Our Team

  • Chairman

    Jay Patel is considered a pioneer in the hotel industry with over 30 years experience. in the hotel industry. He has expertise in hotel management, hotel construction and remodeling. He started in the industry operating an independent hotel and quickly moved on to managing 15 properties. He has owned and operated such branded hotels as the Comfort Inn, Days Inn and a Super 8 property. Upon moving to McDonough, GA, he opened the Best Western hotel and was honored with several awards.

    Mr. Patel is a current member and former director of the AAHOA and also a Former Best Western Governor

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Nick Patel is a hospitality professional with over 25 years in the industry. His expertise includes operations and marketing and he has managed multiple construction and remodeling projects. His opening background includes: Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn McDonough, GA; Holiday Inn Stockbridge; Holiday Inn Express Cumming, Ga.

    Mr. Patel received his MBA from Georgia College & State University.

  • Vice President of Operations

    Jeff Schneider is the Vice President of Operations for Y/M Management Group, a full service management company that maintains a diverse portfolio of hotel assets throughout the United States. Mr. Schneider joined Y/M Management Group in December of 2013, bringing a wealth of branding and operations experience along with a passion for the business. During his career he has built an impressive track record in hotel operations, revenue management, marketing and general management of branded, luxury and boutique properties throughout the United States. He has held executive level management positions with companies like Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, Starwood, Choice and Radisson. At Y/M Management Group, Schneider is heading up a team of hospitality management professionals, driving the company's commitment to successful operations by focusing on top line revenues, guest service, expense control and overall profitability. He also understands that highly engaged companies have higher operating margins. Schneider knows that engagement means lower turnover and as importantly, engaged employees invest their physical, mental and emotional energies in their work. This core employee relations philosophy along with his operations expertise has lead to numerous awards including being honored as the HSMAI Mile High Chapter General Manager of the year and winning the Radisson Presidential Award and General Manager of the year while with Doramar Hotels for two years running. Schneider was most recently employed as the Vice President of Operations for HP Hotels, responsible for the operational oversight of 30 properties throughout the Southeast US. Prior to this appointment he was a regional director of hotels for MEI hotels based out of Cleveland OH.

    Schneider graduated from the University of New Hampshire School Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration and a minor in Psychology. In his free times he enjoys skiing, watching sports and maintaining his five acre horse farm located just outside Peachtree City, Georgia. He has been married for twenty three years to his wife, Emily, and have a Nineteen year old son, Henry in college.

  • Regional Director of Sales & Operations

    Lenore Broadley has more than 30 years of Hospitality experience and joined the Y/M Management Group in August of 2014. As the Regional Director of Operations, Lenore brings years of Sales, Sales Development, Operations, and Training experience with her, along with an impressive track record for maximizing growth and profits for a variety of Hotel brands throughout the United States. She has held senior leadership positions with Hilton, IHG, and Radisson.

    At Y/M Management Group, Lenore will be responsible for creating the Sales Culture for a portfolio of properties in the TX, OK regions. Lenore will be overseeing Revenue Management, Social Media, and the maintenance of Brand Standards, while at the same time partnering with the VP of Operations in driving the company's commitment to successful operations by focusing on top line revenues, guest service, expense control and overall profitability.

    Lenore was most recently employed as the Regional Vice President of Hotel Operations for Jackie’s International, Canton MS, responsible for the operational oversight of multiple properties throughout the Northern Region of MS.

    Lenore graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She is a native of Minnesota. In her free times she enjoys running and cycling. She has two daughters, recent graduates of G-Tech and Emory University, in Atlanta GA.

  • Regional Director of Sales & Operations

  • Accounting and Office Manager

  • Regional Director of Engineer

    Kurt Russell has more than 10 years of Hospitality experience. Kurt joined YM Management Group in 2021 as the Chief Engineer for the Embassy Suites Atlanta Airport North. In this role, he oversees the engineering and preventative maintenance program for YM’s full service and selects service properties.

    Prior to YM, Kurt worked his way through the ranks as chief engineer, later being promoted to Regional Director of Engineering. He is responsible for onsite renovation management including scheduling, general contractor management as well as reporting renovation progress to upper management. Kurt also oversees several aspects of the ground-up construction for new development projects.

    During his spare time, Kurt enjoys spending time with his sons and watching his favorite sports team.

  • Regional Director of Operations

    Frances Kalema has more than 12 years of Hospitality experience, working in various select and full-service operations and sales roles. She has held senior leadership positions with Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt. Frances joined the Y/M Management Group in July 2021. In 2023, she was promoted to Regional Director of Sales and Operations.

    As the Regional Director of Sales and Operations, Frances is responsible for the operational oversight of multiple properties throughout the Atlanta region. She is responsible for overall operations support, financial performance and implementing dynamic marketing strategies to ensure revenue optimization. Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Technology.

    Frances enjoys spending time with her daughter and creating new art with mixed medias.

  • Regional Director of Food & Beverage

    Delroy Stewart joined YM Hospitality in 2011 with 42 years of experience. As the Executive Director of Food & Beverage, Delroy is responsible for implanting all food and beverage programs within YM’s portfolio. He oversees the operational oversight of all development projects including new hotel construction, renovations, and F&B concepts.

    Prior to joining YM, Delroy was the Executive Chef for IHG’s, Crowne Plaza. During his time with IHG he successful implemented a new food & beverage program which allowed the property to exceed their 4 million budget.

    During his free time Delroy is the associate pastor at his church and enjoys giving back to the community.