As director of asset management at VanTrust, Robert Leyva, assists with maximizing the performance and value of VanTrust’s portfolio of real estate assets with a focus on implementation, quality assurance and reporting, to ensure the team meets or surpasses VanTrust’s expectations. Additional responsibilities include coordination with municipalities and the management of vendors, consultants, and contractors. 

Robert brings with him a myriad of project experience and distinction in the realm of hospitality. Prior to joining VanTrust, he served as a consultant to the firm throughout his tenure as General Manager of Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza and directly influenced key hotel developmental elements. Prior to that, Robert managed operations for Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio as well as many other properties, restaurants and bars in the Valencia Group portfolio. He brings with him 20 years of experience in boutique / luxury hotels, restaurants and cocktail bars. 

Robert showcases a long list of honors, including achieving #1 ranking against all Kansas City area hotels on TripAdvisor, achieved 132% RevPar penetration by year two in the STAR report, an industry benchmarking tool, was awarded 2017 Best Hotel, Gold Award from Ingram’s Best of Business Kansas City and 2017 Conde Nast Traveler top 10 hotels in the Midwest award. 

In his community, Robert coaches youth sports and contributes to Boy Scouts of America and Lead to Read KC.