The Interview

Nick Matousch interviews Impala Inn owner Chris Glancey

CHRIS Glancey is a man who puts things together. With experience in realty and development, he has the vision and the means needed to raise up the North Island Inn, set to open up this spring in

Ocean City (Ed. Note: This article was written prior to the state shut-down. Please contact the hotel for an updated open date.) His goals go beyond bringing about a new vacation establishment to the city. Having a love for the nostalgia of family vacations and an understanding of the economy of the shore towns, he wants to bring back accommodations that combine modern home ownership and the renting of yesteryear.

How did you get involved with the North Island Inn construction project?

I've built houses in Ocean City. During the construction boom of the 2000s, so many businesses were being knocked down and houses were taking their places. Realtor Eric Booth brought this project to me, and we worked on it for at least a year or so.

What are your hopes for the North Island Inn?

I hope people have a great experience with their families and keep coming. We all have our memories of vacations here when we were kids. That hotel is going to be a place parents will bring their kids. Those kids will have memories of that, and in 20 years bring their own kids. That building will be a part of a great time people had at the beach, and that is awesome to be a part of.

Do you have kids of your own?

I have two step children, a boy and a girl, 14 and 12.

What's your favorite aspect about being in Ocean City?

I've been coming to the Boardwalk in Ocean City since I was a teenager. It's almost indescribable. When you are a teenager and younger, and you're on the Boardwalk in summer, it is just magic. There is just something special about it. The entire concept of Ocean City and “America’s Greatest Family Resort” is terrific.

Why is hospitality management so important?

Cape May County is tourism. The economy of this county is tourism. People own these businesses – these are not big companies, these are mom and pop stores on the Boardwalk. Every job on this island – without tourism, the economy would not survive. It is important to keep investing in tourism.

What are some fun parts of your job?

The coolest part of my whole job is seeing a project come to life from paper to completion. To be able to drive around and see a building, and know that building is there because [my partners and I] came up with the concept, and that they will be there when I am gone. It's a great feeling to know we are having a positive impact by building these buildings.

What's the hardest part of your job?

Building these buildings. They are large structures. We are building so close to the ocean, and have stringent building codes because of the nature of storms. We also have seasonal constraints.

How often do you interact with the guests at the Impala?

I usually stop by the pool and talk to people. I don't really tell them who I am, I just listen. You learn a lot from people. You can learn so much just listening to people's experiences as they are about the town. You can learn what they want and what they like.

What is your favorite eatery in Ocean City?

I am a pizza guy so I do love my Manco & Manco. I love sitting on the Boardwalk and having a slice of their pizza.

Do you travel a lot?

I do. I love travel... it's one of my favorite things. I've climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and I've been to Africa on safaris. Two years ago I went to Nepal and was climbing in the Himalayas. I love to get out and explore.