Our Team

Meet the People behind Serenity Ridge

Meet the folks who make it all happen—four friends with a shared passion for hospitality and a dream to create unforgettable moments. For us, every day is about turning potential into magic, inspired by the beauty of our unique property. We’re hands-on and on-site for every event, because we know the "who" is just as important as the "where." With extensive experience in hospitality and a love for great food and drinks, we pour our hearts into making each day at Serenity Ridge as special as it can be.

Nearly 20 years ago, we met and bonded over a shared vision—owning a mountain retreat where adventurers could gather, celebrate, and relax. After many conversations (and a few daring leaps out of corporate life), we made that vision a reality when we found this beautiful property nestled near Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, we knew our search was over. We fell in love instantly!

In April 2022, we became the proud owners of this incredible estate, taking over from Rob and Lisa, who had built a welcoming community of Cabins at End of the Road. Since then, we’ve expanded our property offerings to include six cabins, a glamping yurt with a luxury bath, and the Hilltop House. And in 2023, we made our dream venue complete with the addition of a full wedding and event space, complete with a catering kitchen!

We've learned a lot on this journey, and we’re always eager to grow and improve. Open communication with our guests is key, so if you have comments, questions, or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to meet you while you’re here!

Haley Sanger

With a celebrated background in the wedding industry and an intimate knowledge of our venue’s unique charm, Haley guides each couple from their first inquiry to their final walk-through. Her personalized approach ensures that every couple’s biggest hopes and needs are beautifully realized. 


Haley@DriftwoodHospitalityNC.com

Katie Biel

With over two decades in Restaurant Operations and Training, Katie has become a jack of all trades. At Serenity Ridge, she juggles our Accounting, HR, Technology, Marketing, and and loves to spend time in our gardens.


Katie@DriftwoodHospitalityNC.com

Jordan Biel

Jordan's love for cooking began at the age of 5, which fueled a lifelong passion that led him to Culinary School and over 20 years in the Restaurant Industry. Now, as the leader of the Catering Team at Serenity Ridge, Jordan ensures every dish is perfect—and when he's not in the kitchen, you might spot him encouraging the grass to grow into the perfect lawn.

Elliot Sanger

Elliot is a true advocate for the ultimate guest experience! With 20 years in hospitality and multiple awards for his dedication to people, Elliot leads our STR Team with passion and expertise. You’ll often find him on the property, tool in hand, tackling the many maintenance tasks that keep everything running smoothly.

LAUGHABLE FACTS

Tell us your childhood story in one sentence, Jordan: My childhood was spent riding in the family Astro Van with no AC on a bench seat without cushions. 


Elliot, what is the dumbest way you injured yourself?  I broke my nose doing a front flip onto a slip and slide, which is also how I met my now father-in-law. 


What's an inside joke you have with a friend or family member, Katie? My bestie and I were on a boat over a holiday weekend a few years ago when a thick fog came rolling across the lake.  It wasn't until it crept closer to us that we realized it was rain and too late for us to go for cover!  To this day, we text each other pictures of "fog" rolling in whenever a rainstorm is on the horizon.


Haley, what is your go-to song for Karaoke? Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, every time!


What is the best Halloween costume you ever wore, Elliot? I bare a resemblance to Abraham Lincoln and have dressed as him twice for Halloween, one time postmortem. 


Jordan, what is the strangest food combination you enjoy?  Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Cheeto Sandwich.  EPIC!


What's should your warning label say, Haley? Definitely "Clumsy while walking"  I trip over nothing and everything!


Katie, what is the most ridiculous nightmare you have had?  I had recurring nightmares as a kid that a super large tractor tire would chase me around and try to roll over me.


If you were a superhero, who would be your archnemesis, Jordan? Squidward!


Haley, what is the most awkward situation you have ever found yourself in?   One time I walked into a hotel room to find a couple in the middle of an intimate moment!  So awkward.


Did your family practice any unusual traditions, Elliot? My family would try to affix a spoon to the end of our noses with no hands during large gatherings.


Katie, how do you waste time most often? I'm a nerd and love to zone out with word or number games like Sudoku and Boggle! 

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