Ken Keating and Jim Severson became friends when they were 5 years old while living in the Chicago suburb of Villa Park. Their first venture came shortly after they graduated from college. They owned and operated E.L. Krackers (a restaurant/bar) in Charleston, IL. Charleston is still home to their corporate office. Along with their hotel development they have also aquired rental and condo properties in Illinois, Florida and Wisconsin. Over the years they have developed an impressive real estate portfolio as well as a lasting friendship and partnership.