"One of our major strengths over the past 35 years has been the expertise and experience of our senior management team," said Dale J. Marquis, founder of both companies, who will now serve as Chairman and CEO. 

"We have positioned our companies for further success as we execute our strategic plan under the direction of two dynamic executives, Mike Barnard and Matt Marquis. Mike will take the lead at Pacifica Hotel Company, Pacifica Hotel Investors and Pacifica Design Group as President and Chief Operating Officer of those companies. Matt will assume the top role at Invest West Financial, the parent firm, as its President and Chief Operating Officer. I could not wish for better leaders." 

Matt Marquis, who has been Executive Vice President of Invest West Financial, joined the company in 1996 after a successful career on Wall Street that included positions with Investcorp International, Inc., a leveraged buyout firm; and Dean Witter Realty, Inc. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Brigham Young University and his MBA from Pepperdine University. 

Michael Barnard, who has been Vice President of Hotel Acquisitions, joined Pacifica Hotel Company in 2003. In the last three years, Mike has successfully led the acquisition, development and disposition of 16 properties. Prior to joining Pacifica, he held positions with Choice Hotels International and the Marriott Corporation. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Finance from the University of Southern California. 

Founded in 1970, Invest West Financial has been involved in more than $1 billion worth of real estate and other investments, including ownership positions in several professional sports teams. The company played a key role in the development of many well-known Santa Barbara institutions, including the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, the Financial Plaza on State and La Cumbre, and a retail complex where the Paseo Nuevo now stands. In addition to purchasing, developing and managing California hotel properties through its Pacifica subsidiaries, Invest West is also active in commercial and retail development in Southern California and selected cities across the U.S. 

Regularly ranked among the nation's top ten hotel management companies, Pacifica Hotel Company owns and operates more than 20 hotels from San Diego to the Bay Area. Among the company's properties are the beautiful Spyglass and Sandcastle Inns in Pismo Beach, the elegant Empress Hotel in La Jolla, the sun-drenched Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina in San Diego, the gracious Carlyle Inn in Beverly Hills, and Best Western and Holiday Inn Express properties in carefully selected coastal locations such as Half Moon Bay, Marina del Rey, Venice Beach, Redondo Beach, and San Diego. 

Dale Marquis, who has been Chairman and President of Pacifica Hotel Company, has been involved in the acquisition or development of more than 130 real estate investment projects, including more than 30 hotel projects. He is a veteran entrepreneur whose ventures have included commercial and retail real estate, professional sports, the hotel industry and other fields. Prior to founding Invest West Financial, he was associated with Arthur Andersen and Company. 

Pacifica Hotel Company
Lori Keller, 805-957-0095 x125 
[email protected]
www.pacificahotels.com