About Monty Bennett
Monty Bennett is a prominent hotel magnate based in Dallas, Texas, known for his influential role in the hospitality industry. Through his leadership of Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, he has built a vast portfolio of over 100 hotels across the United States. His companies own, manage, and operate some of the most luxurious properties in the country, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and service. This remarkable portfolio reflects decades of dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Bennett's success is deeply rooted in his family's long history in the hospitality business, dating back to the late 1960s. Over the years, he has grown the family venture from a modest six-hotel operation to an empire of over 130 properties, including 13 exclusive resort destinations located in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His ability to expand while maintaining a strong focus on quality has been a critical factor in his sustained success, positioning his companies as leaders in the upscale hotel market.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, as one of seven children, Monty learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and ambition from an early age. His passion for the hospitality industry led him to pursue higher education at Cornell University, where he graduated with distinction from the School of Hotel Administration in 1989. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a master's degree in business administration from Cornell's S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, an Ivy League institution renowned for its business programs.
His education laid a solid foundation for his career, providing him with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the hotel industry. Bennett's long-standing connection to Cornell University is evident through his lifelong membership in the Cornell Hotel Society, a testament to his ongoing commitment to the school and the broader hospitality community.
Current Leadership Roles
Monty Bennett currently serves as the chairman and founder of both Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust, as well as the CEO of Ashford, Inc. His leadership in these organizations has been instrumental in their growth and success. Braemar Hotels & Resorts, which he founded in 2013, specializes in high-end properties and now holds 13 luxurious locations, including signature hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in California. Braemar's five guiding principles—ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity—align with his values and serve as the foundation for the company's operations.
Ashford Hospitality Trust, founded by Monty in 2003, focuses on upscale, full-service hotels. The trust's portfolio includes over 110 properties, featuring standout destinations like The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Ashford Hospitality Trust has thrived under his leadership, benefiting from decades of industry expertise and a strategic approach to hotel management. In 2013, Ashford Hospitality Trust went public, a milestone achievement that solidified its place as a critical player in the hospitality sector.
Ashford, Inc. and Its Innovative Ventures
Founded in 2014, Ashford, Inc., is a critical component of Bennett's business empire. The company provides advisory services to Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust and functions as an alternative asset management firm. Under his direction, Ashford, Inc. focuses on global asset management, investment management, and related services. The company's operations extend beyond its internal holdings, providing strategic support to other businesses within the real estate and hospitality industries.
One of Ashford, Inc.'s hallmarks is its innovative Hospitality Products and Services department. This division is dedicated to investing in companies that serve the hospitality sector and helping them grow through proprietary platforms and third-party partnerships. Bennett's vision for Ashford, Inc. has positioned the company as a leader in advancing hospitality-related businesses, contributing to the industry's overall success.
Professional Experience and Industry Impact
With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, Monty Bennett is widely regarded as an expert in the field. His extensive knowledge spans various aspects of the industry, including hotel real estate, finance, operations, asset management, development, and project management. His keen understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his hands-on approach to leadership, has enabled him to build a legacy of success in the hospitality business.
Throughout his career, Bennett has remained focused on executive-level growth, analyzing industry trends and economic forecasts to stay ahead of the competition. His ability to lead his companies through multiple hotel cycles while maintaining a solid transactional track record is a testament to his strategic insight and dedication to excellence.
Commitment to Philanthropy
In addition to his business achievements, Monty is deeply committed to philanthropy. Throughout his career, he has supported more than 100 charitable organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association, Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and the National Kidney Foundation. His philanthropic efforts are not limited to financial contributions; he is actively involved in supporting causes that align with his values, particularly those focused on health, education, and children's welfare.
Bennett is incredibly dedicated to the Dallas-Fort Worth community, where he has made a significant impact through various charitable initiatives. His commitment to giving back is reflected in the philanthropic spirit of his companies, particularly Ashford Hospitality Trust, which participates in major charitable events such as the annual Community Service Day. His long-standing support for Christian Union and other faith-based organizations further highlights his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Personal Life and Interests
Despite his demanding professional schedule, Monty Bennett finds time to pursue personal interests and spend quality time with his family. A proud father and stepfather of four, he values the importance of family and enjoys outdoor activities with his loved ones. The Bennett family's 1,500-acre ranch in Athens, Texas, serves as a gathering place for family and friends, offering a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced world of business.
Monty's hobbies include exercising, reading, and game management, reflecting his love for the outdoors and his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The ranch, which has been in the Bennett family for three generations, holds a special place in his life, symbolizing the deep connection he has to his Texas roots.
Bennett's influence in the hospitality industry is undeniable. As the driving force behind Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, he has transformed his family's business into a powerhouse of upscale properties that continues to set the standard for luxury in the hotel sector. With over three decades of experience, his leadership, innovation, and philanthropic efforts have left a lasting impact on both the industry and the communities he serves. His journey, shaped by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to giving back, stands as an inspiration to those aspiring to make a meaningful difference in the world of hospitality.
Bennett's success is deeply rooted in his family's long history in the hospitality business, dating back to the late 1960s. Over the years, he has grown the family venture from a modest six-hotel operation to an empire of over 130 properties, including 13 exclusive resort destinations located in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His ability to expand while maintaining a strong focus on quality has been a critical factor in his sustained success, positioning his companies as leaders in the upscale hotel market.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, as one of seven children, Monty learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and ambition from an early age. His passion for the hospitality industry led him to pursue higher education at Cornell University, where he graduated with distinction from the School of Hotel Administration in 1989. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a master's degree in business administration from Cornell's S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, an Ivy League institution renowned for its business programs.
His education laid a solid foundation for his career, providing him with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the hotel industry. Bennett's long-standing connection to Cornell University is evident through his lifelong membership in the Cornell Hotel Society, a testament to his ongoing commitment to the school and the broader hospitality community.
Current Leadership Roles
Monty Bennett currently serves as the chairman and founder of both Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust, as well as the CEO of Ashford, Inc. His leadership in these organizations has been instrumental in their growth and success. Braemar Hotels & Resorts, which he founded in 2013, specializes in high-end properties and now holds 13 luxurious locations, including signature hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in California. Braemar's five guiding principles—ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity—align with his values and serve as the foundation for the company's operations.
Ashford Hospitality Trust, founded by Monty in 2003, focuses on upscale, full-service hotels. The trust's portfolio includes over 110 properties, featuring standout destinations like The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Ashford Hospitality Trust has thrived under his leadership, benefiting from decades of industry expertise and a strategic approach to hotel management. In 2013, Ashford Hospitality Trust went public, a milestone achievement that solidified its place as a critical player in the hospitality sector.
Ashford, Inc. and Its Innovative Ventures
Founded in 2014, Ashford, Inc., is a critical component of Bennett's business empire. The company provides advisory services to Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust and functions as an alternative asset management firm. Under his direction, Ashford, Inc. focuses on global asset management, investment management, and related services. The company's operations extend beyond its internal holdings, providing strategic support to other businesses within the real estate and hospitality industries.
One of Ashford, Inc.'s hallmarks is its innovative Hospitality Products and Services department. This division is dedicated to investing in companies that serve the hospitality sector and helping them grow through proprietary platforms and third-party partnerships. Bennett's vision for Ashford, Inc. has positioned the company as a leader in advancing hospitality-related businesses, contributing to the industry's overall success.
Professional Experience and Industry Impact
With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, Monty Bennett is widely regarded as an expert in the field. His extensive knowledge spans various aspects of the industry, including hotel real estate, finance, operations, asset management, development, and project management. His keen understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his hands-on approach to leadership, has enabled him to build a legacy of success in the hospitality business.
Throughout his career, Bennett has remained focused on executive-level growth, analyzing industry trends and economic forecasts to stay ahead of the competition. His ability to lead his companies through multiple hotel cycles while maintaining a solid transactional track record is a testament to his strategic insight and dedication to excellence.
Commitment to Philanthropy
In addition to his business achievements, Monty is deeply committed to philanthropy. Throughout his career, he has supported more than 100 charitable organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association, Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and the National Kidney Foundation. His philanthropic efforts are not limited to financial contributions; he is actively involved in supporting causes that align with his values, particularly those focused on health, education, and children's welfare.
Bennett is incredibly dedicated to the Dallas-Fort Worth community, where he has made a significant impact through various charitable initiatives. His commitment to giving back is reflected in the philanthropic spirit of his companies, particularly Ashford Hospitality Trust, which participates in major charitable events such as the annual Community Service Day. His long-standing support for Christian Union and other faith-based organizations further highlights his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Personal Life and Interests
Despite his demanding professional schedule, Monty Bennett finds time to pursue personal interests and spend quality time with his family. A proud father and stepfather of four, he values the importance of family and enjoys outdoor activities with his loved ones. The Bennett family's 1,500-acre ranch in Athens, Texas, serves as a gathering place for family and friends, offering a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced world of business.
Monty's hobbies include exercising, reading, and game management, reflecting his love for the outdoors and his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The ranch, which has been in the Bennett family for three generations, holds a special place in his life, symbolizing the deep connection he has to his Texas roots.
Bennett's influence in the hospitality industry is undeniable. As the driving force behind Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, he has transformed his family's business into a powerhouse of upscale properties that continues to set the standard for luxury in the hotel sector. With over three decades of experience, his leadership, innovation, and philanthropic efforts have left a lasting impact on both the industry and the communities he serves. His journey, shaped by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to giving back, stands as an inspiration to those aspiring to make a meaningful difference in the world of hospitality.
