"Ukrainians were forced to be part of Poland, which was Communist at that time, so I applied for asylum," explains Fedash, who had some family members captured by Russian soldiers after World War II and sent to the gulags.

"I learned a lot about the world as I traveled to other countries while a professional player on The National Men's Volleyball Team during my college years and knew that the Communist system was not for me," explains Fedash.

Fedash quickly worked his way up to vice president of a now defunct hotel developer, and was responsible for the successes in the 1980s of such chains as Howard Johnson's and the Ramada Inn.

Today, Fedash is part owner and general manager of the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, under the operation of E&S Development and Properties.

Under his leadership, the former Granite Resort is undergoing a major five-year, $50 million dollar renovation, beginning with their 220-acre 18-hole PGA golf course, redesigned by Vijay Singh, a PGA golfer who was number one in the Official World Golf Rankings for 32 weeks in 2004 and 2005.

Fedash says, "We are building a new 30,000 square foot spa, a conference center, putting in new carpets, balconies, creating open space for hiking and biking — just about everything will be renovated or newly built over time."

A point of pride for the general manager who took over last November is that he has been aggressively hiring local talent and uses only local suppliers, unlike the resort's former owners who contracted everything out.

"It costs me more to stay local but the savings long term is enormous in commute time and loyalty of the staff who have more of a vested interested in the success of the resort," explains Fedash.

Hudson Valley Resort's current main entrance.    Photo by Lorie Kellogg

"Not only are we hiring locals," he adds, "We will always make our facilities available for use by locals."

The Geller family, which was able to build because one of the owners was a carpenter and did most of the work, founded the Granite Resort in 1946. The Granite filed for Chapter 11 in 1996, closed in 1997, and was reopened a few years later by new owners as the Hudson Valley Resort.

When Fedash visited the resort in March of 2006, as an exploratory mission, before taking over ownership, he was appalled at its rundown condition.

"I checked in as a guest and looked around. That night there was a country dance in the lobby, and we had a big rain storm. I counted thirty-two ceiling leaks and puddles in that lobby! I thought to myself, 'What am I getting into?'"

Nearly a year later, major improvements and small changes have been made. Even something as small as buying a cover for the outdoor pool will reap rewards in reduced future maintenance costs, says Fedash.

Within the next few years the resort will be completely renovating the lobby and moving its lobby entrance back to where it was when it was the Granite, allowing the new spa to have its own separate entrance.

"I want to create a more interesting lobby space with multi-levels and more private areas for guests to congregate," says Fedash.

Harsh ceiling fluorescents in the hallways will soon be replaced by softly lit wall sconces pointing up to soften the lighting.

Business is booming for the resort, with tango classes, festivals, conventions, conferences, and weddings. There are signs that the resort's overspill is helping the local economy, so much so that this past weekend one wedding party was bused to the White Wolf Restaurant, in Napanoch, for its banquet.

"We are the biggest tax payer and employer in the Town of Rochester," points out Fedash with pride.

One key in the resort's new success is Orest Fedash himself, who seems to be everywhere, helping everyone, from pushing luggage carts as he greets guests to proudly looking after his staff, who smile at the site of their employer.

"I smile because he smiles," admits one worker as Fedash greets her on the elevator.

Another employee, Ricky Boodoo, Banquet and Conference Center Manager, jokingly asks his boss, "You're not mad at me for making good money, are you?"

Boodoo worked at the resort prior to Fedash taking over and has noticed a positive change, saying, "He really makes you feel like you are part of something special and proud to do your very best for the customer."

The Hudson Valley Resort is currently hiring. Apply in person or fax resume with cover letter, including salary request, to the Director of Human Resources, (845) 626-2595 or hrd@hudsonvalleyresort.com.

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