YOUR PARTNERS
​We specialize in delivering customized strategies across marketing, communications, operations, finance, and business development. Our experienced team includes publicists, creative directors, photographers, videographers, revenue analysts, project managers, human resources professionals, and recruiters—each bringing specialized expertise to every engagement.
PrimeGuide Partners proudly serves a wide range of industries, including hospitality, retail, e-commerce, spas, restaurants, bars, golf courses, and more. We also work closely with writers, health and wellness professionals, and other dynamic sectors. Our clients range from small businesses to large enterprises, and we collaborate with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations across the United States and South Korea.
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With a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions and measurable results, PrimeGuide Partners is committed to empowering businesses with the insight, creativity, and operational excellence needed to achieve long-term success.

MELISSA ORTIZ
FOUNDER & CEO
A seasoned hospitality and marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in operations, sales, events, marketing, and executive management.
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Melissa founded PrimeGuide Partners, a certified Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) in 2018 and helps clients in hospitality, health, wellness, and retail achieve their marketing and PR goals.
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Melissa's expertise is in social media marketing, email marketing, event marketing, influencer collaborations, partnerships, and public relations.
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Key highlights of her career include:
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Opening Hilton Santa Clara, San Jose Marriott, and Hyatt Times Square.
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Launching the Hyatt Centric Brand in New York City and converting Hyatt Times Square to Hyatt Centric Times Square.
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Leading the $22.5 million renovation marketing campaign for Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
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Driving marketing campaigns for Hyatt properties, Arrosto Italian Rotisserie, Mysa Day Spa, Wild Hare Bar Garden, and several women-owned brands.
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Building and maintaining websites for businesses like Studio 1040, Meta Wagner, Diana Putterman and more.​
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Melissa’s strategic insights earned her a nomination for the Hyatt Hotels’ Marketing Leadership Award in 2017. She holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, and is passionate about empowering female entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.

JEROME LAPUZ
REVENUE SPECIALIST & PROJECT MANAGER
A distinguished hospitality expert with over 20 years of experience in sales, revenue management, financial analysis, and project management, Jerome has built an impressive career that spans across multiple sectors. His expertise includes 6 years in luxury hotels, 8 years managing multi-property portfolios, 8 years in leisure destinations, and 6 years in corporate and convention hotels. Jerome has worked with prestigious brands like Hilton Hotels, Interstate Hotels, Taj Hotels and Resorts, and Woodside Hotels.
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Jerome leads PrimeGuide's groundbreaking Prime Revenue Consulting Program for Hotels, a strategic initiative designed to help hotel owners unlock their full revenue potential. This powerful program includes:
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Revenue Strategy Audit: A thorough analysis of your revenue management practices, from pricing and sales to operations.
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Dynamic Pricing Solutions: Profit-boosting, real-time data analytics to create demand-driven pricing strategies.
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Forecasting & Reporting: Advanced forecasting tools and regular performance reports to ensure sustained success.
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Tailored Recommendations: Customized, actionable strategies to elevate your revenue approach and outperform competitors.
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With a passion for driving results and a proven track record of innovation, Jerome is committed to helping hospitality businesses thrive through PrimeGuide Partners. His expertise in project management ensures seamless execution and measurable success for every initiative.

RYAN KURASAKI-MARU
REVENUE STRATEGIST & ANALYST
Ryan brings 20 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, spanning both restaurants and hotels. His extensive background includes expertise in hotel operations, revenue management, and finance, with a focus on both branded and independent properties. Ryan has worked with renowned brands such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels, and he played a pivotal role in the opening of Yotel San Francisco, successfully launching the brand on the West Coast.
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With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in revenue management, Ryan has led teams at a variety of properties, including resort destinations in Hawaii, ski resorts in Utah, and urban hotels in San Francisco. His deep understanding of revenue strategies and operational efficiency has consistently driven success across a broad range of hospitality settings.
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Specialties:
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Expertise in group pricing, STR (Smith Travel Research) and market share analysis
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Proficient in the creation and accuracy of pro-forma, budgets, and forecasts
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Extensive experience in West Coast, Hawaii, and ski resort markets
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Excels in optimizing revenue streams and implementing advanced systems
Ryan is dedicated to empowering partners to succeed through PrimeGuide Partners, leveraging his ability to navigate any situation and tailor strategies to meet each client's unique needs.

KRISTIN LUCKIE
PUBLICIST & WRITER
Kristin Luckie has crafted compelling stories for some of the most ambitious brands today, including Cisco, AT&T, Movember and the James Beard Foundation. A Jill of all trades with 15 years of communications experience, she works diligently to advance the profiles, services, and (most importantly) the purpose of her partners – communicating thoughtfully through earned media coverage, owned content, major stage moments, internal communications and executive thought leadership. In her spare time – or what little her son allows her! – she volunteers as a support group leader for a local Alzheimer's advocacy organization and raises awareness for the disease in honor of her mother.

MICHAEL ETIENNE
SEO SPECIALIST
A seasoned SEO specialist and digital marketing consultant with over seven years of experience. He has worked across industries such as sports betting, fashion, pharmaceuticals, and affiliate marketing. Michael excels in technical SEO, content strategy, and on-page optimization, driving growth for startups and Fortune 500 companies.

REGINALD JEAN-FELIX
DIGITAL DESIGNER, EMAIL & WORDPRESS SPECIALIST
A Senior Digital Designer with over 10 years of experience in the design industry, specializing in crafting minimalist and modern user experiences that deliver award winning value to both stakeholders and consumers. Currently, his focus is on creating data-driven, real-time integrated B2C and B2B email marketing campaigns and digital products. Outside of design, Reginald enjoys sketching in his sketchbook and participating in activities such as mini-golf, hiking, and karaoke.

TIFFANY MONTERREY
MARKETING & E-COMMERCE SPECIALIST
A seasoned digital marketing and eCommerce specialist with over 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, driving revenue growth through strategic online marketing campaigns and OTA management. Her expertise spans operations, revenue, events, eCommerce and digital marketing, with a keen focus on leveraging data-driven insights to optimize performance and maximize conversions.
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Having worked with both branded and independent properties—from luxury lifestyle hotels to select service properties—Tiffany has a deep understanding of OTA dynamics and the ever-evolving digital landscape. She has successfully developed and executed customized marketing strategies, managed multi-property portfolios, and implemented cutting-edge SEO, paid media, and social media campaigns that have resulted in measurable revenue increases.
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From grand openings to ownership changes to task force support, PrimeGuide Partners will utilize Tiffany’s extensive experience to customize a digital marketing strategy that aligns with your property’s unique needs. A results-driven leader, she excels at collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance brand visibility, streamline processes, and deliver seamless execution in dynamic environments. Whether optimizing direct booking strategies or launching large-scale marketing initiatives, Tiffany is committed to turning digital touchpoints into powerful revenue-generating tools.

DIANE SCHWARTZKOPF SPHR
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
With over two decades of human resources leadership, Diane brings a wealth of expertise in employee relations, compliance, and strategic HR planning. A proven architect of HR departments, she has built systems from the ground up, led negotiations on labor and benefits, and championed innovative programs that align people strategies with business goals. Diane has overseen HR operations for organizations ranging from nonprofits to hospitality groups, managing compliance for thousands of employees and spearheading initiatives that enhance company culture, operational efficiency, and regulatory alignment. At PrimeGuide Partners, she empowers clients with HR strategies that drive sustainable growth and a thriving workforce.

ALEXIS C. LUBIN EA., MBA.
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of accounting and bookkeeping expertise, I help small businesses and nonprofits decode their financial data, build confidence in their financial decisions, and develop systems that support their strategic objectives. At PrimeGuide Partners, I don't simply follow procedures—I create tailored financial frameworks that align with your unique vision and goals, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: growth, impact, and success.

KEVIN ROJAS
RECRUITER
Kevin Rojas is a results-driven HR professional with five years of experience in workforce planning, talent acquisition, and team development. As a Recruiting Coordinator at JCCSF, he plays a pivotal role in streamlining full-cycle recruitment processes, optimizing staffing strategies, and ensuring a seamless candidate experience. Kevin excels in fostering strong relationships with hiring managers, managing applicant tracking systems (ATS), and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency. His expertise in scheduling, onboarding, and employer branding initiatives has significantly contributed to building high-performing and diverse teams.
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With a background in operations and program management, Kevin has successfully led large teams, developed training programs, and implemented strategies to boost engagement and productivity. His previous roles in aquatics management, emergency response, and security operations have honed his leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Passionate about organizational growth and employee success, Kevin is committed to creating inclusive and dynamic work environments that align with business objectives while prioritizing employee development and well-being.

NATALIE BORTON
PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Natalie radiates dynamic visuals through her passion for storytelling since her childhood in Kansas. With a camera always in hand, she found joy in capturing the beauty of the world around her, finding that the candid and spontaneous moments are the most impactful. These formative experiences ignited a lifelong love of photography, videography and artistry.
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After graduating from San Diego State University, with many academic and leadership achievements, Natalie immersed herself in San Diego’s vibrant creative scene. Leading and gaining experience with some of the city’s top marketing and production agencies. This hands-on experience allowed her to refine her craft to launch Late August Studio. A content agency that seamlessly blends artistry with content strategy, creating results-driven content that elevates brands in the digital space.
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Natalie and Mel, have worked on high-profile projects such as productions for Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Their work is prominently featured on the hotel’s social media channels and in The Ultimate Gaslamp Quarter Bachelorette Magazine, available here.
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Natalie is dedicated to producing photography and videography that tell compelling stories and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Her work has also been featured in prestigious publications such as Modern Luxury San Diego, San Diego Voyager, San Diego Rebel and more. She has established her reputation in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors.
With every project, Natalie strives to capture not just moments but the essence of a brand, delivering visuals that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression.

LEAH MEADOWS, CMP, CGMP
SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST
Leah Meadows is a seasoned sales and marketing strategist, bringing over 28 years of proven success in driving revenue growth and building powerful business partnerships. She has led sales efforts for major brands including Sonesta, Aimbridge Hospitality, and Wyndham, excelling across luxury, extended-stay, and corporate hotel sectors.
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An expert in sales strategy, revenue management, and guest loyalty, Leah specializes in maximizing market share and leading seamless hotel transitions. She holds CMP and CGMP certifications and combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for helping businesses thrive in competitive markets.

AYLWIN JAMES F. SAN DIEGO
OPERATIONS & REVENUE SPECIALIST
Aylwin James is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 20 years of expertise in hotel operations, reservations, and revenue management. He has successfully led multi-property portfolios across the Philippines, Dubai, and the U.S., driving profitability, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
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Specializing in reservations systems, yield management, and revenue optimization, Aylwin has helped properties achieve record-setting growth, top TripAdvisor rankings, and significant market share gains. His leadership has been instrumental in streamlining operations, improving forecasting accuracy, and boosting direct booking strategies. Aylwin brings a deep understanding of front office, reservations, and revenue strategies to PrimeGuide Partners' hospitality consulting projects.