Seeds of Hope: An Immigrant's Tale of Courage, Community, and the Pursuit of Dreams -

In the heart of a dreamer, an immigrant's journey unfolds—a testament to resilience, hope, and the unyielding pursuit of the American dream. My narrative is etched with the values of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, lessons imparted by my father, a devoted accountant in India. My own foray into the world of hospitality began in childhood, with a simple initiative to serve coffee.

A small story reveals the roots of my entrepreneurial spirit, sprouting from a need within my family. My uncle, a passionate mathematics teacher, required coffee daily to maintain his focus on nurturing young minds. To address his needs and reduce morning disruptions, I initiated a small venture at the age of 8 or 9. With borrowed funds from my father, I bought coffee beans and a container, starting a modest coffee service for my uncle. This early experience in hospitality, born within the confines of our family home, was a precursor to my lifelong commitment to this industry.

With just $15 and a vision, I set out for the USA in 1984, determined to carve out my destiny as a business owner. Despite facing language barriers and cultural differences, my determination remained unshaken. From my initial days as a grocery clerk to achieving an engineering degree and ascending the corporate ladder, every step was foundational in my journey toward my dream.

This journey led me to Blythe, California, where my wife and I, driven by a vision beyond the corporate monotony, poured our dreams into a motel. Our goal was to elevate the Rodeway Inn & Suites from a mere business to a pillar of hope and growth for Blythe, offering employment and a brighter future to many. Yet, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic posed a monumental challenge, threatening to unravel our dreams overnight. Despite this adversity, our commitment to our community and our dream remained steadfast.

Today, as we navigate the path to recovery, it's evident that this journey is one we cannot undertake alone. The road ahead demands not just hard work but the collective support and kindness of a community that believes in the transformative power of dreams.

This plea for assistance transcends mere financial aid; it is a call to join a saga of resilience, community empowerment, and the timeless pursuit of the American dream. Your support will revitalize our motel, create jobs, spur community development, and set the stage for a thriving, greener Blythe.

"The Field of Dreams" The movie was an instrumental part in us remodeling this old inn, by giving the needed TLC. This endeavor, inspired by the film's profound message [ie “If you build it, they will come”] of hope and tenacity, mirrors our own journey of overcoming obstacles and realizing our dreams, despite the absence of my beloved parents to witness our accomplishments.

We invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey. Your generosity can significantly impact many lives, sparking a wave of change and progress in a town poised for its renaissance. Please, lend your support to our mission, and help us not only to survive but to prosper. Together, we can lay the foundation for a future where every dream has the opportunity to blossom.

Join us in turning adversity into a legacy of hope, success, and unity. Your contribution will not just aid in our recovery; it will ensure that dreams—regardless of their size—find soil fertile enough to grow in Blythe’s welcoming community.

My motel is an embodiment of a dream disrupted but not defeated by the pandemic. Initially envisioned as the first of many, this "experimental motel" is where I've channeled my capital, ambition, and the lessons learned from an unexpected teacher: the Netflix business model. After my layoff, I was inspired by how Netflix revolutionized entertainment, challenging the status quo just as I aim to innovate within the hospitality industry. This motel is my first step towards being the "Netflix of hospitality," transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and community development.

Our plans for the motel are ambitious yet essential for its success and sustainability: upgrading to solar roofing, enhancing the property's infrastructure, and implementing a robust marketing strategy to guarantee full occupancy. These improvements are not just about aesthetics but are a commitment to environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and creating a welcoming space for guests

Central to this venture is our dedication to fair labor practices and community support. We're committed to offering wages well above the minimum, reflecting the value we see in our team members and the critical roles they play:

Front Desk Staff: Ensuring guest satisfaction around the clock at $20/hr, with a total annual cost of $175,200.

Housekeeping: Maintaining our standards of cleanliness and comfort at $18/hr, amounting to $177,390 annually.

Head Housekeeper: Overseeing operations and staff at $20/hr, totaling $65,700 annually.

Maintenance and Security: Keeping our premises safe and in top condition for $212,700 combined annually.

This approach underscores a broader philosophy inspired about selfless action and the impermanence of material wealth. It's a reminder of the deeper purpose of this venture: to make a meaningful impact on lives and invite you to share in this journey of transformation and growth.

Reflecting on the transient nature of life and possessions, we're reminded of the importance of generosity and the lasting impact of our actions. Your support goes beyond financial assistance; it's an investment in human potential and community well-being. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, your contribution helps lay the foundation for a motel that's not just a place to stay but a beacon of hope, innovation, and shared prosperity.

As we look to the future, our vision is clear: to replicate this model of sustainable, community-focused hospitality across every feasible location. This is more than a business—it's a mission to inspire change, embody resilience, and create a legacy that transcends our time.

Together, we can redefine what it means to be in the hospitality business, mirroring the transformative journey of Netflix*. This motel is just the beginning, and with your support, we'll pave the way for a future where our establishment not only thrives but also serves as a model for the industry, championing sustainability, fairness, and community engagement.

If you travel on I-10 and need to take a rest, do stop by at our? motel or just to say hello to get to know us.

My wife and I are actively managing and running a mom/pop owned franchise motel. We have sustained our business through self-funding till now but due to Covid, suffered setback on occupancy & one of the hired contractors for stucco made mistakes & had to redo the whole project, which took off my working capital. Please support our Business. See our reviews on google, yelp and TripAdvisor. Rodeway Inn & Suites Blythe, CA? I-10 Exit 240

https://www.choicehotels.com/california/blythe/rodeway-inn-hotels/cah56

To support this cause and become a part of the movement, contributions are welcome through Zelle or PayPal using [email protected] or traditional mail. Please address mail contributions to:

Nikhil Shah, 1127 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225.

Your support aids in empowering entrepreneurs and fostering change.