CT, then moved to the 1500 room Sheraton Washington Hotel. As Capital Project Manager for this property, he was responsible for the disbursement and tracking of multi-million-dollar projects. Mark was promoted to Assistant Controller in less than a year, overseeing a staff of thirty. After 3 years, he accepted a Controller’s position at the Washington Court Hotel with Harbaugh Hotel Management Corporation.
Mark has been a member of the professional organization HFTP since 1990. He was the DC Chapter President in 1996 and Chairman of the Board in 1996. He earned the Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive (CHAE) designation in 2002.
David is a results-driven professional with 23 years of experience in owning and managing a successful million-dollar digital marketing agency specializing in marketing hotels and resorts. David brings a proven track record in hotel sales, marketing, and business development, with a deep understanding of the digital marketing ecosystem and AI applications that benefit boutique and independently owned hotels. David is skilled in building and leading teams, adapting to market changes, and driving innovation.
