2018 Business Excellence Awards Hall of Fame Inductee: Rusty McLear

Rusty McLear, president of Mill Falls at the Lake and partner for Granite State Hospitality, is the 2018 Business Excellence Awards Hall of Fame inductee

In a career of over four decades, McLear, president of Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith, has not only helped transform the town on Lake Winnipesaukee into a world-class resort, he has been at the forefront of bringing about a tourism industry in New Hampshire that is sophisticated, forward-thinking and innovative.

His influence has been seen outside the Lakes Region as well. McLear and his longtime business partner Alex Ray  teamed up for a similar project in downtown Claremont, turning two abandoned mill buildings into The Common Man Inn and Restaurant. They also teamed up to build the Hooksett Welcome Centers on I-93 in a unique public-private partnership, with plans to build a similar welcome center in New Hampton.

Without a doubt, McLear’s priorities, determination, dedication and abilities have left an outsized imprint on the state of New Hampshire — and he isn’t done yet.