Lessing Stern

Lessing Stern serves as the chairman, CEO, and president of Royal Street Corp., general partner to Deer Valley Ski Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort. Lessing, the youngest son of Edgar and Polly Stern, has continued his parents' business philosophy in being an active participant in Deer Valley Resort's planning and development, paying attention to its history, details of excellent service, and looking to the future of the ski industry. Lessing has worked at Deer Valley Resort in a number of capacities, including as a ski patroller (1981-1985) and a host / busser at The Mariposa during the 1984-1985 season. He spent several years as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for Park City Ambulance and was a part-time helicopter ski guide with Utah Powderbird Guides. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver in Pre-Med Chemistry with minors in Business, Computer Science, and Geology, in 1987. From 1988 to 2003, Lessing founded and served as the president of Hops! Bistro and Brewery (eventually SuperHops!), a microbrewery restaurant that grew into a chain of seven with locations in Arizona and California. In August of 1988, he also became the vice president of Royal Street Corp.. In 1990, he became president, COO, and director of Royal Street Corp., roles he served through 1995. In 1995, Lessing became vice chairman of Royal Street Corp. until 2007, when he took the role of chairman and CEO. He serves in that position today. Lessing is also the Royal Street Corp.'s representative on Deer Valley Resort's Executive Committee. Lessing diversified the interests of Royal Street in 2010 by creating Royal Street Innovation and Investment Corp. (RSIIC), an angel / venture capital fund with a portfolio of over 20 companies. In 2015, he acquired Solitude Mountain Resort, making it the second ski resort in the Deer Valley Resort company portfolio, and launched Royal Street Ventures, an investment fund. Lessing also serves as a trustee and director of the Waterkeeper Alliance (waterkeeper.org), one of the most effective and respected water protection organizations in the world. Additionally, he serves on the board of the local Park City Hospital and is an advisor for HeroX GoFlyUp, which is promoting the creation of a personal flying device. Lessing is an avid pilot with over 30 years of experience. He has earned several ratings, including Airline Transport Pilot, Single and Multi-Engine; as well as several jet type ratings, seaplane, and helicopter. Lessing has served on the Board of Visitors for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (aopa.org) since 2001. AOPA protects the interests of general aviation and promotes safety and education of pilots internationally. Lessing lives in Park City, Utah.