Dave Lenz founded the North Central Group in 1979. The North Central Group was formed for the purpose of developing, owning, and franchising well-known branded hotels. Dave is responsible for the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Dave is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). He was a founding member of the Hampton Inn Owner’s Advisory Council, member of the Courtyard by Marriott Franchise Advisory Council, and past member of the Super 8 Motels President’s Advisory Council.
Dave is currently a board member of the University of Wisconsin James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. He received the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Business prestigious 2018 Distinguished Real Estate Alumni Award.
Dave is also allied with a number of civic and community activities. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of Madison and a founding member of the Badger Air Community Council (BACC), a member of the University of Wisconsin Bascom Hill Society, the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association, and the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society.
Dave began his career as a commercial loan officer and appraiser. He served fourteen years as an officer in the 176th Fighter Squadron of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Through his work with the BACC, he was awarded Honorary Commander status for the 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field, Madison. Today he continues his aviation interest as the senior pilot for North Central Group’s CJ3 aircraft.
Dave holds a BBA in Real Estate and Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.