John R. Hardy, the visionary behind The Hardy Group (formerly The John Hardy Group), founded the company on February 2nd, 1992. Serving as President for three decades, he assumed the role of Chairman and Founder in January 2022. John takes a hands-on approach, managing all facets of the business with a strong emphasis on investment and development activities. As a thought leader in the industry, he is committed to enhancing HARDY’s capabilities and core services, providing even greater value to the company’s clients.

Prior to the formation of HARDY, John was the Group Vice President of Architecture and Construction for Interstate Hotels Corporation. During his tenure of seven years, John was instrumental as a principal in the development, design, and construction of 14 first-class full-service hotels and the renovation of many types of hotels nationally. John was also a principal in the architectural firm of Golemon & Rolfe Associated, Inc., Houston, and was associated early in his career with William B. Tabler Architects, New York City.

John is a 1973 graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree and received a Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College in New York City in 1976. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute, Hotel Development Council, and The American Hotel and Lodging Hospitality Association and the Hospitality Roundtable. Additionally, John has been a guest lecturer at Cornell University Hotel School, the University of Illinois, the Savannah College of Art and Design, the UCLA Investment Conference, the Hotel Investment Conference, the Lodging Conference, the New Americas Lodging Investment Summit, the HfelyD Summit, HD Expo and HD Boutique conferences and various other industry conferences. John has also been published and quoted in industry-related articles in the national, regional and local media.

John is also the Founder and Juror of Radical Innovation. In an effort to fuel the future of the hospitality industry, John created an annual competition that mobilizes innovators from around the world with ideas to propel the industry forward. 17 years later, Radical Innovation has received thousands of submissions from 55 countries at the professional and student level.