about us
The success of any project is predicated upon the quality and expertise of project team members involved. With over 100 years of combined experience, our staff has conducted more than 800 studies for clients. Our team’s experience and specialized skill set enable us to provide clients with the independent, comprehensive research and analysis necessary to make informed decisions related to developing new projects, enhancing existing facilities, improving operations and/or refining business strategies. With a reputation of providing quality service and reliable advice, we bring you an experienced project team, industry knowledge, technical expertise, and the ability to communicate results in an effective manner.
Susan Sieger
President & CEO
Susan has over 35 years of experience in the convention, sport, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries. She specializes in assisting clients evaluate a project’s overall viability from a market and economic perspective, developing implementation strategies that move a project from concept to reality, managing their asset in a more efficient manner that better meets their desired operating objectives and helping plan the overall future direction of a project. Susan has conducted more than 1,000 studies in the United States and abroad. Prior to forming Crossroads, Susan worked with KPMG LLP’s Convention, Sports and Entertainment Practice for 15 years, most recently as the National Director. She also worked in facility management at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Susan has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Ohio University.
Gail Steffen
Senior Project Manager
Gail has 25 years of experience in the convention and hospitality industry specifically in the areas of convention center and expo hall planning and design, management, operations and contract administration. Gail worked at the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority which owns and operates Navy Pier, McCormick Place, its own energy center and two hotels in Chicago, Illinois. She utilizes her extensive experience in these areas to assist clients in making informed decisions related to both short-term and long-term strategic planning.
Gail has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College and a Law Degree from Kent College of Law – Illinois Institute of Technology.
Robert Hunter
Management Consultant
Robert has over 35 years of experience in the sport and entertainment industries. During his career, he has opened and operated three major stadiums in both Toronto and Vancouver, one major NHL/NBA arena in Toronto (now known as Scotiabank Arena) and two smaller arenas in Oshawa and Toronto.
He was formerly Executive Vice President, Venues & Entertainment for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment where he oversaw all venue operations, in-house food and beverages, live entertainment, suites sales and service. Bob oversaw project development and construction projects on the owners’ behalf totaling investments exceeding $1.1 billion and was also responsible for all corporate real estate functions including lease negotiations.
His experience in overseeing successful large-scale development and construction projects including stadiums and arenas enables him to provide clients with key operational and development advice throughout each engagement.
Bob has an Honors Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo.
Travis Crank
Senior Analyst
Travis specializes in research and analytics and provides market intelligence, statistical analysis and financial modeling for various public assembly projects including sports complexes, stadiums, arena/civic centers, convention centers, conference centers, equestrian facilities, fairgrounds and amphitheaters. Given the need for public assembly facility owners, operators and others to constantly adapt to changes in the marketplace to maximize their competitive position, Travis strives to provide clients with the information, analysis and recommendations necessary to make informed decisions.
Since joining Crossroads, Travis has provided both private and public sector clients with feasibility/development planning and strategic advisory services including market demand assessments, benchmarking analyses, financial pro formas, economic and fiscal impact analyses, performance audits, as well as strategic and master plans.
Prior to joining Crossroads, Travis worked as an Analyst at a real estate firm as well as a Business Intelligence Analyst at a large law firm. Travis has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Jon Clough
Project Manager
Jon has nearly 25 years of experience in providing strategic planning, operational, business and financial analysis to numerous hospitality industry clients in both the public and private sectors. During his career, he has conducted multiple feasibility and economic/fiscal impact studies for casino, hotel, sporting, convention center, and other mixed-use developments throughout the country as well as benchmarking and contract negotiation assistance for management and operator agreements. As a former Director at KPMG, he held various roles in his 20+ years with the firm spanning areas of Innovation, Deal Advisory, and Consulting, including a tenure overseas in which he helped to manage the liquidation of a $2.5B real estate and hotel portfolio in southeast Asia for the bankruptcy of a major global investment bank.
Jon has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Wisconsin Stout and diploma in Restructuring and Insolvency from the Hong Kong CPA Institute.
Michael Martin
Manager
Michael utilizes his background in finance and analytics to provide development planning and strategic advisory services to public and private clients in the public assembly facility industry. He focuses on providing market demand assessments, benchmarking analyses, financial modeling, and economic impact studies for convention centers, arenas, stadiums, sports complexes and amphitheaters to assist clients with making informed, data-driven decisions.
Prior to joining Crossroads, Mike worked in the financial service sector for 18 years with two of the leading Payment & Fintech organizations. His focus was to advise financial institutions on how to grow and protect their business as well as consulting with them on emerging trends and evolving technologies. Mike has his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida State University.
Olivier Azevedo
Analyst
Olivier focuses on data research as well as statistical analysis and financial modeling for various public assembly projects including convention centers, conference centers, sports complexes, arena/civic centers, horse parks, equestrian facilities, fairgrounds, amphitheaters, and stadiums.
Prior to joining Crossroads, Olivier worked with Guardian Accounting Group as an Accounting Intern. He was in charge of creating financial statements for many businesses along with filing both personal and corporate taxes. Olivier is a rising Senior at the University of Tampa majoring in Finance with a minor in Accounting, a member of the Financial Analysts Club, a member of the Personal Finance Club, as well as Fundraising chair and Recruitment chair for Tau Kappa Epsilon.