Meet the Team Behind PHD Hotels

As the CEO of PHD Hotels, Tom Hunt serves as the chief strategist for the company. He founded the company in 1998 and has spearheaded the development of 20 hotel projects through the years. The projects have a total cost of over $135 Million and Mr. Hunt raised $41 Million from investors for equity in these deals. He successfully sold all 10 hotels in the portfolio in 2006 for a positive return for investors, 8 of which were sold to a national hotel REIT. Previous to PHD Hotels, Mr. Hunt worked for a group of investors and developed 3 Hampton Hotels. Hunt has served on several committees through the years with Hilton Hotels Corporation including the Hilton Garden Inn Advisory Council and a focus group that helped design the concept for the Home2 Suites brand.

​Chris Chavis serves as the President of PHD Hotels, overseeing the daily operations of the properties as well as the development of new projects. He began his hotel career in 1992 while attending Auburn University, graduating with degrees in Accounting and Psychology. Chris was the first person recruited by Tom Hunt when PHD Hotels started in 1998. He has assisted in the development process of all 20 PHD projects and is well versed in all brands within the Hilton and Marriott portfolio. Behind his leadership, multiple hotels over the years have been recognized and awarded for providing outstanding service. Chris supervises all hotel financial reporting and communicates with current investors. He has been active and engaged in the local community, presiding as President of the Kiwanis Club of Auburn, and as a volunteer coach in many youth sports.

Jim Hunt serves as Vice President of PHD Hotels. He began his career with PHD as a desk clerk at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Opelika, AL in 2011. After working in management at that property, he was brought into the corporate office in 2013 to assist with the operations of the current portfolio and the development of new projects. Jim plays an important role in the company for our investors as he serves as the Revenue Manager for the hotels. In this capacity he works with each individual property and their management team to implement strategies for reaching the primary goal of maximizing revenue. He also visits the hotels and performs inspections to assist our General Managers in maintaining the top-quality accommodations that our guests expect.