HOSPITALITY
HOSPITALITY
Running Crystal Springs Resort is a Mulvihill Family Affair
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Siblings Julie , Andrew and Chris Mulvihill have a lot in common – like their love of the outdoors , their entrepreneurial zeal and strong work ethics . But none comes close to the unique bond they share as owners and operators of Crystal Springs Resort .
Their sprawling resort sits atop more than 4,000 acres in the picturesque Kittatinny Mountains of Sussex County . Brother Chris , who handles all the marketing , isn ’ t boasting when he describes it as the “ pre-eminent golf , spa and culinary resort of the Northeast .”
The centerpieces are the jaw-dropping beauty of Grand Cascades Lodge , with its organic design elements and wood infusion , and the energetic and inviting appeal of Minerals Hotel .
Half a million people come to enjoy the amenities every year . But if you asked , they would be hard-pressed to choose their favorite . Would it be the Garden State ’ s No . 1 public golf course , Ballyowen , or the 4-star Restaurant Latour with its award-winning 45,000-bottle wine cellar that has been showcased as a perennial winner of Wine Spectator ’ s Grand Award ? Or maybe they are captivated by the tropical biosphere pool complex .
Forty years of planning , growing , and adapting have gone into Crystal Springs and each sibling has a distinct role . Andrew is the builder . Chris fills it and Julie runs it .
Julie said , “ We cut our teeth ” on Action Park , the wildly popular water park started by their late father , Gene , in the 1970s . The siblings owe their entrepreneurial spirit to him . He also instilled a desire to entertain that comes through today in one-of-kind experiences at Crystal Springs , such as team building with goat yoga classes .
During high school and college , the Mulvihill kids worked at Action Park . “ We hosted 20,000 people a day there ,” Julie vividly recalled , adding she was managing 150 lifeguards . The experience taught her the importance of good operational systems and set her on a career path . The eye for detail and devotion to efficiency she honed as a teenager are now Crystal Springs ’ assets .
Eventually Action Park was sold . But the Mulvihills weren ’ t done . They acquired Crystal Springs when its original owner went bankrupt . In the first phase of development , Andrew built 1,500 condominium units and the first golf course for the resort .
Over the years , Andrew has built hundreds of single-family homes and townhouses on the property , some are even nestled into the mountain with ski in , ski out access . He said the resort community developed within Crystal Springs is very special because it gives the homeowners access to world-class amenities such as the 10 dining venues and six championship caliber golf courses . The property owners can take comfort in knowing the Mulvihills have a stake in the community ’ s success . “ There ’ s really a great dynamic at work here . We really help each other ,” Andrew said .
The family prides itself on its over-the-top style . For instance , while building Grand Cascades Lodge they opted for a “ biosphere ” instead of an ordinary pool . The indoor glass structure creates a tropical oasis that can be enjoyed year-round . Naturally , it ’ s a boon in the wintertime . But even in warm weather , Julie said , guests enjoy it because the roof and sides open completely .
For the grand ballroom design , Andrew incorporated huge glass walls to achieve panoramic views . “ You can actually see High Point Monument , and the sunsets are just mind-blowing ,” Julie said . As CEO , Julie enjoys working with her brothers , especially with Andrew on the building designs . “ We really speak the same language ,” she said . “ When you ’ ve work with someone for more than 30 years , it ’ s like a good marriage . It ’ s not without its arguments , but we know how to get things done .”
Continued On Page 9
Enjoy gourmet outdoor dining with beautiful vistas . Menu items feature fresh , locally grown ingredients .
Photo : Crystal Springs Resort
Photo : Crystal Springs Resort
8 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com