Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Willy Hobal, CEO and Founder of Hobal Luxury Collection. Hobal Luxury Collection is a representation company for luxury hotels offering sales, marketing & PR integrated services, connecting tour operators, travel agencies, journalists, bloggers, and luxury travel experts to exquisite and luxurious properties in vibrant destinations worldwide.
For those who do not know you, please tell us about yourself.
I was born in Sosua, a beautiful town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the most beautiful nature and sunset I have ever seen in my love. I have been working in the hospitality industry for a little more than a decade. Today, I’m the CEO and Founder of Hobal Luxury Collection. Our company helps independent luxury hotels increase their revenue and brand recognition. I recently founded the Tiempos de Bondad Foundation, a non-profit organization to support and provide children education in Latin-America.
Let us know about your passion and why did you choose this field?
It all started when I was 9 years old; I started working at that age, cleaning a house. The owner of the house was working in a hotel. I admired her profession so much that I kept saying to myself that one day I will be working in the hotel she is working in and doing what she does… About 8 years later, I started working in her position in exactly the same hotel. It was there when I discovered my passion for hospitality. The same passion took me to open my own business in Luxury Hospitality.
Great, What has been one of the most exciting achievements of your career so far?
Starting a business is one of the most exciting moments. There is so much going on in the backstage, adrenaline, fear, failures, etc. I realized how much energy and effort is required to be here now, to start, to keep going even in difficult times.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
My drive, I consider myself a very motivated person towards my goals. I’m always doing small steps every day to move me closer to my dreams. I feel that if I stop, the dream will be over; that drive, that adrenaline is what really keeps me going on.
What are your success habits?
Moving forward. For me, this is the best habit I can recommend to other entrepreneurs out there. With consistency, you can build big and strong dreams. I always do small steps every day to keep moving towards my goals and dreams.
What mistakes have you made along the way?
As an entrepreneur, to be paralyzed because of fear of failure and impostor syndrome. It hit me hard, but I had to be strong and build a stronger persona that helped me overcome my fears and finally start my own company.
What does your typical day look like?
I wake up at 5:30 am to meditate, walk my dog, and then hit the gym before I start working. My day is full of conference calls, emails, creating new strategies, learning about new properties, traveling. Still, all days are different when you work in the hospitality industry, which is the fun part of it.
What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?
To leave my family, my puppy, and my country to start my company. But, I knew this sacrifice will pay off with time. Now, I have my puppy, and I plan to visit my family every month.
What is the best advice you would like to give?
Dream big and be brave enough to believe in yourself.
What is your favorite quote?
“The best is yet to come,” it’s my mantra. I repeat this constantly to keep my hopes alive while building my future.
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
The desire for new things, learning something new, meeting a new person, new adventures, and helping someone.
Any message for our readers.
Remember to smile and say thank you today.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also drop an email at willy@hoballuxurycollection.com or give a call at +41 78 915 4615.