Looking into the mind of the leaders of tomorrow
Above: Tanmay Patel (left), Young Professional Director Western Division, and Dylan Patel, Young Professional Director Eastern Division and Dylan Patel
AAHOA has never been shy about touting the innumerable positive virtues of the young leaders within its ranks. Now, rubber meets road when the association launches the Young Professionals-focused HYPE Ownership initiative with the inaugural HYPE Conference February 6-7 in New Orleans, LA. (See page 40 for more info.) To coincide with this exciting new event, we sat down with AAHOA’s two Young Professional Directors for a chat about a wide range of topics, including their own industry-origin stories, what has kept them here, and what they think about the industry’s future.
Tanmay Patel
Young Professional Director
Western Division
CAN YOU BRIEFLY WALK US THROUGH HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?
My entry into the industry was quite serendipitous – rooted in my parents’ decision to take on housekeeping positions at a hotel in a small rural town in Texas. At the tender age of 14, I found myself immersed in the world of hospitality, observing my parents tirelessly cleaning rooms and managing the intricacies of daily operations. Ironically, despite witnessing their dedication, I was determined to not follow in their footsteps.
A few years later, circumstances led my parents to purchase a small independent motel in Dallas, TX, just as I was about to embark on my college journey. In a bid to distance myself from hospitality, I chose computer science as my undergraduate major. After securing a position at a tech firm post-graduation, I realized the conventional 9-5 routine and hierarchical structure weren’t aligning with my passions.
This realization prompted a return to academia, pursuing a business administration degree while concurrently obtaining a real estate degree during my master’s program. It was during this period I began to see the untapped potential within the hospitality sector. A fusion of familial ties, business acumen, and a newfound appreciation for the industry led me back to the family business. From that small independent motel in Dallas, we expanded to several branded hotels, creating a legacy within the hospitality realm.
WHAT DRAWS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BACK TO THE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT MAKES THIS A GOOD PLACE FOR YOUNG LEADERS LOOKING TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND FIND A LONGTERM PROFESSIONAL HOME?
The narrative of young professionals initially veering away from the hospitality sector only to return later is a familiar one, resonating deeply with my own journey. Growing up in an Indian household associated with the industry, there was an inherent resistance to embracing it as a career path. Many of us, including myself, explored diverse fields, seeking validation and success outside the familiar domain.
However, there exists a compelling magnetic pull that often draws individuals back to the roots of the hospitality industry. It’s a convergence of skills honed through years of indirect exposure and an intrinsic understanding of the nuances of this dynamic field.
Within hospitality’s expansive landscape, there’s a role for everyone. Whether one excels in sales, technology, construction, finance, or human resources, the industry provides myriad paths to success. This diversity of roles creates a conducive environment for young leaders to develop a versatile skill set, making it an ideal space for long-term growth and career fulfillment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FELLOW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHETHER HOSPITALITY IS A GOOD LONG-TERM FIT?
While the allure of the hospitality industry is undeniable, certain factors may deter young professionals from diving into it headfirst. Concerns about the volatility of the real estate market and the perceived barriers to entry into the upper echelons of the industry aren’t uncommon.
To those who harbor reservations about a long-term commitment to hospitality, my advice is rooted in dispelling misconceptions and embracing a broader perspective. The industry isn’t a monolith; it’s a vast ecosystem with diverse niches, each offering unique opportunities for growth. It’s not imperative to solely aspire to ownership; the management aspect of the industry can be equally rewarding. Technical skills can be harnessed to develop software or hardware solutions, while interpersonal skills find relevance in sales or hospitality asset brokerage. The key lies in exploring the multifaceted nature of the industry to discover a personalized niche that aligns with individual strengths and ambitions.
WHY IS AAHOA LAUNCHING HYPE OWNERSHIP, AND WHAT ARE THE INITIATIVE’S BIG-PICTURE GOALS?
The launch of HYPE Ownership by AAHOA is a strategic move to ignite enthusiasm among young professionals and cultivate a new generation of leaders within the hospitality industry. This initiative is not just about promoting ownership but, more significantly, demystifying the industry and showcasing the diverse pathways available to the young workforce.
The overarching goals of HYPE Ownership extend beyond mere recruitment. It aspires to incentivize young professionals to not only join the industry but to envision their own unique paths to success within it. By providing a platform for education, mentorship, and networking, HYPE Ownership aims to equip the next wave of leaders with the skills and insights necessary for sustained growth.
Dylan Patel
Young Professional Director
Eastern Division
CAN YOU BRIEFLY WALK US THROUGH HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?
Like many of our second generation members, I grew up in the hospitality industry – raised in a small independent motel. As I was growing up, I experienced all aspects of hotel operations from housekeeping to maintenance to the front desk. I initially started my career in multifamily investment sales and soon realized my passion was for the hospitality industry, so I got back into the hotel business once my parents retired while simultaneously starting my career as a hotel broker.
WHAT DRAWS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BACK TO THE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT MAKES THIS A GOOD PLACE FOR YOUNG LEADERS LOOKING TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND FIND A LONGTERM PROFESSIONAL HOME?
Young professionals often are drawn back to the industry for a variety of reasons including connections within the industry, parents/family members retiring, and arising opportunities to create generational wealth with real estate. The hospitality industry is an environment that fosters continuous learning and skill refinement, and many young professionals seek this type of atmosphere for a fulfilling and highly rewarding career.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FELLOW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHETHER HOSPITALITY IS A GOOD LONG-TERM FIT?
Young professionals may avoid the industry perceiving it as oversaturated or unappealing due to the demanding nature of day-to-day operations. Growing up, many of us were involved in some form of operations, which may have led people to avoid the industry altogether. However, there are several different aspects and career opportunities within the industry beyond just day-to-day operations including development, finance, marketing, etc. While every industry may seem saturated at times, opportunities for growth and innovation persist. The generation above us likely thought the industry was oversaturated, as well. In my opinion, our generation is actually at an advantage due to the influx of knowledge and capital, enabling us to excel and evolve more rapidly than our predecessors.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE RELATIVELY NEW TO THE INDUSTRY?
Embrace learning opportunities, build a strong network, be adaptable and flexible, and stay up-to-date on current industry trends.
WHY IS AAHOA LAUNCHING HYPE OWNERSHIP AND WHAT ARE THE INITIATIVE’S BIG-PICTURE GOALS?
AAHOA’s launch of HYPE Ownership represents a strategic move aimed at engaging young professionals within the hospitality industry. The initiative’s big-picture goals involve empowering the voices of young professionals, providing them with a platform to contribute innovative ideas, network effectively, and access mentorship opportunities.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SEE HYPE OWNERSHIP ACHIEVE IN THE SHORT- AND LONG-TERM?
In the short term, we hope to host a successful conference in New Orleans where our young professionals leave feeling like they’ve gained some form of value or knowledge. We hope to create an environment where young professionals feel supported, connected, and equipped with the resources necessary to succeed in our industry. In the long term, I hope to see more involvement with our young professionals in the industry, not just as employees but as contributors, innovators, and leaders.
