A life built one hotel at a time By Nicole Needles From a modest 26-room motel in southeastern New Mexico to leading a growing hospitality company and serving as one of AAHOA’s most respected leaders, Imesh Vaidya understands the American Dream not as a destination, but as a responsibility. For Vaidya, success was built long before he ever entered the hotel business … [Read more...] about Imesh Vaidya’s American Dream
Leadership
From Humble Beginnings
How Indian Americans built the American hospitality industry By Cathleen Draper When Kanji Manchhu Desai of Digas, D. Lal of Orna, and Nanalal Patel of Butwada left their villages in Surat, they didn’t dream of America. Instead, Patel ventured to Panama in 1922, while D. Lal and Desai made the journey to Trinidad in 1930, all in the hope of providing for their families at … [Read more...] about From Humble Beginnings
The Generation That Follows
Today's most motivated business owners build for what comes next By Kristie Kalinowski Ask most people to describe the American Dream and they will reach for the language of independence and financial security. These are real motivations, and they have driven business ownership for generations. But spend time with the people entering service-based business ownership … [Read more...] about The Generation That Follows
10 Books on Leadership
Strong leaders aren’t born overnight. Instead, they’re shaped by ideas, habits, and perspectives that evolve over time. Whether you currently lead a team or organization, or you’re seeking to one day step into a leadership role, books can offer fresh insights, anecdotal advice, and practical guidance. From cultivating empathy and purpose to improving communication and … [Read more...] about 10 Books on Leadership
The Legacy Curve
AAHOA is at an inflection point. How will it respond? By Rahul Kapoor Every great organization reaches a point where success is no longer the goal – sustainability and legacy are. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association stands at such a moment. With nearly 20,000 members and a presence that influences over half of the U.S. hospitality landscape, AAHOA is not … [Read more...] about The Legacy Curve