Daniel Vosotas began his journey in hospitality by acquiring his first hotel in 1981. In 1984, he founded Trans Inns Management, a Michigan-based owner/operator of hotel properties. Over the years, Trans Inns evolved into one of Michigan’s largest independent hospitality management companies, expanding nationally with a focus on developing, acquiring, and managing full and select-service hotels, as well as extended stay properties in the hospitality real estate sector.
As the Founder and CEO of Trans Inns Management and Co-Founder of VOS Hospitality its lifestyle boutique division, headquartered in Miami, Florida, Mr. Vosotas has led the company through a remarkable 40-year history. With a portfolio encompassing over 65 properties across the United States, representing over $1 billion in hospitality real estate acquisition and development, and over $200 million in renovation projects, in today’s dollars. Trans Inns Management and VOS Hospitality are approved managers and franchisees of Marriott, Hilton, IHG as well as other hotel franchises. Daniel founded a group of companies, collectively known as Portara Companies, which includes an innovative open-ended investment fund focused on luxury short-term villas. This fund offers investors the flexibility to choose between a traditional investment model or a tokenized approach, allowing them to leverage blockchain and DeFi if they prefer.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early with reviewing key metrics for my businesses. I dedicate time to high-level strategy, investor relations, and content creation for Portara. I stay productive by prioritizing tasks that drive the biggest impact and making sure to carve out time for my family and personal interests, like boating.
How do you bring ideas to life?
By surrounding myself with talented people who can execute. I take an idea, validate it through research and experience, and then put it into motion with a strong team. Execution is everything.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The tokenization of real estate and the ability for investors to have more control over their assets through DeFi. It’s a game-changer for luxury vacation rentals and institutional real estate.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Relentless focus. I minimize distractions and always keep my goals in sight. Hard work compounds over time, and I believe luck follows those who stay disciplined.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust but verify. Partnerships can be incredibly powerful, but always have strong legal and financial structures in place. Also, don’t be afraid to take big risks early—time is your greatest asset.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe the hospitality industry will undergo a fundamental shift where high-end, short-term rentals will rival traditional hotels in profitability and experience. Many still underestimate this transformation.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Always be learning. Whether it’s hospitality, blockchain, or investment strategies, staying ahead of trends and continuously evolving is key to long-term success.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and go boating or spend time with my grandchildren. It clears my mind and allows me to return with fresh energy and perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships. Whether it’s investors, partners, or employees, long-term trust and credibility have been the foundation of my success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
A major setback was a partnership with a billionaire family that resulted in a foreclosure and reputational damage. I overcame it by focusing on rebuilding, controlling my own narrative, and staying true to my expertise. The lesson? Never put yourself in a position where someone else controls your destiny.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A DeFi-based short-term rental loyalty program where guests earn tokenized rewards they can redeem for stays or trade for yield.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on project management and financial tracking software to stay organized and ensure transparency with investors.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Sovereign Individual is a must-read for understanding how technology is reshaping business and wealth. It’s been a huge influence on my approach to DeFi and real estate investment.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed Succession because it highlights the power dynamics and strategic decision-making required to run a business empire.
Key learnings
- Hard work and discipline create opportunities, not luck.
- The real estate and hospitality industries are being disrupted by technology—adapt or be left behind.
- Building strong relationships is essential to long-term success.
- Control over one’s own financial and business destiny is critical—never rely too heavily on any one partner.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are the best ways to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.