2025 Living Legends: THOMPSON, BRUCE L.

One of Hampton Roads’ most prominent developers and hoteliers, Norfolk native Thompson is best known for developing the Cavalier Resort, which includes the restored historic Cavalier Hotel as well as two new hotels, restaurants and residences on 21 acres at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a $435 million project.

Thompson opened his first hotel in the early 1980s. Under the name Professional Hospitality Resources (PHR), Thompson’s hotel empire grew. He founded Gold Key as a timeshare company, along with marketing and finance companies to assist with timeshare sales. The privately owned Gold Key | PHR has annual revenues exceeding $140 million and employs more than 2,400 people.

Virginia Business’ 2021 Person of the Year, Thompson has had a long and colorful career, working as a concert promoter and ski trip organizer before entering the hospitality industry. He also has raised money for ALS research in honor of his son, Josh, who died from the disease. Thompson is a member of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors. He served as state finance chair for friend Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 2021 campaign; the governor attended Thompson’s 2023 wedding in Italy.

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