Edward Kaen is chief executive of The Keating Hotel Group, a real estate, hospitality and restaurant development group.
RESUM & #201;
– & #8201;Name: Edward Kaen.
– & #8201;Company: The Keating Hotel Group.
– & #8201;Titles: Founder and CEO.
– & #8201;Education: B.A. and B.S., University of San Diego.
– & #8201;Birthplace: New York.
– & #8201;Age: 31.
– & #8201;Current residence: La Jolla.
– & #8201;Family: Maybe someday when I have time.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: Be honest and fair.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Stay flexible and open to new ideas; never become complacent.
Guiding principles: Do good business with good people.
Yardsticks of success: Setting my own schedule.
Goals yet to be achieved: Expanding internationally.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: Deciding to never work for someone else.
Worst business decision: Deciding to never work for someone else.
Toughest business decision: Trying to figure out how not to let good people go in the current economy.
Biggest missed opportunity: Building a hotel instead of buying my Ferrari.
Mentor: My father.
Word that describes you: Engaged (not in the marital sense).
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: Being able to travel.
What you like least about your job: Stress.
Pet peeves: Dishonest, unreasonable people.
Most important lesson learned: Listen to my gut.
Person most interested in meeting: Hugh Hefner.
Three greatest passions: Family, friends and fun.
First choice for a new career: Doorman at Sway.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: No good deed goes unpunished.
Most influential book: “Maverick Real Estate Investing: The Art of Buying and Selling Properties Like Trump, Zell, Simon, and the World’s Greatest Land Owners,” by Steve Bergsman.
Favorite status symbol: No comment.
Favorite restaurant: The MerK bistro Italiano in the hotel.
Favorite place for business meetings: The Keating Hotel.
Favorite vacation spot: Sardinia off the coast of Italy.
Favorite way to spend time: Motorboating.
, Andrew Schweizer