Paul Patel of Sandalwood Management Inc shares how he got his start in the hotel industry and how he made it to where he is today.

Q. How did you first become involved in the hotel business?

A. I worked as and Environmental Engineer. Midway through, my interest in the lodging industry brought me in with the help of my friend Raj Parikh.

Q. When and from where did you first come to the US?

A. I grew up in Baroda and came to USA in 1980 to study Engineering. You know the saying: America, Love it or Leave it. I loved it.

Q. Can you briefly tell us how you managed to buy and finance your first hotel?

A. I sold my house, 401(k) and borrowed some money to buy it in partnership. My partners trusted me with my first 153-room hotel.

Q. How many hotels do you today?

A. I am fortunate to be the owner of several hotels -- mainly in the Northeast United States -- which has brought me in touch with various franchisors.

Q. Which brand or brands do you own?

A. I own hotels of almost all brands such as Choice, Wyndham, Hilton, IHG, Accor, Red Roof Inn and an independent.

Q. How many family members work in the business with you?

A. I am the only one from my family in this business. I hope that one of my three boys will follow my footsteps.

Q. What has been the most rewarding part of running at hotel?

A. Instant results. Working for large corporations can be bureaucratic. In hotels, you get results as fast as you want it. Repeat customers and happy partners are rewarding.

Q. And the least?

A. Dealing with franchise companies when they do not see our problems, the economic downturn and too many taxes.

Q. What are some changes you have made to survive the downturn?

A. Have to cut expenses and prioritize the spending. Maintain customer service with less.

Q. Do you have any tips for hoteliers on making it through the recession?

A. Run with your money if you can. If you can’t, communicate with lenders of your plight and they will work with you.

Q. Have you received any unusual requests from your hotel guests?

A. I met a US Congresswoman who suggested that hotels should keep condoms in rooms as a guest amenity and part of hygiene. That showed me politicians are as gullible as we are. We have to educate them constantly.

Q. What is the most important business lesson you have learned?

A. Treat everyone around you with respect and caring. Money is not everything.

Q. How do you like to unwind from work?

A. I play racquetball on weekends, nature walks and watch good movies. Travel with family and friends is fun.

Q. What’s your motto in life?
A. Work Hard, Play Hard.

Q. If you could change one thing about the hotel industry or the people in it, what would it be?

A. Consciousness. I like to see all hotel owners spend more time on government and franchise issues as they affect them the most.