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Updated: August 5, 2019 / 2019 40 Under Forty Awards Honorees

Gaurang “Gary” S. Desai

Photo | J. Fiereck Photography Gaurang “Gary” S. Desai

 

President, Lotus Hospitality

Age: 39

No. of years with current company: 11

Town where I live Farmington

Town where I work: Berlin, statewide

College: Northeastern University

Highest Degree: Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Who is your favorite superhero? Superman


Gary Desai is president of Lotus Hospitality. In his role, he has helped lead the family business to grow from operating a small independent motel to a thriving hotel management and development company. With franchises from Choice Hotels International, Best Western International and Hilton Worldwide, Berlin-based Lotus Hospitality now owns and manages several hotels within the Greater Hartford and New Haven regions.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?

We opened the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites in Rocky Hill. I managed the development from the initial concept to opening the Hilton branded hotel last year. I also led the interior design of the hotel, which has been very well received by guests as fresh and modern.

How are you involved in the community?

I lead our company’s diverse charitable-giving program that supports local schools, libraries, community programs, local arts and youth programs and I also volunteer at my kids’ schools whenever I can. We also implement practices in our hotels to reduce our impact on the environment.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to keep my mind and body active by spending time with my family, working on home projects, hiking, working out, volleyball, golf and reading to and playing sports with my kids. I love the outdoors and traveling.

Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:

• I led the multimillion-dollar development of the brand new Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Rocky Hill.

• I’ve redesigned a hotel that won a “Redesign of the Year” award from Choice Hotels International.

• I’ve helped our company grow exponentially.

• Our company makes a considerable impact on the economy and quality of life in Connecticut through job creation and generating substantial tax revenue for our state.

Fun Fact

I can whistle really well. Name a song, I can probably whistle it.

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