BUILT ON LEADERSHIP, GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY
Proudly
Indigenous
The HT Group is a 100% First Nation–owned collection of companies based in Thunder Bay, Ontario
United by a shared vision to create opportunity, strengthen community, and build sustainable Indigenous businesses. From Happy Time Tours & Travel to Carrick Express, Happy Time Real Estate Holdings and the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel and Conference Centre, our companies work together to provide essential services in travel, logistics, and property development - each contributing to a stronger economic foundation for Indigenous communities across Northwestern Ontario and beyond
A Legacy of Resilience & Renewal
The HT Group was built through community vision, shared trust, and collective determination. What began as a locally rooted initiative has grown into a multi-division Indigenous enterprise — driven by First Nations working together to create opportunity, strengthen capacity, and invest in a future shaped on our own terms.
Each stage of growth reflects a commitment to long-term impact: expanding employment, strengthening operations, and reinvesting in infrastructure that supports people, communities, and future generations.
The opening of the HT Group headquarters on Beaverhall Place marks more than a milestone. It stands as a symbol of progress, pride, and possibility — a place where Indigenous-owned businesses come together, and where collaboration continues to fuel growth across Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario.
Our Values
Our Mission
To build and grow successful Indigenous businesses that create employment, foster self-sufficiency, and strengthen community connections across Northern Ontario and beyond.
Our Values
To lead by example — showing how Indigenous-owned enterprises can thrive, empower people, and drive sustainable economic development for future generations.
Investing for Long-Term Success – Every decision is made with sustainability and generational impact in mind.
Bringing Nations Together – Strength and credibility in numbers, fostering collaboration among First Nations and partners across Canada.
Empowering Indigenous Prosperity – Driving economic development while honoring cultural heritage and shared values.
Proudly First Nation-Owned – 100% Indigenous ownership, guided by traditional values of respect, integrity, and community.
Driven by Growth – Strategic leadership and disciplined management have transformed the organization into a thriving multi-division enterprise.
Committed to Community – Creating meaningful employment and reinvesting in the local economy.
Built for the Future – Expanding operations through new facilities, new partnerships, and new opportunities across Northern Ontario and beyond.
Community & Partnerships
The HT Group works in close collaboration with Indigenous and regional partners, fostering economic empowerment and community-driven development throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Management Team
Luke Reynolds
CEO
HT Group
A results-driven builder of partnerships, Luke Reynolds combines hands-on operating discipline with deep experience in Indigenous economic development to lead projects that deliver measurable impact. With over a decade of leadership across First Nations economic development, real estate, hospitality, and tourism, Luke serves as president of multiple companies and limited partnerships and is a champion of culturally informed, community-aligned business growth.
He is known for aligning limited partnerships, brand standards, and community objectives, drawing on governance experience as a former Band Councillor and seven years as Chairman of the Board at Wasaya Airways to navigate complex stakeholder environments and regulated industries. A lifelong student of leadership, Luke adopts a strategic and performance-focused approach—setting clear financial and service objectives, championing future Indigenous leaders, and ensuring culturally informed decisions that strengthen both business performance and community outcomes.
His passion for bringing Nations together—for unity, empowerment, and credibility—underscores every initiative he leads, reinforcing trust and collaboration across communities.
Erin
Moore
Erin Moore leads commercial development and partnership workstreams—aligning community, investor, and operating objectives across real estate and hospitality. Before joining the executive team, Erin spent 27 years at Lowerys IT as a Senior Computer Network Consultant, supporting more than 50 organizations across diverse sectors—including medical, legal, hospitality, and automotive.
Erin helps move complex projects from diligence to delivery—aligning stakeholders, tightening timelines, and keeping capital, compliance, and community outcomes in balance. His approach emphasizes clear communication, risk awareness, and actionable decision support, so leadership teams can move forward with confidence.
Motivated by community outcomes and long-term value creation, Erin works closely with First Nations and private sector partners to deliver projects efficiently and with shared understanding. Beyond his core responsibilities, Erin is committed to supporting colleagues wherever needed—offering guidance, sharing expertise, and stepping in across all HT Group entities to keep projects and operations moving smoothly.
VP of Business Development
HT Group
Edwin
Martinez
General Manager
Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre
Edwin Martinez brings 27 years of hospitality experience, including general manager roles at the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre and Chartwell Select, where he earned Best Western’s highest honor—the M.K. Guertin Award—for revenue growth, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Edwin is deeply engaged in the community and industry—serving as:
President & Chair, Thunder Bay Hotel Association
Vice Chair, Tourism Investment Committee (TIC) at CEDC
Governor for District III (Region 32), Best Western International
Board Director, Feathers of Hope Inc. (First Nations youth organization)
Widely recognized as a knowledgeable, trusted leader—and a true asset to the organization—Edwin consistently goes the extra mile. His ability to foster collaboration, maintain focus under pressure, and lead with integrity makes him an exemplary team player and an exceptional leader. Edwin’s dedication and enthusiasm create momentum—moving projects forward while ensuring people feel supported and valued at every step.
Arlene
Russell
Chief Accounting Officer
Happy Time Tours & Travel, HT Leasing, Happy Time Real Estate, Carrick Express
Arlene Russell brings extensive expertise in financial operations, overseeing accounting, payables, receivables, payroll, and vendor management across multiple HT Group entities. She plays a key role in budgeting, compliance, and intercompany reporting, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for diverse business units.
Known for her collaborative spirit, Arlene consistently fosters trust and teamwork—always ready to share knowledge and lend support when challenges arise. Her dedication and precision reflect a genuine commitment to the success of every HT Group entity she touches. Arlene is regarded as a cornerstone of financial integrity and a true asset to the organizations she supports.
Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre
With over 30 years of experience in hospitality finance, Cindy Paul leads all financial functions for the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre. Her responsibilities include financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, and compliance, as well as supporting strategic initiatives and capital planning for the property and related projects.
Cindy is recognized for her hands-on approach and unwavering reliability—always stepping in to assist colleagues and ensure smooth operations. Her deep expertise, combined with a genuine care for people and outcomes, makes her an invaluable resource and a trusted pillar of strength for the hotel and its affiliated projects.
Financial
Controller
Cindy
Paul
Empowering Indigenous enterprise
Strengthening community
Building the future
Learn more about our companies or connect with us to explore partnership opportunities.