Bijal Patel: From Family Tragedy to Entrepreneurial Triumph

The phrase “From Family Tragedy to Entrepreneurial Triumph” highlights the journey of Bijal Patel, a third-generation hotel owner whose path into the hospitality industry was shaped by both personal loss and resilience.

Family Roots in Hospitality
Bijal’s parents operated an Econo Lodge in Ben Lomand, California, a business passed down through generations.

His Mother’s Legacy
Sandhya Patel, Bijal’s mother, was a trailblazer. In 2005, she became the first female minority president of the Econo Lodge Franchisees Association of America (ELFA). She was admired as a mentor and advocate for franchisees.

Tragedy Strikes
Shortly after her election, Sandhya was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a 14-month battle, she passed away, leaving her husband without his life and business partner, and Bijal at just 18 years old stepping into the family business.

Entrepreneurial Rise
Bijal embraced his mother’s spirit of hospitality and mentorship. He oversaw the conversion of the family’s Econo Lodge into the Quality Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Mountains, earned a degree in Business Administration, and by 2020 became the youngest-ever chairman of the California Hotel & Lodging Association.

Current Role
Today, Bijal serves as CEO of his family’s hospitality company, continuing to grow its portfolio while honoring his mother’s legacy.

✨ This story is a powerful example of how resilience and values passed down through family can transform tragedy into a platform for leadership and success.