The next generation of industry leaders is focused on the future
The hard reality of today’s world is many trade and professional associations across North America struggle mightily to attract younger members. Operating in direct opposition to this trend, however, AAHOA counts impressive numbers of young hoteliers among its ranks and continues to invest in this growing and important demographic in countless avenues, not the least of which is a still-evolving, but vital, program – Helping Young Professionals Evolve (HYPE) – which focuses on building up the next generation of hoteliers by leveraging the invaluable expertise within AAHOA’s ranks.
Featured here is just one of AAHOA’s young talents, Dhrushil Patel, a young man committed to making the industry better tomorrow than it is today. Read on to learn more about him and why he feels it’s crucial to support AAHOA, regardless of whether one is just starting out or has been a hotelier for decades.
AAHOA Member Dhrushil Patel
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
Like many AAHOA Members, I’m following in my family’s footsteps as a second-generation hotelier. As a 24-year-old from Klamath Falls, OR, I’m serving my first year as a Young Professionals Committee member and my second year as a Northwest Ambassador.
I graduated from Oregon State University in 2023, after serving as the first elected Asian Indian Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) President and completing an international program at Vienna University of Economics and Business. Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have taken an active role in my family’s business and investment portfolio in Southern Oregon and Northern California, focusing on asset management and development.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
My recent projects have included the completion of a $700,000 renovation across three portfolio hotels, the reposition of an independent economy hotel to a limited-service boutique hotel, conducting brand due diligence for franchise renewals and opportunities, and working to finalize the sale of one of our smaller portfolio hotels. I also serve as a committee member on the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) Government Affairs Committee.
ENCOURAGING FELLOW YOUNG LEADERS SEEMS TO BE VERY IMPORTANT TO YOU. CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT?
In the past year, I’ve been invited by Oregon State University’s College of Business on a few different occasions to speak to students and staff. I delivered a keynote presentation – Strategic Leadership: The Art of Authenticity – at their 2024 Student Leadership Conference; participated as a panelist in their Understanding the Essence of True Leadership: Insights and Reflections from True Leaders Panel; and was asked to join their annual, end-of-the-year Career Conversations event to speak with students about emerging career pathways available in the hospitality industry and lodging sector. I also was recently selected as the first alumni to be featured in the first edition of the Oregon State University Business GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) newsletter.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR EXPERIENCE TO HELP CREATE A BETTER INDUSTRY?
I’m now using my experience to empower business owners and operators by developing industry-related events and delivering lectures and workshops at various business conferences. This past June, I had the pleasure of hosting the 2024 AAHOA Northwest Region Town Hall meeting in Klamath Falls, OR. This town hall was the first AAHOA event brought to Klamath County in 35 years and brought together more than 85 hospitality industry professionals in attendance. In September, I was invited Klamath County Chamber of Commerce to deliver a lecture on artificial intelligence at the 2024 Rural Business Expo. This lecture was a polytechnic workshop called “Algorithms to Action: Leveraging AI for Success” and educated 80-plus business owners from Southern Oregon on utilizing various AI tools to streamline business processes and boost productivity across various industries. From ideating social media content to drafting contracts, I demonstrated practical strategies and real-world examples of how AI can save business owners time and money.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO USE YOUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE IN DIFFERENT WAYS?
I love the work I do and am appreciative of the leadership opportunities that allow me to mentor students and business owners across Oregon. In this spirit, I’m in the process of launching my own company aimed at providing business coaching and consulting services to empower the emerging generation of business owners and entrepreneurs. I also aim to begin a joint JD/MBA program in fall 2025 to complete my dream of earning graduate degrees in law and business administration.
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