By John Raby
Associated Press
CHARLESTON, W. Va— The owner of The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia said Tuesday he’s open to the idea of selling Wintergreen Resort.
“There’s no rush or hurry to sell it,” Jim Justice told The Associated Press. “If the right person comes along that I think is the right fit, yeah I will sell it.”
Justice bought the Nelson County resort for $16.5 million in June 2012.
But Justice considers himself a hands-on owner. And with a wide variety of demands on his time that include The Greenbrier, his coal and other properties, his involvement in the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic and coaching high school basketball, Justice said he’s had no chance to visit Wintergreen.
“It’s like, what in the world, you own a business and you’re not even there?” Justice said. “You’re not really actively participating in the management and you’re really not enjoying your assets. I keep telling myself, I’m going to go, I’m going to go. And I just don’t make it there.”
Justice said he’d listen to proposals if someone wanted to operate Wintergreen, but he doubts he’d consider that.
“We would listen if somebody had a great plan for the resort, if somebody came in from Vail and they had a great plan to really improve something,” Justice said, adding, “But we don’t really do anything with partners.”
Wintergreen has sentimental value for Justice because it’s one of the last places he played golf with his father.
Several upgrades have been completed at Wintergreen, including a larger water storage tank for snowmaking capabilities and restaurant improvements. Justice had high praise for Wintergreen General Manager Hank Thiess and said the resort is financially sound.
“It’s a heck of a property,” Justice said. “But in my world, if it’s just being something that’s making great money, that’s not good enough for me. It needs to mean more to me.”
Justice didn’t indicate a selling price but said he’s had multiple inquiries about Wintergreen.
“If the right person fits, sure we’ll sell it,” he said. “If that doesn’t happen, we’ll still own it.”