by Rajiv Trivedi, President at La Quinta Brands Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
The hotel industry lost two icons recently. Their contributions have shaped our industry, the successes we have attained and more importantly, the high standards by which we govern our personal relationships and the industry. Lee Dushoff and Jay Schultz will be dearly missed.
I knew Lee Dushoff for almost all of my adulthood. I affectionately called Lee my American father. A man of impeccable character, a selfless, giving, caring, loving individual who made a positive difference in many lives and companies without any preconditions. Being Asian American, I know firsthand how instrumental Lee was in shaping AAHOA and advancing the interests of the Asian American community in the hospitality industry today.
I had the honor and privilege to be with him a week before his passing and even then, he was more concerned about my well-being – and that is Lee. He always thought about others ahead of himself. He always found time to make others feel better. He made himself available at any time to anyone to brighten their day. Thank you, Lee, for the time you gave to us. We will always cherish those wonderful moments.
Jay Schultz and I grew up in the industry together. He was a dedicated father and husband and always reminded me and everybody that family comes first. Jay was always humble, giving, caring, and patient. He had an unforgettable personal touch. I am sure many of our industry colleagues felt that Jay was their best friend. I don’t recall any industry event at which I did not receive a hug from Jay. Even with health challenges, Jay always was present at industry events and made himself available to everyone. Simply put, he cared, and he cared about others more than himself. In many ways Jay reshaped the way our industry writes and thinks about itself through his reporting, editing, and business management of some of the industry’s most successful publications. I will never forget his contagious smile and humble presence. A brilliant mind that continued to offer guidance to his team and the industry until the last day of his life.
Jay and Lee will be missed, but always remembered. You will always be in our lives.
Donations in Jay’s memory can be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. Donations in Lee’s memory can be made to Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet Street, Philadelphia, PA 19119 or Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia Oxford Mills, 100 W. Oxford Street, Suite E-1300, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
