Shining a Light on AAHOA’s Ambassadors
By Olivia Story
AAHOA Ambassadors are the vital thread between members and the association. They serve as the voice of hoteliers in their regions, supporting the goals of their Regional Directors while advocating, mentoring, and building stronger communities. In this spotlight, we hear directly from six Ambassadors about their journeys, inspirations, and what fuels their passion for hospitality and service.
Ankur Patel
Principal & Founder, Harborview Capital Group
Upper Midwest Region
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Instead of trying to excel at everything, I focus on my strengths and seek collaborators who complement my weaknesses. This creates a multiplier effect: When everyone works within their zone of excellence, the collective output surpasses what any individual could achieve. We reach goals faster and more efficiently, building momentum to pursue even bigger ambitions. The strategy’s beauty is its scalability – leveraging strengths builds confidence and resources to tackle greater challenges. It has shifted my view of limitations from obstacles to opportunities to partner strategically and turn gaps into advantages. This mindset has been invaluable throughout my career, driving personal growth and professional success.
What piece of media has been highly influential to you and why?
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham has shaped my approach to hospitality real estate. His principles of intrinsic value and “margin of safety” guide how I evaluate hotel assets and underwrite deals, ensuring long-term value and resilience amid market volatility. I also follow Hotel News Now and The Hotel Investor Playbook podcast for current trends and market insights, complementing Graham’s strategic investment approach.
What is your favorite part of being an AAHOA Ambassador?
The role connects me with fellow leaders, fostering learning partnerships to share insights on market trends, operations, and investments. I leverage my experience in real estate to mentor others, share expertise, and open doors for Asian American business owners. Access to AAHOA’s vendor network also helps me implement cutting-edge solutions that improve performance across my portfolio. Ultimately, this role grows my business while helping future generations of Asian American hospitality leaders thrive.
Rupen Patel, CHO
Hotelier
Alabama Region
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t settle for good when you can be great.
What piece of media has been highly influential to you and why?
Good to Great by Jim Collins. This book was a game-changer for me, shifting my perspective on leadership and organizational growth.
What is your favorite part of being an AAHOA Ambassador?
My favorite part of being an Ambassador is advocating for hoteliers – big or small – whether with the brands, local government, or federal government. I’ve seen municipalities and industries struggle due to unfavorable regulations. There are countless national and local issues that impact our bottom line. If we don’t fight for ourselves, who will?
Stanley Wang
Ambassador
Greater Los Angeles Area Region
What is the best advice you have ever received?
We don’t rise to the occasion; we fall to the level of our preparation.
How did you get started in the industry, and what are your goals for the future?
I always liked to travel, and a friend of mine introduced me to hotel sales. I’d love to expand my portfolio and own more hotels.
What is your favorite part of being an AAHOA Ambassador?
Meeting other like-minded hoteliers and advocating for the hospitality industry.
Aman Dhillon, MBA, CHA, CHIA
Hotelier & CEO, Hotel Management Solutions
North Pacific Region
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Cater your business to meet your client’s needs.
What piece of media has been highly influential to you and why?
As a business owner, How I Built This by Guy Raz is a podcast from which I find inspiration.
What is your favorite part of being an AAHOA Ambassador?
Introducing the power of AAHOA to new hoteliers.
Mayur Mahant
Founder & Creative Head
Southeast Texas Region
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Your excitement and pride in the hotel must be contagious for your employees. If you don’t have passion for your work, your team won’t either.
What piece of media has been highly influential to you and why?
Podcasts feel real because they allow for honesty and conversation. I find them incredibly grounding as a business leader.
What is your favorite part of being an AAHOA Ambassador?
I love being a bridge between people and opportunity, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply sharing knowledge that helps someone grow their business or mindset.
Jayen Patel
Ambassador
Northwest Region
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have received is: Smart people learn from everything and everyone. Average people learn from their experiences. Foolish people already have all the answers.
What is your favorite part of being an AAHOA Ambassador?
My favorite part of being a young AAHOA Ambassador is meeting a lot of smart people all around the country and being able to learn from them and implement their habits into my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity given to me by our Regional Director, Taran Patel, to serve as an Ambassador. Being involved in AAHOA at such a young age has helped me realize how much hard work and determination it takes to be successful.
If you could accomplish anything you set out to do, what would that be?
I want to inspire other young professionals to get involved and active in our industry. If one day a younger AAHOA Member came to me and said, “It’s because of you that I chose to get involved,” then I would know that I served in the right way.
These Ambassadors represent the heart of AAHOA: Leaders who combine vision with service and carry forward the values of resilience, innovation, and community. By sharing their stories, they remind us that hospitality is more than an industry – it’s a legacy built on passion, hard work, and the commitment to uplift others.
Image: 4zevar/stock.adobe.com
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