Kass Green is the owner of The Inn Above Tide, a 33-room boutique oceanfront hotel in Sausalito. Green is also well-known as an accomplished map maker and president of Kass Green & Associates, a global mapping company. Learn about Kass Green…
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
First job: I worked as a maid in a hotel, funny enough! And this was well before my father opened a hotel, so truly just a coincidence.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in California: Hiking is a passion. I hike everywhere, and the hiking near the hotel is outstanding especially the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Point Reyes, Muir Woods and Tennessee Valley. I am in love with so many spots near the hotel, notably family-owned Angelinos, Copita, Pogio and – perhaps my favorite of all – Travel + Leisure “Best Sushi in the U.S.” award-winner Sushi Ran. We actually partner with chef and owner Yoshi Tome on a hotel package that also provides dinner at his restaurant with a sake flight, plus a map made by me with some of Yoshi and my favorite hiking trails in the area. I also adore Post Ranch Inn; add it to your bucket list.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Bringing science to decision making. A lot of what I do through my company is bringing science down to the ground to support policy and decision making. I am also able to affect change through it.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: My mother passed away from breast cancer when I was just 14. Given my father was in no way a suitable option, my uncle – the founder and designer of The Inn Above The Tide, Bill McDevitt – moved me to California and his family took me in as their own. I consider him my dad and his sons – biologically my cousins – to be my brothers. I overcame this to earn a master’s degree, build a successful business with my husband and co-own the hotel with my brothers.
Someone who inspires you and why: Certainly, my mother. She successfully fled an abusive husband and made a life for her children while earning a master’s degree in social work before fighting so valiantly against cancer. Also, I have to say my dad (biologically my uncle). His love, mentorship and support changed the entire course of my life. I am also inspired by the teams I work with, both at the hotel and in my mapping business.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Lead with passion; it will fuel you far beyond titles, money or anything else.
Favorite quote: It is a tie. “Chaos creates opportunity” and “Find something you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Despite a pretty rigorous public speaking schedule, I am very much and introvert (but a hilarious one).
What makes someone fabulous in your own words: Passion, drive, a sense of humor and the ability to listen actively, meaning actually hearing and digesting what someone has to say versus biding time before it is your chance to speak.
Photo credit: Aniko M Photography