About Us

 

A Legacy Built on people, purpose, and Hospitality

The Allyson Group Hotel Corporation is more than a portfolio of hotels—it’s a story of family, vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences.

Spanning three generations of the McMillin family, our journey reflects the evolution of hospitality itself: from humble beginnings to a growing, modern enterprise grounded in timeless values.

Where It All Began

In the 1960s, Don McMillin set out with a simple but powerful belief: that great service creates lasting relationships. With an entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering work ethic, he built a reputation centered on integrity, consistency, and genuine care for people.

What started as a modest venture quickly became something more—a foundation for a lasting legacy in hospitality.

A Vision For Growth

That foundation was carried forward and expanded by the next generation. Under the leadership of Brad McMillin, the company entered a new era of growth and opportunity.

With a forward-thinking approach, Brad guided the business into multi-property ownership and established partnerships with leading global brands, including Marriott. This strategic expansion marked a pivotal moment—positioning the company as a trusted, high-performing hotel operator with the ability to scale while maintaining its core values.

The Allyson Group Today

Named in honor of Allyson McMillin-Otey, the company today represents both heritage and progress.

With a portfolio of hotels across Florida, Illinois, and Montana, The Allyson Group blends the personal touch of a family-run organization with the standards, systems, and performance of a contemporary hospitality company.

Across every property, our focus remains the same:

Deliver exceptional guest experiences

Build strong, lasting teams

Operate with integrity and accountability

Contribute meaningfully to our communities

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, we do so with intention.

A new $30 million full-service hotel currently under development in Florida represents the next chapter for The Allyson Group—bringing elevated design, expanded amenities, and a refined guest experience to our portfolio.

This project reflects our ongoing investment in innovation, quality, and long-term success.

Our Mission

To create exceptional experiences for every guest while honoring a legacy built on integrity, service, and community. 

Rooted in Legacy. Focused on the Future.

While our company continues to evolve, the principles that guide us remain unchanged.

We believe in hard work.

And above all, we believe that hospitality done well,
has the power to create meaningful, lasting connections.

Brad McMillin

A .C. A ., BC-HIS, CEO

Brad McMillin began his career as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in 1981 and opened his first Hearing Center in 1986. This company, Beltone Alliance, is currently composed of 182 retail offices located throughout the Midwest and Florida. It is the largest Beltone dispenser within the corporate network, spanning 7 states. Beltone Alliance employs 311 people.

Brad McMillin is a 3rd generation in the Hearing Instrument business. He keeps the values and vision of the company at the forefront and continually strives to be the best. His strategic leadership style and clarity on what the future holds brings about a compelling vision of where this company is headed.

McMillin has served on both the Illinois and Missouri Hearing Society’s Board of Directors and is currently a member of the NAC, National Advisory Council. McMillin Realty started in 1988 acquiring commercial properties. This venture consisted of rehabbing, leasing, and purchasing new-construction properties. McMillin Realty owns, operates, and manages each and every location.

The Allyson Group operates both Marriott and Choice properties in Florida, Illinois, and Montana. Headquartered in O’Fallon, IL, we are proud to consistently provide the highest levels of guest satisfaction.

Allyson McMillin

General Manager

Allyson is a dedicated hospitality leader with a strong foundation in education and team development. A graduate of Murray State University with a degree in Elementary Education, Allyson spent nearly a decade in the classroom cultivating leadership, organization, and communication skills that would later become instrumental in her career in hospitality.

After ten years in education, she transitioned into the hospitality industry, where she discovered her passion for creating welcoming environments and meaningful guest experiences. Allyson thrives on connecting with people from all over the world, building strong teams, and fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, support, and community.

Her leadership and commitment to excellence have been recognized through multiple prestigious management awards, including Silver Circle, Gold Circle, Platinum Circle, and Diamond Circle distinctions.

Outside of her professional life, Allyson is a proud mother of two children who enjoys reading and traveling. She brings the same warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm to her personal life as she does to her work—making every space she leads both inviting and impactful.

John DePiro

Corporate Director Of Hotel Operations

John DePiro is a seasoned hospitality executive with more than 25 years of experience leading hotel operations across the United States. He began his career in Tampa, Florida with Marriott International and has since built a comprehensive background spanning a wide range of hotel segments and property types.

Throughout his career, John has held leadership roles across luxury, upper-upscale, lifestyle, select-service, and extended-stay properties. His experience includes serving on the opening management team at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, as well as contributing to the legacy of The Peabody Memphis. He has held General Manager and Area General Manager positions with globally recognized brands including Hilton, Marriott, Westin, Crowne Plaza, and Omni.

Known for driving performance and operational excellence, John has successfully revitalized underperforming assets, overseen multi-property portfolios, and led complex brand transitions—including the integration of legacy Starwood properties into Marriott’s portfolio.

In 2019, John was promoted to Regional Vice President of Operations, where he provided strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of hotels across the Midwest representing Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Radisson brands. In this role, he focused on operational performance, team development, and market growth across multiple properties. He later returned to Tampa, bringing his career full circle.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John is actively engaged in the hospitality community. He has served on several tourism and industry boards, including Visit Tampa, the Tampa Westshore Alliance, and Visit Sarasota, supporting regional development and collaboration.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Hospitality Management from Everest University. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and dogs, and is a dedicated Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.

Sara Obrin

Chief Financial Officer

Sara graduated from Truman State University with a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, a B.S in Accounting, and a Master of Accountancy. She is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and Missouri, and started her career in public accounting with Ernst & Young, focusing on corporate taxes. Sara has been with Allyson Group as CFO for almost 10 years.

Sara handles day-to-day full-cycle accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash flow analysis, and financial statement preparation. She also maintains regulatory requirements, including business licenses and registrations, monthly hotel tax filings, and corporate tax filings. Her responsibilities also include new hire onboarding, along with benefits eligibility and enrollment.

Sara participated in the construction of two new hotel openings and multiple property renovations during her tenure. Tasks included proforma preparation, budget tracking, FF&E procurement, draw requests, lien waivers, coordination with lenders, liquor licenses, sales tax registrations, and merchant account setup. She works daily with hotel management and property General Managers to ensure smooth daily operations while being fiscally responsible and keeping the company’s goals in mind.

While Allyson Group is Sara’s main focus and priority, she also assists the owner in his real estate businesses, which include lease preparation, rent collection, and communication with tenants.

 

Michelle Seamon

Regional Director of Sales-Florida

Michelle Seamon is an accomplished hospitality executive with over 30 years of industry experience and a proven track record of leadership, revenue growth, and successful hotel openings. Known for her infectious enthusiasm, strategic sales expertise, and ability to motivate teams toward exceptional performance, Michelle has earned a reputation as a dynamic leader who thrives in evolving and competitive markets.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Michelle began her hospitality career as a Front Desk Clerk. Through dedication, passion, and a strong commitment to excellence, she advanced through the ranks to become an award-winning sales and operations leader recognized throughout the hospitality industry.

Michelle currently serves as Regional Director of Sales – Florida, overseeing TownePlace Suites Venice and Fairfield Inn & Suites Venice, while also leading sales efforts as the Opening Director of Sales for Wellmar, a new Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott in Wellen Park.

Michelle previously served as Opening Director of Sales for multi-property clusters for several brands to include IHG, Hilton, Sonesta, and Marriott.  Michelle has earned many awards but is most proud of winning the Sales Leader of the Year Award, Blue Balloon Award, and Rookie of the Year Award.

Michelle built her hospitality career while raising her two children alongside her husband of 34 years. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has remained deeply committed to community leadership and volunteer service throughout her career and currently serves as President of the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Amy Heller

Regional Director of Sales-Illinois

Amy Heller is a senior hospitality sales leader and aviation‑industry event strategist with more than 25 years of experience elevating revenue performance, revitalizing markets, and strengthening brand presence across luxury, premium, and select‑service hotels. A hospitality professional in spirit, Amy has built her career on operational excellence, strategic clarity, and a deep commitment to service—values that mirror the foundation of the Allyson Group.

Her career includes regional and multi‑property leadership roles with Marriott, Drury Hotels, and Hilton, where she led national accounts, guided sales teams, and consistently delivered year‑over‑year growth across diverse markets. Throughout her career, Amy has played a key role in new hotel openings, major property renovations, budget development and review cycles, and annual business planning, ensuring each asset launches or repositions with a strong sales foundation and a clear path to revenue success.

In 2020, Amy expanded her impact by founding Fly‑In Events, a specialized aviation‑industry event firm serving pilot associations and aviation organizations nationwide. Her work in this sector established a respected niche known for high‑impact conferences, fly‑ins, and hotel sourcing solutions grounded in operational precision and a high‑touch service model.

After much success on the consulting and aviation event side, Amy returned to her core passion—the hotel business—as Regional Director of Sales for Allyson Group Hotels. She now leads sales strategy and market development for a growing, multi‑state portfolio of Marriott and Choice properties. Her leadership reflects the same forward‑looking vision and disciplined growth philosophy that defines the Allyson Group’s expanding footprint.

Kevin Harris

Director of Project Management

Kevin Harris is a project management professional with expertise in hospitality development, overseeing complex projects from concept through completion. He currently manages the FF&E scope for two concurrent hotel developments: The Wellmar, a 149-key full-service Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel in Florida, and a 102-key Marriott SpringHill Suites hotel in Southwest Illinois, directing procurement, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful delivery.

Kevin brings over a decade of experience as Chief Financial Officer for a related company, along with a background in public accounting, providing a strong foundation in financial strategy, cost control, and risk management. His ability to integrate financial oversight with hands-on project execution enables him to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget.

Kevin has been married to his wife, Karen, for 42 years and is the proud father of two adult children and grandfather to seven grandchildren, all of whom are active in competitive soccer. In his free time, he enjoys tournament bass fishing.

Brad McMillin
A .C. A ., BC-HIS, CEO

Brad McMillin began his career as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in 1981 and opened his first Hearing Center in 1986. This company, Beltone Alliance, is currently composed of 182 retail offices located throughout the Midwest and Florida. It is the largest Beltone dispenser within the corporate network, spanning 7 states. Beltone Alliance employs 311 people.

Brad McMillin is a 3rd generation in the Hearing Instrument business. He keeps the values and vision of the company at the forefront and continually strives to be the best. His strategic leadership style and clarity on what the future holds brings about a compelling vision of where this company is headed.

McMillin has served on both the Illinois and Missouri Hearing Society’s Board of Directors and is currently a member of the NAC, National Advisory Council. McMillin Realty started in 1988 acquiring commercial properties. This venture consisted of rehabbing, leasing, and purchasing new-construction properties. McMillin Realty owns, operates, and manages each and every location.

The Allyson Group operates both Marriott and Choice properties in Florida, Illinois, and Montana. Headquartered in O’Fallon, IL, we are proud to consistently provide the highest levels of guest satisfaction.

Allyson McMillin
General Manager

Allyson is a dedicated hospitality leader with a strong foundation in education and team development. A graduate of Murray State University with a degree in Elementary Education, Allyson spent nearly a decade in the classroom cultivating leadership, organization, and communication skills that would later become instrumental in her career in hospitality.

After ten years in education, she transitioned into the hospitality industry, where she discovered her passion for creating welcoming environments and meaningful guest experiences. Allyson thrives on connecting with people from all over the world, building strong teams, and fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, support, and community.

Her leadership and commitment to excellence have been recognized through multiple prestigious management awards, including Silver Circle, Gold Circle, Platinum Circle, and Diamond Circle distinctions.

Outside of her professional life, Allyson is a proud mother of two children who enjoys reading and traveling. She brings the same warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm to her personal life as she does to her work—making every space she leads both inviting and impactful.

John DePiro
Corporate Director Of Hotel Operations

John DePiro is a seasoned hospitality executive with more than 25 years of experience leading hotel operations across the United States. He began his career in Tampa, Florida with Marriott International and has since built a comprehensive background spanning a wide range of hotel segments and property types.

Throughout his career, John has held leadership roles across luxury, upper-upscale, lifestyle, select-service, and extended-stay properties. His experience includes serving on the opening management team at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, as well as contributing to the legacy of The Peabody Memphis. He has held General Manager and Area General Manager positions with globally recognized brands including Hilton, Marriott, Westin, Crowne Plaza, and Omni.

Known for driving performance and operational excellence, John has successfully revitalized underperforming assets, overseen multi-property portfolios, and led complex brand transitions—including the integration of legacy Starwood properties into Marriott’s portfolio.

In 2019, John was promoted to Regional Vice President of Operations, where he provided strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of hotels across the Midwest representing Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Radisson brands. In this role, he focused on operational performance, team development, and market growth across multiple properties. He later returned to Tampa, bringing his career full circle.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John is actively engaged in the hospitality community. He has served on several tourism and industry boards, including Visit Tampa, the Tampa Westshore Alliance, and Visit Sarasota, supporting regional development and collaboration.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Hospitality Management from Everest University. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and dogs, and is a dedicated Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.

Sara Obrin
Chief Financial Officer

Sara graduated from Truman State University with a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, a B.S in Accounting, and a Master of Accountancy. She is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and Missouri, and started her career in public accounting with Ernst & Young, focusing on corporate taxes. Sara has been with Allyson Group as CFO for almost 10 years.

Sara handles day-to-day full-cycle accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash flow analysis, and financial statement preparation. She also maintains regulatory requirements, including business licenses and registrations, monthly hotel tax filings, and corporate tax filings. Her responsibilities also include new hire onboarding, along with benefits eligibility and enrollment.

Sara participated in the construction of two new hotel openings and multiple property renovations during her tenure. Tasks included proforma preparation, budget tracking, FF&E procurement, draw requests, lien waivers, coordination with lenders, liquor licenses, sales tax registrations, and merchant account setup. She works daily with hotel management and property General Managers to ensure smooth daily operations while being fiscally responsible and keeping the company’s goals in mind.

While Allyson Group is Sara’s main focus and priority, she also assists the owner in his real estate businesses, which include lease preparation, rent collection, and communication with tenants.

Michelle Seamon
Regional Director of Sales-Florida

Michelle Seamon is an accomplished hospitality executive with over 30 years of industry experience and a proven track record of leadership, revenue growth, and successful hotel openings. Known for her infectious enthusiasm, strategic sales expertise, and ability to motivate teams toward exceptional performance, Michelle has earned a reputation as a dynamic leader who thrives in evolving and competitive markets.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Michelle began her hospitality career as a Front Desk Clerk. Through dedication, passion, and a strong commitment to excellence, she advanced through the ranks to become an award-winning sales and operations leader recognized throughout the hospitality industry.

Michelle currently serves as Regional Director of Sales – Florida, overseeing TownePlace Suites Venice and Fairfield Inn & Suites Venice, while also leading sales efforts as the Opening Director of Sales for Wellmar, a new Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott in Wellen Park.

Michelle previously served as Opening Director of Sales for multi-property clusters for several brands to include IHG, Hilton, Sonesta, and Marriott.  Michelle has earned many awards but is most proud of winning the Sales Leader of the Year Award, Blue Balloon Award, and Rookie of the Year Award.

Michelle built her hospitality career while raising her two children alongside her husband of 34 years. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has remained deeply committed to community leadership and volunteer service throughout her career and currently serves as President of the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Amy Heller
Regional Director of Sales-Illinois

Amy Heller is a senior hospitality sales leader and aviation‑industry event strategist with more than 25 years of experience elevating revenue performance, revitalizing markets, and strengthening brand presence across luxury, premium, and select‑service hotels. A hospitality professional in spirit, Amy has built her career on operational excellence, strategic clarity, and a deep commitment to service—values that mirror the foundation of the Allyson Group.

Her career includes regional and multi‑property leadership roles with Marriott, Drury Hotels, and Hilton, where she led national accounts, guided sales teams, and consistently delivered year‑over‑year growth across diverse markets. Throughout her career, Amy has played a key role in new hotel openings, major property renovations, budget development and review cycles, and annual business planning, ensuring each asset launches or repositions with a strong sales foundation and a clear path to revenue success.

In 2020, Amy expanded her impact by founding Fly‑In Events, a specialized aviation‑industry event firm serving pilot associations and aviation organizations nationwide. Her work in this sector established a respected niche known for high‑impact conferences, fly‑ins, and hotel sourcing solutions grounded in operational precision and a high‑touch service model.

After much success on the consulting and aviation event side, Amy returned to her core passion—the hotel business—as Regional Director of Sales for Allyson Group Hotels. She now leads sales strategy and market development for a growing, multi‑state portfolio of Marriott and Choice properties. Her leadership reflects the same forward‑looking vision and disciplined growth philosophy that defines the Allyson Group’s expanding footprint.

Kevin Harris
Director of Project Management

Kevin Harris is a project management professional with expertise in hospitality development, overseeing complex projects from concept through completion. He currently manages the FF&E scope for two concurrent hotel developments: The Wellmar, a 149-key full-service Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel in Florida, and a 102-key Marriott SpringHill Suites hotel in Southwest Illinois, directing procurement, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful delivery.

Kevin brings over a decade of experience as Chief Financial Officer for a related company, along with a background in public accounting, providing a strong foundation in financial strategy, cost control, and risk management. His ability to integrate financial oversight with hands-on project execution enables him to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget.

Kevin has been married to his wife, Karen, for 42 years and is the proud father of two adult children and grandfather to seven grandchildren, all of whom are active in competitive soccer. In his free time, he enjoys tournament bass fishing.