JENA THORNTON, CEO
JENA THORNTON has been an entrepreneur for the last 13 years after a 20-year career in the hotel investment sector.
Currently, she works on creating and managing unique lodging and dining properties. She acts as a General Partner in the iconic live music venue, the Crocodile which includes two live performance venues, a comedy club, and a 17-room boutique hotel.
As a corporate executive, she recently led the U.S. hotel division of Bentall Kennedy LP (formerly known as Kennedy Associates Real Estate Counsel LP) as a senior vice president, where she served from 2002-2012. During that time she oversaw the acquisition, development, financing, asset management, and disposition of over two billion dollars of hotels. She also oversaw all U.S. real estate dispositions of all types of real estate for the firm.
Prior to that, she was the vice president of acquisitions and business development for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, overseeing the acquisition and financing of unique hospitality projects. She kicked off her career in Los Angeles where she worked for PKF Consulting, IHA, and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
Jena received her BSBA in International Business & Marketing from American University. She is also a LEED AP, which is a U.S Green Building Counsel Accredited Professional.
Contact: jena@magnetic.now
TOÑA ZUBIA, COO
TOÑA ZUBIA has been in hospitality for the last 20-years, serving in a variety of roles throughout her career.
Currently, she is the General Manager of Hotel Crocodile, COO of Magnetic, active member of Latin American arts group, Colectivo and emerging vinyl DJ.
Toña is the creator of A Night of Latin Music & Art, Lobby Sessions at Hotel Crocodile and works with the community on collaborative productions in the Seattle arts and music scene.
Contact: tona@magnetic.now
Jake heil, operations manager
Jake is a hospitality professional with over 25 years of experience, advancing from early restaurant roles into FOH and beverage management, entrepreneurship, consulting, and now boutique hotel and retail property management. Jake has extensive experience in event coordination, including roles such as project and event manager, food and beverage caterer, sound and lighting engineer, performance artist, DJ, and house manager.
Jake has a record of developing lasting and creative hospitality training programs that lead to strong teams, with a focus on employees' personal relationships with their work. Jake’s approach has been shown to inspire staff to take pride in detail, foster self-reliance, and deliver authentic guest experiences.
Some of Jake's work includes co-designing the service program and holding the role of opening GM at The Multnomah Whiskey Library in Portland, OR, founder and co-owner at The Ruby Brink Bar & Butcher, and current GM at The Lodges on Vashon, a boutique hotel and intimate event venue.