Meet the Staff

Steven Bader - President

Steven Bader has spent the past 30+ years in the hotel industry as a manager, developer, and investor with significant experience in all areas of the hotel business including Hotel Operations, Food and Beverage, Purchasing, Marketing, Development and Finance. He is currently an investor in eleven hotels which include Hilton, Marriott, and Carlson products, and has operated franchises under numerous brands. In addition, he has been successful in owning and operating multi-family housing units as well as a hotel purchasing and furnishings company.

Mr. Bader was the Vice President of a leading Midwest hotel management company for 13 years, where he held numerous positions that include multi-unit operations, purchasing, administration, and development. He was responsible for development of a computer based operating system which integrated management, marketing, and accounting information during his tenure with this company. Prior positions include experience as a General Manager, Area Manager, Food and Beverage Director, and Night Club Manager. He also operated university sports concessions early during his career. In 2001, Mr. Bader formed his own company, United Hospitality Resources Management, Inc. to provide management, consulting, and purchasing services to the hospitality industry.

Mr. Bader has a degree from the School of Hospitality Management at Michigan State University, and continues his affiliation with the school as an active alumnus. In addition to his education, he has always been involved in the community, and local government.

Kai Chow - Chief Operating Officer

Kai Chow has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years and spent 15 years in Asia.  His career experience includes food & beverage, sales, revenue management, opening, conversion, PIP and general operations.  He spent fifteen years as General Manager.  In addition to holding functional managerial roles in hotels, he also held a corporate role in sales and marketing for the Best Western Master Organizer in Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions in the 90s. 

He worked with premium brands and full-service properties that include Regent Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Radisson Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Sunway Hotels & Resorts and Best Western.  He has accumulated hotel experience in business transient, convention, island resorts and airport hotels throughout his career.

Kai graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a graduate degree in Economics and undergraduate degree in Business Administration.

Gene Sugita - Regional Director of Operations

Gene Sugita has over seventeen years experience providing investment advisory services, business consulting services and asset management.  He has served clients in a variety of industries including hotel management, restaurants, real estate development, property management, technology and professional services.

After graduating from the University of California Los Angeles he obtained a Certificate in General Management from Cornell University.  Taking advantage of his education and experience he has helped to transform underperforming companies into leaders in their corresponding markets.

Over his career, Gene has served as the President of Hampton Inn O’Hare Airport, General Manager of The Pacific Inn (former Radisson Inn of Seal Beach) and Director of Operations of ASI Management, Inc.  He has in depth experience with renovations, branding, opening, conversions and general hotel operations.