For more than 25 years, Fred Julius has held management positions in hospitality with a focus on strategic planning, P+L leadership, marketing, brand building, and team leadership. As an accomplished chef, Fred also has in-depth food and beverage experience in conference centers, hotels, and other hospitality venues. He provides expertise and support to regional operations with insightful property reviews and operational best practices.

Mr. Julius excels at pre-opening and technical services within academia, having directed select task forces for opening conference facilities at Pace University, Colgate University, and American University. He has worked closely with designers and developers to create state-of-the-art kitchens and facilities and develop innovative and cost-effective culinary and catering programs. Fred has worked for both Marriott Corporation and Benchmark Hospitality, leaders in hospitality as well as conference center operations. A list follows of the conference centers that Mr. Julius has opened and managed:

Hudson River Inn and Conference Center – Marriott (New York)

USF&G – Mt Washington Hotel Conference Center (Baltimore Maryland)

American College Conference Center (Washington DC)

Colgate University Conference Center (New York)

The Council House Conference Center SC Johnson Wax (Wisconsin)

The Conference Center at Oracle Corporation (San Francisco)

The Founders Inn Conference Center and Spa (Virginia Beach)

The Northland Inn Executive Conference Center (Minnesota)

IBM Hotel Conference Center Palisades (New York)

IBM Hotel Conference Center Thornwood (New York)

As General Manager at Bald Head Island, Fred established a strong working relationship with the local community and other strategic partners on many levels which helped to cultivate a strong bond with the community and the resort operations over the many years of operations..

Fred is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in Food Service Management/AOS in Culinary Arts.  

Lauren Braxton, Sales Manager

Lauren is a native of Gastonia. After graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she returned to Gastonia to pursue a career in event planning. She gained strong experience from her work at the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Lauren is a member of the Junior League of Gaston County and serves as a volunteer for numerous local organizations. She resides in Gastonia with her husband, Sam. 

Al Smith, Director of Operations

Al recently relocated from Savannah, Georgia to serve as Director of Operations at Gastonia Conference Center after two years of experience at the Wilderman Group's Richmond Hill City Center. Al and his wife, Rachel, have quickly made themselves at home in Gastonia where she has an artist's studio in the Arts on Main building in downtown Gastonia.  

Susan Driver, Bookkeeper

Susan, of Gastonia, is the Center Bookkeeper with a 20-year background in bookkeeping and accounting. Susan's family has been active in restaurant management in Gaston County since the 1940s. She provides hands-on experience in the industry, having owned and operated Cantlupe's Italian Restaurant in Gastonia with her husband, Chris.