our-start-imgOur Roots
In the vibrant setting of Kalispell, Montana, the foundation of MBE Hospitality Management was laid, closely reflecting the life and aspirations of its founder, Eric Bahme. Anchored in faith and a relentless commitment to hospitality, Eric has devoted his career to fostering environments that facilitate genuine connections, transcending mere business transactions.
With an extensive career spanning over two decades, Eric’s expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the hospitality industry, including operations, construction, and development of full-service hotels, midscale establishments, and resorts. Renowned for his pursuit of excellence and a knack for innovation, Eric seamlessly integrates his entrepreneurial heart with his core spiritual values, creating a legacy that challenges the norms of traditional business practices.
From his early days in Arizona, Eric was drawn towards ministry, guiding both his educational pursuits and career goals. His academic achievements, earning degrees from Walla Walla College and Andrews University, set the stage for a unique career path that would intertwine spiritual leadership with entrepreneurial ingenuity. Alongside his wife, Rita, Eric and Rita ventured into a life dedicated to ministry, pastoring two significant churches: New Life in Seattle, Washington and Eastside in Portland, Oregon.
Their tenure at Eastside marked a particularly innovative venture when they acquired a large hotel in Portland, operating it as both a church and a hotel. This bold move not only underscored Eric and Rita’s deep commitment to hospitality but also demonstrated their belief in its power to build community and connection. Remarkably, this hotel gained national attention in the hospitality industry and was awarded Platinum status with Choice Hotels, highlighting their successful integration of business with the church’s mission. This chapter in their journey illuminated Eric’s forward-thinking approach, seamlessly blending entrepreneurial innovation with spiritual leadership.
A pivotal chapter in Eric’s journey was his mentorship under Horst Schulze, the esteemed founder of Ritz-Carlton Hotels. This experience was transformative, imbuing Eric with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, resorts and service excellence. The principles of creating memorable guest experiences, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of quality that define the Ritz-Carlton brand have profoundly influenced Eric’s approach to hospitality management. This mentorship not only enhanced his expertise but also reinforced his belief in the power of service as a means to touch lives and build connections.
Eric’s venture into the hospitality industry was also significantly shaped by an experienced hotelier from Portland, Oregon, who offered him a chance to be part of his management company, along with the opportunity for ownership within a portfolio of properties. This, coupled with a partnership in 2010 with BGW, a construction/architectural firm, allowed Eric to expand his development skills. These pivotal experiences laid the groundwork for the founding of MBE Hospitality Management. Drawing from the mission-driven model pioneered at Eastside Church, Eric authored “The MBE Revolution,” encapsulating the synergy between mission-based entrepreneurship and ministry objectives—a guiding principle for MBE Hospitality Management.
In 2015, Eric and Rita fully relocated to Kalispell, dedicating themselves entirely to MBE Hospitality Management. This move underscored their commitment and allowed them to focus on expanding the company’s reach and impact. Today, Eric and Rita’s journey in hospitality extends to Coyote Bluff Estate, their home transformed into a full-service luxury accommodations. This endeavor reflects their lasting commitment to hospitality, inviting guests worldwide to partake in the unique warmth and connection that underpin their work and lives.
Today, Eric is not alone in his endeavors; he is supported by a team of seasoned hotel professionals at MBE Hospitality Management. This team’s collective expertise is instrumental as MBE gains more hotels for both personal ownership and third-party management, broadening its portfolio and reinforcing its presence in the hospitality industry.