My Journey from Front Desk Agent to Hotel Co-Owner: Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

My journey in the business world began at the front desk of a hotel. It was there that I first dipped my toes into the vast ocean of the hospitality industry. Then I took a non internship to learn the business meaning I learned about feasibility studies, asset management and development consulting. Fast forward to today, and I'm a proud co-owner of three hotels and the founder of a successful crowdfunding platform. It's been a wild ride, filled with lessons learned and opportunities seized. Starting as a front desk agent, I was exposed to the nitty-gritty of hotel operations. This hands-on experience was invaluable, providing me with insights into the industry that would later prove crucial in my entrepreneurial journey.

As I transitioned into co-owning three hotels, I was thrust into a world of decision-making and strategic planning. It was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I was directly influencing the success of our hotels, and seeing the fruits of my labor was nothing short of exhilarating. Launching a crowdfunding platform was another significant milestone. This venture allowed me to merge my passion for real estate with the power of collective investment. It was a way to democratize real estate investment, opening up opportunities for others to share in the financial rewards.

However, my journey wasn't without its missteps. If I could turn back time, I would've invested in real estate much earlier. The potential for wealth creation in real estate is immense, and starting earlier would have accelerated my financial growth.I also realized the importance of mentorship.

Having a mentor or a real estate coach would have provided me with guidance and saved me from some costly mistakes. If you're starting in business, I can't stress enough the value of finding a mentor.Preparation and continuous learning were other areas I wish I had focused on more.

Asking questions, doing thorough research, and reading extensively on investing and real estate would have equipped me with more knowledge to make informed decisions. So, what advice do I have for those looking to start in business? Start early, find a mentor, ask questions, prepare thoroughly, and never stop learning. The road to entrepreneurship is not easy, but with determination, resilience, and a willingness to learn, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Davonne Reaves is a powerhouse serial entrepreneur. On the 5th and 28th of each month she shares articles on hotel ownership, crowdfunding, life and more. Her journey to successful business owner began when she founded The Vonne Group, the company for hotel consulting and asset management. On top of that, Davonne is a co-owner of three hotels, founding and leading her very own innovative commercial real estate crowdfunding platform called Vesterr and co-hosting hospitality podcast NextGen in Lodging. As tireless leader and mother of her son Jamir, it should come as no surprise she often finds exciting opportunities in hospitality.

Every month, she chooses two key dates to keep her readers happy: the 5th and 28th. On these general occasions, she delves into a variety of topics related to living life, such as tips for owning a hotel, different crowdfunding options, and lifestyle advice.

Do you need to raise capital for your next hotel or CRE project? Visit www.Vesterr.com

Are you looking to invest in hotels and other types of commercial real estate? Visit www.vesterr.com

Stay connected and follow me on LinkedIn @DavonneReaves