章節 26: The Gray Stamp Of Approval
I sat across from Mr. Gray in the boardroom at the top floor of the Cooper Real Estate building.
The floor to ceiling windows gave us a nice view of the city outside but none of us was actually enjoying it at this moment.
We were both focused on the documents spread out in front of us.
Gray had been able to provide blueprints, financial forecasts and even a few preliminary projections for the luxury boutique hotel venture I had in mind.
I honestly hadn't expected him to be this prepared but I guess I underestimated his competence.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the documents.
He was a man who had built his career by taking risks but calculated ones, the kind that often led to success.
He'd been able to take Cooper Real Estate from a middling company worth thirty million to what it was today.
And now, I needed him to help me do the same for this new project.
You didn't think I was going to do everything myself, did you? Come on. I'm not that arrogant.
And it's much better to find someone more competent than you are and pay them to do what you can't.
That, my friends, is how the rich innovate.
"Alright." Gray said, putting down the documents. "This is what I've been able to come up with so far."
"Impressive." I nodded. "But I can see that you do have some questions." I smiled.
"Well, you've got a solid concept here, Mr. Voss, but building luxury boutique hotels? That's something else entirely."
"We're looking at a significant upfront investment. Real estate acquisition, construction, design, staffing, marketing" He paused to glance at the documents again.
"You're easily looking at eighty to a hundred million per location, minimum. And that's just to start."
I nodded, already prepared for him to throw those numbers. I'd also done my own preparation.
"I know the costs are high, but the demand for luxury boutique hotels is rising, especially in places like Crownsborough and cities with a similar wealthy population."
I gestured to the city outside.
"The key is exclusivity. Small, high-end, personalized experiences. The kind of service that can't be replicated by big chains."
Gray raised an eyebrow at my explanation.
"It's not just about throwing money at the problem, Mr. Voss. We'll need to consider locations carefully. You mentioned starting with two hotels, right? Where do you have in mind?"
"One here in Crownsborough." I said, leaning forward. "I want one near the marina."
He frowned, pulling out a map of the city.
"The wealthy in Crownsborough love the waterfront and this location is right in the middle of the action. Close to the nightlife but secluded enough to give the feel of privacy."
Gray nodded, tapping the map in front of him thoughtfully.
"Good choice. Waterfront property will always bring in high-end clients. What about the second location?"
"New York." I said, watching his reaction. "One of the more exclusive neighborhoods. Somewhere with a strong balance between residential wealth and tourism. Upper East Side or Tribeca, maybe."
Gray nodded again, still thoughtful.
"Both locations make sense. But securing the land in either of these areas isn't going to be easy, and even if we manage that, construction costs are going to be through the roof."
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "I know the risks, Gray, but the returns will be worth it."
"There's nothing like these boutique hotels on the market right now." I said with certainty. Don't worry. I actually did check.
"Not with the level of exclusivity and tailored experiences I have in mind. People will pay for that kind of service, and they'll keep coming back."
Gray was silent, his eyes roving over the documents on the table. If only I had the ability to read minds or something.
Finally, he looked up at me. "You're right about the demand." He said. "But there are still potential problems we'll need to address."
Okay. I expected this.
"First off, securing zoning permits, especially in places like New York and Crownsborough. You know the sentiments on the streets lately."
"The local governments are not exactly keen on new development projects, especially ones aimed at the rich and wealthy. That's our biggest problem"
I nodded. "I expected that. We'll hire the best legal team to navigate the red tape. And with Cooper Real Estate's reputation behind the project, I think we'll have some leverage."
Gray sighed, leaning forward and folding his hands on the table. "That's true, but the other concern is marketing."
"This can't be your run of the mill hotel chain approach. You're talking about exclusivity on a level that hasn't been seen before."
"We'll need to create a brand identity that screams luxury, that makes people feel like they're part of an elite club just by booking a stay."
"Exactly." I said, excitement building in my voice. This guy gets it. "I want the hotels to be destinations in themselves."
"People won't just stay there because of the location. They'll come for the experience. High-end fine dining, private events, personal concierge services tailored to their every whim. We'll make them feel like kings and they'll come right back to experience that feeling again."
Gray thought about it before nodding, looking more convinced. "You're creating a service that feeds their ego."
"Exactly." I snapped my fingers. "Humans are simple at heart. They want to feel like they own the world. Give them that feeling and you've got yourself loyal customers."
"Alright, but let's talk numbers." Gray said, shifting the topic.
"Even if we secure the locations and permits, and even if the branding is perfect, we're still looking at a huge upfront investment. Where's the money coming from?"
I smiled, leaning back in my chair. "Leave that part to me. I'll secure the funding."
Gray raised an eyebrow and I could tell he didn't believe me. We both knew I wasn't wealthy enough to pull the money out of thin air.
"Pardon me for asking but how exactly are you planning to do that?" He asked. "Even if Cooper Real Estate backs you, you're talking about needing at least two hundred million to get this off the ground."
"I've got a few options in play." I said like someone who actually had the cash well in hand. Fake it till you make it.
"There are investors interested in high-end real estate projects like this. And if all goes according to plan, I'll have Quinn Adams on board."
Gray's eyes narrowed. "Quinn Adams? The hospitality princess?"
There's no way he wouldn't have heard of her. Especially since her family was influential in the real estate market.
"Yes." I nodded. "She's got the connections and the resources to make this happen."
I didn't elaborate. Let him take anything he wanted from my statement.
Gray hummed, considering what I just said.
"Okay. If you can get Quinn on board, that would change the game. Her name alone would bring a level of legitimacy to the project that money can't buy."
"I'll bring her in, Gray." I said, standing up.
"That's why we need to be ready. I want a full plan. Cost breakdowns, location studies, branding proposals, everything. Once I secure the money, we'll hit the ground running."
Gray stood as well, offering me a handshake.
"Alright, Mr. Voss. I'll have my team get started on the details."
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