Mission
To diversify and expand hotel ownership opportunities to women and underrepresented groups by providing access to the network, educational resources, capital, and industry vendor partners.
“The creation of RIDE was really about making a company-wide concerted effort to do the right thing. It’s not just with people that want to buy and build hotels, but also the people that want to serve the hoteliers as well, meaning our vendor relationships. Now is the time to do it, and it should be the time for everyone.”
​
- Matthew Hostetler, Chief Development Officer
“We would like to see the number of minority owners increasing every year. The strategic plan is to diversify and get more and more diverse ownership with Black and Latino young professionals.”
​
- Lina Patel, Director, Strategic Franchise Initiatives, Red Roof
and former AAHOA Board Member
1 Access to Capital
Access to capital is imperative to a successful start in entrepreneurship. RIDE aims to connect hoteliers with like-minded lenders and reduce barriers for those seeking funding.
​
In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, fostering diversity and inclusion is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. One crucial facet of the Red Roof RIDE mission is ensuring equitable access to capital for individuals from diverse backgrounds who aspire to enter and excel within our industry.
By dismantling financial barriers and promoting inclusive lending practices, we empower a broader spectrum of talent to contribute their unique perspectives, ideas, and entrepreneurial spirit. This commitment to equitable access to capital not only strengthens the foundations of our industry but also drives innovation, enriches guest experiences, and advances our collective success in a rapidly changing world.
2 Educational Resources
Educational resources are at the heart of the RIDE program. It's been said that knowledge is power, and RIDE will equip hoteliers with the resources they need for a successful and powerful start to their ownership journey.
​
In the hospitality industry, embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment is pivotal to our growth and evolution. As part of RIDE’s commitment to these ideals, we recognize the paramount importance of ensuring equitable access to educational resources for all aspiring hotel owners, regardless of their background.
​
By dismantling barriers to quality educational resources and creating opportunities for learning and skill development, we empower individuals from diverse communities to excel. Through mentorship programs and inclusive curriculum development, we aim to create a community that reflects the rich tapestry of our global society.
​
Our investment in accessible education is not just a step forward; it's a leap toward a more inclusive and vibrant hospitality industry, where every aspiring hotel owner can thrive and contribute to our shared success.
3 Building a Network
​
​
Networking lies at the heart of the RIDE initiative, and for good reason. In an industry that thrives on personal connections and diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive network is not just beneficial; it's vital.
Building bridges among individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences enables us to tap into a wellspring of innovation and creativity. It broadens our horizons, allowing us to better understand and cater to the diverse needs of our guests and industry. By championing diversity within professional networks, we aim to cultivate a rich tapestry of talents, ideas, and opportunities.
These connections, built on inclusivity and respect, not only enrich our industry but pave the way for a more vibrant and equitable future for all who engage with it. Through our commitment to fostering diverse networks, we are shaping a hospitality industry that truly reflects the dynamic world we serve.
4 Connections with
Industry Partners
RIDE’s initiative is all about creating an ecosystem where everyone can thrive. A crucial aspect of this initiative is connecting individuals with the vendors and service suppliers they need for a successful and sustainable business.
By promoting diversity among our supplier networks, we empower entrepreneurs and businesses from underrepresented communities to access opportunities they might otherwise miss. This not only strengthens the economic fabric of our industry but also ensures that our partners can tap into a rich pool of innovative solutions, products, and services.
Our commitment to diversity isn't just about fostering inclusion; it's a strategic move that enhances the resilience and competitiveness of our industry while creating a level playing field where all can prosper. In doing so, we’re helping to build a hospitality industry that's not only diverse but also richly interconnected, ensuring the success of each part contributes to the whole.
Go On a Journey With Us!
Red Roof introduces RIDE with Red Roof, a new initiative that aims to expand and further diversify hotel ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities for women and underrepresented groups by focusing on the business needs of entrepreneurs, providing access to capital, educational resources, and the connections needed to build a strong network of industry partners.
​
“The educational resources and networking provided by Red Roof and RIDE were crucial to the success of the hotel’s conversion. Jennifer and Lina worked with me at each step of the process, from understanding the requirements of changing brands to preparing the hotel for a product improvement plan, and were always available to answer my questions throughout the transition.”
- Kalpana Patel, Owner of Red Roof Inn Richland, MS
1st Red Roof exclusively owned by women
“Latinas are the most entrepreneurial women in the U.S. Their desire to succeed and create generational wealth is deeply part of their culture and desire to make a difference. RIDE is opening the doors to advance hotel ownership for these women, and we expect to make significant strides with this program.”
- Lynette Montoya, President & CEO,Latino Hotel Association
"The RIDE platform’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, along with phenomenal networking opportunities, placed me in a position to not only learn from the Red Roof owners but also propel my journey of hotel ownership to a whole new level. As a minority future Hotelier, I gained insight on industry resources, access to capital and the importance of strong partnership connections and relationships. One of the most important things that sets this initiative apart from others is the genuine love and support from other hoteliers. This exhibits the true definition of “Family”.
Special thanks to Matthew Hostetler, Chief Development Officer and Lina Patel, Director of Strategic Franchise Initiatives at Red Roof, who have opened the door and graciously welcomed me into the hospitality industry."
Hester Jackson, MBA
Founder, Building Generational Wealth, LLC
​
"Being a woman and a young professional in this industry, it is tough to get the attention of those who have been in the industry for a while. What sets this program apart from others is the empowerment that provides motivation to strive to be better, especially within those that are minorities in this industry."
Rhea Patel
Corporate Event and Rooms Coordinator,
The Hotel Covington
“I am excited to open my second hotel with Red Roof and am thrilled to continue deepening my relationship with this group and their wonderful team. Red Roof’s RIDE program, led by Lina Patel, assisted me with the conversion process every step of the way. In my 25 years in the hotel industry, Lina was the first person to encourage me the way she did. The insight and understanding Red Roof provided has been invaluable.”
Jaya Desai
HomeTowne Studios and Red Roof PLUS+, Madison, AL
Media Center
