Early Life
Bob Gaglardi was born in Kamloops, British Columbia, and was raised by parents who were Pentecostal ministers. They instilled in him values of integrity, hard work, and generosity, which shaped his life and career. After earning an engineering degree from LeTourneau University in Texas, he returned to Canada with a vision to create spaces for exceptional hospitality.
Rise to Success
Gaglardi founded Northland Properties in 1963 with a $5,000 loan. His entrepreneurial journey began with the opening of the first Sandman Inn in Smithers, British Columbia, in 1967. Under his leadership, Northland Properties expanded rapidly, opening at least one property every year and growing into a global hospitality and entertainment enterprise. This expansion included hotels, restaurants, real estate, and sports.
Key Business Strategies
Bob Gaglardi focused on building a diverse portfolio, including brands like Sandman Hotel Group, The Sutton Place Hotels, Moxies, and Denny's Canada. Northland Properties also expanded into sports, most notably with the purchase of the Dallas Stars NHL team in 2011. The Gaglardi family's business strategy has always focused on customer service and community involvement.
Philanthropy
Bob and his family are dedicated philanthropists, making significant contributions to the community, particularly in British Columbia. They donated $10 million to Thompson Rivers University in 2022, which led to the creation of the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. In 2017, they contributed $25 million to the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation to advance surgical innovation and patient care.