From Laid-off Lawyer to Multifamily & Hotel Investor with Jonathan Twombly

Published: Jan. 3, 2024, 7:25 a.m.

b'Jonathan Twombly is a real estate investor and entrepreneur. He started his career in multifamily real estate before pivoting to focus on value-add independent hotels. Jonathan has a self-taught background in syndication and has successfully raised millions of dollars for his real estate projects. He is the co-founder of Two Bridges Asset Management LLC, a firm that specializes in acquiring and renovating independent hotels.\\nSummary:\\nJonathan Twombly shares his journey from being a corporate lawyer to becoming a full-time real estate investor. After getting laid off during the financial crisis, Jonathan decided to explore real estate investment and eventually started his own business in multifamily syndication. He later transitioned into the hotel space, focusing on value-add independent hotels in New York and New England. Jonathan discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the hotel industry, including the impact of short-term rentals like Airbnb. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right team and creating a unique guest experience in the hotel business.\\nKey Takeaways:\\nJonathan focuses on value-add independent hotels in New York and New England.\\nHe started his real estate career in multifamily syndication after getting laid off as a corporate lawyer.\\nJonathan emphasizes the importance of having a strong network and raising capital before starting a real estate business.\\nThe hotel industry offers opportunities to turn around undervalued assets and create unique guest experiences.\\nShort-term rentals like Airbnb are not direct competitors to hotels, and the hotel industry already factors in Airbnb\'s presence in the market.\\nJonathan believes that Airbnb may face more challenges and regulations in the future, potentially impacting its growth.\\nHotels have more flexibility in adjusting room rates based on demand, allowing for revenue management.\\nDesign and guest experience play a crucial role in the success of a hotel business.\\nJonathan\'s wife inspires him with her ability to execute projects and stay focused.\\nQuotes:\\n"I\'m focused pretty much exclusively on value-add independent hotels." - Jonathan Twombly\\n"I was very frugal when I was a lawyer\\u2026 I had a few years of runway in the bank." - Jonathan Twombly\\n"There\'s a whole generational change going through the independent hotel industry." - Jonathan Twombly\\n"I don\'t really see Airbnb as being a threat\\u2026 I think it may have peaked already." - Jonathan Twombly\\n"In the hotel space, your costs vary more with your revenues than they do with multifamily." - Jonathan Twombly\\n"You have to make this a place that people wanna go\\u2026 create the appropriate environment." - Jonathan Twombly\\n"Business is a long game\\u2026 just keep pushing forward, even when you\'re not seeing the results." - Jonathan Twombly'