Tell Me Something Good
Here, we catch up with four AAHOA Ambassadors with the intention of allowing AAHOA Members to get to know each of them a little bit better. We’ll be back in next month’s issue with a few more profiles. And, a huge thank you to everyone who serves as an AAHOA Ambassador. The considerable time, talent, and energy they lend to their role goes a long way in making the industry better for everyone.
Sachin Amin, South Pacific Regional Ambassador
WHAT DO YOU THINK AAHOA COULD BE DOING MORE OF TO SERVE THE MEMBERS IN YOUR REGION?
AAHOA has been very active and encouraged hoteliers to think outside the box. The good old days of doing business are gone, and hotel owners must be ready to face new challenges.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED IN HOSPITALITY AND AAHOA?
The hotel industry is a very innovative industry. Work hard and success will follow you.
WHAT’S THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE HOTELIERS FACE IN YOUR REGION? DO YOU SEE THIS AS A SHORT-TERM CHALLENGE OR LONG-TERM?
The bigger branded hotels are taking over the industry. The option is to either be part of those joint franchises or go home.
Mayur Mahant, Southeast Texas Regional Ambassador
WHY DO YOU INVEST SO MUCH IN AAHOA AND SERVING THE MEMBERS IN YOUR REGION?
I love to give back to the community and share information on the resources that can help hotel owners in my region run their businesses more smoothly. The Southeast Texas Region is a very progressive market, and serving this community is a privilege.
I acquired my first hotel in June 2016. It was a Scottish Inn & Suites. Before that, I worked as a front desk manager and housekeeper at a Super 8 Motel.
I was born in Orna, a village located in Surat, Gujarat. In this village, most of the people are farmers by occupation, and so was my father. I remember joining my dad at the farm, collecting vegetables and delicious fruits. I also remember celebrating all the different festivals with everyone in the village. Some of my favorite festivals are the kite flying festival, Holi, and Diwali.
Meghna Patel, Florida Regional Ambassador
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN AAHOA AMBASSADOR?
My passion for serving my community and fellow hoteliers inspired me to become an ambassador and I’ve served as an ambassador for three years.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVENT WITH AAHOA? WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?
I attended my first AAHOA event in 2001. I remember AAHOA addressing the industry issues, and the fantastic trade shows that benefit daily hotel operations.
WHAT’S THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE HOTELIERS FACE IN YOUR REGION? DO YOU SEE THIS AS A SHORT-TERM CHALLENGE OR LONG-TERM?
Two words: fair franchising. This long-term challenge must be highly prioritized, and unfair practices should come to a stop for the significant progress and success of franchisee members and non-members.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born and raised in India. I grew up in the village of Kumbharia and moved to the U.S. at the age of 21. I learned the value of family, hard work, and passion for serving the community at a very early age from my father, mother, and grandparents.
Chintan Thakkar, Upper Midwest Regional Ambassador
WHAT ASPECT OF AAHOA’S WORK GETS YOU MOST EXCITED?
Advocacy has been in my DNA ever since I started in the industry about 20 years ago. I feel I’ve been blessed. My family, peers, colleagues, and network have invested in me throughout the years. I don’t take that investment for granted, so it’s my duty and privilege to be able to serve.
WHAT DO YOU THINK AAHOA COULD BE DOING MORE OF TO SERVE THE MEMBERS IN YOUR REGION?
Our region is pretty large, and it’s difficult to connect every one at the same time under one roof. One idea I have is planning some micro-networking events in 10 different markets within the Upper Midwest Region.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED IN HOSPITALITY AND AAHOA?
The hospitality industry is an amazing catapult into a wide variety of life trajectories. You can be your own boss in your own little market, or you could be a real estate mogul with assets halfway around the world. Whatever appeals to your soul, there’s probably an avenue within hospitality to get you there. AAHOA has the resources, education, network, and support that you may need along the way. This industry is a lot of fun, as well.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Even though my family didn’t have many resources, we still had a blast. I remember playing outside with rocks and sticks and wouldn’t come back home until my parents dragged me back inside and forced me to take another bath since I was so dirty from all the playing. We lived in a one-room rental with a half wall to divide the kitchen area. I used to walk nearly two miles every day to get fresh milk from the local dairy. My father worked very hard. He began with nothing and built his success from the ground up. I’m grateful to have had such an amazingly simple upbringing. I know if I were to lose everything today, I wouldn’t feel as if I lost anything at all.
