Previously he was the Chief Operating Officer of Proper Hospitality, an industry leading fully-integrated real estate investment, development and management firm based in Los Angeles. With Proper Hotel locations in San Francisco, Santa Monica, CA, Austin TX and Downtown Los Angeles, coming soon in Miami Beach.

Proper Hospitality also operates Avalon Hotels in Beverly Hills and Avalon Hotel and Bungalows in Palm Springs and The Collective Hotels - Hotel June West LA, Malibu, Venice V Hotel on the historic Venice Boardwalk and historic The Culver Hotel.

Blake was the founding COO for The Sydell Group. As the founding COO of the company, he was an instrumental member creating 4 exciting new hotel brands-NoMad, The Line, Freehand and Saguaro. While with Sydell he oversaw tremendous growth of the young company, opening 11 hotels in 7 years. Fast Company named Sydell “One of the world’s top 10 innovative companies in style”   

Blake spent 11 years working alongside the legendary Ian Schrager with Ian Schrager Hotels/Morgan’s Hotel Group early in his career, as the Sr. V.P., Sales. He was involved in the Openings of several iconic hotels, including The Clift, Sanderson, The Shore Club and Mondrian SOBE, all in key destinations. He created a cohesive global sales force that expanded from 20 to 90 sales professionals during his tenure.

Watch this video on Blake's passion on sales strategy:

Personal

T. BLAKE DANNER

Born in Texas, my parents were from Oklahoma City. Lived all my life in Dallas until leaving for college at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Growing up in Texas, I got my first horse for my 8th birthday. I showed 4H and Texas Junior attending horse shows almost every weekend through the show seasons until I was 17 --- bless my parents for their patience.

When I wasn't showing horses I was singing or in some type of school production. Senior year I was Student Director of the Choral Program, but all through high school I had parts in our annual musicals. I never seemed to land the lead, but always a strong supporting role - read - Will Parker in Oklahoma!

Was fortunate to work for my mom summers and some evenings during school, who was the Asst. GM and then later General Manager of a hotel in Dallas.

My father was a very successful abrasives/adhesives salesman- we’re talking road warrior- really had to sell kinda guy. I learned so much from him about tenacity and relationship building.

So of course, I combined Mom and Dad and ended up in Hotel Sales and Operations.

Pledged Delta Chi at OSU while earning a minor in Marketing and Major in Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

During college I was very active in student government, theater and my fraternity. Served as President of the Student Union Activities Board (SUAB)which also allowed me to serve as the Director of several campus wide productions such as Freshman Follies and Spring Sing.

Upon graduation from OSU returned to Dallas and begin career in Hotel Management. 

Mother Karen is survived by her husband Bill. Father Jim lives in Oklahoma with his wife Donna.

I remain fortunate to have terrific loving and supportive parents.

more to follow.....