Big Sky, Montana, March 2008 ... The historic 320 Guest Ranch located near Big Sky, Montana, announces the appointment of John H. Richardson as general manager.  Mr. Richardson will replace General Manager Pat Sage, who is retiring in 2008 following 16 years of service to the ranch.  

A professional hospitality manager with more than 20 years of experience, in his new role Mr. Richardson will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the historic ranch, including property and front office operations, sales & marketing, and food & beverage.  This appointment represents a return to Montana for Richardson, who has previously worked in Billings.

"I'm very excited about returning to Montana and to having the opportunity to work at such a unique and truly special place," said Richardson.  "I look forward to continuing the tradition of maintaining the ranch to the highest standards and expectations that have been set forth throughout the years, and to being an active member of the greater Big Sky community."  

John Richardson comes to the 320 Guest Ranch having previously served as general manager of the Holiday Inn Fort Smith, a Procaccianti Group-operated hotel located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  The hotel is the city's largest property with 225 guestrooms and 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space.  During his highly successful tenure there, Mr. Richardson oversaw all aspects of the hotel's operations and led a multi-million dollar renovation program.  He also established guest service initiatives that elevated service scores by 15 percent in the first six months following implementation.  While he was there, the property was honored as the hospitality partner of the year for Fort Smith, and it received recognition for being a commendable hotel by Intercontinental Hotels Group.
Prior to this, Richardson held the dual roles of director of food and beverage and assistant general manager for the Holiday Inn Grand Montana of Billings, the region's largest hotel and convention center, which is operated by the Intercontinental Hotels.  

John Richardson has served as systems engineer, product manager and project manager for SoftBrands, a large hospitality software company with over 2000 clients worldwide.  He previously held the position of senior consultant and analyst for Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Richardson held several positions of increasing responsibility, including assistant general manager, quality assurance analyst, front office manager and guest services manager for properties in Atlanta and Mount Berry, Georgia.  

John Richardson is a graduate of Berry College of Rome, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management with a minor in Business Administration.  While attending college, he received the O. Wayne Rollins Award two consecutive years for work excellence while in an academic program.  An involved participant in his community, Richardson has often taken an active role in local business and civic organizations in the markets in which he lives.  He is a member of the Fort Smith Rotary and is a graduate of Leadership Billings.  John Richardson and his wife Mary, both outdoor enthusiasts, have relocated to the Big Sky area.

Montana's premier year-round ranch destination, the 320 Guest Ranch is a historic property situated along two miles of the famed Gallatin River near Big Sky, Montana.  Begun in 1898, the 320 Guest Ranch offers 87 sleeping rooms within 59 modern cabin accommodations, log homes and a mountain chalet.  Many accommodations feature wood-burning fireplaces.  The property offers superb dining at the 320 Ranch Steak House, with an emphasis on big game cuisine exquisitely prepared.  The 320 Saloon is perfect for after-hours activities.  

The ranch provides facilities and concierge support services for events, social and leisure activities.  Close to world-class downhill and cross country skiing at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin, 320 Guest Ranch offers a full range of seasonal recreational activities, such as horseback riding, trail hiking, rafting, sightseeing, mountain climbing, fly fishing (some of the world's best), hayrides, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and many more.  

On staff are experienced wranglers and horse experts, as well as a team of professionals who can assist in making a guest's experience highly memorable.   The property is located 12 miles from Big Sky, 5 miles from the boundary of Yellowstone National Park and 52 miles from Bozeman, Montana, and the Gallatin Field Airport.   To learn more about 320 Guest Ranch, visit www.320Ranch.com.

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
[email protected]