John Dern Principal, Dern Greinetz, Inc. John graduated from Occidental College in 1977 with a degree in Economics. He enrolled in the Wharton Business School, and earned an MBA in Finance in 1977. Dern went on to consult with a “Big Eight” accounting firm in San Francisco. He became a VP of Finance for a Canadian developer, securing financing for what later became The Mandarin Hotel in San Francisco. In 1982, he joined a leading syndication company and continued working with financing large-scale commercial and residential properties across the country, later opening the firm’s office in New York City. John joined San Francisco-based hospitality investment firm Blackman Flynn & Co, in 1985, focusing on the financing of the firm’s hotel and restaurant properties. In 1997 the firm became Dern Greinitz, Inc., with John as one of two principals. In cooperation with The Kimpton Group, Dern Greinetz developed and owns several premier hotel and restaurant properties, including The Villa Florence Hotel, Monticello Inn, Prescott Hotel and Kuleto’s restaurant. In cooperation with The Kimpton Group and renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Dern Greinetz developed and owns the acclaimed Postrio Restaurant. In partnership with Doug Washington, Mitchell Rosenthal and Steven Rosenthal, the firm developed and owns the popular Town Hall Restaurant. John joined the Advisory Board in 2005.