Walsh Associates Celebrates 10 Years at Forefront of Hospitality Purchasing and Project Management

PORT CHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 4, 2003--For 10 years, Walsh Associates has excelled at something few others in the hospitality industry even attempt: marrying the services of a project manager with the buying power of a skilled furniture, fixtures and equipment purchasing company.

Walsh's singular combination of expertise has saved millions for the company's hotel clients and made Walsh Associates the project manager/FF&E purchaser of choice for noteworthy renovation projects across the country. The company will celebrate its 10th anniversary in January 2004. Since its inception, Walsh Associates has provided project management and purchasing services for more than 90 projects representing more than $200 million.

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"Having a single company provide both project management and purchasing services in many cases improves every aspect of a renovation project," says Scott S. Piccone, vice president of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, Inc. "Schedules and budgets are met. Communication is more efficient. The owner's life is simplified by having one point of contact for nearly every issue associated with the renovation project."

Walsh Associates is one of the few independent companies I know of that provides both project management and FF&E services," says Gerald P. Chase, president/chief operating officer of New Castle Hotels, a Shelton, Conn.-based hotel development, ownership and management company.

Walsh's experience spans premier domestic and international resorts such as the Marco Island Marriott Resort in Florida, historic properties like Gurney's Inn on Long Island, and renowned hotels like the former Marriott World Trade Center. Leading hotel owners such as Mass Mutual Insurance Company tap Walsh to implement redesigns. Management companies like New Castle Hotels turn to Walsh for assistance when faced with a particularly complex renovation project, such as the renovation of privately owned rental pool condos at Canada's landmark Deerhurst Resort.

The company manages every aspect of a construction project, from helping establish design, budget and schedule goals, to overseeing the bidding process and supervising the construction. As an FF&E purchasing agent, Walsh handles everything from costing and budgeting, to contracting for installation and warehousing.

Bill Walsh founded the company in 1994, working from his home. Prior to creating Walsh Associates, Bill was vice president of technical services for Accor North America Corp., where he directed the technical services department for design and construction of Sofitel and Novotel hotels throughout North America. He holds a master's degree in civil engineering and construction management from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado.

"We've seen some interesting evolutions occur in the hospitality industry over the past 10 years," Walsh says. "While the role of the major hotel companies' technical services department has declined, the influence of the asset manager has increased," Walsh explains. "Asset managers are relying more on outside consultants for project management, design and purchasing. And instead of increased specialization, more consultants are trying to do what we've been doing for 10 years - providing added services. We see those in different roles - including other purchasing agents and architects - offering project management; it seems that everyone wants a bigger piece of the renovation pie."

Walsh has also observed a marked change in the influence Asia has had on FF&E costs. "Asia, in general, and China, in particular, has had a huge impact on lowering FF&E costs," says Walsh. "Asia is getting more sophisticated in its products offerings, using, for example, computerized yarn placement technology to create exquisite tufted carpets."

Timing has also changed, according to Walsh. "Lead times seem to have increased, with fewer supplies kept in stock. And with ocean freight and customs to contend with, proper planning has become even more critical."

For more information, contact William Walsh at 914-690-9790, or visit the Walsh Associates' website at www.walshworks.com.