Bob Olson

With hundreds of hotels constructed and developed throughout his illustrious career, Robert (Bob) Olson is considered the top hotel developer in the United States. As the founder of R.D. Olson Development, a Newport Beach, California-based firm, Bob guides the strategic vision for the company with an active, hands-on approach toward every facet of construction and development. Bob is a recognized business leader, winning the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, the 2016 Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award, and the recipient of the Construction Financial Management Association’s Construction Executive of the Year, as well as the Orange County Business Journal’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship award. He was recognized as a 2012 Hotel Icon by Real Estate FORUM magazine, and is a frequent speaker at leading industry events. R.D. Olson Development is recognized for its ability to identify and act on opportunities, delivering solid execution through all phases of design and development while maintaining focus on the business strategy and the bottom line. He established the company in 1997 following nearly 20 years as founder and CEO of R.D. Olson Construction.