Ryan Snyder, President of Cannon Beach-based Martin Hospitality, doesn’t fit the stereotype of the driven, stressed out CEO.
One of the first things you notice about him as you’re shaking hands is his kind and welcoming smile. Then there’s the fact that he seems to be almost radiating happiness, and well... hospitality.
Snyder oversees world-class Martin properties such as The Surfsand Resort and The Stephanie Inn, and The Lumberyard Rotisserie & Grill in Cannon Beach, and the Inn of
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Ryan Snyder
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the Four Winds in Seaside, among others.
Snyder grew up in the hospitality business in California - he remembers helping out with the family business when he was about seven years old.
"I always knew that I was going to be in the industry," he said. "I’ve always enjoyed wonderful people and food. The journey has been an interesting one."
He began working for Martin Hospitality in 1995 in Cannon Beach and quickly rose through the ranks of the company, becoming executive vice president and eventually taking over as president after founder Steve Martin passed away. His wife of 14 years, Stephanie, is Steve Martin’s daughter.
The Snyders work together in the company, and Stephanie helps with employee orientation among other duties.
Snyder said the Martin philosophy is all about making people happy, about giving.
"We help people create memories to share with somebody else," he said. "We love what we do. Even when we travel we’re constantly looking for better ways to do things."
During our February interview, Snyder was feeling elated about the great Valentine’s Day weekend - lots of guests stayed in Martin hotels. He was still going through loads of email from customers, and said feedback has been "98.5 percent positive."
Synder said it’s true that the hospitality business sometimes isn’t all sweetness and light, when customers complain or other problems arise.
When things get difficult, he said he recalls a famous poem he once saw on the wall of Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Calcutta.
Snyder said ever since he first read the verses, the poem has reminded him to just "love them anyway."
Despite his phenomenal professional success, Snyder is down to earth.
"I’ve been blessed; my family’s been blessed," he said. "We never lose sight of the fact that it could all go away."
With two small children ages four and seven, they’re also focused on home life too.
"We’ve always known that what was important is our family," he said. "Stephanie and I are trying to find balance in our lives."