When Meritage Resort developer Tim Busch first talked of opening a resort and conference center in a remote corner of south Napa, not everyone saw his vision. 

“The people in the city government were very skeptical about the viability of such a hotel and whether it was appropriately placed,” said Busch. “I saw something they didn’t.”

Busch, a Southern California attorney, businessman and philanthropist with investments in a wide range of companies, is currently working to expand the Meritage into a neighboring 10 acres. The growing facility will offer another 150 hotel rooms and 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. 

Plus, in true Napa Valley entrepreneurial style, Busch founded Trinitas Cellars with partner and winemaker Matt Cline in Sonoma. Trinitas specializes in zinfandel, pinot blanc, chardonnay, cabernet and petite sirah.

What three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Pope Benedict XVI, President Bush and Bill Gates. 

What job would you like to try/not try?

Try: President of the United States. I’d start off by returning God to the marketplace. As the head of the country you need to lead the people to why we are here on earth. So much of our politics tries to avoid faith and religion but it’s the most important thing we have.

Not try: Mayor of a local city. From an operational point of view, I’m more of a visionary and entrepreneur. I listen to people but I make decisions and move forward, even if it’s not popular.

What’s the worst job you ever had?

Loading air compressors weighing 85 lbs. in 100 degree heat. That was a summer job at Tecumseh Products, a manufacturer of air compressors in Tecumseh, Mich. You literally worked in an oven. I was 18. 

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Dealing with a financial debacle in Phoenix real estate after the tax reform act in 1986. It was the first time in my life that I was involved with something that failed. I learned a lot about who you can trust and who you can’t when the going gets tough. In the end I was happy with how I handled it. Those are life lessons everyone has to go through. 

Who do you most admire in the business world?

Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza, who has given his wealth to creating a Catholic university and doing good with his resources. 

What is one necessary extravagance in your life?

Good wine. My favorite wine is from Italy — Dal Forno Amarone. It’s the best wine I ever had in my life. It’s very expensive, unfortunately. It runs about $300 a bottle. 

What is your favorite charity?

Catholic schools that my wife and I co-founded in Orange County and St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County. 

What is your motto in life?

Be honest and candid with people, realize eternal life is a long time and glorify God with being the greatest you can.

Name one thing Napa could do to help local business?

Clean up downtown storefronts and bring life to shopping and restaurants.

If you could develop any new project in Napa Valley what would it be?

There’s a valid market for large conference-oriented resorts. Napa Valley has not been a place to meet because they didn’t have the facilities. The demand is there, but the environment hadn’t been receptive to building large conference hotels. Those are the kind of properties I would enjoy being involved with. I would definitely consider doing another one. 

The 11th question for Tim Busch.

What else are you working on in Napa? 

“I’m starting a new chapter of Legatus in Napa,” said Busch.

Legatus is a faith-based organization of Catholic CEOs and their spouses.

“We’ve been organizing the various high-profile Catholic CEOs and we will start meeting at the Meritage at our chapel,” he said. “We’ll strive to get 50 couples.”

“I have created 10 of these chapters on the West Coast. It’s a good way to get to know people in the community.

“I always felt (Napa) needed a chapter. I’m very excited about it.”

To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com