Mr. Rosen was a remarkable figure in the hospitality industry, known not only for his business acumen but also for his kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to community service. With a career that spanned over six decades, he transformed the landscape of the hospitality sector in Central Florida and set one of the highest benchmarks for corporate responsibility.
Born in 1939 in New York City, Mr. Rosen took his first steps into the world of hospitality as a boy, working alongside his father at the famed Waldorf-Astoria writing and delivering banquet place cards. After earning his degree from Cornell and serving in the military as an officer, he began his adult journey in the hospitality industry as a convention salesman at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. He continued his rise with the Hilton Hotels Corporation holding various management roles in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cape Kennedy (FL) and Dallas. Rosen eventually took his American dream to the Walt Disney Company, which is why he moved to Orlando. Rosen worked on hotel designs and created its central reservation system. His Disney career was flourishing, but years later, Rosen realized if he was truly going to be happy and fulfilled, he had to consider being in business for himself.
In 1974, using his life savings for a downpayment, Rosen purchased his very first hotel, what is now the Rosen Inn International. To market his hotel during this time with America still reeling from an oil embargo, he hitchhiked to New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts and met with several motor coach companies to gain their Central Florida business. At the end of one trip, one company offered him a return trip ride with a couple traveling to Florida, if he would provide them accommodations there.
That purchase marked the beginning of Rosen Hotels & Resorts which has since grown to encompass multiple properties known for exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and commitment to quality. Under Mr. Rosen’s visionary leadership, the company became one of the largest independent hotel chains in the United States. His hotels are widely recognized for their focus on sustainability and guest satisfaction, often employing innovative practices that balance business success with environmental stewardship.
Mr. Rosen’s impact extends far beyond the confines of his hotels. He was a passionate advocate for education and community welfare, having established The Harris Rosen Foundation, which supports various early educational initiatives and college scholarships for underprivileged children. His commitment to giving back has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals within the Orlando community and beyond. Mr. Rosen donated time, land and millions of dollars to help build a hospitality school at the University of Central Florida. Now the Rosen College of Hospitality Management is ranked as one of the nation’s top hospitality colleges.
Mr. Rosen was also very kind and empathetic. A personal example of his kindness happened at one of his restaurants in 1995. I had finished an early morning interview for the CEO position at HFTP Rosen Plaza Hotel. While I was waiting for the results of the interview, I happened to sit near Mr. Rosen at breakfast. Apparently, I was visibly anxious, and he asked me to join him at his table. It was amazing to me that an industry icon took the time to say hello, much less, ask a youngster to join him for breakfast! He distracted me from my anxiety and by example illustrated how a leader/mentor should behave. For him, it was just a natural thing to be a temporary mentor but, to this once young man it was a pinnacle career moment.
Mr. Rosen was also a strong proponent of developing his staff, emphasizing the importance of training and mentorship within the hospitality industry. His belief in empowering employees has fostered a culture of excellence at Rosen Hotels & Resorts, where staff members pursue their aspirations. Tenured employees are provided tuition to attend Florida state schools and are encouraged to pursue a college diploma. He was also a major supporter of HFTP, and several leaders of the Rosen organization have significantly contributed to our association’s success — including one of our HFTP global past presidents, Frank A Sanots, CHEA, CHA, now President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and current HFTP Global Vice President, James E Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+, Treasurer and Director of Finance, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Mr. Rosen would say, “My greatest hope is to instill hope in others”. He succeeded.
