Presenter

Gary M. Mendell

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HEI Hospitality, LLC

Gary Mendell founded Shatterproof (formerly Brian’s Wish) , a public charity 501(c) 3, in 2012. During 2012, the business plan  was developed with the help of leading behavioral economists, behavioral psychologists, and experts in substance-abuse prevention and treatment.  The organization currently has three working boards (Directors, Advisors and Scientific) of leading figures from the fields of research, business, policy, and the healthcare industry, hired a seasoned development professional, and retained one of the world’s leading global public relations firms, Weber Shandwick, to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to guide the development of a bold, unique brand identity.Shatterproof launched in the fall of 2013. Just as the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association comprehensively address cancer and heart disease, this new organization will focus on all aspects of addiction – prevention, treatment and recovery.  And all of the programs will be supported and bolstered through comprehensive communications campaigns, public policy change and an interactive parents’ center.  By focusing on key indicators such as the number of adolescents who have ever used and/or are regular users of alcohol or drugs; the number of Americans diagnosed with drug and alcohol addiction; and the number of Americans diagnosed with addiction who are abstinent, this organization will significantly cut the number of those addicted, thereby reducing the number of deaths from addiction and the societal costs associated with this disease.Mr. Mendell co-founded HEI’s predecessor in 1985, which became one of the fastest growing hotel investment firms in the U.S. In 1997 he sold a majority of the company to Starwood Lodging Trust where he was named president and elected to the board of trustees. During this time Starwood acquired the Westin hotel chain for approx. $1.8 billion and ITT Corporation for approx $14 billion. Mr. Mendell resigned in 1998 to pursue entrepreneurial activities and subsequently reformed HEI Hotels & Resorts in 2002. In 2004, Mr. Mendell facilitated sponsorship of HEI’s first proprietary $275 million discretionary private equity fund. Mr. Mendell facilitated closure of HEI’s second discretionary private equity fund with $425 million equity capitalization in 2006 and HEI’s third fund with $515 million in 2008. HEI’s current portfolio of 45 hotels has hotel revenues of ~$650 million, real estate value of ~$2.8 billion and has ~5,500 associates. Throughout the years HEI has received many awards, including the Social and Cultural Sustainability Award, Conversion Full Service Award and New Build-Luxury Award from Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Food & Beverage Excellence Awards, Conversion of the Year, and Developer of the Year from Marriott Hotels & Resorts.HEI prides itself on its leading efforts on associate wellness. It was recently awarded Gold Fit Friendly status by the American Heart Association. In addition, in 2012, HEI launched what is believed to be the first ever Employee Wellness Program centered around “Commitments to Action” that include measurable goals, specific action steps and a specific date of measurement, to improve an associate’s health. In its first month 1,650 of HEI’s 5,500 associates made a specific health related Commitment.Mr. Mendell received his BS from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and his MBA with distinction from the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.  He currently resides in Easton, Connecticut with his wife Janet and their four children. 

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