Sunil Wadhwani, a prominent hotelier and entrepreneur residing in McAllen, Texas, has established himself as a successful figure in the hospitality industry. Currently owning eight properties and working on his ninth, Wadhwani’s journey to triumph was not initially focused on hospitality. However, through two decades of exploration and dedication, he has achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field. Each phase of his career has been a valuable learning experience, shaping his path for the future.
Wadhwani’s pursuit of success began when his family immigrated from Asia to the United States during his youth. Settling in various locations in Texas, they chased the American Dream, relocating from Dallas to Brownsville. His parents arrived in America with just $100 to their name, but through sheer determination and hard work, they achieved economic prosperity. After completing high school, Wadhwani joined his parents in their retail/wholesale store in Brownsville, where he acquired invaluable entrepreneurial skills. This experience profoundly impacted him, firmly cementing his belief that hard work is the key to success, with no hidden secrets or shortcuts.
At the age of 25, Wadhwani decided to venture into independent business and opened a retail store in McAllen, Texas, specializing in electronics and name-brand watches. Under his guidance, the store flourished rapidly. Eventually, he expanded into online retail, establishing one of the largest internet watch retailers. However, his company’s watch sales were overtaken by Amazon, causing them to dominate the industry.
Subsequently, Wadhwani redirected his earnings toward a career in real estate development. Unfortunately, his timing was unfavorable, as he embarked on a 20-acre housing development project during the housing market crash. This setback led to a brief stint as a real estate developer. Despite the daunting prospect of starting over, Wadhwani knew from firsthand experience that fresh beginnings could open doors to incredible and exciting opportunities.
It was during this period that Wadhwani decided to transition into the hospitality industry. At the age of 35, he became one of the initial franchisees of La Quinta. In 2000, he opened his first hotel, featuring 65 rooms. Over the past 22 years, he has expanded his portfolio and currently owns eight hotels, with a ninth under construction. Spanning South Texas, his properties comprise nearly 1,000 rooms and include renowned brands such as La Quinta/Wyndham, Motel 6, and Marriott.
Wadhwani’s accomplishments have garnered him immense respect within the hospitality industry. He has been voted Franchise of the Year multiple times within the La Quinta and Motel 6 brand families, along with receiving various other awards and accolades. Joining the Marriott family marked a significant achievement for Wadhwani, who had long aspired to expand his portfolio with prestigious brands.
As the CEO of his company, Wadhwani demonstrates unwavering commitment, refusing to take any days off. He visits all eight properties on a daily basis, meeting with his General Managers to address any arising issues or challenges. Empowering his management team to implement independent solutions, Wadhwani remains informed about all activities occurring on his properties. Following his visits, he returns to his home base office in McAllen to review financials with his management team.
Developing his management team is a top priority for Wadhwani, as he values their training and focus. Always forward-thinking, he continuously plans for the future, ensuring that all his properties maintain the highest standards, providing guests with comfort and a reason to return. The positive online reviews received by all his properties serve as a testament to the satisfaction of his guests and the exceptional services he offers.
