Meet Zaya S. Younan — an American Real Estate Mogul & the Face of Younan Company
Zaya S. Younan is a real estate magnate and Chairman & CEO of Younan Properties, along with its subsidiaries, La Maison Younan and Inc.
La Grande Maison Younan Collection, a luxury hotel brand based in France. Younan has been buying up historic properties in France and Portugal since 2016, renovating them into four- and five-star hotels. He intends to become the largest luxury hotel operator in France within the next three years and expand into other parts of Europe. Younan is a student of history and has been fascinated by the castles of France since his youth. He believes that these castles are timeless reminders of royal luxury living hundreds of years ago.
The idea to launch La Grande Maison Younan Collection was born while Younan and his family were living in France about 20 years ago. They watched properties that had been around for nearly a millennium fall into disrepair. Many private owners had neither the resources nor the will to renovate these historic structures, and the government was struggling to maintain the castles that were under their domain.
Younan started restoring these castles to their glory days and has purchased ten castles in the past three years. He plans to add another 15 hotels to their portfolio.
The French government recently awarded Younan the Gold Medal for Tourism, recognizing his outstanding and valuable professionalism in developing tourism in France.
…luxury and opulence of the castles he now owns. Born in Iran in 1961, Younan moved to the United States in 1979 to pursue his education, attending Texas A&M University and later earning his MBA from California State University, Fullerton.
After starting his career in the telecommunications industry, Younan shifted his focus to real estate, founding Younan Properties in 2002. The company quickly grew to become one of the largest commercial office property owners in the United States, with a portfolio of over 35 million square feet of Class-A office space across the country.
Despite the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis, Younan successfully steered his company through the downturn and continued to grow the business. In 2016, he set his sights on a new challenge: restoring historic castles in France and turning them into luxury hotels.
Since then, Younan has acquired and restored a stunning array of castles, each with its own unique history and character. From the imposing Château de Beauvois, which dates back to the 15th century and served as a hiding place for the French Resistance during World War II, to the elegant Château de la Perrière, which once housed French royalty, Younan’s properties offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of France.
Younan’s passion for history and preservation is evident in the painstaking care he takes in restoring these properties. Each castle is meticulously researched and renovated to ensure that its unique character and heritage are preserved, while also offering modern amenities and luxury touches.
Younan’s success in the hotel industry has not gone unnoticed. In addition to the Gold Medal for Tourism, he has received numerous other accolades for his work in restoring historic properties, including the Heritage Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
As La Grande Maison Younan Collection continues to expand, Younan remains committed to his vision of preserving France’s rich cultural heritage while also providing world-class hospitality experiences. With his dedication to history, craftsmanship, and luxury, it’s clear that Younan is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming the largest luxury hotel operator in France.
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But Younan’s entrepreneurial spirit and eye for opportunity never faltered. He shifted his focus to real estate investing, eventually founding Younan Properties in 2002, which quickly became one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the United States. With an impressive portfolio of Class-A office space, Younan became a billionaire and a respected figure in the industry.
CEO Younan Company Private Equity Firm
However, it was his passion for history and love of France that led him to start La Grande Maison Younan Collection. With his extensive knowledge of the real estate market, Younan knew that there was an opportunity to acquire and restore these historic properties to their former glory, creating unique and luxurious hotels that would attract discerning travelers from around the world.
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Today, La Grande Maison Younan Collection has become one of the most successful luxury hotel brands in France, with properties that range from magnificent castles to elegant manor houses. Younan’s commitment to preserving the unique character of each property while adding modern amenities and exceptional service has earned him a reputation as a visionary in the hospitality industry.
But for Younan, it’s not just about creating profitable businesses. He sees his work as a way to contribute to the preservation of France’s cultural heritage, ensuring that these historic properties are enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come. As he said in a recent interview with Forbes, “I want to give back to France, and I want to make sure that these treasures are preserved for future generations. It’s not just a business for me; it’s a passion.”
Zaya S. Younan’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to preserving the past while creating a better future. From his humble beginnings to his success in the real estate industry and his current role as a champion of France’s cultural heritage, Younan has proven himself to be a true visionary and a leader in his field.
After his success in the hospitality industry, Zaya S. Younan expanded his business empire into real estate. He formed Younan Properties in 2002, which has since become one of the leading commercial real estate companies in the United States. Younan Properties specializes in acquiring and managing Class A office buildings in high-growth markets such as Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Phoenix.
Younan Properties has an impressive portfolio of properties, which includes iconic buildings like the Renaissance Tower in Dallas, the largest Class A office building in the city. The company has also won numerous awards for its real estate achievements, including the 2015 Commercial Real Estate Award for Best Office Development from the Los Angeles Business Journal.
In addition to his success in the hospitality and real estate industries, Zaya S. Younan is also a philanthropist. He has established the Younan Foundation, which provides financial support to various charitable causes around the world. Some of the causes that the foundation supports include education, health, and poverty alleviation.
Zaya S. Younan’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. He has achieved great success in multiple industries and has used his wealth to make a positive impact on the world.
In addition to his real estate ventures, Zaya S. Younan is also a philanthropist. He is the founder of Younan Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on education, healthcare, and social services. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to various causes and organizations around the world.
Younan is also an avid art collector and has a passion for classic cars. He owns one of the largest collections of classic cars in the world, with over 100 cars in his collection.
Despite his success, Younan remains humble and dedicated to his work. He believes that hard work, determination, and perseverance are the keys to success in any field.
In an interview with Forbes, Younan stated that his biggest challenge has been overcoming fear. He said, “Fear is the enemy of success. You have to be fearless and take risks to achieve your goals.”
Younan’s success and dedication to his work serve as an inspiration to many. He has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
