INDIAN WELLS GOLF RESORT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales and Marketing
Ben is originally from Boston, MA and an alumni of UMass Amherst. Ben is excited to join the team at Indian Wells Golf Resort and bring 20 years of hospitality and golf experience to the table. Ben swam and dove from an early age through college and coached high school for 7 years. Ben loves the outdoors and almost every sport under the sun. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his two boys.
Job Titles:
- Director of Culinary Operations
Eric Stenberg of Free Range Kitchen was born and raised in Portland Oregon and from an early age food was a focal point cooking with his mother for family meals. Eric left college to pursue a culinary education in California in 1989. Eric attended California Culinary Academy and spent time working with many talented chefs in the Bay area while attending Culinary School.
Eric returned to the Pacific Northwest where he spent the next 11 years cultivating his culinary skills. Eric began cooking for Chef Greg Higgins at the Heathman Hotel in Portland. At this time Chef Higgins was beginning his ground-breaking involvement in causes related to sustainable farming and fishing practices. Eric recognized that Greg was well ahead of his time in designing a restaurant around sustainability, and joined him in his efforts to promote the causes involved. While working for Chef Higgins, Eric was given the opportunity to travel to Alsace, France and work for three star chef Josef Matter at the Hotel Les Voges, focusing on the art of Charcuterie.
George Edwards, originally from London, England, is a seasoned professional with an impressive 25-year career in the hospitality industry. As a dedicated and skilled Director of Engineering and Building Facilities, George has garnered a reputation for his exceptional expertise in managing and maintaining some of the world's most prestigious five-star resorts and private estates.
When George isn't immersed in his professional endeavors, he cherishes quality time with his family, exploring new international destinations, and indulging his passion for classic cars.
Joe is a father of two from Sunnyvale, CA. He joined the team at the Indian Wells Golf resort in 1996. He became Head Golf Professional in 2002, and was then promoted to his current role in 2008. Prior to The Indian Wells Golf Resort, Joe worked as a floor supervisor for Harrah's Hotel and Casino in Stateline, Nev. where, among other things, he supervised the race, sportsbook and poker operations.
Nicholas grew up in Tucson, Arizona where he attended the University of Arizona There he studied Turfgrass Science & Sustainable Plant Systems followed by time with the University of Arizona working with their Turf Research Dept. and Baseball team. He has quality experience as the Asst. Superintendent at El Dorado and most recently as Director of Agronomy at the Marrakesh CC Nicholas is married to Katie and they have a dachshund named Daisy! Nicholas is an ardent Patriots and Red Sox fan, he loves cooking for Katie and singing along to Classic Rock with Daisy at his side.
Nona started her 30 yr. Hospitality career in Colorado where she owned restaurants and then ventured into the Human Resources field. She moved to Californian in 2010 and joined the team at the Indian Wells Golf Resort in 2011, she has a passion to make every team member feel that they have a voice and are respected.
Pam was born and raised in Southern California. Graduate of California Lutheran University, and has over 35 years of experience Representing, merchandising and buying fashionable golf brands throughout Southern California and Hawaii. Pam is married to Greg, has two amazing children, Taylor and Jake and a crazy cat Wolphi
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager
Pennelope Wright is an eclectic and widely experienced Hospitality Manager. With more than 28 years in the industry and experience with brands from the Hyatt, Hilton & Marriott Hotels & Resorts; she has a wealth of operational knowledge to pull from. Most recently, she opened the seven-story, 613-room Westin Anaheim Resort, an upscale property, and meeting space right next to the Anaheim Convention Center and across from the Disneyland Resort. A $245 million-dollar state-of-the-art Resort. "This hotel was truly a milestone for the brand since it will be the first newly built Westin in Southern California in more than 25 years." Prior to this, she spearheaded an $86 million rebrand from The Radisson LAX to the Hyatt Regency LAX. She also opened the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Her passion in life is her amazing Husband, 4 boys, and 2 beautiful huskies. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, body boarding & hiking. She is looking forward to building a strong amazing team that drives with passion and care.
Robin grew up in Thousand Oaks, California and attended Thousand Oaks High School and California State University of Northridge where he competed in Cross Country and Track. After college Robin joined the USAF which eventually brought him to Hawaii, where he stayed for many years and began his hospitality career, which spanned throughout the islands, New Zealand, Saipan and the continental U.S., in some of the finest resorts in the world. Most recently Robin was with Troon at the Lodge of Four Seasons and The Club at Porto Cima in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. There he managed the 354-room lodge, the private club, 3 golf courses and two marinas. Still an avid athlete Robin loves to golf, ski, surf, fish and mountain bike and is looking forward to being in the area where he can still pursue his interests. Robin is excited to be part of the IWGR team and looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the property through "Kaizen", the principles of continuous improvement
Wes received his undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Maryland before moving to Colorado, where he worked in a variety of industries including hospitality, retail, real-estate investing, and other professional services. Wes brings financial expertise with a record of driving revenue growth and improved operating performance for public, private, and start-up companies. Wes is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and enjoys cycling, swimming, golfing, and skiing.