Monty Bennett is a distinguished hotel magnate based in Dallas, Texas. As the driving force behind Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, he oversees the ownership, management, and operation of more than 100 hotels across the United States. His expertise and leadership have positioned him as a critical figure in the hospitality industry, with his teams successfully managing a wide array of luxury properties that cater to both leisure and business travelers. The origins of Monty Monty's journey in the hotel industry trace back to the late 1960s when his family laid the foundation of what would later become a vast empire of upscale properties. Over the decades, he played a pivotal role in expanding the family business from just six hotels to a portfolio of more than 130 properties. His vision and strategic initiatives have allowed his business to thrive, with a notable presence in six U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This growth reflects his deep understanding of the market and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Bennett, a proud graduate of Cornell University, grew up in Houston, Texas, where he was one of seven children. His upbringing in a large family instilled in him a sense of responsibility and perseverance, which he has carried into his professional life. Today, he splits his time between Dallas and Athens, Texas, where he and his family have lived for over three decades. The region has become a cherished home for him and serves as a source of inspiration as he continues to expand his hospitality ventures. In his current roles, Monty serves as the chairman and founder of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel company that he established in 2013 as an extension of Ashford Hospitality Trust. Under his leadership, Braemar Hotels & Resorts has grown to include 13 prestigious properties, including The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. These properties exemplify his focus on delivering exceptional experiences to guests while adhering to the company's core values of ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity. In addition to Braemar, Bennett founded Ashford Hospitality Trust in 2003, a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in upscale, full-service hotels. Since going public in 2013, Ashford Hospitality Trust has amassed a portfolio of over 110 properties, including renowned hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, W Hotel Atlanta, and Renaissance Nashville Hotel. His deep knowledge of the hospitality industry, coupled with his disciplined approach to asset management, has enabled Ashford Hospitality Trust to build a robust track record of successful transactions and sustained growth. Both Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust are guided by the same set of five principles that define Monty Bennett's business philosophy: ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity. These principles have not only shaped the companies' business strategies but have also fostered a culture of corporate responsibility. He places a strong emphasis on giving back to the community, and both organizations actively participate in philanthropic efforts. One of the highlights of these initiatives is Ashford Hospitality Trust's annual Community Service Day, which reflects the company's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.