Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Kornota.
Gene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Funny story, and somewhat embarrassing to admit, but way back, while still in college, pursuing an engineering degree, a late-night TV ad promoting the acquisition of real estate with no money down inspired our start. My business partner (to this day) attended the seminar, and we found ourselves raising funds from graduating friends syndicating small real estate deals in Chicago, even my Lake Shore condo.
In the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, having traveled quite a bit, and loving the role that accommodations played in our own travel experiences, and our personal preference for small hotels, pensions, and bed and breakfasts, we had an inkling to leverage our talents in hospitality. We knew Chicago didn’t have much to offer in that genre, and so leveraging everything we had, we acquired old run-down SRO’s (single room occupancy hotels), and ultimately opened a trio of neighborhood inns, outside the downtown area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This was not a smooth road by far. We knew nothing about the hotel business, only that we wanted to make the hotel experience better, unique. Furthermore, we knew nothing about the SRO business. Thrown into the socio-economic conditions of its residents we found a moral obligation to care for and relocate the best and neediest, at our expense.
While we struggled to find financing for the hotel renovation in a market we naively didn’t know was in a severe downturn. In the end, because of our naiveté, the hotels exuded a genuine sense of authenticity that proved to be popular – something we took with us as we grew our business.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Rebel Hospitality – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Rebel Hospitality’s tagline is “Hotels Unchained”. Meaning exactly that. We differentiate ourselves by creating unique, independent local brands that don’t need to follow the cookie-cutter rules of hotel design or service/offerings for that matter. The biggest challenge we face is keeping the brands relevant as consumer expectations evolve and new inventory floods our space.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Most recently, we celebrated the evolution of the brand of dana hotel and spa, as we have taken strides to reimagine guest experiences. The property collaborated with renowned photographer Tony Duran to capture the essence of the hotel through his lens, with expressions of individuality and the celebration of Dana’s motto, “come as you are.”
In addition, Rebel Hospitality expanded its budding partnership with The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, Chicago’s preeminent restaurant group, developing innovative dining and imbibing experiences inside dana hotel and spa, creating an all-encompassing experience of eating, drinking, sleeping business, relaxing, and more. In celebration of these milestones, the hotel hosted an event, unveiling the forces that have come together to complete the next phase of dana hotel and spa.
Contact Info:
- Address: 660 N State Chicago, IL 60654
- Website: https://www.danahotelandspa.com/
- Phone: (312) 202-6000
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danahotelandspa/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danahotelandspa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/danahotel?lang=en
Image Credit:
Tony Duran Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
