Professional Profile
Steven Marx
Steven Marx is a recognized hospitality expert with proven success in business ownership, hotels, real estate, business development and strategy. He is entrepreneurial, self-motivated and highly attuned to emerging industry trends. Steve is an innovative problem solver which has led to his understanding that hotel real estate developments are comprised of tangible, synergistic, curated and genuine hospitality components that results in measurable return-on-investment. He is passionate and uniquely knowledgeable about vital yet often overlooked areas within the hotel, real estate, marketing, design and architecture spaces.
Expertise
- Real Estate
- Business Development
- Asset Management
- Value Creation
- Project Management
- Financial Analysis
- Strategic Positioning
- Hotel Ownership
- Marketing
Education
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Bachelor of Arts;
College of Business,
School of Hotel Management
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Master of Business Administration;
College of Business
Archeworks
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate;
Multidisciplinary Design School
New York University
New York, New York
Certificate;
Real Estate Finance Investment
Professional Experience
Hotel Source, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
Founder; Managing Broker
Hotel real estate brokerage and consulting firm focused on financial and operational analysis, business marketing, buyer representation and expert witness. Advised on hundreds of hotel assignments with varied ownership, operational and financing challenges. Implemented holistic thought process focusing on accountability and value creation.
Epstein
Chicago, Illinois
Director Client Services
Generated significant revenue potential through relationships, proposals and collaborations for global architecture, design and engineering firm. Wrote and executed a business development plan targeting hospitality, multi-family, office and convention center segments. Strategically helped position the firm through database, social media, membership and digital channels.
HBTC
Managing Member
Private investment firm focused on distressed hotel value creation. Acquired 114-room foreclosed hotel. Renovated, repositioned and recapitalized asset into an InterContinental Hotels Group franchised hotel.
Ignite Curiosities
Founder
Curated travel lifestyle website exploring discovery, authenticity and curiosity.
Related Experience
East China Normal University
Shanghai, China
Adjunct Professor
Taught a Hospitality Brand Design graduate course to students from Paul Bocuse Institute; Emlyon Business School – Lyon France.
Fairmont Hotel
Chicago, Illinois
Project Manager; Hotel Manager
Opened 692-room hotel, member Leading Hotels of the World. Designed and implemented operational and administrative procedures, representing management as liaison between ownership and developer.
Hotel Partners, Inc. – Chicago, Illinois
Four Seasons Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts
Hyatt Regency – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Holiday Inn Lake Shore Drive – Chicago, Illinois
Knickerbocker Hotel – Chicago, Illinois
Kellogg Center – East Lansing, Michigan
Sheraton Inn – Homewood, Illinois
Additional Studies
Applied Brilliance – Global innovation symposiums
DePaul University – Business Studies; Thailand, Laos and Vietnam
Ecole Hotelière – Exchange; Lausanne, Switzerland
Cornell University – Certification; Ithaca, New York
Memberships & Affiliations
International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) – Member
Chicago Architecture Foundation – Lead architectural walking tours since 1994
DePaul University – Advisory Board for School of Hospitality Leadership
Michigan State University – Advisory Board for School of Hotel Management
Real Estate Broker – Licensed in multiple states
Additional Accomplishments
Contributing Writer
Crain’s Chicago Business, Mortgage Banking, Scotsman Guide
Guest Lecturer
Crittenden, DePaul University, Kendall College, Michigan State University