Dreher began his career in hospitality at the age of 16 when his father told him to �get a job.�  Like many teenagers, Dreher accepted a position as dishwasher in a restaurant called Mr. Steak.  It wasn�t long before Dreher realized his talents were better suited for the front of the house and quickly moved into a serving position; this was the beginning of a long career in hospitality.     

Dreher didn�t waste any time as he later worked for Westin Hotels & Resorts at the 1,474-room Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, serving in several departments prior to being elevated to assistant manager.  Dreher joined The Hotel Group in 1989 as a general manager and was quickly promoted to a regional manager; in this capacity, he supervised new construction projects in Nevada and Washington, as well as properties in Arizona and California.

Dreher�s talents were once again recognized when he was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 1992.  In 1998, Dreher was further promoted to Executive Vice President where he was in charge of overseeing all aspects of operations, marketing, and development.  In 2002, he was promoted to President, responsible for all departments within the company including real estate acquisitions, new hotel development, renovation, operations, finanacing, and overall strategy for THG�s entire portfolio.  

Dreher has overseen more than 70 hotels and over 25 new developments in 15 states and Canada. His well-rounded experience includes the supervision of resorts, four-diamond and four-star hotels, and independent properties.  His franchise experience extends to major brands like Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Radisson, and Holiday Inn.

Dreher holds a B.A. in Hotel & Restaurant Administration from Washington State University.  He was honored in 2007 as a distinguished alumnus for the 75th anniversary of the School of Hospitality Business Management at WSU for exemplary achievements in hospitality and contributions to WSU.  He is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.  Dreher was 2008 Chairman of the AH&LA Multiunit Operators Council, representing more than 80 lodging companies nationwide, and past chariman of the Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association.  In 2004, Dreher was recognized by the Pugent Sound Business Journal for the annual �40 Under 40� distinguished leaders in the Pugent Sound.  He currently resides in his home town of Edmonds, with his wife, Maria, and two children.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and reading.  

About The Hotel Group
The Hotel Group (THG), based in Edmonds, Washington, recently celebrated its 25th year of operations and is recognized as a top-40 hotel management and investment company.  THG currently manages and/or owns 25 properties in 10 states and employs over 1,300 people.  Since its inception in 1984, THG has managed more than 100 properties in 20 states, directed the design and construction of over 30 new hotels, and purchased 9 full-service hotels representing more than $100 million in assets.  For more information, visit www.thehotelgroup.com or call (425) 771-1788.

Katherine Steed   
The Hotel Group
Director of Marketing  
425-248-2978  
[email protected]