A true hospitality visionary and leader, Tim Busch is on the leading edge of trends that are driving innovation in the hospitality industry. He brings nearly 35 years of business and industry experience to his role as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Hospitality Group, LLC. Through his pioneering leadership, Pacific Hospitality Group has become a premier hotel development and management firm backed by a strategic vision and strong core values. Busch has played a key role in the organization’s successful branding strategy, targeting travelers of all ages, including discerning young customers who are adventure and technology savvy. Under his direction, Pacific Hospitality Group participated in the recent acquisition of Bacara Resort & Spa and the 2012 acquisition of the landmark Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, adding to its portfolio of properties, which includes the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in San Diego, and The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley. Most recently, Busch helped lead the creation of the Meritage Collection, a new life and style collection from Pacific Hospitality Group, which includes independent hotels, resorts, wineries, and golf courses. The Meritage Collection offers exceptional travel and one-of-a-kind experiences in four of California’s most spectacular locations—La Jolla, Napa Valley, Newport Beach, and Santa Barbara. These design-focused and stylish properties include creative restaurants, relaxed lounges, and inviting social spaces. Also included in the collection is Napa Valley’s Trinitas Cellars, which is owned by Busch, a wine connoisseur. With an extensive finance, legal, and management background, Busch has founded and led many companies, including The Busch Firm, which specializes in high-net worth estate planning, tax, and real estate and business legal transactions. He is also part-owner and managing partner of the Stone Eagle Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif., and co-owner of Busch’s Markets – a 15-location specialty grocery store – the largest independently owned grocery chain in Michigan. Busch, an attorney, CPA and licensed California real estate broker, graduated from Wayne State Law School. The father of two, along with his wife Steph, is also an active supporter of several prominent Catholic organizations, and was instrumental in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange’s purchase of the Crystal Cathedral. When he’s not making business deals, Busch can be found traveling, on the golf course, or enjoying a glass of good wine.

Kory Kramer is Chief Investment Officer for Irvine-based Pacific Hospitality Group. Mr. Kramer leads all company investment activities including acquisition and disposition of hotel properties, development and construction, financing, asset management, and investor relations. He has led over $1 billion of acquisition and development deals including most recently the opening of new Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach as well as the acquisition of AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown and AC Hotel Irvine from Woodbine and USAA. Mr. Kramer is currently working on the development of the new clubhouse project at Newport Beach Country Club set to open in summer 2016, along with the proposed “Meritage Commons” expansion of The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa set for construction start in 2016, and raising capital for the new PHG Hotel Fund I. In 2015 he directed the acquisition of Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort on Poipu Beach in Kauai and AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon/French Quarter Area. Notable in 2013 was the acquisition of Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara from an affiliate of Ohana Real Estate Investors and Rockpoint Group, which resulted in being recognized with the “2013 ALIS Single Asset Transaction of the Year Award.” His accomplishments in 2012 included the first major expansion of The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, acquisition of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa from Lowe Enterprises/Destination Hotels & Resorts, and the acquisition of The Balboa Bay Club & Resort/Newport Beach Country Club. Mr. Kramer concurrently serves as Chief of Staff for The Busch Group, managing a diversified business and financial portfolio including non-profit entities. Mr. Kramer is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Boston College. He serves on the Board of Directors and is currently President of Napa Valley Commons (largest corporate park in Napa Valley). Mr. Kramer also serves as a Planning Commissioner (currently chairman) for the City of Newport Beach and enjoys his family, the beach, politics, college football, charities, and traveling.

Dave Gerdes is Vice President of Sales for all hotel properties. Mr. Gerdes has more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry having held numerous sales and marketing positions with Marriott Hotels, Interstate Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Carlson Hotels, Omni Hotels, and Destination Hotels and Resorts. Mr. Gerdes joined Pacific Hospitality Group in January 2012 through the acquisition of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. A native of Pennsylvania and Penn State graduate, Mr. Gerdes has worked extensively throughout the United States and has been involved with over 75 properties, over a dozen major brands, and some of the top independent resorts in the country. Mr. Gerdes enjoys all sports, US history, travel, running, relaxing, and spending time with his family.