Michael has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry that spans the elite in hotels, restaurants, airlines and concierge services. Most recently, Michael has utilized his proven “front of house” (FOH) strategy with the hugely successful Liberty Tavern Restaurant Group in Arlington, Virginia. Michael manages the community outreach and donations program for the group, as well. Previously, Michael spent seven years as the Maitre d’ at The Capital Grill in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Earlier, Michael worked with Virgin America Airlines during their startup years and subsequent award as the number one airline by Travel & Leisure magazine two years in a row. Michael played an integral role in Virgin America’s East Coast “front of house” program. In 1999, Michael created one of the first online concierge companies, growing it to a client portfolio that included 38 hotels, 150 Class A buildings and contracts with local governments to provide concierge service for all area hotels on behalf of their Convention and Visitors Service. Michael enjoys performing annually with his daughters in the BalletNova production of The Nutcracker.

Bob Nelson is a serial, and parallel, entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in structuring strategic partnerships, winning initial clients, and raising capital for early stage companies. He served as VP of Partner Development and board member at the voice authentication company, TradeHarbor, where he structured an investment by Nokia and marketing alliances and client relationships with Fortune 500 companies. From 1999 through 2001, he served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Network Solutions and then at the VeriSign Ventures Group (after their acquisition of Network Solutions for $21BB) where he directed the launch of a series of new businesses. Prior to that Bob was cofounder and CEO of CrossMedia Networks, a market leading service to access email by voice, and worked in alliance marketing at MCI. Earlier in his career, Bob worked for a U.S. Congressman, two U.S. Senators, and a Retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Bob also advises technology ventures Augaroo, Clarabridge and Socialize.

Having started in the business in the late 70’s at the original Morton’s of Chicago under the tutelage of legendary restaurateur, Arnie Morton, Michael has gone on to open the award winning restaurants, The Occidental, Sam & Harry’s, The Caucus Room, and Harry’s Tap Room among others. His restaurants have received multiple awards including the DiRoNA Award, Gourmet Magazine’s “Top Tables”, Washingtonian “Blue Ribbon” and “The Fine Dining Hall of Fame” from Nations Restaurant News.
Having served as Co-President of Enovo Restaurant Ventures and Senior Vice President of Centerplate Inc (the largest food service contractor in the sports, convention and entertainment industry) for four years and CEO of S&H Restaurants and Essential Restaurants for 20 years prior, Michael recently developed (and subsequently sold) Market Tavern, fine dining Chophouse and Gastropub in Arlington Virginia. Michael is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association, Treasurer of Visit Fairfax and former Chairman of the Washington Convention and Visitors Association. He resides in Great Falls, Virginia with his wife of 25 years, Karen and their three daughters, Tally, Lacey and Madison.