About Bedford Lodging
Bedford Lodging is a Dallas-based hotel development company founded in 2013. Founder and President Jeff Blackman has over 25 years of expertise in every aspect of the hotel business having been affiliated with the development of more than 150 properties. Blackman's proficiency touches all facets of the lodging business including development, management, asset management, acquisition, due diligence, and advisory services.
In 2020, Jeff founded 5 Senses Hospitality to manage the day-to-day operations of Bedford Lodging’s assets as well as hotels for other property owners.
Leadership
Jeff Blackman | President
Since 1995, Jeff Blackman has amassed deep expertise in every facet of the hotel business, having been involved in ground up development for over 150 hotels, financing for multiple portfolios, single asset loans, and CMBS executions, asset management formation and oversight for REITs, property management, risk management, Property Tax appeals, Appraisals and Valuation analysis, and Market Feasibility.
Jeff began his career in his hometown of Wichita, KS with Jack DeBoer, creator of the extended stay hotel segment, having founded Candlewood Suites, Residence Inn (created and sold to Marriott) and Summerfield Suites. Jeff oversaw the Development Planning and Market Feasibility department, for Candlewood Suites, shepherding its rapid growth to over 100 hotels nationwide.
In 2003, Jeff was named VP of Acquisitions for Ashford, where they acquired $2 billion of hotel assets between 2003-2005.
In 2005, Jeff joined Marriott International as Vice President of Development for the Central Region. He quickly grew the franchise business of its select service and extended stay brands, executing over 100 development deals in two years.
Jeff joined Western International in 2007, one of the largest owner/operator/developers in the U.S.. As Executive Vice President of Operations, Jeff re-organized the company through the downturn of 2009, and developed a company culture now recognized as an award-winning management company for Hilton and Marriott hotels. In addition to overseeing the management company, Jeff actively participated in the development of over 25 hotels during his tenure with Western International.
Jeff launched Bedford Lodging in 2013 to leverage his long-standing industry relationships and expertise in all facets of the lodging business: Development, Management, Asset Management, Acquisition, Due Diligence assistance, and Advisory services.
He was previously on the Towneplace Suites franchise advisory committee and currently serves as President of the Fairfield Inn & Suites franchise advisory committee. Jeff is also on the Tapestry Collection by Hilton Owner Advisory council. In addition, he is an active member of the National Advisory Council of Wichita State University.