Siblings Christiane and Jean-Yves Germain founded Canada’s first boutique hotel 30 years ago. Today, Group Germain, which is still a family-run business, operates a Canada-wide network of want-to-stay-at hotels.

Don’t underestimate her five-foot-two frame—Ghanem’s serendipitous story and quinquagenarian chutzpah render her larger than life.