Get to know our new GM

What does the General Manager of a hotel do? Well, you might see them walking around picking up little flecks of dust that you didn't even see in the hallway. You might see them in the parking lot walking in incessant circles around the hotel. They may be a little OCD about what direction the pillows are facing or which pen caps go on what pen. But at the end of the day, they do all that to help keep the hotel running at peak performance and we, as staff, appreciate all that they do and hope that you, as guests, do as well. But outside of their nuances, sometimes it's fun to get to know them on a more personal level. We at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites would like to introduce you to our new General Manager, Mr. Mike Doran.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: I grew up in a military family, born in Japan, and have lived all over the world.  In 1986, after my father retired from the Air Force, we moved to Shelburne, VT.  I met my wife (Michelle Dampier Doran) at Champlain College and she is a Malone native.  In 2001 we moved to Malone and live close to upper Titus/Chasm Falls.  My daughter graduated from Franklin Academy in 2012 and now attends The Culinary Institude of America in Hyde Park, NY and my son attends Davis Elementary. 

Q: Is there a quote that you live by?

A: "Share the wins  & own the losses."   Successful management is all about getting people to work together & taking responsibility in fixing issues versus blaming others or a situation. 

Q: What is your favorite spot in Malone?

A: Elephant Head. I hike there a few times a year.  Always a great view of Lake Titus!

Q: If we were to find you outside the hotel, where would it be?

A: Hiking, four-wheeling, landscaping & always having a camera strapped to me. So much to love and share in the North Country.

Q: Any other hobbies?

A: I've played guitar since the age of 12, and since I don't have a record contract it's a hobby!

Q: If you were to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Europe. It's one interesting area of the world I've haven't been to yet.

Q: Favorite travel item?

A: iPad, iPhone, Camera, & GPS.  All for exploration and sharing.

Q: Best item on the HIE breakfast bar?

A: Cinnamon Swirls!

Q: What do you see for the future of the hotel?

A: 1) Developing an already great staff to the next level of courtesy & service.  2) Huge opportunity to get word of mouth marketing to really work for us.  Sharing the hidden beauty in the area/attractions and great stays need to be broadcasted to all our guests friends and family to encourage deeper targeted online marketing through experiences and sharing postives.

Q: A fun fact about you that will make our guests smile:

A: I loved Miami Vice enough to buy a Don Johnson style wardrobe in the mid 80s.

Q: Any last words?

A: Anyone want to grab a drink at Mo's?