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 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.

Kim Sudhalter Director of Media Relations
Kim Sudhalter is a communications and public relations expert who offers more than 16 years experience in corporate branding and in creating consumer products campaigns for major media and entertainment companies such as Time Warner, Microsoft, Sony and GameWorks (Dreamworks, Sega and Universal). She has also developed brand identity campaigns for corporations such as Intel and IBM.  In her former position as Vice President of Entertainment in the Motion Pictures Department at Rogers & Cowan, Kim was responsible for creating a new division devoted entirely to promoting interactive entertainment products. Daughter of a former UPI foreign correspondent and marketing executive, Kim was born in Europe and raised in London and New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Boston University.

Aaron Smith Manager of Creative Services
Since 1998, Aaron has built a progressive career in the graphic design and web development fields and brings BHG to the forefront of advertising and marketing by developing a unique visual style and personality to each property. Aaron's impressive list of past clientele showcases his diversity and versatility. His extensive knowledge in design applications, web technologies, search engine marketing and optimization, video editing, photography and general IT make him an asset to the team. He holds a BFA from Iowa State University.

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.

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.