Michael Patton-President & CEO– Commanding Officer
Michael is a 35+ year hospitality veteran. He is the President & CEO of POTHOS, Inc. and its subsidiary businesses. He has been employed as both a planner and a supplier and is also a Service Disabled Veteran of the United States Navy. He has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. He has achieved his CMM (Certified Meeting Manager). He is well versed in International Business & Multiculturalism with first-hand experience in dozens of countries worldwide.
He has served as President of the Board of Director’s for the California Travel Consumer Restitution Council (affiliated with the California Attorney General Office), the California Disabled Veterans Business Alliance and is the Past-President of the San Diego Chapter of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (SDHSMAI). He is certified by the American Hotel and Motel Association as Adjunct Faculty and was faculty at CalState San Marcos teaching international meeting planning & travel related topics. In fall of 2008 Mr. Patton held a multiple day seminar regarding International Meeting & Travel Planning at the University of Bolzano in Italy. He is a sought after speaker and educator as an expert on travel and meeting planning topics such as; domestic & international air travel, travel policies, best practices in purchasing & procurement and risk/safety planning. He was invited to be an advanced level presenter on travel topics, San Diego and currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the United States Government.
As a young adult, Michael earned Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow from the Boy Scouts of America, was President of the Youth Committee of the NCCJ (National Conference of Community and Justice), Optimist Boy of the Year for State of Maryland, has attended FAA Private Pilot Ground School and was in the United States Navy having been twice decorated with earned achievements; Military Order of World Wars and Surface Warfare Specialist.
Michael has lead his company, POTHOS, to almost 20 successful years of business recently achieving #465 on the Inc 500 list and #1 as the fastest growing company in San Diego as adjudicated by the San Diego Business Journal as well as dozens of other awards and recognition’s.
Alexander- Head of Security
Alexander is a Doberman who, even as a 4 month old pup, began his duties as protector immediately after he was brought into the POTHOS family in January 2014.Alexander makes his rounds between the office of the Commanding Officer down to the lowly ranks of the Engine Room to ensure that all is safe and secure.
He stands watch on the Quarter Deck to foresee any impending threats, and loudly signals any approaching strangers. He determines friend or foe and advises. He is very welcoming & social once he determines his Master approves of your presence.
For his loyalty, obedience and care, he asks for nothing in return except a few daily walks and appreciates a treat every now and then. However he hasn’t come to terms with the fact that employees are not allowed to sleep during the work day. To be happy, his breed needs to be around people who display leadership. What better place to do that than at POTHOS. As devoted as he is to his alpha, here he aims to please not just one, but all his humans pack.
Amanda St. Michel-Office Manager/Human Resources
Amanda joined the POTHOS team in January 2019 looking for a change. Her extensive background experience includes dispatch for tow companies and the Sheriff’s department, and Supervisor of Print & Marketing at Staples. Amanda dabbled in administrative duties during her various experiences, and it has served her well in bringing her to the POTHOS team.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona to two deaf parents, Amanda is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Amanda is the proud mom of Army Sgt, Austin and a college student/dancer, Taryn. Amanda’s not-so-guilty pleasures include Darth Vader, Doctor Who (especially Ten), Disney and Supernatural.
Taryn St. Michel-Intern/Admin Support
Taryn joined the POTHOS team in November 2019 as the intern in the office. Her background includes working as a dance teacher and office staff for a dance studio in Santee. She graduated high school in 2016 and is working towards two degrees: American Sign Language and Dance. Taryn’s experience in office administration will greatly help with her journey alongside POTHOS.
Born in San Diego, California in 1998, Taryn has led a life that closely followed her passions of dance and always having fun. Taryn is a proud sister of a US Army Sgt, Austin and a fur sister to two beautiful labs: Kona and Maili. Oh, and she’s also the daughter of Amanda, our office manager/HR. Taryn’s favorite things in life are dancing, enjoying time with family and friends, going to Disneyland, and playing with her dogs.
Murphy-In Memory
Murphy, at the age of almost nine, died during the night of 13 August 2013, at the Jamul Veterinary Hospital unfortunately not surrounded by loved ones. It was only that night he was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Born 22 October 2004 in San Diego, California, he was the son of a Chocolate Lab and a Golden Retriever. Murphy has been a resident of El Cajon since his adoption on 24 December 2004 by the Brink Family. He graduated from Hawaiiana Canine School 19 October 2005. In 2010 he was hired as Head of Security at POTHOS, Inc.
Murphy touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with and that was many. He gave so much love and was given so much love in return. To the Brink Family he left a void that can never be duplicated. To Dori he was the human Teddy Bear that she had always dreamed of as a little girl.
Murphy is survived by his Mother, Dori , Father, Rodey, and brothers, Wesley, Bradley and Cody Brink of San Diego.
Murphy, if I knew the last time that I held was the last time. I’d have held you and never let you go. You will forever be “Mommies Boy”.