Our Story

Adam is a Bay Area native who returned to the inviting climes of San Francisco from a successful career around the globe. He boasts a wealth of experience with cult companies like JackThreads, Thrillist, DwellStudio, and Jurlique, and has conquered both New York City and Abu Dhabi in his travels. He joined Merchants Exchange Productions 6+ years ago managing private dining sales for Credo restaurant and overseeing the Merchants Exchange Club. He now manages the entire hospitality division for Clint Reilly Landmark Properties which include the Julia Morgan Ballroom, Merchants Exchange Club and Credo restaurant.

Brandon grew up in the Bay Area and has been working in the hospitality industry since he was 16. Starting in the back of house, he was fortunate to work in some of the best kitchens in California, including the 3 Michelin star Restaurant at Meadowood. After graduating from The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, Brandon stayed in Southern California to train under Master Sommelier Steven Poe at Big Canyon CC in Newport Beach. Once becoming a Certified Sommelier, Brandon moved into food & beverage management and oversaw the clubs three dining outlets. After many years, he returned to the bay area to oversee the F&B at The Olympic Club in San Francisco before joining our team in 2016 as GM of our restaurant, Credo. In 2022, he transitioned to Merchants Exchange Productions, to oversee the finance and accounting for the Julia Morgan Ballroom and Credo. Brandon lives in the East Bay with his wife Emily, daughter Hadley, and yellow Labrador Murphy.

Prior to joining the team at Merchants Exchange Productions, Walter Ryon spent the previous decade directing, designing, and producing theatrical events around the globe and in NYC for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. He opened the New York University campus in Abu Dhabi, building and outfitting three new state-of-the-art theatrical venues, then came to San Francisco to manage productions for the Conservatory at American Conservatory Theater.

Mike Maurer grew up in Berkeley, California and began his hospitality career working at some of the finest hotels in New York City. Since returning to San Francisco in 1991, Mike has focused his professional attention on bringing corporations from around the world to the City by the Bay. Mike loves sports. Like, a lot. Warriors opponents hate him, especially Austin Rivers.

A resident of San Francisco for 30+ years (by way of Rocky River, Ohio on Lake Earie), Beth brings several decades of hospitality experience to the team at Merchants Exchange Productions. Having worked at some of the top hotels and restaurants in the city, her network of industry professionals and her dedication to getting things done are virtually unparalleled. As Chair and Co-Chair of the SFPVD’s Toast & Taste Foodie benefit for Compass Family Services for several yeas, Beth has been instrumental in fundraising for those in need, making her the perfect match for our non-profit partners. A die hard Brown’s fan (we’ll let that one slide) Beth also loves to read and watch PBS cooking shows – anything with Jacques & Julia being her favorites.

Michael Angel Partida is a California native, living in San Francisco since 2009. His passion for music production led to enrollment at SAE Institute/Expression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, CA, completing an Audio Engineering program in 2014. This lead to stage work/AV installation at Bay Area venues including the Greek Theater in Berkeley, Bill Graham Theater in San Francisco & Outside Lands. Early production experience started at non-profit venue, Gray Area/Grand Theater – bridging the gap between art and tech. in 2018, he found his way to Merchants Exchange, assisting in the early stages of the company’s in-house AV department, and one of the first techs to call Julia Morgan ballroom and Merchants Exchange Club home. Together with a small team helmed by Walter Ryon, they worked to elevate the standard for all things Audio Visual. His motivation to produce community-focused events that embrace the legacy of San Francisco through immersive technology, combined with hospitality and restaurant experience in the city’s most beloved neighborhoods(North Beach, Mission District & Haight-Ashbury) proved the perfect combination and catalyst for taking on the role of Production Manager at Merchants Exchange.