Mark Gage is the vice president of information technology at Tanzerra Resorts, where he oversees the strategic technological vision for an exclusive portfolio of luxury resorts, high-end dining, premier spas, golf courses, a coastal marina, residential holdings and mergers and acquisitions. With deep experience in hospitality technology, as well as business system analysis, he leads a team of IT directors, managers, systems administrators and vendor technicians to align complex IT infrastructure with world-class guest experiences.

Gage has a long and storied professional journey in the hospitality industry, starting in college when he was a graveyard-shift bellman. He progressed through the ranks to front desk, night audit, banquets and housekeeping, and even filled-in as a Tuesday night lounge DJ.

Before he joined Tanzerra Resorts in 2022, he took progressively senior roles at global brands such as Troon Golf, Highgate Hotels, Xanterra Travel Collection, Hilton Worldwide, LXR Resorts and Starwood, specializing in complex large-scale regional operations across the Western United States, Hawaii and into the Caribbean Islands.
“I’m often told: ‘You aren’t like other IT leaders,’” says Gage. “I’ve stood in staff shoes – face-to-face with guests. My background allows me to bridge the gap between complex IT infrastructure and the practical needs of on-property teams, ensuring that technology serves as a facilitator not barrier.”

In his work at Tanzerra Resorts, Gage is particularly proud of the comprehensive multi-year RFP process to modernize core hospitality infrastructure. This project involved the simultaneous replacement of the brand's legacy property management system (PMS), point of sale, and payment gateways. A transition like this is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive undertakings in hotel operations.

The initiative was called "The Goldilocks Project." Much like the three beds in the classic tale, solutions were either "too big" for boutique needs or "too small" for complex large resorts. The Goldilocks Project searched for a scalable Cloud solution that was neither over-engineered nor under-powered. Tanzerra eventually found their "just right" with MaestroPMS and SilverwarePOS, complemented by Fullsteam for the payment gateways.

The Goldilocks Project was successful in part due to a stakeholder-first approach where operations teams had an 80% weighted influence in final selections, ensuring front line buy-in.

Another achievement is the integration of embedded screen casting at The Cove Eleuthera, the only Relais & Châteaux property in the Bahamas. They partnered with SONIFI to implement its next-generation interactive platform, SORA, which seamlessly interfaces with the PMS, high-speed internet and IPTV (delivering FTG
channels via Cable Bahamas).

Embedded screen casting is built into select televisions, unlike traditional external solutions that require additional hardware or "dongles" which can lead to failure points and maintenance challenges. SORA’s integrated approach is more secure, stable and aesthetically clean.

Currently Gage plans to optimize their current IT stack and maintain a rigorous, proactive cybersecurity posture. “While we plan to take a strategic pause from major Capex-heavy technology lifts after The Goldilocks Project, we’ll be at HITEC this year, and as any IT leader knows, you’re always just one booth away from finding that ‘must-have’ solution you didn't know you couldn't live without!”

Mark's Best:

• Family: Wife of 30 years, Stephanie, two boys, two grandchildren, two cranky cats and a playful Australian Shepard.
• Hobbies: Travel, cooking and outdoor activities. "I love taking nighttime photos of the stars and SpaceX rocket liftoffs."
• Go-To Periodical or Website: Hospitality Upgrade (ever hear of it?), Wired, Skift and HospitalityTech.
• Book: Three books within current reach: “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide” by Anthony Bourdain, “Brothers” by Alex Van Halen, and “Extraordinary Voyages” by Louis Vuitton.
• Music: Alternative ‘80s, ‘90s, Jimmy Buffet, First Wave. Travel Destination: "Montana is the last best place, and my second choice would have to be Aruba."
• Advice to Young People: "To truly lead in hospitality IT, we must 'walk a mile' in the shoes of those we support. Spend time at the front desk, shadow a food server, learn the unique pressures of every department. When you understand the operational 'why,' the technical 'how' becomes much more effective. Then join industry organizations like HFTP; go to trade shows like HITEC and network."
• Dinner With: "My family and friends; it’s important to create memories and keep these bonds close and growing."