Set on 2,200 wooded acres in the Laurel Highlands in Farmington, PA, Nemacolin Resort features three hotels, three estates and eight homes, as well as numerous F&B offerings and activities. In charge of it all is Owner/CEO Maggie Hardy and her son, PJ Magerko Liquorice. Hotel Business caught up with Hardy to discuss her journey in the hospitality industry, as well as the past, present and future of the resort.
Where did your passion for hospitality come from?
My passion for hospitality has many origins, mainly my family and love for travel. Nemacolin is a family-run business that is owned and run by my son, PJ Magerko Liquorice, and me, and also by our associate teams. When Dad and I fell in love with the property back in 1987, we knew it would be a labor of love to develop our vision for what it could be and would become. Initially a project for the two of us, we grew the resort with his notion that “nothing is impossible.” Now working alongside my son, we continue to expand this message with immense passion to deliver above and beyond experiences for all. It is our goal to deliver nothing but the best service to our guests and members, as well as our associates.
My travels also drive my dedication to this work. I am fortunate to have visited some of the world’s most amazing destinations, which have inspired many of Nemacolin’s magical moments. Many of our accommodations are inspired by travel, both internationally and locally. Falling Rock’s architectural and design elements are all rooted in the style and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose iconic Fallingwater is not far from us. The Chateau was modeled after the Ritz Paris and pays homage to one of my dad’s favorite European hotels. Each time I travel, I look to bring elements of culture, fashion, art and architectural design back to Nemacolin. At the end of the day, my passion for hospitality is in the people—our associates, guests and members—and the magical place that is Nemacolin.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
My first job in the hospitality industry was assuming a leadership role here at Nemacolin. When I was in my early 20s and Dad had purchased the land, it was my responsibility to develop what was then a small hunting lodge into the luxury, world-class resort that Nemacolin has become. The initial vision was mine and my father’s, but as Nemacolin grew, I honed the direction of our future even further. None of our accomplishments and successes would be possible without our associates though, and one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my tenure is the importance of creating a sense of community within a business.
The success of a business hinges on its ties to those who are patrons of the property and those who make the magic happen at Nemacolin. It is my goal to give back to “Team Nemacolin” in meaningful ways, which is why we launched Wisteria in the spring of 2023. As one of the largest resort associate communities in the nation, Wisteria offers associates beautiful homes, a full-service market, a pub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a community center and amenities such as an outdoor ball court, a pool, firepits and a place to relax and recharge. Many of our associates have traveled to join the Nemacolin team and are far from home. Wisteria is their home away from work, equipped with all the best amenities to return to in the comforts of their own space. Team Nemacolin, alongside the help of my family, has helped shape this resort into the incredible destination it has become 36 years after it began.
Having an active role in the future of hospitality has also been integral to our work, the success of Nemacolin and the lessons I have gleaned in my position. While Wisteria supports the associates who currently work at Nemacolin, we also contribute to supporting students pursuing careers in the hospitality industry. Our family recently made a commitment to a neighboring institution, West Virginia University, in support of the school of hospitality. By providing students with resources and funding for their studies, we are instilling the importance of their work and future.
Over my 36 years at Nemacolin, I have truly learned the value of having a team that supports me, supports our associates and supports the importance of investing in future generations. Seeing students immersed in our internships, externships and leadership development programs grow in their positions and often return to Nemacolin to work full-time brings all of Team Nemacolin such joy.
Can you tell us about the history of the Nemacolin resort and what it offers today?
Nemacolin began in 1987 when Dad sought out to buy a few acres of land near a stream or lake. Instead of purchasing a couple of acres, he fell in love with a large portion of land with a lodge, formerly a family hunting reserve, and bought the beginnings of Nemacolin. The property has evolved significantly since our beginnings as a family hunting lodge.
In 1995, we added the Mystic Rock golf course, a ski area, an adventure center and PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor, named fondly after my son. Mystic Rock went on to host the PGA Tour from 2003-2006 and is one of our Pete Dye-designed courses. In 1997, we opened the property’s second hotel, The Chateau, which honored the 10th anniversary of the Hardy’s ownership of Nemacolin and serves as an incredible homage to the Ritz Paris. Our growth continued in 2004 when we opened the Falling Rock hotel as the clubhouse for the PGA Tour’s 84 Lumber Classic [Hardy is also owner/CEO of 84 Lumber]. Since then, the boutique hotel has become a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel, something we are incredibly proud of and a testament to the quality of luxury service we deliver at the resort.
In 2014, Nemacolin’s true evolution began when we launched a resort-wide renovation. The project was a huge milestone for the property and at the time was one of the largest ventures in the resort’s history. Since then, we’ve continued to expand, grow, innovate, and deliver the unexpected. We began The Grand Reimagination in January, and we look forward to much more in 2024 and beyond.
Nemacolin has now grown to more than 2,200 acres with five types of accommodations: The Chateau, Falling Rock, The Grand Lodge, The Homes and The Estates. The property comes to life with show-stopping dining and lounges; two championship, Pete Dye-designed golf courses and golf academy; the Woodlands Spa and Salon; a Holistic Healing Center; The Casino; and the Rod & Range Club. The resort offers experiences for all ages and interests, from outdoor pursuits at The Peak, including skiing, tubing, ropes courses and rock climbing, to cultural offerings such as art tours, cooking classes, bourbon tastings and more. Nemacolin also boasts an airstrip and 35,000 sq. ft. of space for meetings and special events, making this resort the ideal choice for everything from weddings to corporate retreats.
This year, we’ve introduced new food and beverage outlets at The Grand Lodge, which elevate the experience of the accommodation and exceed guest expectations. Fawn & Fable, our new restaurant, is an incredible dining experience, and next door at Circle Bar, guests are invited to indulge in truly creative libations. Sequestered for a quieter experience, The Study offers our guests and members an equally divine cocktail and mocktail spot in a more intimate setting.
As we continue to grow and develop as a property, we are focused on bringing a new level of luxury to all our amenities, accommodations, eateries and experiences. From the exclusive butler service at The Grand Lodge to our updated ropes courses and Jeep off-roading adventures, we look to redefine luxury every day at Nemacolin and continue delivering our guests Real Life Magic. We’re proud of our heritage, and we’re excited about our continued growth as we look to the future.
Running such an enormous resort must come with challenges. Can you tell us about any of those?
Nemacolin is an incredible property and running it has come with challenges. Not everyone understands the vision of our future; our desire to recruit the best people in hospitality from around the world; and our investment in the people who are committed to this resort and our vision. Building a strong team of associates, leaders and future hospitality leaders as we continue to expand can be a challenge, but it’s one we’re overcoming while raising the bar across the industry.
We offer internships, apprenticeships, leadership development programs, community and institutional outreach and ongoing educational opportunities for our Nemacolin team. Our location in rural Pennsylvania has made hiring a challenge in some respects, but with the recent development of Wisteria, working at Nemacolin has become increasingly accessible and opportune for those seeking a unique place to land and develop their hospitality and leadership career. Offering our associates a place to live and a community of their peers who can enjoy a market, rec center, pub, community center, and associate amenities has provided an easier transition, relocation process, and supportive group that comes with their employment at Nemacolin. We are proud to offer one of the largest associate communities in the nation which we continue to expand with more homes and amenities.
The Grand Lodge recently opened. Can you tell us about that property?
The Grand Lodge is spectacular. It is an all-suite, thoughtful and contemporary interpretation of Nemacolin’s original lodge, complete with 56 elevated and elaborately memorable suites. Each suite includes exclusive butler service and personalized amenities.
Guests’ arrival experiences are taken to another level with the hotel’s new lobby featuring a two-story split staircase, crackling fireplace and luxurious décor to welcome them. There are unique spaces for the fun, whimsy and unique personality Nemacolin is known for. The suites feature a mid-century ambiance, lighting, jewel tones, and gold and marble accents. Some will have a fireplace or a balcony. Make-believe comes to life within each room where guests will find grand four-poster beds and boutique embellishments. The bathrooms are an experience within themselves with chandeliers and luxurious accents—many with freestanding soaking tubs—inviting guests to unwind after a day of activities around the resort.
We’ve also added a new restaurant, Fawn & Fable, and two libation experiences: Circle Bar and The Study. Fawn & Fable will offer guests an incredible dining experience centered around a farm-to-table menu highlighting the culinary specialties of the Laurel Highlands. An elevated steakhouse, the restaurant’s offerings marry classics with modern twists. Circle Bar is an incredible space with imaginative drinks and unparalleled mixologists. For a more intimate experience, guests are invited to unwind at The Study, located steps from Circle Bar. These details are only a glimpse of the magic of The Grand Lodge and surprises lie behind every door.
A full reimagination of the resort is planned for next year. What will that entail?
There are so many surprises in store for the coming year that I don’t even know where to begin in revealing our plans for guests and members. In the coming months, we are embarking on an incredible new journey with renovations of our incredible, Parisian-inspired hotel, The Chateau; our signature Italian restaurant, Barattolo is being renovated and will become Gusto!; and the space formerly known as The Tavern will become an indulgent cabaret lounge known as Nightcap.
We’re also embarking on upgrades to some of the entities that are open to the general public, too. We’ve taken over the management of The Casino at Nemacolin, and we’ll be delivering a new look, a new restaurant and a new rewards club in the coming weeks and months. There’s a transition that’s taken place at The Field Club, now known as the Rod & Range Club, and this is a community-based fly fishing and sporting clays lodge that offers instruction, experiences, tournaments and so much more. We are excited about all that’s ahead at Nemacolin, and our team looks forward to unveiling each bit of magic ahead.
What does the future look like for Nemacolin?
Beyond the overall property reimagination happening in 2024, Nemacolin will continue to evolve to be a memorable and magical experience for our guests and members. This resort is truly unlike any other resort. We are a family, and when it comes to luxury hospitality, we think outside the box. It is this sense of whimsy and creativity that continues to make Nemacolin such a unique destination that will have a long future. We’ll always be looking to add new and exciting experiences and amenities for our guests and members, whether it’s concerts, live entertainment, activities, never-before-seen partnerships and more.
You run the resort with your son. What’s that like?
It’s wonderful to continue building Nemacolin with my son. PJ is the VP of brand strategy and has an amazing eye for design. He is the producer and director for much of Nemacolin’s Real Life Magic. His daily involvement with the resort’s vision and branding keeps the evolution fresh, relevant and eccentric, and he oversees the teamwork between departments for creative consistency and insightful alignment. I love working closely with PJ and watching his creativity take flight throughout so many aspects of the resort.
Can you detail your journey as a female leader in the industry?
I am fortunate to have grown as a leader at Nemacolin from a young age, establishing myself within the industry early on. As a female leader, I am grateful for the reassurance our associates provide in the direction of Nemacolin and the work we collectively do day in and day out. Being placed in leadership roles from an early age, I have been able to hone my skills and work with associates to become a leader they trust and support. I have found that over the years the key to leadership is being hands-on, which means listening and hearing from associates, members and guests.
Developing the historical property into what it has become today has necessitated our guests, members and associates to trust my vision for the future and to trust my sense of direction to get us there. From the construction of Falling Rock to the reimagination of The Grand Lodge, this journey has been about seeing things as bigger and better and accepting that not everyone understands the fun, whimsy and magic of Nemacolin. Although many of our ideas are unconventional, those who support our work entrust their belief in me which continues to establish growth and opportunities associated with having a female leader at the helm of Nemacolin.
I am grateful for those who continue to support our vision and work as well as those who have questioned and pressed me on my ideas, as all of them play a role in my success. The best part of all of this is that my journey is continuing. There’s more to come for Nemacolin, and I have a few goals ahead to accomplish, too.
Do you have any industry mentors? What did they teach you?
My mentor was my father, Joe Hardy. He taught me that “nothing is impossible,” and I’ve lived by that creed my entire life. I don’t let a challenge stop me from achieving my goals, even if some of my ideas are non-traditional. He also instilled an incredible work ethic and drive in me, and I’ve made it my mission to incorporate this same perspective in our associates so that our guests and members always experience impeccable service. Dad’s work also taught me to lead with love. His work ethic occasionally overshadowed the care he had for each associate, so I strive each day to let Team Nemacolin know how valuable they are to our family and the future of the property.
