Learn more about some of your AAHOA Ambassadors
This is a continuation of a series first published in the August 2023 issue. To get to know more about some other AAHOA Ambassadors, be sure to read that article.
This month, we delve again into the experiences challenges, and aspirations of AAHOA Ambassadors who are committed to serving the association and industry as a whole. Roshan Patel, South Carolina Regional Ambassador; G.J. Zala, Greater Los Angeles Area Regional Ambassador; Rashmi Devnani, South Pacific Regional Ambassador; and Harshad (Harry) Patel, South Central Texas Regional Ambassador, share their journeys, insights, and aspirations as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities within their respective regions. From advocating on Capitol Hill to addressing local issues, their perspectives provide valuable insights into the vital work carried out by AAHOA Ambassadors.
Roshan Patel, South Carolina Regional Ambassador
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN AAHOA AMBASSADOR, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU SERVED AS AN AMBASSADOR?
I became an Ambassador for the South Carolina Region after AAHOACON21 in Dallas, TX.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVENT WITH AAHOA? WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?
My first event was a Town Hall meeting in San Antonio, Texas. That was almost 10 years ago. I also remember Pratik Patel was AAHOA Chairman during that time, and he’s from San Antonio.
WHAT’S THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE HOTELIERS FACE IN YOUR REGION?
In South Carolina, hoteliers are trying to navigate property taxes and property insurance. Larger insurance companies recently changed a lot of rules and regulations. Small hoteliers have to decide to make higher payments and stay or find other options.
YOUR ROLE AS AN AAHOA AMBASSADOR DEMANDS A LOT OF TIME, TALENT, AND RESOURCES. WHY DO YOU INVEST SO MUCH IN AAHOA AND SERVING THE MEMBERS IN YOUR REGION?
AAHOA offers a big platform for our industry, but so many people don’t really know about that. As an Ambassador, I’m passionate about helping other hoteliers in my region know how they can use AAHOA’s resources, events, and education to improve their business.
G.J. Zala, Greater Los Angeles Area Regional Ambassador
WHAT ASPECT OF AAHOA’S WORK GETS YOU MOST EXCITED?
Advocacy is No. 1 for me. I enjoy advocating on behalf of the industry to the members of Congress, local elected officials, and state leaders. This past summer, I got to represent AAHOA’s 20,000 hotelier members as a guest in D.C. for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic state visit.
WHEN DID YOU OWN YOUR FIRST HOTEL? CAN YOU SHARE THE STORY?
I started my first hotel in July 1998. It was a 100-room fullservice Best Western. At the time, I didn’t have any hotel experience, but I had confidence. I put in a lot of hours and learned a lot about running a hotel business.
WHAT’S THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE HOTELIERS FACE IN YOUR REGION?
The unhoused situation in the Los Angeles area is a huge problem for the community and hotel businesses. People experiencing homelessness sometimes come to the hotel lobby, make a mess, and don’t want to leave, so I call the police but they don’t arrive right away.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I grew up in India and arrived in the U.S. when I was 24 years old. I always wanted to be in business and saw hospitality as the best business to get into, not just for the income, but to help hotel guests have a great stay.
Rashmi Devnani, South Pacific Regional Ambassador
YOUR ROLE AS AN AAHOA AMBASSADOR DEMANDS A LOT OF TIME, TALENT, AND RESOURCES. WHY DO YOU INVEST SO MUCH IN AAHOA AND SERVING THE MEMBERS IN YOUR REGION?
As an Ambassador, it’s an honor to work with fellow hoteliers and other members and fight for a common cause. It’s also important to bridge the gap between the industry and elected officials. I hope more and more hotel owners continue to thrive in the region.
WHAT’S THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE HOTELIERS FACE IN YOUR REGION?
Lawsuits are a challenge for many hoteliers in the South Pacific region. Another one is the cost of running a hotel business – the cost increases every year. But, hey, if you want to be the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain, right?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED IN HOSPITALITY AND AAHOA?
I encourage the next generation to join AAHOA and be a part of this amazing industry. The younger generation has so much to teach the older generation; together, we can create a more rewarding and beneficial hotel industry for everyone.
WHEN DID YOU OWN YOUR FIRST HOTEL? CAN YOU SHARE THE STORY?
I became a part of the hotel industry in 2005, where I started as a manager and, after a few years, continued to grow in the business. It was exciting. We faced challenges but also made sure to have fun along the way. This industry is truly rewarding and a great platform to learn and grow tremendously.
Harshad (Harry) Patel, South Central Texas Regional Ambassador
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN AAHOA AMBASSADOR, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU SERVED AS AN AMBASSADOR?
I’ve been a part of AAHOA for the past 15 years. I moved to Austin about seven years ago, and several people approached me at the time and encouraged me to become an Ambassador. I became an Ambassador five years ago. It’s rewarding to serve members and do my part to take AAHOA to the next level.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVENT WITH AAHOA? WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?
I remember attending a Town Hall meeting. It was helpful to people in attendance, and there were several Regional Directors and Officers also in attendance who showed their support at the local and national levels. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to get involved.
WHAT ASPECT OF AAHOA’S WORK GETS YOU MOST EXCITED?
All the work and initiatives that AAHOA is focused on gets me excited – education, community, and national and local advocacy. Every year, I learn something new. Every year, I get new industry updates by attending AAHOACON, Town Hall meetings, and regional events.
WHAT DO YOU THINK AAHOA COULD BE DOING MORE OF TO SERVE THE MEMBERS IN YOUR REGION?
I appreciate the work AAHOA has been doing regarding the 12 Points of Fair Franchising. I know this is a hard topic; everybody knows that, but the franchisors continue to add fees that have never been disclosed when you sign the contract. There needs to be more fairness in franchising.
