Community Spotlight: How Tyler Herrick Has Raised the Bar for Lake George Area Hotels, Restaurants, and More
Our team recently caught up with Tyler Herrick, a key player in the Lake George and Glens Falls hospitality scene. Tyler chatted with us about how he got started in the industry, his love for the area, and his plans for the future. Come along as we hear about his journey!
Where Did You Grow Up?
I grew up in Topsfield, Massachusetts, a small town about 15 miles north of Boston. My summers were spent at a camp on Lake Winnipesaukee, which has been in my family since the 1800s.
I loved getting out on the water in my family’s Boston Whaler and cruising around the lake; back then, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit too—I was born and raised in an environment where both my parents owned their own companies. From a young age, they instilled in me a strong work ethic.
When I needed a job, I naturally gravitated toward the hospitality industry. During my summers at my grandparents’ place, I worked at various mom-and-pop hotels. These experiences laid the foundation for my future career in hospitality.
What Led You to the Lake George Area?
I attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, where I considered pursuing a law degree and entering government and politics. However, my focus shifted as I reflected on my experiences working in the hospitality industry throughout school and growing up.
For me, it was mainly about a passion to serve. In politics, I was drawn to solving people’s problems, addressing community issues, and making meaningful impacts.
I found a similar satisfaction in hospitality, where I could serve the public and contribute to the community. This alignment between service and my career goals solidified my path in the service industry.
I also met my wife, Sarah, at St. Lawrence University, who was born and raised in Glens Falls. Together, we made a pact: whoever landed a real job first would dictate where we settled. Soon after, her father offered us a duplex on Lawrence Street in Glens Falls. He was looking to step away from managing it, and we saw it as a perfect opportunity.
The very next day, Sarah secured a tenure-track teaching position over in Corinth. That sealed our decision, and the rest, as they say, is history.
How Did Spruce Hospitality Group Get Started?
I remember applying for a supervisor position at The Sagamore Resort, but at the interview, I was told I didn’t have enough experience. However, they wanted me to be a front desk agent.
I’ve always really loved a challenge, and I've always loved to prove myself in anything I do, so I accepted it. In the following years, I started to rise through the ranks, from sales to banquet management and eventually front office manager in 2006 and 2007.
The recession in 2008 tested my dedication, but I thrived, becoming assistant general manager by 30 and learning invaluable lessons in seasonal hospitality and management.
Reflecting on my career path, I saw an opportunity for greater personal and professional fulfillment. Despite the security and respect at The Sagamore, I always wanted to do something on my own. From 2015 to 2016, I partnered with Ed and Zack Moore to found Spruce Hospitality Group.
This move allowed me to blend my expertise with a hands-on approach to property management, emphasizing community engagement and quality service. It marked a pivotal shift toward achieving a better work-life balance while pursuing my passion for hospitality and leadership in Glens Falls.
Today, Spruce Hospitality Group manages several properties in the area, including:
- The Queensbury Hotel
- Fenimore's Pub
- Park 26 Restaurant
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Queensbury Glens Falls/Lake George Area
- French Mountain Commons
- Log Jam Outlets
- Coastal Society
- Lake George Wine Outlet
- The Candy Space
The Importance of Cultivating Community
Since settling in Glens Falls, my connection to the community has been a major part of my vision for service. My work with The Queensbury Hotel best shows this commitment.
When Zack Moore’s father, Ed Moore, purchased this historic hotel in 2016, it marked the first time in 60 years that The Queensbury was under local ownership and management.
500 people attended the grand reopening, a testament to how much this change meant to the community. The hotel has since become a vibrant focal point for Glens Falls, revitalizing the downtown area and sparking growth in local restaurants, theaters, and other businesses.
We’ve added 100 local jobs, further cementing our role as a critical player in the community’s development. Since we took over, annual occupancy at The Queensbury has grown from 40% to 60%. This means, on average, we have over 70 rooms booked per night, with people staying right in the heart of downtown.
Completing our new ballroom in 2022 has also allowed us to host various events, from large conferences to intimate community gatherings.
Despite this growth, we have preserved the elegant, hometown feel that makes The Queensbury a beloved landmark.
What Do You Love Most About the Area?
With four children and a busy family life, I enjoy taking time to explore the Lake George area together. We have the Warren County bike trail nearby, and the Gurney Lane Complex, which has a lot of interconnected trails.
There is so much to do outdoors, like Gore Mountain in North Creek, whitewater rafting, rail biking at Revolution Rail Co., and even West Mountain down at Exit 18.
I also think that The Hyde Museum is still one of our best kept secrets. Having this awesome cultural experience available for visitors in our small city is pretty remarkable.
What Are Your Plans for the Future?
Spruce Hospitality Group is constantly exploring new opportunities to grow and serve the Glens Falls community. I have my sights set on the east side of Lake George, a region known for its breathtaking sunsets and beauty.
Building a property there would be a valuable addition to our portfolio, allowing us to offer even more to our guests.
We are also considering expanding our residential offerings and adding more apartments and amenities to encourage long-term sustainable growth within the community. Zack and I love to brainstorm new ideas, ensuring that Spruce Hospitality Group remains at the forefront of hospitality and community service.
Check Out The Queensbury Hotel & Spruce Hospitality’s Other Properties
Thank you Tyler for speaking with us! We are looking forward to seeing what Spruce Hospitality brings to the table in the future. If you’ve never been to The Queensbury Hotel or their other properties, we recommend taking a visit during your next trip to Lake George.