“
what they built was more than lodging. It had a reputation for warmth, consistency, and for doing things right. That DNA still runs through the company today. ”
were visionaries. Wally and Sally saw an opportunity through instinct, hard work, and hospitality in its purest form. They built a few cottages next to their family home, thinking it might help support the household. But words spread quickly. People came back. Then they brought their friends. That’s how it began—not with scale in mind, but with people. They officially opened their doors that year, and what they built was more than lodging. It had a reputation for warmth, consistency, and for doing things right. That DNA still runs through the company today. Spotlight on Business: In the 50’s, after two decades in the hospitality industry, Wallace and Sally decided to expand. Tell us about that expansion and the family’s entrepreneurial journey through the generations. Mark Rodd: The 1950s marked the beginning of our first major expansion. What started as a seasonal cottage business run by my grandparents, Wallace and Sally Rodd, began evolving into a year-round operation. They built three cottages next to their farmhouse in 1935, never imagining it would
one day grow into one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognized hospitality brands. Even in those early years, my family understood the importance of reinvesting back into the business. After the war, we leaned into new opportunities, like the growing hunting tourism market, which sparked expansion. In 1954, we built our first 16-unit motel, and by 1960, we had the first true motel in the region. My father, David Rodd, returned from school and took over in 1966, pushing the business into its next phase. He acquired the Confederation Inn, opened the Parkview Motel in Moncton in 1972, and doubled its size just two years later, which is now the Rodd Moncton. Following a fire in 1976, he led the development of a new hotel in Charlottetown. In 1981, we expanded Rodd Royalty with 40 more rooms, and in 1982, we acquired the Yarmouth Grand—the largest property in our portfolio at that time. The next few years were pivotal. Brudenell opened in 1983, Mill River followed in 1984, and in 1985, we had our biggest year, purchasing both the Charlottetown Hotel and the Colony Inn.
Over time, we’ve grown thoughtfully and with purpose, along with our share of highs and lows. Today, we run seven properties and over 700 rooms across three provinces. That mindset—build it right, grow when it makes sense, grow where we can deliver value, stay true to who we are, and create spaces that reflect the local character. From a few cottages in PEI to properties across the Maritimes, it’s always been a mix of instinct, discipline, and not losing sight of why we started. Every property reflects that, grounded in strong teams and deep local roots. Spotlight on Business: All the Rodd Hotels & Resorts properties share the same brand philosophy but are all unique in their own way. Can you tell us about each of the properties and what guest can expect during their stay? Mark Rodd: Each of our properties is designed to reflect the character of the community it’s in, but the standard of service, quality, and hospitality remains
14 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 3
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 15
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator