News Summary
Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, was honored with the 2025 Community Impact Award by the South Florida Business Journal. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to local real estate and community development, particularly in transforming Fort Lauderdale Beach into a luxury tourism hub. Motwani’s resilience in the male-dominated hospitality industry and her commitment to education and mentorship have further shaped the future of hospitality in South Florida.
Florida – Ramola Motwani, the Chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, was honored with the 2025 Community Impact Award by the South Florida Business Journal (SFBJ). The award was presented during the SFBJ Private 100 Dinner, held at the Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach, which celebrates notable business leaders within the South Florida Private Companies list.
This prestigious award recognizes Motwani’s transformative contributions to local real estate and community development over the years. Her journey began in 1986 when she and her late husband, Ramesh “Bob” Motwani, moved to Fort Lauderdale and purchased their first motel, the Merrimac, which marked the start of their hospitality venture.
After Bob Motwani’s sudden death in 1994 due to scleroderma, Ramola Motwani was left to manage the family business alone. Facing steep challenges, including the risk of foreclosure and the need to refinance a private loan on the Merrimac property, she navigated a male-dominated industry, confronting gender discrimination. Her determination led her to approach 26 banks before finally securing financing from the last one.
By the year 2000, her persistence paid off when she received unanimous approval for the Ocean Resort Residences at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. This development played a significant role in enhancing the area, transforming Fort Lauderdale Beach from a once bustling party destination into a luxury tourism hub.
Today, under her leadership, Merrimac Ventures has successfully developed projects worth over $3 billion across South Florida, including high-profile developments such as the Miami Worldcenter and a Waldorf Astoria-branded condo development. Her sons, Nitin and Dev Motwani, are now key players at Merrimac Ventures, continuing the family’s legacy in real estate.
The Motwani family’s impact on the community goes beyond real estate; they have also made significant contributions to various local initiatives, including the Broward College hospitality program. Ramola Motwani has been an advocate for education and mentorship, emphasizing the need to support future leaders in the hospitality industry. She has raised substantial funds, including $300,000 to support the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Broward College.
Motwani’s approach aims to redefine the perception of jobs in the hospitality sector, which are often viewed as low-paying. She seeks to illustrate the value and career potential available within this field, highlighting the importance of skill development and professional growth.
Through her extensive involvement with community organizations and business leadership groups, Motwani has been instrumental in shaping the future of hospitality in South Florida. The Motwani family collectively manages properties valued at approximately $6 billion across Florida and beyond, including luxury hotels and residential projects. Among these, the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in Fort Lauderdale stands out as a notable example, further solidifying the family’s focus on luxury and high-end developments.
Ramola Motwani’s journey from facing significant adversity to becoming a prominent figure in South Florida’s real estate landscape is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her contributions not only reflect her individual achievements but also shine a light on the ongoing importance of community engagement and support in driving local development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Real Deal: The Closing Ramola Motwani
- Miami Herald: Tourism and Cruises
- Florida Trend: The Motwani Family’s Rise
- Forbes: Ramola Motwani’s Journey
- Commercial Observer: Nitin Motwani in South Florida
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
