Making It with Jon Davids How one man bootstrapped a hotel to $260M | Harris Rosen
Jun 10, 2025
Discover the remarkable journey of a man who turned a dilapidated motel into a hotel empire generating $260M in annual sales. Learn how hands-on experience in daily operations enhances customer service and relationships. Explore strategic growth tactics, including seller financing and targeting Orlando's bustling tourism market. Delve into market responsiveness with lessons from Colonel Sanders, illustrating the blend of business acumen and philanthropy in creating a successful enterprise.
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Harris Rosen's Hands-On Start
- Harris Rosen bought a rundown motel near Disney World with his savings because he couldn't find affordable rooms.
- He personally managed all tasks, from reception to cleaning, ensuring the motel became clean and budget-friendly.
Do Every Job Yourself Early
- Do every job yourself early on to deeply understand the customer experience.
- This allows seeing problems and opportunities firsthand, enabling better decisions and improvements.
Bootstrap Using Cash Flow
- Grow your business using cash flow to avoid debt and keep control.
- Use creative financing like lease-to-own deals to acquire assets while remaining profitable.