🎙️ From Peace Corps to Hospitality Expert: David Sangree's 20-Year Appraisal Journey

David Sangree, President of Hotel & Leisure Advisors in Lakewood, Ohio, shares his remarkable journey from Peace Corps service in Malawi to building and selling a specialized hospitality consulting firm. With expertise in hotel and waterpark appraisals, David navigated two major recessions while creating a niche practice that became valuable enough to attract acquisition after 20 years of strategic growth.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Building a specialized appraisal practice focused exclusively on hospitality and waterparks

• The power of niching down within the appraisal industry to command premium fees

• Surviving and thriving through 2008-2009 recession and COVID-19 pandemic challenges

• Selling a 20-year-old company while staying on as president for five years

• Why focusing on one property type makes you the expert clients seek

• Navigating year-long sale processes while maintaining business operations

• Balancing entrepreneurship with board service at University of Livingstonia in Malawi

• Creating value through specialized expertise rather than broad generalist approaches

• The importance of daily physical activity for mental clarity and business performance

• Celebrating partnerships with ADCI and expanding educational opportunities in Africa

🌟 David's Key Mentors:

• Peace Corps Experience in Malawi: Shaped his worldview and led to ongoing commitment serving on board of University of Livingstonia

• Hospitality Industry Colleagues: Attending International Society of Hospitality Consultants meetings provided peer learning and industry networking

• 2008-2009 Recession Lessons: Taught resilience and business adaptation during major economic downturns

• COVID-19 Business Challenges: Forced strategic thinking about company future and sustainability

• Clemson and Columbus Ohio Experiences: Different geographic markets provided diverse perspective on hospitality consulting

• Trade Publication Communities: Hotel Business and Hotel Management Magazine connections kept him informed on industry trends and top operators

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building specialized expertise, surviving economic crises, selling your business strategically, and maintaining service commitment to educational institutions in Africa.

🔗 Connect with David Sangree:

Website: hladvisors.com (Contact form and direct email available) LinkedIn: David Sangree, President at Hotel & Leisure Advisors Board Service: University of Livingstonia, Malawi

📄 Transcript Available: The Power of Niche Expertise: David Sangree's Hotel and Waterpark Appraisal Success

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