The Inns Staff | The Inns of Sanibel

Bill Wellman - General Manager

A 35-year hospitality management veteran, Bill is passionate about hospitality and tourism, and he’s excited about what he and his staff do every day – create vacations of a lifetime for guests on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Bill previously managed the Campus Inn for Dahlmann Properties and later the Graduate Madison in Wisconsin, where he served as the President of the Madison Hotel & Lodging Association and board member for the Greater Madison Convention and Visitor's Bureau. He spent the first 16 years of his career with Walt Disney Resorts in various leadership roles and property openings. He and his wife and daughter enjoy visiting new countries and traveling the world.

David Lopez - Assistant General Manager

David began his hospitality career in Miami Beach as a concierge while attending FIU's school of Hospitality Management. In 2014, he moved to Key West to be a part of Casa Marina and the Reach resorts, both part of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria collection. During his time there he grew to become VIP manager, Manager of Guest Experience and Front Office Manager, leading his teams not only to raise their service scores but also to become one of the top revenue generating hotels across the Hilton portfolio. In 2019, he moved to Fort Myers and accepted his role as Assistant General Manager at the Inns of Sanibel.

Victor Lohmuste - Director of Engineering

Victor is originally from Estonia. He emigrated to Italy in 1989 with family and a year later to Fort Myers. While in Estonia, Victor created about 50 patents in his name. He also worked for an auto repair business for 8 years, was a private estate manager in Naples for 5 years, and a real estate maintenance manager for Levitt and Sons over 5 years. Victor has been a part of the Inns of Sanibel team for more than a decade. Victor received his Diploma and Certification for HVACR Technician from Penn Foster career school. His hobbies include triathlons, photography, and red wine and his favorite band is Pink Floyd.

Carol Gilmore - Director of Finance

Carol is originally from Minnesota and is a University of Minnesota graduate. She started her hotel career at the Lodge at Vail in Colorado before moving to Florida. Carol worked at Sonesta Sanibel Harbor Resort, before becoming the Accounting Manager for the Mariner company back in the 90s, which owned the four Inns of Sanibel, The Dunes, South Seas, Sundial, and the Pink Shell. She started at the Inns, then 12 years later worked at South Seas as Assistant Controller. She returned to the Inns of Sanibel as Controller and added the Sundial and The Dunes to her collection totaling 25 years of service.

Brad Stanze - Area Front Office Manager

A Florida native, Brad kicked off his hospitality career after high school working at a Pine Island KOA campground. Later, he traveled extensively with Kimpton Hotels to Colorado, Massachusetts, West Virginia and the DMV area as a front office supervisor, and in sales and marketing. During his free time you will find him working his other "full-time job" - being a dad to two wonderful kids!

Kayla Lawrence – Innkeeper, Sanibel Inn

Before joining the team at Sanibel Inn, Kayla worked on Sanibel Island for over a decade in various retail positions from front-line sales to management. She currently attends FGCU and plans to graduate in the Fall of 2022 with a BS in Hospitality Resort Management. Kayla is committed to assisting her team in delivering exceptional guest service and to creating memorable moments that last a lifetime. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys boating and searching for shells on Sanibel Island's breathtaking beaches.

Amanda Low - Innkeeper, Song of the Sea

Amanda has a wealth of experience in hospitality, food & beverage and bridal consultation from her work in Washington state and sunny Florida. She is currently studying for a BA in Communications, as well as certifications in wedding planning, event planning, and event decor. Amanda prides herself on her exceptional organizational skills and passion for delivering personalized service, which makes her a perfect fit for The Inns of Sanibel! In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, reading, and spending time with her family and boyfriend.

Amber Serradimigni - Innkeeper, Seaside Inn

Before relocating to Florida, Amber worked as an office manager in upstate New York. She brings with her a strong focus on customer satisfaction and a drive to promote brand confidence. Amber graduated from The Adirondack Dental Assisting School in 2019 with the distinction of Valedictorian before shifting direction into hospitality. She has been working for The Inns of Sanibel since 2020, and has a passion for helping guests create memorable experiences. Amber enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors with her fiance and her dog Yoshi.

Anvar Ruziev - Innkeeper, Sunset Beach

Born in Ukraine and raised in Colorado, Anvar is a former small business owner, currently working towards a BA in Economics with a minor in Spanish. In addition, he is fluent in Russian and Ukrainian. Having visited 10 different countries, and 42 of the 50 states, Anvar has a deep understanding of tourism. A consummate professional with years of hospitality experience, he strives to achieve and exceed expectations of every guest. His hobbies include open water swimming, exploring the Florida coast, and aerial photography.

Testimonials

“Song of the Sea is my precious sanctuary island ONLY choice since 2001 when your Chamber of Commerce matched me with Song! I THANK ALL OF YOU as you navigate with such fortitude, each step in the rebuilding. Viewing occasional videos of post Ian updates clearly demonstrates how you are EXTRAORDINARY STEWARDS of Song and Sanibel Island. We (your loyal guests) support, cheer for you, and enthusiastically anticipate/appreciate when you can welcome us back!!”

Susan J — 7.10.23

“Thanks for the updates! We've stayed many many times at Seaside Inn, and can't wait to see what you have planned for that property.”

Patrick C — 4.14.23

“I wanted to share how much my family of 4 enjoyed the Seaside Inn. We loved the quaint, quiet, active, and simple cottage style resort you had. Our daughter has food allergies so having a stocked kitchen is a must for us. We also loved having the grilling option available here. We hope to see it return to its simplicity. The beauty is in the beaches and island and being available to have the activities such as biking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. We have loved every time we have come here and are hoping to return when rebuilt.”

Kristie P — February 15, 2023

“We have such fond memories of lovely Sanibel. We stayed at Sanibel Inn 29 June to 3 July this year and the staff and our room was perfect. We visited from Ireland and have been traveling to Sanibel occasionally since the early 80s Our daughter learned to swim at the Sanibel Inn during one of our visits there when she was 4 or 5. I love that it hasn't changed that much over time. We hope to be back there again in the not to distant future. All the best. ”

Shelia N. — Ireland

“My husband and I are so devastated by what Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers and the rest of the wonderful cities have endured. The Lighthouse shows the strength of this island by still standing despite one leg missing. We look forward to being at the Sanibel Inn again. Please keep us posted. You all have our prayers and support. ”

Mary Beth and Tom Z. — Connecticut

“Our hearts go out to all of you and prayers that you will soon be able to restore your resort to its beautiful status. We were guests in April of 2022 and can't stop talking about how wonderful our experience was, for the entire family! Our hope is that everything will be restored and you can continue to provide an exceptional and memorable experience for families like ours. Take care, God speed, and many thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.”

Donna F. — Rhode Island

“For more than 20 years I have been vacationing in Paradise - Sanibel Island. For my grandchildren (now adults) it is one of most memorable things in their lives. Sunset Beach and Song of the Sea are our home, and for sure will be in the future. Best of luck and waiting for your rebuilt. Please, keep the charming and historical traditions of the sites.”

Fernando C. — Palmetto Bay, Florida

“I was so sorry to hear of the devastation left by Hurricane Ian. It is good to hear that Sanibel is being rebuilt. Sanibel Island is such a special place to me. It is a place that I spent time with my parents before they passed on many occasions. They just loved it there. As well as the island being so beautiful the staff at the Sanibel Inn were always fantastic and it made our stay even more enjoyable. I wanted to wish you and your employees all the best in rebuilding your properties. I hope to return to Sanibel Island in 2024 and look forward to staying at the Sanibel Inn again ”

Frances M. — Scotland

“My husband and I have been praying for your island residents and staff to heal soon from the devastation all of you have endured. We are looking forward to celebrate our 54th anniversary at Sanibel Inn next December as we have done in years past. Our regards and the best to you and your staff. ”

Angela and Orlando F. — Miami, FL

“Wow! What you have been thru! We really appreciate you staying in touch with us. We were headed your way this winter. We will look forward to being there next winter. We have so many happy memories and family stories from our times at Song of the Sea! We are sending you all best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful holiday season. ”

Susan P. — Basalt, CO