Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Willy Hobal, CEO and Founder of ‘Hobal Luxury Collection’. He is also the Founder and President of the Board at Tiempos de Bondad Foundation.
Please tell us something 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; now I am based in Lausanne, Switzerland. I came from paradise to another paradise. I have been working in the hospitality industry for a little more than a decade. Today I’m the CEO and Founder of the Hobal Luxury Collection. Hobal Luxury Collection helps independent luxury hotels increase their revenue and brand recognition. I recently also founded Tiempos de Bondad Foundation, a non-profit organization to support and provide children education in Latin-America.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey.
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. And 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.
Who are your role models?
Barack Obama and Jennifer Lopez are my role models.
What inspires you?
Stories of Resilient people, kindness, and the achievement of goals.
Please tell us about your company.
Hobal Luxury Collection is a representation company offering sales, marketing, and PR integrated services, connecting tour operators, travel agencies, journalists, bloggers, and luxury travel experts in Europe to exquisite and luxurious properties in vibrant destinations across the world.
Which social media channels work best for promoting your work? What exactly do you do on the social media channel that makes it work for you?
Instagram and LinkedIn. Instagram because it is all about images and visual experiences, and it is very important in the hospitality industry to feature their uniqueness on this platform. LinkedIn is definitely the go-to social media for professionals; we all have to be there.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
As an entrepreneur, To not be paralyzed because of Fear to failure and impostor syndrome, it hit me hard, but I had to be strong and build a stronger persona that helped me to overcome my fears and finally start my own company.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
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 keeps you going when things get tough?
My family, my partner, and my puppy. They are my biggest motivation for those days when I feel that I am not enough. Just talking or sharing my feelings with them makes me feel supported and invincible.
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.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time. It was really exciting to know about your journey!!