Our Story

Impact's story began in 1980 with the acquisition of a small 34 unit independent Bambi Motel in Gainesville, Florida. Guided by a strong set of values and a drive to succeed, the Kanji family embarked upon a long prosperous journey in the hospitality industry.

Impact's humble beginnings continued with a focus in the 1980s on independent and limited service hotels in growing rural markets across the state of Florida. Since then Impact Properties has built an extensive track record spanning over 40 years in Florida, specializing in development of hotels, restaurants and medical offices and the company has invested over $300 million in its property acquisitions and development activity. Many of these projects have earned national recognition for their achievements in design, construction, and day-to-day operations.

Over the past 7 years Impact has embarked on a program to diversify its portfolio by making strategic investments in other industries. Impact's diversification program has resulted in significant investments in the auto collision industry, homes services, retail holdings and residential development.

1978

Dilip Kanji emigrates to the United States from the United Kingdom with only a few dollars in his pocket and the spirit of the American Dream in his heart.

1980

First investment for the family was made into the Bambi Motel in Gainesville, FL. Small mom and pop motel near the University of Florida and Shands Hospital.

1981

As part of the growing family business, Pride Enterprises is created with the purposes of owning and operating hotel properties.

1985

First franchise deal for hotel development signed with Days Inn for the creation of a new build hotel in the growing I-75/Brandon corridor of Tampa, FL.

1988

Second franchise deal for hotel development signed with Best Western for the creation of a new hotel in the state capitol of Tallahassee, FL.

1988

Third franchise deal for hotel development signed with Choice Hotels for the creation of a new hotel in the vacation hub of St. Augustine Beach, FL.

1991

Creation of Impact’s first management company to operate all of the hotel assets acquired and developed but also to grow via acquisition of hotel management contracts from other owners.

1992

Acquired the Days Inn Rocky Point Island out of bankruptcy during the S&L crisis. This six acre property would be turned around and later redeveloped into a mixed use destination featuring a Westin hotel, a Hampton hotel, a Holiday Inn Express hotel, a conference center, restaurant outlets, and residences.

1993

Redeveloped waterfront property in Punta Gorda, FL with a marina and restaurant.

1994

Launched Impact Marine, the families first international import/export shipping venture with partners in Singapore

1996

First partnership with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) for the developed of a new Holiday Inn Express in Jacksonville, FL.

1997

First partnership with Hilton Hotels for the development of a new Hampton Inn on Rocky Point Island. We also developed the first hotel to be built in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa in over 100 years by delivering a new Hilton Garden Inn while partnering with the Historic Preservation Committee.

2000

Developed a new international restaurant and bar concept (one of the first gastropubs) with the first location opening in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa. Concept was recognized by Chain Store magazine for Retail Store of the Year and featured in the Nations Restaurant News magazine.

2002

First partnership with a national QSR sandwich chain Firehouse Subs to develop new locations in the growing Tampa Bay area.

2004

First partnership with Marriott Hotels for the development of the Marriott Springhill Suites in the growing Tampa-Brandon suburban corridor.

2005

First commercial real estate development with the delivery and sale of 94,000 square feet of professional office and medical space in the growing Tampa suburb of Wesley Chapel.

2006

Developed a mixed-use hotel with retail, restaurants, and residences in the Historic Gaslamp District by delivering a new high rise Marriott Residence Inn.

2009

Developed a trophy mixed use project by delivering the Westin Tampa Bay and Conference Center along the waterfront of Rocky Point Island in the Westshore Business District of Tampa.

2009

Partnered with Starbucks for a full service, licensed location on site at the Westin Tampa Bay property. We were also recognized by Associated Builders and Contractors Association for the National Award of Excellence for our development and construction of the Westin Tampa Bay project.

2012

Acquired boutique, beachfront hotel in St. Augustine Beach, FL.

2013

Partnered with emerging Fast Casual burger concept, BurgerFi, for the development of new locations in the Tampa Bay area.

2015

First retail partnership with national specialty retailer chain Rent a Center to acquire and grow a store network across the southeast region.

2016

First automotive partnership with national collision repair brand CARSTAR to acquire and develop branded collision centers in the Florida market.

2018

Became the largest franchisee of the 2,000+ store network of Rent a Center with growth to 75 store locations, capturing two Franchisee of the Year Awards along the way.

2021

First home services partnership with the largest national home services company Neighborly Brands with the acquisition of the Mr. Rooter and Mr. Electric locations in the Atlanta market.

2022

Launch of the Kanji Family Foundation to better serve our charitable mission of giving back to the communities we live and work in each day across the southeast region. This year was the beginning of a series of residential development projects with the acquisition of land parcels in Apollo Beach and Hernando County, two fast growing areas of the Tampa Bay region.

Awards & Recognition

Impact has earned national recognition for their achievements in design and construction.

IHG'S RENOVATION OF THE YEAR

Awarded IHG’s Renovation of the Year for the Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Blount Island project in 2014

BEST CUSTOM DESIGN AWARD

Awarded Marriott’s Design of Excellence and Best Custom Design Awards for the Marriott Residence Inn Gaslamp San Diego project in 2010

KEY TO THE CITY

Awarded the “Key to the City” by Mayor Dick Greco for Impact’s development of the Hilton Garden Inn in the historic district of Ybor City, the first hotel to be constructed there in over a century

ABC AWARD EXCELLENCE

Awarded State and National ABC Award for Construction Excellence for the development of the Westin Tampa Bay in 2009

Residence Inn 2019 Performance Award

The Residence Inn by Marriott won the 2019 Residence Inn Performance Awards based on the team's hard work and dedication that keeps the Residence Inn the leader in extended stay.

2021 MSB AWARD WINNER

This award celebrates the exceptional dedication of hotels, general managers, and the team members who ensure every guest has a great experience.

2023 Multi-Brand Leadership Award

Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine is once again proud to honor excellence in franchising with its annual MVP (Most Valuable Performer) Awards.