Relevant Partners

Relevant Partners

The whole is better than the sum of its parts

We think of our business as a collection of forever partnerships. By nurturing long-lasting relationships and delivering on our promises, we build a legacy of positive impact in our communities.

Our Story

Relevant Partners, based in Los Angeles, is a dynamic real estate development and investment company that has set out to transform the residential real estate development landscape.

Hospitality DNA

The principals of Relevant Partners are the driving force behind Relevant Group, a vertically-integrated real estate firm that finances, develops, and operates lifestyle establishments in Los Angeles. Relevant Partners leverages their extensive luxury hospitality project expertise in the multifamily sector.

Reinventing Multifamily Communities

We recognized the critical national shortage of attainable housing, especially in prime urban areas with subpar options. We leveraged our hospitality expertise to craft affordable, branded, engaging multifamily communities.

Evolving Vision

Today, our evolved strategy is to incorporate our hospitality design, service, and activation within various types of residential asset classes, aiming to create highly desirable projects that stand out from our competitors. With a passion for unlocking potential, we’ve pioneered models for exceptional returns and experiences.

We are driven &
inspired by Our values

Build &
Nurture

We value lasting relationships with our partners, suppliers, and clients. We over-communicate, manage expectations, and work together through good times and bad to ensure mutual success.

Create
Iconic Projects

We embrace creativity and strive to bring to life exciting, interesting projects. We create real value and exciting destinations by pushing the envelope in design, operations, and branding.

Focus On
Profitability

We prioritize quality research and analysis and leave no stone unturned to ensure strong returns for our investors.

Be Flexible &
Opportunistic

We identify unique, often overlooked opportunities and leverage our extensive experience to create value by exploring untapped niches. Our nimble structure allows us to excel as trailblazers in dynamic markets.

Do Good

We embrace creativity and strive to bring to life exciting, interesting projects. By pushing the envelope in design, operations, and branding, we create real value and exciting destinations.

Built For
Scale

We develop programmatic and scalable real estate models that enable us to grow and create wealth. By investing in the right foundation, systems, and workflows, we can focus on creating exceptional projects time and again.

A Robust Real Estate Development and Investment Platform

We possess extensive experience in all aspects of real estate development and investment.

Concept Creation

Creating iconic projects with high potential for alpha.

We work with a deep bench of institutional financial professionals to deploy disciplined and thorough financial, property, and  marketing analysis on all projects.

The principals are seasoned investment professionals, with a vast global real estate and private equity deal structuring and fundraising background that spans 20 countries and 30+ deals.

Relevant has a successful track record of developing luxury real estate projects at a scale that blends design, activation, and hospitality. The Relevant Team are entitlement experts with proven capabilities to manage complicated, high-touch construction and development projects.
Relevant has an independent management company that seamlessly integrates with our projects to provide seamless restaurant, hotel, and property management.
Relevant has raised over $280M in EB-5 capital over 8 projects. We are one of the largest and most successful EB-5 investment platforms in Los Angeles, including owning and managing two regional centers.

Meet our team

Grant King brings an impressive track record of over two decades in international real estate finance, development, and investment to the table. His wealth of experience is a driving force behind the success of various iconic hospitality assets in Hollywood. Grant’s visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the industry, having played a pivotal role in the development and strategic direction of renowned establishments such as Thompson, Tommie, and Dream hotels. His contributions extend beyond hotel projects, encompassing an array of celebrated ventures, including Mother Wolf, Tao LA, Beauty & Essex, Desert 5 Spot, Bar Lis, Ka’teen, and many more. Grant’s expertise and strategic insights continue to shape the landscape of the hospitality and real estate sectors, making him a driving force behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic destinations. With over two decades of experience in international real estate finance, development, and investment, Grant King is the guiding force as the Managing Partner. His strategic acumen and visionary approach have played a pivotal role in the development of several Hollywood hospitality landmarks, such as the Thompson, Tommie, and Dream hotels. Grant’s influence extends across a diverse portfolio of successful ventures, including Mother Wolf, Tao LA, Beauty & Essex, Desert 5 Spot, Bar Lis, Ka’teen, and many more. His invaluable expertise continues to shape and redefine the hospitality and real estate industries, making Grant King a key figure behind the creation of some of Hollywood’s most iconic destinations.
  • Fluent in Mandarin, Scott lived in Shanghai for 21 years from 1998 to 2019.
  • 20+ years of international real estate development and finance experience.
  • Raised over $1.5B+ for cross-border real estate and private equity transactions across 30 deals.
  • Headed Asia Fundraising for Colony Capital (NYSE: DBRG/ AUM $50B) for 9 years  across 10 countries.
  • Specialization in developing and executing capital formation strategies.
  • Passionate about real estate sectors with positive social and environmental impact.
  • Asset Class Experience:  digital infrastructure, hotels and resorts, multifamily, affordable housing, modular construction
  • MBA from Global School of Entrepreneurs. Undergrad – Arizona State, Beijing Language University, Dalian Language University,
  • Entrepreneur Organization Member Since 2002. Shanghai Chapter president t in 2013-2014. LA board member 2021-2023.
  • Other notable Asia Experience:
  • unded and built Shanghai’s first boutique Hotel in 2008 – – URBN Hotels and Resorts. China’s first carbon-neutral hotel brand.
  • tial and commercial properties in Shanghai’s Shanghai French Concession, many in league with several Shanghai government groups.
  • Sri Lanka – raised and exited multiple land investment funds.
Isabel loves intellectual challenges, debugging problems under pressure, and taking action to make effective decisions with a strong emphasis on teamwork. She is a project management thought leader with over 7 years of experience, specializing in complex billion-dollar projects. Isabel excels in delivering value and innovation in areas such as cost control, planning and engineering, stakeholder management strategies, and global client relationships, resulting in $600,000 in savings and a $550,000 increase in revenue. She is passionate about intellectual challenges and adept at debugging problems under pressure to facilitate actions and foster effective decision-making while promoting teamwork.
Dustin Smith is the founder of DL Smith Company, a real estate consulting, investment, and development firm specializing in residential, multifamily, senior, and mixed-use projects that enhance neighborhood communities. The company operates in three main areas: managing its projects, collaborating on developments with private and institutional partners, and providing third-party development management and consulting services. Dustin has successfully overseen the acquisition, investment, and development of high-quality urban infill properties with a combined value exceeding $3.5 billion. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Boise State University, a Master of Real Estate from the University of Denver, and has also pursued graduate-level coursework at Cornell University. Additionally, Dustin is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of California.
As a marketing strategist with an MBA in International Business, Rachel has accumulated more than six years of experience in the real estate industry. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a talent for accelerating growth and cultivating strong brands for a diverse range of companies. Rachel is known for her ability to craft and execute effective print and digital marketing strategies, streamline operations for improved efficiency, boost brand visibility, and oversee internal projects with meticulous attention to detail. Rachel’s passion lies in harnessing her marketing acumen and brand development experience to deliver tangible results.
Vaughn Davis boasts over a decade of leadership in luxury hospitality, specializing in launching high-end brands across North America. With an impressive portfolio of collaborations with renowned industry players, including Dream Hotel Group, Gansevoort Group, Hyatt, and Two Roads Hospitality, Vaughn’s attention to detail and visionary approach have consistently driven success. His diverse background in fashion, entertainment, and technology, combined with a Political Science degree from Hofstra University, propels innovation within the hospitality sector. Vaughn is a respected speaker at prestigious conferences and serves as the CEO of Relevant Hospitality, where he pioneers cutting-edge initiatives like NFT-based VIP memberships. Beyond his professional achievements, Vaughn is a dedicated family man and community leader, actively engaging with multiple non-profit boards in Los Angeles. His journey stands as a testament to his exceptional vision and unwavering commitment to advancing both the hospitality industry and his local community.
Angelica Yap is a licensed architect based in the Philippines who has seamlessly transitioned her career into the dynamic world of marketing. With a strong architectural foundation and a passion for graphic design, Angelica brings a unique perspective to her role as a marketing associate. Over the years, she has amassed valuable experience in the marketing arena, collaborating with a diverse range of international brands.
Giancarlo Pagani, a seasoned figure in the hospitality industry, has more than two decades of experience in the lifestyle and luxury sectors, notably in Southern California and Miami. With a family background in restaurants, he developed a keen appreciation for the service, design, and ambiance of hospitality brands. Giancarlo’s career journey includes strategic partnership roles with prominent companies such as Michael Mina Restaurant Group, SBE, SLS Hotels, Jose Andres & Think Food Group, and the Related Companies. In 2015, he established Pagani Projects, a brand development and management firm that streamlines business growth within the hospitality sector. This enables companies to focus on their core strengths while minimizing time and capital investment. In 2018, Giancarlo partnered with the Relevant Group and Ten Five Hospitality to create and operate several chef-driven lifestyle restaurants and nightlife concepts in Hollywood, including Mother Wolf, Ka’teen, Mes Amis, Bar Lis at the Thompson Hotel, and Desert Five Spot at the Tommie Hotel’s rooftop. In 2015, he established Pagani Projects, a brand development and management firm that streamlines business growth within the hospitality sector. This enables companies to focus on their core strengths while minimizing time and capital investment. In 2018, Giancarlo partnered with the Relevant Group and Ten Five Hospitality to create and operate several chef-driven lifestyle restaurants and nightlife concepts in Hollywood, including Mother Wolf, Ka’teen, Mes Amis, Bar Lis at the Thompson Hotel, and Desert Five Spot at the tommie Hotel’s rooftop.
Trisha brings a wealth of versatile experience that significantly contributes to the effectiveness of operations. Her background in customer service and technical support equips her with a unique problem-solving mindset and an innate ability to navigate complex challenges. This adaptable approach allows her to seamlessly tackle a wide range of operational issues, ensuring a smooth workflow and exceptional customer experiences.
Seasoned leader with over 18 years of management experience across multiple industries and lines of business in the business process outsourcing industry, specializing in corporate strategy, end to end service delivery and business development. Her expertise spans multi-site operations, business continuity, risk management, people management, client services, implementing Six Sigma and project management methodologies.

Discover Investment Opportunities With Relevant Partners

Grant King

Managing Partner

Bringing over 20 years of international real estate development, finance, and investment experience, Grant has led the strategy and development behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic hospitality assets, including the Thompson Hotel, Tommie Hotel, Dream Hotel, and renowned restaurants like Mother Wolf, Tao LA, Beauty and Essex, Bar Lis, and more.

Grant King brings an impressive track record of over two decades of international real estate, finance, development, and investment to the table. His wealth of experience is a driving force behind the success of various iconic hospitality assets in Hollywood. Grant’s visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the industry, having played a pivotal role in the development and strategic direction of renowned establishments such as Thompson, Tommie, and Dream hotels.

His contributions extend beyond hotel projects, encompassing an array of celebrated ventures, including Mother Wolf, Tao LA, Beauty & Essex, Desert 5 Spot, Bar Lis, Ka’teen, and many more. Grant’s expertise and strategic insights continue to shape the landscape of the hospitality and real estate sectors, making him a driving force behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic destinations.

Scott Barrack

Managing Partner

An accomplished real estate investment and development professional with over 20 years of real estate entrepreneurial experience in Asia and the US. Scott is the co-founder and managing partner for Relevant Partners and Leads Fundraising, Strategy, and Operations for the group.

Other notable Asia Experience:

Mitch Speigle

Managing Director, Investments

With deep expertise in capital formation, brokerage, and development, Mitch has established himself as a trusted advisor to family offices, UHNW individuals, and institutional investors looking to invest confidently into highly regulated real estate markets.

Building off a proven track record in major gifts and institutional fundraising, Mitch completed his graduate studies at Santa Clara University where he raised and structured capital for scholarships, athletic facilities, and student housing developments through partnerships with some of the most powerful families and companies in the world.

A recognized expert in land use, development, and housing in highly regulated markets, Mitch serves as the current Chair of Government Affairs for San Mateo County Association of Realtors and is regularly called upon by policymakers at both the state and national level. His work has been acclaimed nationally as the 2024 Best Multifamily Advocate from the American Apartment Owners Association and a 2x winner of the SAMCAR Government Affairs Champion of the Year.

Mitch views real estate as an extension of bettering our communities. Through his philanthropic work he has donated over $150,000 and furnished housing for 400+ previously homeless veterans throughout California – being awarded the 2024 Enterprise of the Year award from the San Mateo County Veterans Commission.

Isabel Ronda

Director of Construction

An experienced project management leader, Isabel’s passion lies in the management of complex projects. She is known for delivering substantial cost savings and revenue growth through strategic planning and stakeholder management in high-pressure environments.

Isabel loves intellectual challenges, debugging problems under pressure, and taking action to make effective decisions with a strong emphasis on teamwork. She is a project management thought leader with over seven years of experience, specializing in complex billion-dollar projects. Isabel excels in delivering value and innovation in areas such as cost control, planning and engineering, stakeholder management strategies, and global client relationships.

Dustin Smith

Director of Development

Offering over 15 years of expertise in Southern California real estate development, Dustin has a background in multifamily and senior housing property asset acquisition, planning, entitlements, and construction.

Dustin is the founder of DL Smith Company, a real estate consulting, investment, and development firm specializing in residential, multifamily, senior, and mixed-use projects that enhance neighborhood communities. The company operates in three main areas: managing its projects, collaborating on developments with private and institutional partners, and providing third-party development management and consulting services.

Dustin has successfully overseen the acquisition, investment, and development of high-quality urban infill properties with a combined value exceeding $3.5 billion. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Boise State University, a Master of Real Estate from the University of Denver, and he has also pursued graduate-level coursework at Cornell University. Additionally, Dustin is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of California.

Adriana Santiago

Operations Director

As an Operations Director at Relevant Partners, Adriana Santiago is responsible for optimizing operational efficiencies, streamlining processes, and driving strategic initiatives to support the firm’s commercial real estate investments. She plays a critical role in overseeing fundraising operations, investor workflows, financial reporting, and technology integration to enhance decision-making and scalability.

With nearly a decade of experience, Adriana has led large-scale process improvements, introduced AI-driven automation, and developed data-driven strategies to enhance transparency and execution. Before joining Relevant Partners, she held leadership roles in operations and project management at notable Tech start-ups and software companies in the US and UK. 

With a career spanning real estate operations, tech startups, and strategic consulting for startups, Adriana brings a wealth of experience in building and optimizing business operations. She has worked internationally in the United States and the UK, giving her a global perspective on business strategy and operational frameworks.

Her leadership extends to establishing Project Management Offices (PMOs), spearheading Agile transformations, building delivery service departments at tech companies, optimizing tech stacks, and creating technical training programs. She is also an experienced educator, developing curricula and teaching for project management bootcamps.

Beyond her corporate work, she is also actively involved in nonprofits and NGOs, focusing on human rights, education, and economic empowerment initiatives. . She founded an educational program in Costa Rica and continues to contribute to professional development through training programs.

Christine Ver Raitt

Marketing Manager

Christine Ver Raitt is a results-driven marketing manager with over a decade of experience in branding, lead generation, and creative design within real estate development. With an MBA in Marketing and a passion for strategic storytelling, she specializes in elevating brands through data-driven digital campaigns and high-impact content strategies.

Before joining Relevant Partners, Christine played a key role at Verono Homes, where she led branding, marketing, and interior design for dozens of luxury residential developments in Los Angeles. She established and optimized the company’s digital presence, crafting targeted campaigns that resonated with high-net-worth investors and homebuyers. Her expertise in SEO, social media strategy, and performance marketing helped drive engagement and increase sales conversions.

At Relevant Partners, Christine leads marketing efforts that position the firm and its projects at the forefront of the real estate industry. She works closely with Scott Barrack to build a thought leadership platform that integrates his expertise in development, biohacking, and wellness, ensuring the brand’s messaging aligns with the lifestyle and investment goals of its target audience.

Mikayla Menard

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager at Relevant Partners, Mikayla Menard is responsible for overseeing the execution and continuous improvement of operational processes across departments. She partners with teams to ensure efficient workflows, tooling optimization, and strong performance outcomes. Mikayla’s expertise in process mapping, project support, AI, and team collaboration ensures the smooth progress of both ongoing and quarterly initiatives.

She collaborates closely with marketing, fundraising, and leadership to roll out new and refined processes that enhance departmental productivity and effectiveness. In addition, Mikayla owns U.S. investor onboarding and relations, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders and helping to drive the success of the firm’s investor relations program.

Mikayla’s career spans creative project management, operations, sales, marketing, and process optimization for notable start-ups across the U.S., where she has cultivated a deep understanding of how to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operations. Her experience in leading teams through process mapping, identifying operational gaps, and implementing best practices has made her an invaluable asset in improving efficiency and scalability across the company.

Trisha Banzon

Operations Associate

Experienced in website development support and customer service, Trisha manages the organization’s daily operations, playing a vital role in optimizing processes and enhancing organizational performance.

Trisha brings a wealth of versatile experience that significantly contributes to the effectiveness of operations. Her background in customer service and technical support equips her with a unique problem-solving mindset and an innate ability to navigate complex challenges. This adaptable approach allows her to seamlessly tackle a wide range of operational issues, ensuring a smooth workflow and exceptional customer experiences.

Felix Kirby

Business Development Executive

A seasoned professional with six years of experience in customer service, technical support, and real estate. , Felix supports Relevant by developing new client and partner relationships.

Known for his ability to find solutions, Felix is committed to supporting the needs of our partners and investors with personalized service and problem-solving. Along with his dedication to driving business growth and ensuring client satisfaction, Felix helps Relevant identify and implement critical technologies into its workflows to streamline processes, drive transparency, and enhance the overall customer experience.

Adriana Santiago

Director of Operations

As an Operations Manager at Relevant Partners, Adriana Santiago is responsible for optimizing operational efficiencies, streamlining processes, and driving strategic initiatives to support the firm’s commercial real estate investments. She plays a critical role in overseeing fundraising operations, investor workflows, financial reporting, and technology integration to enhance decision-making and scalability.

With nearly a decade of experience, Adriana has led large-scale process improvements, introduced AI-driven automation, and developed data-driven strategies to enhance transparency and execution. Before joining Relevant Partners, she held leadership roles in operations and project management at notable Tech start-ups and software companies in the US and UK. 

Key Accomplishments

With a career spanning real estate operations, tech startups, and strategic consulting for startups, Adriana brings a wealth of experience in building and optimizing business operations. She has worked internationally in the United States and the UK, giving her a global perspective on business strategy and operational frameworks.

Her leadership extends to establishing Project Management Offices (PMOs), spearheading Agile transformations, building delivery service departments at tech companies, optimizing tech stacks, and creating technical training programs. She is also an experienced educator, developing curricula and teaching for project management bootcamps.

Beyond her corporate work, she is also actively involved in nonprofits and NGOs, focusing on human rights, education, and economic empowerment initiatives. . She founded an educational program in Costa Rica and continues to contribute to professional development through training programs.

Giancarlo Pagani

Strategic Advisor, F&B and Nightlife

A second-generation restaurateur with over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Giancarlo has worked with known brands like Michael Mina Restaurant Group, SBE, SLS Hotels, Jose Andres & Think Food Group, and the Related Companies.

Giancarlo Pagani, a seasoned figure in the hospitality industry, has more than two decades of experience in the lifestyle and luxury sectors, notably in Southern California and Miami. With a family background in restaurants, he developed a keen appreciation for the service, design, and ambiance of hospitality brands. Giancarlo’s career journey includes strategic partnership roles with prominent companies such as Michael Mina Restaurant Group, SBE, SLS Hotels, Jose Andres & Think Food Group, and the Related Companies.

In 2015, he established Pagani Projects, a brand development and management firm that streamlines business growth within the hospitality sector. This enables companies to focus on their core strengths while minimizing time and capital investment. In 2018, Giancarlo partnered with the Relevant Group and Ten Five Hospitality to create and operate several chef-driven lifestyle restaurants and nightlife concepts in Hollywood, including Mother Wolf, Ka’teen, Mes Amis, Bar Lis at the Thompson Hotel, and Desert Five Spot at the Tommie Hotel’s rooftop.

Kat Araneta

Director of Operations

An experienced leader with 18 years in business process outsourcing, focusing on corporate strategy, service delivery, and business development.

Seasoned leader with over 18 years of management experience across multiple industries and lines of business in the business process outsourcing industry, specializing in corporate strategy, end to end service delivery and business development. Her expertise spans multi-site operations, business continuity, risk management, people management, client services, implementing Six Sigma and project management methodologies.

About

Relevant Partners The whole is better than the sum of its parts We think of our business as a collection of forever partnerships. By nurturing long-lasting relationships and delivering on our promises, we build a legacy of positive impact in our communities. Contact Us Our Story Relevant Partners, based in Los Angeles, is a dynamic […]