From Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Million Portfolio: The Patel Family’s Journey in Airdrie

When Dan and Tina Patel arrived in Canada from a small town in India in 2002, they had nothing in their hands.

"We had to do whatever we could get,” said Tina. “We’ve done a lot of labour jobs."

Despite their engineering qualifications, they faced challenges breaking into their field.

Today, they oversee a $25-million investment portfolio in Airdrie, including two hotels and a commercial plaza. The husband-and-wife team, who built their main business ventures in Cranbrook, B.C., chose Airdrie in 2021 for its strategic location and growth potential, investing in three properties on five acres.

"The city itself is business-friendly, always supporting businesses and making sure they're happy," said Dan of Airdrie. "There's a strong community here that is very supportive."

Their Airdrie investments include the Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn and Suites (both purchased in 2024) and a commercial plaza on Centre Ave near Edmonton Trail (purchased in 2021). The properties employ over 50 people, with additional work contracted to local maintenance firms.

“Airdrie has given opportunities to newcomers like us,” Dan said. “The city is business-friendly, always supporting businesses and ensuring they succeed. There’s a strong, supportive community here.”

The Patels maintain a hands-on approach to management, regularly visiting their properties while empowering local management teams. When acquiring the hotels, they retained all staff, ensuring no disruptions to wages or benefits—a decision that earned them praise from employees and suppliers.

Their commitment to Airdrie extends beyond business. For the Patels, the city offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and quality of life for their family, including their teenage children, aged 19 and 15.

The Patels’ journey to business success began with a single Subway franchise in Parry Sound, Ont. They later established multiple businesses in British Columbia's East Kootenay region, including hotels and franchise restaurants in Cranbrook, Fernie and Kimberley.