Carl Ribaudo With more than 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industries, Carl Ribaudo leads his firm with the hands-on knowledge of a seasoned professional. Focused specifically on marketing analysis and competitive strategy development, he blends a highly skilled background with an acute awareness of current trends to develop effective solutions for his clients.
His distinction in the marketing arena has resulted in frequent appearances as a guest speaker for travel symposia, commissions on tourism, and city councils in the western states. Topics he has addressed include a diversity of issues related to the creation of solid branding, strong visibility, and powerful concepts that drive business.
Mr. Ribaudo has served clients ranging from ski resorts to casinos…from lodging properties to visitors’ bureaus…from advertising agencies to retail stores. In each case, he designs strategies to help deliver the client’s marketing message with maximum impact and competitive advantage.
In addition to his work with businesses, Mr. Ribaudo served as an adjunct faculty member at Sierra Nevada College, Lake Tahoe, where he taught courses in marketing and advertising. He has also taught a seminar on tourism marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has written white papers on subjects that include “Marketing Strategies for Mature Destinations,” “Company Branding,” “Game Theory and Your Marketing Efforts,” “Marketing Niches as a Strategic Tool,” and “Using a Business Model for Your Destination.”
An active participant in the community both professionally and personally, Mr. Ribaudo is the Chairman of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce , he also serves as a member of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency pathway 2007 Forum Board charged with shaping the next 20 years plan for Lake Tahoe.
Mr. Ribaudo obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Northridge. He received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University Graduate School of Business.
Dave Benge Mr. Benge is currently a member of Northstar-at-Tahoe’s planning team, helping to develop business strategies in Food & Beverage (F & B) and carry those to the execution stage for the guest. Currently, his primary focus is to stay on the cutting-edge of trends and guest desires. The operations are no longer compared on a resort-to-resort basis, as they are now inclusive of the entire F & B industry. His short-term goal is to be rated within the top 10 F & B operations by the year 2010, as rated by a major magazine. The highest ranking to date has been 17th.
Dave has an in-depth history in the F & B industry developed over the past 35 years. His grass roots experience, business ownership, and work in the ski industry gives him the breadth and depth of knowledge to happily share with the next group of leaders.
As a long-time board member within the California Restaurant Association, he has helped to mold the future policies and legislation that directly affects the F & B industry.
Dave is also a past president of the Excellence in Education Foundation which contributes to the students and faculty of the Tahoe Truckee School District. He has a passion for the finance and fundraising functions within this organization. He has been a major contributor with time and energy to help the organization recently eclipse the two million dollar mark in their endowment fund. Excellence in Education funds grants in excess of $150,000 annually.
Mr. Benge has a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University and is dedicated to continued professional development, both personally and for those within his team.
With more than 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industries, Carl Ribaudo leads his firm with the hands-on knowledge of a seasoned professional. Focused specifically on marketing analysis and competitive strategy development, he blends a highly skilled background with an acute awareness of current trends to develop effective solutions for his clients. 
Mr. Benge is currently a member of Northstar-at-Tahoe’s planning team, helping to develop business strategies in Food & Beverage (F & B) and carry those to the execution stage for the guest. Currently, his primary focus is to stay on the cutting-edge of trends and guest desires. The operations are no longer compared on a resort-to-resort basis, as they are now inclusive of the entire F & B industry. His short-term goal is to be rated within the top 10 F & B operations by the year 2010, as rated by a major magazine. The highest ranking to date has been 17th.