David Warriner

President of Tapper and Company Properties Management, Inc.

David Warriner is president of Tapper and Company Properties Management, Inc., a hospitality and commercial property management company located in Gulf County, Florida.  Tapper and Company manages the Port Inn, The Thirsty Goat and MainStay Suites.

In addition, David is managing director for the George G. and Amelia G. Tapper Foundation in Port St. Joe, Florida.  He earned a B.S.B.A. in Finance from the University of Florida in 1986. He is married to Patricia Tapper Warriner, and they have two children, Amelia and Dave, Jr.

David has an extensive background in community service in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Gulf Coast Community College Foundation and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.  He has served in the capacity of President and/or director of his local Chamber of Commerce, local Lions Club and about any and all local community development organizations that have existed in Gulf County during the last 10 years.  He is a founding director of the Community Development Corporation and has worked to initiate affordable and sustainable housing initiatives in Gulf County.

David is also very proud to co-chair, with his wife, Patricia, the private community fundraising effort necessary to bring Sacred Heart Hospital to Port St. Joe.  They have been, in part, responsible for over two million dollars being pledged to the enhancement of the Hospital’s services. 

What do you think will be the biggest industry trend in the last half of 2011?
With regards to hotel operations, it would be the trend to maximize profitability for every square foot of available space.  As capital has become tighter, it is important to make sure every aspect of the physical plant is contributing to the bottom-line, both from a cost and revenue perspective.  Also we are getting back to basics; focus on staff, training, cleanliness and excellence in customer service.  These are things that can be done when capital is tight.  We are also seeing growth rates in the extended stay segment out-pace traditional transient offerings.  As the economy improves, we expect this to continue.   On the F&B side we are focusing on limited menu, small plate offerings that are made with healthier ingredients.  People are simplifying. Bigger is not always better.

What issue would you most like to see positively addressed by Florida’s legislature?
The legislature needs to focus on getting Floridians back to work.  A strong commitment to economic development needs to be part of their agenda for 2012, and I expect our Governor will demand this.  Our industry is closely tied to the financial well-being of our friends and neighbors.  A strong Florida is a strong hospitality industry and vice versa.  Also, they need to put the OTC’s in their place and allow all of us to compete on a level playing field.

What is the single greatest factor in the success of your business?
Our team!  I hire the best available people, pay better than my competition, and allow them to do their job.  I set expectations and hold them accountable, but we have a lot of fun while pleasing our guests.

How has participation in FRLA positively affected your business?
It has been one of the most rewarding things I have done professionally.  I did not enter this business with an extensive hospitality background.  But once in, the FRLA put me in a position to meet and learn from the people in the State that make it all happen.  It also has been a great way to create awareness with the decision-makers from around Florida in what we have to offer in Florida’s Great Northwest.  I have been involved in many organizations in the past, but the FRLA is by far the most cost-effective investment I could have made to support my business and personal professional growth.

Is there anything you would like to share with Florida’s hospitality industry members?
Come visit us on Florida’s Forgotten Coast.  If you have never seen Port Saint Joe, we will surprise you.  We are the consummate old Florida.  If you stop by the Thirsty Goat, I may even buy you a drink!

How has your business strategy changed over the last few years?
We are moving from a reactive to a proactive business model.  There was a time prior to the oil spill when we just had to wait for guests to fill our rooms.  Now we have to  go out and get them.  We now lean heavily on our strategic partnerships like our local TDC, Chamber of Commerce, Visit Florida and of course FRLA.  Social media is becoming a very important means to communicate with our guests.  We always have to be current and relevant to what people expect from us.