Directories

Service Category

Hospitality & Tourism

Business Description

The Black Elephant Hostel is a budget friendly and connection oriented place to stay in downtown Portland. We sleep 58 people in a combination of shared dorms and private rooms. Our goal at The Black Elephant is to create an open-minded and safe space with those who choose to explore the world around them and ultimately, to inspire a global sense of community.

Family Business History

I come from a third generation family business in New Jersey where my grandfather, father and, now, my brother own and operate a chain of building material supply stores - so, I understand the complexities and often difficult dynamics of working closely with family. I left the folds of my family business and moved to Maine in 2016 and decided to build a company of my own. I designed and built Portland's first traveler's hostel. I made my two girls part owners of this endeavor and they have each put in a good amount of time to its creation - from helping me to design the website, logos and art to managing the business itself. I am in the process of opening another new business in Portland, where once again I have made them part owners. If it were not for their existence, I would not have opened the hostel. If not for their support, I would not be embarking on a new project. I love showing them what we are capable of when we set our minds to things. I am doing my best to educate them on how to build, run and operate a business. I could use some support in this endeavor!