Spruce hill motel
Starting from scratch in a foreign land is like building an airplane with your bare hands—each part meticulously crafted, each step an act of faith that, one day, this machine will soar. For Ranjan and Laxman Parmar, this metaphor defines their American journey, a tale of resilience, determination, and ultimate triumph.
Laxman grew up in Madhya Pradesh, India. His upbringing in a Hindi-speaking area shaped him differently, culturally and linguistically, from the Gujarati-speaking community that he would later connect with. After earning a degree in electrical engineering, he worked in Thailand for nearly a decade, constructing a synthetic fiber factory—a technical feat that foreshadowed the intricate work he would do later in life.
However, the desire for a better future for their children brought the family to the United States in 1984. With only $7,000 in his pocket and a determination to succeed, Laxman began working as a programmer, a humble role compared to his engineering job in Thailand. His brother-in-law’s small motel business offered an opportunity—a partnership that marked the family’s first steps in the American hospitality industry.
The early days were filled with uncertainty and sacrifice. Ranjan and Lakshman faced cultural challenges, discrimination, and the daunting task of learning the intricacies of the American hotel business. The 16-room motel was not just a business but a lifeline. They endured long hours, often going years without a vacation, to ensure their business took off.
Each challenge they faced became another piece of their success. Laxman’s background in maintenance engineering proved invaluable, teaching him the importance of cleanliness and meticulous attention to detail—qualities that set their motel apart and helped it grow.
Over the years, the Parmar family grew not only in size but also in ambition. Their sons took over the family business, continuing the legacy of hard work and perseverance. But it was at the age of 60, after years of tirelessly building his life in America, that Laxman achieved something extraordinary—he learned to fly an airplane. It was the ultimate symbol of his journey: from a small town in India to the skies above America.
This newfound skill wasn't just a personal achievement. It became a bridge to the next generation. Laxman taught his granddaughter to fly, and she, in turn, made the family proud by getting accepted into an Ivy League University. As their family continued to find success personally, their business gains of converting their Comfort Inn in Hadley into a Townplace Suite Marriott further established their profound journey.
The Parmar family's story is a testament to the idea that with persistence, support, and an unyielding belief in one’s dreams, it is possible to rise from the ground and touch the sky. What began as a humble start in a small motel in Massachusetts culminated in a legacy that soars—much like the planes Laxman and his granddaughter now pilot. From India and Thailand to building a life in America and having their granddaughter get accepted into an Ivy League, their journey illustrates that the American dream is not just about where you start, but how high you are willing to fly.
