How I Built This with Guy Raz Graduate Hotels: Ben Weprin
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Sep 23, 2024 Ben Weprin, the visionary founder of Graduate Hotels, shares his journey from commercial real estate to creating a brand that captures college town nostalgia. He discusses the innovative approach of his hotels that celebrate local culture, including quirky decor like life-sized mascots. Weprin also reveals how he navigated the financial turmoil of the pandemic and turned challenges into opportunities, ultimately selling the chain to Hilton. His inspiring story underscores the blend of passion and practicality in entrepreneurship.
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Early Inspiration
- Ben Weprin's father was a hustler who traded a mobile home park for an apartment complex.
- This gritty approach to deal-making inspired Weprin's entrepreneurial journey.
First Job and Passion
- Weprin worked at a shoe store from age 16, developing a love for sales and hustle culture.
- He used his Bar Mitzvah money to attend Michael Jordan's basketball camp, showcasing his early passion.
College Years
- Weprin studied business at the University of Tennessee, but his focus was always on working.
- He was eager to enter the workforce and explore his entrepreneurial ambitions.