CORPORATE BIOS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE BANDERA HOSPITALITY TEAM

 

Larry Broughton Founder & President
In January 2001, Larry Broughton founded Newport Beach, CA-based Broughton Hospitality—a comprehensive management and development group, specializing in the hospitality industry. During the worst two-and-a-half years the hospitality industry had experienced since before World War II, Larry led Broughton through the acquisition of four hotel properties—the Broughton portfolio currently includes more than twenty hospitality projects throughout California, and Chicago, IL. Larry is an experienced, upbeat leader skilled in building companies and organizations.

Prior to forming Broughton Hospitality Larry served as Vice President & Partner of San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality. Since forming Broughton, Larry’s creative approach to business has been featured in news articles and on television and radio nationwide. Nation’s Restaurant News calls Larry “unconventional.” The Santa Barbara News Press calls him “quick-witted and highly-intelligent,” and an “energetic business phenom.” National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition says “Larry is a hotelier and restaurateur, but most of all, an optimistic innovator.” Maverick CEO and advertising guru Donny Deutsch, Host of CNBC’s The Big Idea, calls Larry “a phenomenally successful entrepreneur.” Chris Hale, Publisher of Vetrepreneur magazine says “He represents the best qualities of veteran entrepreneurs—tough, savvy, agile and intelligent.”

Larry has successfully assembled a team of hospitality professionals who have driven performance of each of their properties to the top of their competitive sets and respective markets. Broughton is able to capitalize on the diverse experiences executives and managers have gained from industry leaders to include: Kimpton, Westin, Hyatt, Sheraton, Disney, Outrigger Lodging, Princess Hotels, Pan Pacific, Marriott, Intercontinental, Hilton, and Crowne Plaza, as well as dozens of boutique and independent properties.

Larry’s notably diverse background is highlighted by service as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Green Berets, a Black Belt in karate, extensive studies in Political Science, and involvement with the World Affairs Council and the Commonwealth Club. Complimenting these experiences, he possesses a down to earth attitude and warm approachability that defines Broughton Hospitality and its unconventional approach to business.

Larry is a General Partner or Managing Member of several hospitality projects, has served on boards of college hospitality management programs; conference & visitors bureaus; and various non-profit organizations. He is currently a member of BBL Forum, a group of Christian CEO’s who work together to build extraordinary companies. In 2006, he earned Ernst and Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award®. The National Veteran-Owned Business Association named him their Vetrepreneur® of the Year for 2007.

Larry lives in Irvine, CA with his bride, Suzanne; his daughter, Emily; and son, Ben. He has attended the Executive Program at prestigious Stanford University; studied Russian at the world-renowned Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California; and studied Political Science at University of California, Santa Barbara.

 

Jim Sichta, CHA Vice President of Operations,Partner
Since 1985, Jim has built a career of progressive responsibility in the hospitality industry and has received accreditation with Best Western, Howard Johnson, Days Inn, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Motel 6. Key assignments have included positions with Outrigger Lodging, Princess Hotels, Hotel Mojave and the Marquis Resort in Palm Springs. Jim's upbeat management style is complemented by his training and education in the hospitality industry. He has obtained accreditation with the American Hotel Motel Association as a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), and graduated with honors with a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Echols International Hotel School.

 

Steve BucklerVice President of Sales & Marketing
With a 35 year background in the hospitality and travel industries, Steve has led several sales teams for Sheraton, Hyatt, Intercontinental and was most recently Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, an international luxury hotel chain based in Singapore.  Additionally, he served as General Manager & Regional Vice President of Operations for several of Pan Pacific’s domestic and international properties.  Steve’s experience also includes five years as Regional Director of Sales – Western Region for TravelCLICK, a leader in electronic distribution solutions.  As an independent consultant, he worked with many hotel groups advising on electronic distribution, and sales & marketing opportunities.  Steve is a graduate of University of Massachusetts, with a degree in Hotel Management.

 

Robert Rycroft Corporate Controller
Robert is responsible for all financial services provided to each property as well as accounting for the management company. He has been in the hospitality industry for more than twenty years with seventeen of those years as a Controller. His professional background includes positions as Controller for Princess Hotels International, The Palm Springs Marquis, International Conference Resorts, VP of Finance for Shadowrock Development Corporation and most recently, Controller for Graciela Hotels & Resorts in Burbank, California which is wholly owned and operated by the owner and developer of The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Robert's ability to effectively communicate with owners and corporate officers has been instrumental in his career. Robert graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in business.

 

Dennis Hollingdrake Director of Operations
Having started his hospitality industry career in 1986 in hotel security while studying criminal justice, Dennis has held progressive positions of responsibility, including General Manager and Director of Operations, in a variety of branded and boutique hotels and has worked for Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Disney, The KOR Group and, most recently, Sage Hospitality. He has worked throughout the United States and Canada developing his skill set in the operations of the hotel business. Dennis brings strength to Broughton through his mentoring of co-workers, developing their careers and increasing their abilities at the property level, thereby driving each hotel to profitability.

 

Ramien Shalizi, CHA Director of Food & Beverage
Ramien has more than 14 years of hospitality management experience. Prior to joining BHG Ramien held Director of F&B positions with Hyatt, Hilton, Shadow Rock Resort, the Palm Springs Marquis Resort and the Palm Springs Convention Center. He has managed functions that range from romantic, intimate dinners for couples to events for 18,000 attendees. Ramien has also served as Assistant General Manager and General Manager of a large full-service hotel—this understanding and leadership expertise in both F&B and the Rooms Department make him a rare commodity. In addition to his credits, Ramien is an active, certified Instructor and Proctor of the Serv-Safe Alcohol Safety and Food Safety programs.

 

Sheena Stephens Director of Media Relations
With thirteen years of public relations experience, Sheena has worked extensively with national travel, consumer and lifestyle brands to support marketing, branding and public relations initiatives. Inspired by creativity and driven by results, she has held both agency and in-house PR management positions. She led the campaign for the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, and was the director of public relations for The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey where she was awarded "Newcomer of the Year" from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Corporate Communications Office. Sheena also served as public relations manager at the Regal Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, where she directed the hotel's 75th anniversary celebration to position it as the "Grande Dame" of Los Angeles.

 

Tim McCord Corporate Revenue Manager
Starting with Broughton Hospitality Group as a Guest Services Host at Santa Barbara's Inn of the Spanish Garden, Tim was then promoted to Guest Services Supervisor before moving to New York City where he expanded his knowledge of the hospitality industry. Tim joined one of Manhattan's leading boutique hotel companies becoming the Asst. Front Office Manager at the Library Hotel before assuming the role of Front Office Manager at the Hotel Giraffe. Upon returning from the East Coast, Tim rejoined Broughton Hospitality as Project Manager and is primarily responsible for channel management, statistical analysis, and spearheads all special projects.

 

Chris Pineda Manager of Creative Services
Chris has worked on a variety of different projects during his career and has brought his knowledge and experience to Broughton. Prior to that, he had been working primarily with advertising agencies designing everything from print ads to brochures to websites. His style, which he says can best be described as "clean," adds a refreshing feel and gives each property a more refined look through artistic design and creativity within each project. He graduated in 2001 with a BFA in Computer Arts from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco.

 

Stephen Medel Business Development Manager
Stephen's diverse background in exterior design construction, direct marketing & sales, employee training, and information technology is highlighted by service at the 5-Diamond, Simpson House Inn in Santa Barbara, CA where he served as Manager In-Charge and developed & implemented a new TQM strategy. Stephen oversees all new development and acquisitions as well as assists managers and corporate officers with market research, competitive set analysis, database management, service contract bidding and negotiations, telecom & hi-tech issues, and employee training. He holds a BA in Business Administration from CSU, Chico.

 

Robert Bartley Director of Technology
Robert brings over 16 years experience in both Hotel Operations and Hospitality Information Technology to Broughton. Robert's intuitive problem solving skills and efficiency in overcoming technological challenges is a direct result of his experience and training where he has received certification as an MCP, MCSA, and MCSE. In addition to operating a successful Hospitality IT consulting firm, Robert has completed projects with Hilton, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Palm Springs Riviera Resort, Washington Court Hotel, Sheraton Grand DFW, and the Esmerelda Resort in Palm Springs to name a few. Robert has also worked with the United States government creating special secure IT networks during West Coast visits by the White House.

 

Christine Luper Accounting Manager/Financial Analyst
Christine's impressive job history is highlighted by her experience with HVS (Hotel Valuation Systems) where she most recently worked in their Consulting and Valuation department completing appraisals, feasibility studies, financial analysis, and fieldwork inspections. She has worked property level positions ranging from Front Desk Supervisor, to Sales Coordinator, and eventually the Accounting department. She is an experienced analyst with a high attention to detail. Her knowledge of finance, hotel operations, and sales and marketing make her an asset to the company.

 

Amy Winkler Director of Design
With more than twenty years of experience in the interior design industry, Aimee specializes in hotel and restaurant design with projects located all over the world. Aimee's philosophy is that good design improves the quality of life and creates an experiential stay for hotel guests. Her professional style is honest, respectful and straight forward. Relationships, attention to detail and consideration for budget are the utmost importance to Aimee. With that in mind, her objective is to streamline the interior design process, resulting in the creation of an environment that is attractive and original while keeping within the budget. Aimee serves as liaison between Broughton, contractors, and outside design teams to ensure quality and concept standards are maintained, and that budgets and timelines are met.