The hotel was deteriorating and he was afraid it would reflect poorly on his business, as well as the community. It is located in one of the gateways to Davenport. Heart of America purchased the property, renovated it and since has won numerous hospitality awards for its high level of service, cleanliness and quality. Eight years ago, the company built its first hotel from scratch in Urbandale, Iowa. Now it is working on its eighth property, a Radisson Hotel in suburban Milwaukee.
Plans already are under way for two more hotels.
Whalen feels his law degree did give him the credibility he needed to secure loans to expand The Machine Shed, but that education did not teach him how to be a businessman. Those lessons came mostly through hard work and determination. Neither one of us really ever worked for anyone else. All of the properties Heart of America owns are more than just properties. Every hotel and restaurant serves as a reminder.