Combining decades of experience in hotel development, ownership and operations, industry veterans Robert Finvarb and Brian Vujnovic have launched MIA Hospitality Management (MIAHM), a South Florida-based hotel operator.
Finvarb has spent more than two decades as the founder/CEO of his eponymous Robert Finvarb Companies (RFC), building a portfolio of hotels across several states in the U.S. Meanwhile, Vujnovic has 25 years of operational experience, including more than 11 years as VP/director of operations for RFC.
Together, the two hoteliers believe their experience with the day-to-day operations of RFC’s hotels has given them the expertise to run a third-party management company.
“We’ve had a tremendous opportunity to infuse our ethos and culture into our operational teams across our properties,” said Vujnovic, who serves as CEO of MIAHM. “We have a specific DNA and a unique approach to how we execute projects, and we carry that all the way down—from the GMs to hourly associates—promoting our culture throughout the portfolio.”
This technique, Finvarb explained, will enable MIAHM to attract hoteliers seeking a management company with an owner-centric mindset.
“Brian and his team, acting as asset managers, were already taking an extremely active approach in revenue management, identifying property leaders and assembling strong teams,” said Finvarb, who is partner/chairman of MIAHM. “His network is exceptional, and by bringing these resources in-house, we can maximize the performance of our existing portfolio and offer third parties an opportunity to work with an owner-centric firm.”
The MIA in the company’s name stands for mastery, innovation and assurance, which, Vujnovic said, means “infusing our passion and our drive to succeed throughout all of our associates at the property level, and instilling a culture where everyone desires to outperform the norm.”
He added, “Too often, management becomes a ‘check-the-box’ exercise—that’s not our approach. We want associates to feel their work is meaningful, and for them to grow in their careers and to grow with us in a purposeful way.”
One factor the company’s founders believe sets them apart from its competitors is their leadership team’s career trajectory.
“Our executives all started from the ground up,” Vujnovic said. “I began as a front desk associate. Our VP of operations and finance started as an accounting clerk. Our revenue director and HR director also started at the front desk. Having C-suite leaders who’ve worked in associates’ shoes is rare in this industry. Combined with our ownership experience, it allows us to craft property-specific strategies instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.”
MIAHM offers similar services as other hotel management companies, including day-to-day strategic operations, accounting, finance, HR, IT support, food and beverage.
“With our development experience, we can also offer pre-opening services,” said Vujnovic. “We can help owners design operationally efficient buildings, choose the right franchise and program the space—from room mix to F&B outlets. Robert and I have opened 10 hotels in the last 11 years, and that expertise benefits our partners.”
The company launched with an existing portfolio of five hotels across South Florida, including the dual-branded AC Hotel Miami Brickell and Element by Westin Miami Brickell, the SpringHill Suites Miami Downtown/Medical Center and the Hyatt Centric South Beach. A month later, MIAHM assumed management of the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruiseport.
“What’s unique about our portfolio is that, even though all properties are in South Florida, they serve different segments of the travel industry,” said Vujnovic. “We operate hotels catering to medical travelers, families, weddings, corporate clients, leisure guests, convention attendees and airport/cruise passengers. It’s rare for a startup to touch full-service lifestyle, select-service and blue-chip brands all at once.”
The company’s pipeline includes Hyatt Centric Wynwood, which is currently being developed by RFC and is projected to open in 2028. “It will be the first traditional hotel in terms of room size and amenities in the market,” said Finvarb.
While several other management deals are in the works, Finvarb noted that there is no growth plan in place—and there may never be.
“I’ve been in business 23 years and have never put together a business plan,” he said. “Opportunities arise every day, and we try to assess them thoughtfully. I believe the market will see us as an exciting management option.”
Whatever opportunities come their way, Finvarb, Vujnovic and their associates are ready to manage them together.
“Surrounding ourselves with good people is most important, and that’s how we’ve built our team—exceptional professionals who are also exceptional human beings,” said Finvarb. “That will show in the performance of every single hotel we manage.”
