Since the inception in the early 80’s the driving force for the company has been the ownership of real estate. Although one aspires to be big, it is important to be successful in whatever one does in business. Based on that motivation, the company chose to be in the hospitality industry, which was not only a viable business but involved real estate, which over the years would appreciate and in turn become an instrument for the growth of the company.
The company entered the hotel business in the early 90’s when we were invited to operate and manage a 150 unit hotel in downtown Ottawa. Since then, the focus has been expansion based on the right market mix and the company acquired over 22 properties out of which 13 are international branded hotels with over 1000 hotel rooms across Canada.
The overriding factor influencing our decision to acquire hotels in tertiary markets was based on strength in diversity. Lately, the traveling public has become quite educated in their travel needs and therefore, in order to continue to be successful we are constantly upgrading and renovating and providing new amenities and services that the guests are looking for in their hotel of choice.
In the year 2000 the various existing hotel holdings within the company were merged under the Sterling Group Inc. umbrella. Sterling Group now enjoys a corporate identity among the some of the leading hospitality operators such as Choice Hotels International, Days Inn Canada, Best Western & Marriott Hotels as business partners with ongoing businesses.
At Sterling Group Inc. we believe the success of our company is due to our employees, our suppliers, our bankers and of course our CUSTOMERS.
Core Speciality of Sterling Group Inc.
Our ability and expertise in sourcing and acquiring businesses at the right price at the right place at the right time in tertiary markets purely based on the concept, “strength in diversity of business concerns” and by branding the hotels according to market demand.
Our Management Team
Sam Kassam, CHA, Ing.Grad
Chairman/ CEO
After completing college in Munich, W. Germany and graduating as an industrial engineer, Sam Kassam immigrated to Canada in 1971. He was initially employed in the manufacturing and engineering fields with ITT Canada and Gideon Industries. He then moved on to owning and operating several successful retail businesses prior to becoming Chairman/ CEO of Sterling Group Inc.
Nina Kassam
President/ Chief Financial Officer
Nina Kassam, being specialized in Ontario/ Quebec Hotel and Labour Law, has been very active and hands on in the business since the inception of the company and is responsible for the financial and Human Resources operations of Sterling Hotels.
Farhan Kassam
Vice President Operations
As VP-Operations, Farhan Kassam is the primary Liaison for all operational and Brand Standard aspects of our diverse hotel operations stretched across Canada from British Columbia to Quebec. Being Specialized in Economics he plays a vital role in positioning various properties, branding and operating them according to current market trends. He is a certified hospitality professional with years of experience in managing various international branded hotels.
Natasha Kassam, MBA
Vice President Strategic Planning
Natasha Kassam is the company’s Director of Planning and Business Development . She is Swiss Certified in Hotel Operations from the prestigious Le Roches International School of Hotel Management. She is ever vigilant for market opportunities and responsible for planning the future growth and investment concerns of Sterling Group Inc.
Corporate Office Contact Information
Corporate Head Office
Sterling Group Inc.
5599 Ambler Drive,
Mississauga, Ontario M5B 2C2
Tel : +1 905 624 1954
Toll Free: 1 866 935 3900
Fax : 905 624 1724
email: samkassam@sterlinghotelscanada.com
Corporate Accountants
BDO Dunwoody
60 Columbia Way #300
Markham, ON
(905) 470-7579
Email: national@bdo.ca
Corporate Bankers
Main Branch RBC Royal Bank Plaza
200 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2J5
Phone (416) 974-3940
Fax (416) 974-8837
