AAHOA Members are jumping headfirst into industry leadership roles
Hoteliers are notorious for being driven, goal-oriented individuals, so it should come as no surprise AAHOA is filled with passionate, results-focused leaders constantly in search of the best ways to serve their industry. Because of this shared drive, many AAHOA Members understandably are stepping up to take on additional leadership opportunities – whether that be serving inside or outside of AAHOA’s sphere. As a logical extension of AAHOA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, several members have run for, and won, public office, and some have accepted appointments to serve on various government posts.
Vimal (Ricky) Patel and Mihir (Mark) Pankaj are just two of the most recent examples of this ongoing trend, and AAHOA counts many other members among its ranks who hold public office or seats on high-profile boards of directors and committees throughout the industry.
Recently, Patel, who also serves as AAHOA Gulf Regional Director, was appointed by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to serve on the Louisiana Economic Corporation (LEDC) Board and AAHOA Member Pankaj was elected as mayor of Paris, TX.
We caught up with both of these industry leaders to talk about why they choose to serve, the struggles facing independent hoteliers, and much more.
Vimal (Ricky) Patel
Vimal (Ricky) Patel, AAHOA Gulf Region Director, with his family
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?
My journey in the hospitality industry began soon after I immigrated to the United States from India in 2000 at age 21. I worked for five years at a 64-room Super 8 in Brunswick, GA, learning our business from the ground up with wide-ranging responsibilities in housekeeping, front desk, and management. I struggled physically, financially, and emotionally, but the hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful hotel. In 2005, a mentor recognized my work ethic and gave me the opportunity to become a partner in renovating and reopening an abandoned independent hotel in Lafayette, LA. My wife, Rashmi, and I moved to Louisiana without even seeing the property, but we believed that’s how we could make a better life and make our own mark on the industry. I quickly discovered AAHOA and the Certificate in Hotel Ownership program, which further taught me essential basic skills, gave me lifelong friendships, and instilled a passion for the hotel business.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF OPERATING AN INDEPENDENT PROPERTY IN TODAY’S ECONOMY?
The biggest advantages independent hotel owners have, especially in today’s economy, are flexibility and creativity. They can typically adapt more quickly to changing market conditions and traveler demands than branded properties that are constrained by various standards and procedures. Independent hoteliers have freedom to make decisions easily and quickly about key operating issues like pricing and marketing. This type of flexibility can lead to more personalized and customized service, which results in better guest experiences and ultimately improved owner profitability.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING INDEPENDENT HOTELIERS TODAY?
Independent properties face several unique challenges today as they try to properly maintain their margins. Probably the biggest is the dramatic increase in operating costs, especially property insurance and labor. Another big hurdle is staying competitive with branded hotels supported by large marketing budgets. Still other issues for independents are access to financing and high revenue commissions by online travel agencies.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL MOTIVATION TO GET INVOLVED WITH POLITICS, AND WHY ARE YOU STILL ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS?
My interest in politics started during my first job at the Apna Bazar in Surat, India, as I watched merchants making deals with politicians. I got involved in American government advocacy soon after I moved to Louisiana in 2005 because I saw an important opportunity for me and my fellow hotel owners to make a difference for our businesses. Perhaps the most dramatic example of our impact was during the COVID pandemic when all of us were suffering in many ways, including financially. I wanted to find a way to reduce fixed operating costs, so I brought together a group of hotel owners in Lafayette Parish to meet with local elected officials and other key stakeholders. We successfully convinced the tax assessor to reduce property taxes by 50%, which was a huge game-changer for us. This showed me first-hand the power of advocacy and how hotel owners, by working together, can have a meaningful impact on our livelihood. It motivated me to stay involved with the people who make decisions about our hotels.
WHAT CAN HOTELIERS DO TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN POLITICS, AND WHY SHOULD THEY CONSIDER GETTING OFF THE SIDELINES?
Two things that hotel owners can do to get more involved in political advocacy are building relationships with local officials and staying informed about the issues that might impact our properties. Being an AAHOA Member helps a lot because the association alerts us about proposed legislation and regulations, while also showing how to make our voices heard with the proper decision-makers. Sometimes government action can help us and sometimes it can hurt us. Only by staying aware and engaged can we protect our interests and guide our future. That includes voting in every eligible election – first learn about the issues and the candidates, then cast your ballot for what’s best for you, your family, and your business.
Mihir (Mark) Pankaj
Mihir (Mark) Pankaj, Paris, TX Mayor, with his family
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?
I was actually a medical student and decided to switch gears once my father fell ill. He had been diagnosed with his third bout of oral cancer, and I decided to move back home and just make the change of career paths so I could be closer to my family and take care of my father. I came into this industry knowing very little back in 2014, and I’m still learning so much as each day passes. I’ve encountered many challenges along the way, but I knew the only way I’d be able to succeed is by tackling them head-on. Throughout my journey, thus far, I’ve had my fair share of lows and highs, but every moment has been faced with an open mind, and that’s what I want to help spread to other hoteliers.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY TODAY?
There are many challenges that are facing our industry, but the big ones at the moment are employment shortages, obtaining insurance to protect our business, interest rates, overgrowth and saturation within markets, and credit card transaction fees.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL MOTIVATION TO GET INVOLVED WITH POLITICS, AND WHY ARE YOU STILL ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS?
I’ve always loved politics, and my strongest passion is simply to help others. There’s nothing more gratifying than helping others. Every second counts, and life is too short to sit around, so I try to go 150% and make sure I tackle any challenges that come my way. I love the feeling of victory, especially when you have the opportunity to make a profound change, and that’s what keeps my fire burning.
WHAT CAN HOTELIERS DO TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN POLITICS, AND WHY SHOULD THEY GET OFF THE SIDELINES?
Three words: YOUR VOICE MATTERS! We have to stand up for what is right, and let our voices be heard. We aren’t in this industry to just run a business; we have to face so many challenges, and if we don’t share our experiences, we’ll never see any progress. Now, more than ever, we must unite as hoteliers and ensure we advocate for the changes needed for our industry. The same can be said about the local, state, and federal arenas. All political landscapes are fair game. We need more representation, and now is the time to move forward.
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