Corporate Bios | Broughton Hospitality, Newport Beach, CA

Founder and President

In January 2001, Larry Broughton founded Newport Beach, CA-based Broughton Hospitality - a comprehensive management and development group, specializing in the hospitality industry. 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.


	Chief Operating Officer, Partner Jim brings over 24 years of Management and Lodging experience to Broughton Hospitality Group's hotel collection and is responsible for all the day-to-day operations. Jim's upbeat management style, mentoring and leadership qualities have had a significant effect on the strong performance and growth of the Broughton hotel portfolio.

Prior to joining BHG, Jim built a career of progressive responsibility in the hospitality industry, including key management positions with Outrigger Lodging, Best Western, Howard Johnson, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Princess Hotels, The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel in Maui and was Resident Manager of the 4 Diamond Marquis Resort in Palm Springs. He has received accreditation with the American Hotel & Lodging Association as a Certified Rooms Division Executive(CRDE) and Certified Hospitality Administrator(CHA), the hotel industry's top recognition. Jim is an honors graduate with a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Echols International Hotel School.

Click here to email Jim Sichta


	Vice 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.

Click here to email Steve Buckler


	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.

Click here to email Robert Rycroft

Director of Operations/Food & Beverage
Ramien possesses more than 17 years of hospitality management experience. Since joining Broughton Hospitality Group in 2003, Ramien has served as General Manager and F&B Director for full-service, limited -service and boutique properties in addition to his current corporate role. Ramien has also led the conceptualization and repositioning of several food and beverage projects and is well versed in "green" lodging.

Prior to joining BHG, Ramien held the position of Director of F&B with Hyatt, Hilton, Shadow Rock Resort, The Palms Springs Marquis and The Palm Springs Convention Center. He has managed functions from intimate affairs to citywide events of more than 18,000 attendees, encompassing a diverse clientele including entertainers, political figures and hospitality professionals. Ramien's core Food and Beverage experience coupled with his operational savvy proved a rare commodity to BHG and its affiliate hotels.

Designated by the American Hotel and Lodging Association as a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Ramien has earned the Hospitality Industry's top designation. In addition, being true to Ramien's Food and Beverage roots, he is also a Certified Instructor and Proctor for the National Restaurant Association's Serv-Safe Alcohol Safety and Food Safety programs.

Click here to email Ramien Shalizi

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.

CLICK HERE to email Chris Pineda


	Director of Acquisitions & Development 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.

Click here to email Stephen Medel

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.

Accounting Manager/Financial Analyst
Christine’s impressive job history is highlighted by her experience with HVS Global Hospitality Services where she most recently worked in their Consulting and Valuation division 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, and her knowledge of hotel finance, operations, and sales and marketing make her an asset to the company.

Click here to email Christine Luper

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.