About Us
Hocking Hills Lodging Owners Association (HHLOA) is a devoted community of short-term rental owners and allied partners committed to promoting and enhancing the lodging experience in this stunning region. Our association serves as a collaborative network, providing invaluable resources, support, and advocacy for property owners and partner businesses.
HHLOA was formed in 2020 shortly after all short-term rentals in Hocking County were shut down as ordered by the local Health Department. Lodging owners quickly realized we lacked advocacy and a unified voice to protect our interests. Fortunately, brighter days were ahead and the region has experienced exponential growth since then making our Association as important as ever.
Joining HHLOA means becoming part of a vibrant community that prioritizes the success and sustainability of your rental business. We offer members exclusive access to industry insights, educational workshops, fun events, and a platform for sharing best practices.
Whether you’re a seasoned property owner, new to the short-term rental market, or an area business providing valuable services to lodging owners and their guests, HHLOA invites you to join us in fostering a thriving, well-connected lodging community in the heart of Hocking Hills. Together, we can enhance guest and resident experiences, and contribute to the region’s continued growth and appeal.
HHLOA Board Member Officers
Uma Zielinksi
Chair
Uma Zielinski is a Regional Vice President at Strategic Resource Management (SRM), a consulting firm that helps financial institutions identify cost savings/revenue opportunities. Uma has 25 years of financial services, account management, and business development experience. She and her husband purchased Cabins at Hickory Ridge in 2018 and have several rental properties in Logan.
Kevin Weaver
Vice Chair
Kevin has been a resident of Hocking county for 19+ years. He is the owner of KW Construction, specializing in Log home construction with 20 years of total construction experience. He is well-known in the industry for his custom designs and builds. He and his wife purchased Woodland Ridge Cabins in 2008.
Linda Thomas
Treasurer
Linda Thomas is the Managing partner, operations manager and Co-Owner Hocking Hills Inn & Coffee Emporium. Prior to moving to Ohio Linda had a 20+ year career in management of commercial and industrial real estate in Northern Illinois. Linda and her husband Tim relocated to Logan in the Fall of 2013.
Derek Brammell
Secretary
Derek has a variety of experience in his professional career. He has a Civil Engineering degree from Ohio University and used to be bridge designer. Derek has also been a licensed financial advisor before becoming a licensed Real Estate Agent. Currently Derek is the Manager/Member of Blue Rose Cabins, LLC.
Keith Mondal
General
Keith has extensive experience in engineering and management having worked for over a decade in civil engineering in Colorado prior to returning back to OH to assist in running the family cabin business. As part owner at Cherry Ridge Retreat he is a second generation operator of the cabin business. In 2013 he took on the leadership role of managing the properties full time.
Joel Kupchik
General
Joel Kupchik is the Branch Manager of the Logan Office at Park National Bank, a regional community bank – with big bank capabilities. Joel has been actively involved in the Logan community for the past six years building partnerships with individuals and business owners. He helps his customers by making the complex world of financial services understandable, providing a hands-on, personalized approach to service, and delivering on a promise to serve more. In addition to HHLOA, Joel is a board member for Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Logan Ohio Rotary Club. Joel and his wife Sonya currently reside in Nelsonville.
Gabe Stockton
General
Gabe Stockton is a co-founder and co-owner of Stockton-Hill Insurance located in Kingston Ohio. He primarily handles commercial lines accounts with an extensive focus and expertise in the short-term rental industry. As an independent agent, he has partnered with multiple top-rated insurance companies that specialize in competitively priced, comprehensive coverage programs made specifically toward vacation rental businesses. Gabe and his wife, Kelli, have an 18 year-old daughter, Grace, who recently graduated from Unioto High School and a 6 year-old son, Oliver, who is starting kindergarten at Ross County Christian Academy in August. Gabe is a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Chillicothe where he serves as a trustee as well as an assistant in the high school basketball program at RCCA. He enjoys activities with friends and family such as volleyball, fishing, camping, and racquetball.
RJ Edwards
General
RJ Edwards is the Owner of Hocking Hills Cabins & Resort, Broker/Owner of Edwards Realty Company and Owner of Select Management & Investments, LLC. RJ has 25+ years’ experience with buying, selling, developing, and managing real estate in Ohio. In 2007, RJ launched his first cabin rental in the Hocking Hills area. He currently oversees the day-to-day activity and development of three businesses.
Shaun North
General
Sarah Neichter
General
Sarah holds a business degree in Marketing from Ohio University, and after graduating, worked 10 years as a financial advisor in Columbus. In 2015, Sarah, alongside her husband Chad, ventured into the short-term rental market with the purchase of their first property in Hocking County. Today, Sarah manages their business, Liberty Log Lodging, on a full-time basis. Residing in Delaware, OH, with Chad and their two daughters, the family also maintains a personal residence in Hocking County. Beyond her professional commitments, Sarah enjoys travel, cooking, reading, and cheering on her daughters during their sports activities.