Gregory E. Clifton was born into a big family in Memphis, Tennessee. His mother and father owned a construction company and the family lived in a sprawling 5 bedroom house to accomodate Gregory and his four siblings. His father passed away when he was only six years old. As the eldest son, Gregory became the man of the house, instilling a great sense of responsibility and duty in him. His mother eventually remarried, but not before this sense of duty became ingrained in his being.

He grew up with a strong religious background and attended church services regularly. Memphis was a hotbed of change at this time and Gregory has a clear memory of the growing civil rights movement during his formative years. His clearest recollection is the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April of 1968, which of course, took place in Memphis.

With both joyous and sorrowful experiences from this time, Gregory grew into an intelligent, well-rounded and often precocious young man. For instance, he learned to drive at the age of 12. For that birthday he received a motorcycle as a gift and quickly proceeded to have a near-fatal crash. Someone was looking out for him, because he came through with a great anecdote and only a broken foot. This devil-may-care attitude and zest for life continued through his teens, manifesting in a whole lot of fun, many broken hearts and a series of three freak accidents, all including a different broken bone. Ah, the good ol' days.

Gregory's professional life began not so traumatically as a shoeshine assistant at a local barbershop at the age of 14. He honed his conversational skills at this establishment and learned the art of "manly gossip".

Still active in the church through his teenage years, he met his future wife during services one morning. It was love at first sight. Then came marriage. And, you guessed it, next came daughter Torrie. This beautiful gift came at the tender age of 17. His marriage only lasted 2 years, but he learned many lessons through the experience of married life and fatherhood that endure to this day: responsibility, diligence and discipline, all of which have served him well in his career.

Speaking of career, Gregory's start in hospitality came at the age of 19 at the Holiday Inn, initiating a chain of events that continues to this day. 19 was an eventful year for Gregory, as he was also voted Prince of the Memphis carnival. His royal duties included being regal, handsome and debonair, as well as representing his city at the big parade.

Also at 19, he began college and earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management. During his college experience, he took a full load of classes, worked two jobs and still achieved a 3.5 GPA, graduating cum laude.

Upon graduation, he joined the world famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis as a Food and Beverage auditor for its five dining outlets. He enjoyed his time here immensely, but he could not ignore the call heard by so many brave and creative souls: "Go West, young man!"

He soon migrated to sunny San Diego in October 1987 and began his career at Le Colonial Inn in La Jolla. He gained a wealth of high-end experience as Guest Services and Reservations Manager at this luxury boutique property.

Seeking a change of pace, he flexed his business skills in the medical field at a well-known doctor's office for the next three years, also in La Jolla.

After this change, an even greater one came into Gregory's life. In April 1994 he returned to Memphis to care for his mother who had fallen ill. He was blessed to share the last six months of her life with her. This quality time was so profound that it deeply moved Gregory to value life, hard work and dedication even more -- all virtues personified by his dear mother.

After his mother's passing, the ever-generous Gregory renovated the sprawling family home to its former glory and was pleased to leave it for his siblings and extended family to enjoy. And enjoy it they have, including Gregory's three beautiful grandchildren, Amber, Scott and Mia. It's hard to believe the ever fit and young Gregory is a grandfather! After the renovation, it was back to California for him.

Hollywood. The bright lights, beautiful faces and glamour beckoned Gregory as they have so many others. Our city represented a fresh new start, a beginning full of hope and possibilities. With newly acquired skills, life experience and wisdom, Gregory triumphantly returned to the Golden State in June 1995 where he has made the City of Angels his home ever since.

He started his LA career at the Bel Age Hotel in 1995 and has ascended through the ranks of front desk, front desk supervisor, Guest Services Supervisor, Concierge and now Chef Concierge. At every juncture of his Bel Age tenure he has excelled because of his enthusiasm and professionalism, honed by the constant contact with LA's high profile and celebrity clientele. Gregory, however, is no elitist, never having lost his ability to make every client and guest feel special and at ease. His charisma has also served him well on several committees at the Bel Age, including the safety committee, employee enrichment, and employee of the month committees. Gregory's spirit is exemplified in his service and leadership at the Bel Age. His career at the Bel Age has spanned 12 wonderful years, a timeframe filled with fond memories of the lifetime friends his colleagues have become -- he refers to them as his "Bel Age family". The future is equally exciting as the Bel Age is set to undergo a massive renovation, elevating it to another level of chic sophistication. The renovation will be completed Winter 2008 and the hotel will be christened The London West Hollywood. Outside of the Bel Age, Gregory continually thrives and networks with other hospitality professionals as an active and enthusiastic member and officer of the Los Angeles Concierge Association, where he serves as Director of Membership. He is currently applying for membership to Les Clefs d'Or.