Founder & President

As Founder and President of Somnium Hospitality Group, Steven oversees all aspects of Property Management and Asset Management. Steven quickly developed a passion for hospitality from his first position at The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in California 29 years ago. Holding over 15 years of Area and General Management experience, Steven has operated, developed, and repositioned numerous assets, including Hilton Oak Brook Resort and Conference Center, The Conrad in Indianapolis, The Dupont Circle Hotel in Washington DC, Mile North Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, and multiple Club Quarters hotels in Chicago, Illinois. With senior leadership roles at The Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa, Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, and The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, Steven’s extensive Resort, boutique hotel, and Club experience adds a unique luxury and resort perspective within the Somnium team. Steven has led many hotel openings and has directly overseen extensive multi-million-dollar renovation projects within his career. Steven is an active executive board member of the IHLA and is a board of director for the City of Westmont. He is a graduate of Emerson College with a B.A. in Communications and Public Speaking as well as the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute within the acting conservatory program. Steven is known for his competitive spirit, drive, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. He leads with confidence and conviction, exhibiting a personal passion for exceptional service and an unwavering focus on results. Steven brings passion and enthusiasm into every detail, encouraging others to dream, grow, and strive to live their best life.




COO/CFO

As COO/CFO, Dan has over two decades of experience in Hospitality Management. He is a graduate from Eastern Illinois University; Lumpkin College of Business where he focused his studies on Finance and Accounting. Dan’s main responsibilities will be the oversight and development of all Financial related duties including reporting, compliance and financial performance. Dan started his Hospitality career in Finance; spending over 15 years as an Area Director where he created and led a regional Finance office responsible for over $50M in annual sales. Dan has spent the last 10 years in operations as an Area General Manager for companies such as Destination Hotels and JDV Hotels; representing brands such as Hilton and Hyatt garnering honors such as being named one of Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces and listed on Conde’ Nast Best Hotels in Chicago. Having served as a financial leader and as a General Manager has given Dan the ability to apply his unique skillset towards increasing the value of ownership assets.




Vice President of Sales & Marketing

As Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mike will be responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing strategies and initiatives for our portfolio of managed and asset-managed hotels, resorts, and private clubs. Mike provides over 35 years of industry experience in the sales and marketing/revenue strategies of independent and branded hotels, Branding, Talent acquisitions/Retention, SEO,PPC, Distribution Channels, Contract negotiations, Campaign Management, Client/Customer Relationships, and Reputation Management.

For 19 years, Mike worked for Dawson Companies and The Scottsdale Plaza Resort leading the company in growth and operational strategy. During his time as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, he oversaw all the company’s sales and marketing/revenue strategies. Afterwards, Mike independently owned and operated Teed Solutions LLC where he managed sales and marketing strategies for over 50+ hotels nationwide including YVE Hotel Miami, Destination Residences Hawaii, and Oak Brook Hills Resort. Mike graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A in Organizational Communication and Media Studies. He loves to golf and hikes with his wife and two sons.




Regional Director of People & Culture

As Director of People & Culture, Nicole provides over a decade of experience in Human Resources. She is a graduate from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business where she focused her studies on business strategy and accounting. Nicole’s main responsibilities include maintaining in-depth knowledge of legal and government requirements, reporting regulations affecting human resources functions, and ensuring policies, procedures, and reporting compliance. She also develops, recommends, and administers human resources policies and procedures to support business operations and company philosophy, culture, and strategic goals. Lastly, Nicole assists managers and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention to enhance employee engagement and successful business outcomes. Nicole is known for her positive attitude, exceptional attention to detail, and extreme dedication to her career. While new to hospitality, her diverse and extensive background in both legal and corporate industries make Nicole a highly valued asset to our team.




Regional Director of Distribution

As Regional Director of Distribution, Greg Bak oversees hotel Revenue Management and Reservations functions for Somnium Hospitality Group. Greg provides strategic planning, marketing, forecasting & budgeting direction for managed and asset managed hotels ensuring maximum results and efficiency. Greg’s diverse and extensive background in hospitality, ranging from sales to food and beverage to operations and finance has made him a highly valued asset to our team. With his first venture into the hotel industry as a Maintenance Manager for a small hotel in the Colorado Mountains, he quickly began to dip his toes into almost every area of the hotel industry. While doing so, Greg discovered a passion for food and beverage and was able to hone his skills while working at a unique property boasting a James Beard Acclaimed Chef. Ultimately Greg’s sights were set on Chicago, where he assumed the role of Director of Revenue at the city’s iconic Drake hotel. During his time in Chicago, he has managed to master his craft of Revenue Management and continues to excel in his expertise at Somnium.




Area IT Director

As the Area IT Director, JL Griffin oversees the company's IT operations, ensuring IT security, maintaining infrastructure, and providing crucial support to operations staff. JL attended the IT/CNS program at ITT Technical Institute, and with 15 years of experience in the IT field, including 12 years dedicated to the hospitality industry in local and national chain restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and having led an IT consulting firm for 7 years before joining Somnium, he brings a diverse range of knowledge to the position. Known for his adaptability and solution-oriented attitude, JL's passion for knowledge in an ever-evolving technical landscape positions him as a valuable asset to the Somnium team, contributing to the ongoing demands of the organization's technological backbone.