about · the people

A small group, in one place.

Brightwild has been independently held since 2014. Headquarters is in Old Town, Key West, three blocks from the first property we ever opened. The portfolio has grown to ten-plus brands since — and the team is built to take on the right asset wherever it sits.

01 / origin

Brightwild began with a single seven-key inn on Fleming Street. The first quarter, the original lockbox-rental P&L showed a margin so thin we considered stopping. The second quarter, we hired a chef. The third, we redesigned the rooms. The fourth, we doubled ADR. The lesson stuck: an asset performs the way it is operated.

02 / leadership

Six leads. One office.

Brooke Atwell
Founder & CEO

Founded Brightwild in 2014 with one inn in Old Town. Sets strategy, capital partnerships, and the design point of view.

Dan Garcia
President

Operations across all properties. Twenty years in independent hospitality before Brightwild; ran F&B groups in New Orleans and Charleston.

Elizabeth Wren
Head of Design

In-house studio. Brand, interior, and signage. Background at independent agencies in New York and Los Angeles.

Jackie Forman
Head of Investments

Underwrites every acquisition. Fund LP relationships. Previously ten years in real-estate private equity.

Michael Stapleman
Head of Revenue

Revenue management, distribution, and CRM across the portfolio. Built the direct-booking system from scratch.

Emma Reade
Head of Hospitality

Guest experience, training, and the standards that make repeat stays inevitable.