Maggie Hardy, the Owner and CEO of 84 Lumber, leads one of the United States’ largest privately-owned building materials suppliers. The company, originally founded by her father, Joe Hardy, in 1956 in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, came under her leadership in 1992 when she was just 26 years old. Incredibly, the company achieved over $1 billion in sales the very next year.
Today, 84 Lumber operates an extensive network of nearly 310 facilities across 35 states, generating an impressive $8 billion in revenue. Beyond her role at 84 Lumber, Maggie also owns the Nemacolin resort in rural Pennsylvania, which boasts design elements inspired by the elegance of the Ritz in Paris, along with vintage airplanes and even a piece of the Berlin Wall.
In her capacity as the owner and CEO of Nemacolin, Maggie bears the joyful yet significant responsibility of overseeing the present and future of the resort, working closely with the dedicated team of associates. A substantial portion of her role involves ensuring the seamless operation and sustainable growth of Nemacolin, aligning with the vision for its prosperous future. Her evaluation of the resort’s progress and her own effectiveness as a leader involves a comprehensive analysis of both the property’s growth and the team supporting it.
Among the many aspects of her daily routine, Maggie finds immense happiness in connecting with and checking in on her associates. Recognizing the integral role they play in Nemacolin’s advancement, their life updates serve as ongoing motivation in her daily work, inspiring the resort’s continual growth. Maggie firmly believes that the trajectory of the organization would not be possible without the dedication and contributions of Team Nemacolin. As a result, she places great emphasis on nurturing authentic and genuine relationships with every member of the associate team. These relationships are at the heart of the resort’s success and her role in shaping its future.
Maggie asserts, “I would like to foster stronger associate communities, expand environmental efforts within the hospitality industry and society as a whole, and ensure everyone experiences Real Life Magic in their lifetime.”
A Family Legacy of Adventure, Luxury, and Hospitality
Nemacolin is a getaway like no other, with over 2,200 acres of adventure, luxury accommodations, and unparalleled service, we have established ourselves as a must-visit destination and welcome all who visit into the Nemacolin family. The property offers five lodging options: The Chateau, Falling Rock, The Grand Lodge (opening September 2023), The Homes, and The Estates. There are over 18 restaurants, lounges and eateries, each offering unique and unforgettable experiences for guests and members.
Nemacolin is a testament to a lifelong project that began in 1987 when Maggie’s father set out to buy a few acres near a lake or stream for her. Maggie’s love for the outdoors and fishing inspired this endeavor. Instead of just acquiring a small piece of land, they discovered and fell in love with a family hunting reserve. This initial purchase included a large portion of land and a lodge, which served as the original accommodation until a recent comprehensive reimagining in the year mentioned.
Nemacolin represents the start of a lifelong venture shared between Maggie and her father. Today, she continues to build upon this legacy with her son, PJ Magerko Liquorice, ensuring that the project remains a cherished and enduring family endeavor.
Leadership through Immersion
Maggie has discovered that one of the most effective ways to grow and develop as a business leader is by immersing herself in the industry, she works in. Through travel and exploration, she gains valuable insights into emerging trends and draws inspiration for Nemacolin. By actively engaging with various hospitality experiences, she can observe and learn from competitors, contributing to her growth and development as a business leader.
Maggie’s role offers her the unique freedom to find inspiration in a wide range of sources, from innovative fashion trends to groundbreaking developments in art and gastronomy. This openness to diverse influences enriches her perspective and keeps her attuned to the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry.
For emerging leaders, Maggie emphasizes the importance of considering all the contributing factors to success. She places a strong emphasis on cultivating a dedicated family of associates while simultaneously focusing on the development and enhancement of the property itself. By balancing the needs and aspirations of both her associates and the expectations of guests and members, Nemacolin continues to achieve success, and Maggie continues to evolve as a better leader.
Tech-Driven Hospitality with a Personal Touch
Maggie highlights how technology is shaping the hospitality industry, influencing various aspects from pre-arrival experiences to on-site services. While embracing technology to enhance guest experiences, Nemacolin also strives to maintain the essential personal touch that defines hospitality.
Nemacolin has developed its own app, which not only assists guests in navigating the property but also connects them with personalized concierge services right from the moment they make a reservation. Each guest is assigned a dedicated Nemacolin associate who takes care of their preferences, dietary restrictions, special occasions, and vacation goals to ensure a tailored and unforgettable stay.
Furthermore, technological advancements are playing a crucial role in supporting sustainability initiatives at Nemacolin. The addition of a photovoltaic solar array on the hotel’s roof, the conversion of the golf cart fleet to electric vehicles, and the availability of zero-emission bicycles and electric bicycles for guests all contribute to reducing the resort’s environmental impact. The property’s commitment to sustainability also extends to recycling used cooking oil into biofuel for heating and replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
These advancements in technology align with broader industry trends that emphasize sustainability, allowing Nemacolin to continue its efforts in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the hospitality sector.
Bold Risks and Bright Visions
Maggie describes two significant risks she has undertaken during her professional journey. The first involves the reimagining of the original lodge at Nemacolin. This decision required trust from both her and the resort’s members and guests in envisioning the future of the property. Reimagining the historic lodge meant temporarily closing it during construction and offering fewer lodging options. However, the creation of The Grand Lodge with 56 suites and elevated experiences was seen as a worthwhile endeavor.
The second risk involved the development of the Wisteria community for Nemacolin’s associates. While some might have questioned the prioritization of a community for associates over re-envisioning accommodations for guests, Maggie recognized the importance of her team and their role in the resort’s success. Wisteria offers amenities exclusively for associates, acknowledging their dedication and contribution to Nemacolin.
Looking ahead, Maggie sees Nemacolin continuing to thrive as a leading luxury resort. She believes in the limitless possibilities and the resort’s commitment to delivering excellence in countless ways, ensuring its continued success in the years to come.
Redefining Luxury at Nemacolin and Shaping the Future
The future of Nemacolin is set to take flight in September with the much-anticipated opening of The Grand Lodge. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter as the company reimagines the original accommodation of the resort. The Grand Lodge is nothing short of breathtaking, offering an all-suite experience that elevates the vision of the original lodge.
With 56 butler-serviced suites, personalized amenities, new dining options, bars, and spaces for its valued guests and members to enjoy, The Grand Lodge is set to redefine luxury. Nemacolin has spared no expense in sourcing the finest interior designers, builders, and architects for this project, and the team can’t wait to share it with its cherished members and guests.
This reimagination represents just the first step in unveiling the updated, eclectic style that defines Nemacolin. The management thrilled about its grand opening and the opportunity to solidify Nemacolin’s position as a premier luxury resort. With this project’s completion, the hotel is ready to share its story with the world, revealing all the incredible work happening behind the scenes.
Nemacolin has been a hospitality leader for over 35 years, welcoming guests from around the globe. It has consistently reinvested in the resort, and there are no bounds to what the team will do to enhance the resort’s reputation regionally, nationally, and internationally. It invites everyone to come and experience the fun and whimsy that Nemacolin has to offer.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
