Colby Brock is a businesswoman in the hospitality industry who earned her credibility the old-fashioned way. She worked at what is now Hotel NoMa as a teenager and started creating plans for the hotel’s success. Now working as a property manager, Brock was the mastermind behind the hotel’s recent renovation and rebrand, with the goal of creating a trendy space that still has an at-home feel. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Colby Brock to learn more about her background.
Colby Brock’s Background
(Colby Brock / Credit: Toshi Takashi)
What is Brock’s background? Brock said:
“I started working in hotels when I was 18 years old- I worked for a variety of hotel companies before going to work with my Dad in our family business. I have a degree in psychology, which has greatly benefited my career in hospitality, dealing with people, team members, vendors, and guests alike, which can be challenging. I also have a master’s degree in interior design, which is my creative outlet. I am able to bring that skill to the table when we renovate our properties and build new ones! I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love with the people I love every day.”
Getting Involved With NoMa
Could you tell me more about how you got involved in NoMa? Brock shared:
“My grandfather built the New Rochelle property in 1974. He saw the northern path of growth from Manhattan and capitalized the site with a full-service hotel and office building. When my dad took the property over in 1975, he drew upon the New York City vibe to create a hotel like no other in the Suburbs. We maintain that same vision today- an experience like no other, North of Manhattan- the acronym NoMa.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for NoMa so far? Brock reflected:
“Wow! That’s a tough question. I have so many In all the years working with amazing people. But probably the day I was promoted to General Manager of the property. My Dad had moved to Florida years before but still kept an office in NY. It had taken a little less than 20 years to make it to that position, working my way up through the departments, from the front desk, bartender, housekeeping, etc. I decided it was time to move to the ‘big desk.’”
“General managers prior to me would use the big desk, and when Peter came to town for his monthly visits, they moved to a smaller desk in the same office. When I became GM, I moved Peter to the smaller desk upon his visits. Not sure how he’d react, I took pride in how hard I had worked to get there and wanted to prove I earned the big desk. He walked in, took a pause, and with the biggest grin, said, ‘I’m proud of you,’ and he sat at the smaller desk. It was a true highlight of my career, not only professionally, but also as a daughter looking up to her Dad.”
Core Services
What are NoMa’s core services? Brock explained:
“Creating an experience like no other- customer service through and through. We are the only full-service hotel between Manhattan and White Plains. Our restaurant and lounge, NoMa Social, rocks- there is truly nothing like it. The marriage between the hotel, office tower, and food and beverage operation is totally unique. But more than anything, it’s the people; our staff is family. We manage the business as a family. It’s truly wonderful.”
Challenges Faced
What are some of the challenges you faced in your industry? Brock acknowledged:
“Interest rates and ‘feeing’ to death from vendors: same as everyone else.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of NoMa’s most significant milestones? Brock cited:
“Well, we are almost 50 years old (March 2025) and we still feel shiny and new, we are very good to our properties – my dad always says ‘be good to your property and it will be good to you.’ We continue to invest capital every year into keeping our property as current as possible.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Brock affirmed:
“Our staff… Our guests… To reiterate, we are family. Our culture is instilled everywhere throughout the guest experience. We know people’s names, we remember their drink, their kids’ birthday- anyone who walks through our doors becomes part of who we are, if they want to.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Brock pointed out:
“To continue to grow our platform. Hotel NoMa, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, is a beta property for more to come!”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics to discuss? Brock concluded:
“We are currently pursuing other development opportunities, both within the Westchester and Florida Markets. We look forward to continuing to grow our platform and our management culture.”
