Welcome
Raj Patel, President & CEO
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist
On May 5, 2010 Premier received word that it’s President and CEO was named one of the finalist for the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Congratulations Raj!
Over the past eighteen years as a successful business leader and entrepreneur, Raj has demonstrated that the clearest path to triumph comes from leading by example. By holding himself to the highest standards, he sets an example on a daily basis for the over 500 associates throughout 16 hotels at Premier Hospitality Management, Inc., which has attained a market value of over 175 million dollars. His work ethic, eye for detail and commitment to providing a world class environment has created a culture where everyone from the owner to the individual line associates not only enjoy coming to work every day, but have a genuine opportunity to experience the same type of success that he has attained. From bottom to top, all associates that have witnessed Raj’s entrepreneurial spirit realize that their success is only determined by a positive attitude and a will to win.
Given today’s trying and turbulent economic environment, Raj continues to display his perseverance in overcoming obstacles and is leaning into the crisis by risking his past financial gains to reinvest in his hotels, his team and enhance Premier processes. While others may be taking this opportunity to cut jobs and minimize losses Raj has invested over 8 million dollars to retool his organization during the bottom of the cycle and prepare for dynamic growth to enable opportunity in the upcoming business cycle. These commitments to Premier truly exemplify Raj’s strong sense entrepreneurial leadership.
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.
In Southwest Area-North, sponsors include Smith Frank & Partners; First United Bank & Trust; Roach, Howard, Smith & Barton; Solomon Edwards Group; VIP Search; Ussery Printing; D CEO Magazine; Journal Record; Ft. Worth Business Press; Smart Business Magazine and Munsch, Hardt, Kopf & Harr.
Premier Hospitality Management, Inc., formed in 1992 by Raj Patel, President and CEO, is an Oklahoma and North Texas based privately held Hospitality Corporation, with asset valuations in excess of $185 million and revenues budgeted at $37 million in 2008. Its Durant, Oklahoma corporate office is centrally located in reference to its holdings.
Premier Hospitality Management, Inc. currently owns and operates 16 hotels and has six others with land ownership and/or franchise agreements from Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group (Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express), Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn), Choice Hotels International (Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites), and Best Western International. Premier owes much of it success to its ability to correctly target emerging secondary and tertiary markets in the North Texas and Oklahoma regions for hotel acquisition and/or new development. The company continues to grow by developing new properties and take great pride in its ability to serve the needs of its industry, guest and associates.
Premier Hospitality Management Inc.'s Guiding Principles:
WE HAVE A HEART FOR HOSPITALITY
The foundation for a hospitality environment is a passion for service combined with friendly, courteous and caring attitudes. We are responsive to guests experience and needs and always provide a clean, comfortable and pleasant stay. We bring professionalism and attention to detail in everything we do.
WE PULL TOGETHER AS A TEAM
Trust-based relationships are essential for effective teamwork. We support, encourage and challenge our teammates to be the best we can be. Open communication, constructive feedback and active listening help us learn and achieve together.
WE DO WHAT IT TAKES
Our hospitality business is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Exceeding guest expectations requires a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to results. We always hold ourselves to the highest level of service integrity.
WE TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Accountability and results are crucial in our business. We take initiative and are always proactive about finding creative solutions. We take pride in our hotel's success, are cost-concious and use company resources intelligently.
WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
Excellence means exceeding expectation. We take pride in our knowledge and skill and our ability to do my different things well. We enjoy overcoming challenges and celebrating our achievements together.