Episode 38 - Motel Industry

This week I chat with motel owner and operator Kumar, of the Wigwam hotel, located on historic route 66. Motels came into existence at the dawn of the highway system in 1920's America. With more people than ever traveling by motor there was a demand for roadside rest stops. Around that time, Frank Redford established the Wigwam motel chain. The wigwam is/was a chain of seven motels with rooms shaped like teepees. In 1949 the San Bernardino Location was constructed ( One of three remaining). To this day the motel continues to serve as a road side attraction and rest stop destination for route 66 travelers and wanderers alike. What would it be like to tend to travelers day in and day out? Motels operate with small staffs, often requiring around the clock availability. Would you be willing to let your job become your life?