Kishorbhai "Kevin" Patel

About Me

My name is Kishorbhai "Kevin" Patel. I was born and raised in Malawi, where I spent my childhood and finished high school before moving to India to continue my education. There, I earned degrees in Commerce and Law and qualified as a Chartered Accountant and a Cost and Works Accountant.

Like many immigrants, I came to the United States looking for opportunity and a chance to build something of my own. My first hotel was an independent 18-room property in Boutte, Louisiana, and that is where I learned the business from the ground up. Over the years I have worked nearly every role in a hotel, including the front desk, housekeeping, sales, guest relations, and financial management. Those years shaped how I understand this industry and the people who make it work.

My wife and I have built a wonderful life together and raised three children who make us very proud. Our daughters work in healthcare, one as a Nurse Practitioner and one as a Registered Nurse. Our son, a Cornell University graduate, has joined our family business. Family has always been at the center of everything we do. We are still guided by the values of hard work, education, service, and giving back to the community.

I am grateful for the opportunities this country and this industry have given me. Growing from the owner of one small hotel to where we are today has strengthened my belief in perseverance, relationships, and serving others with integrity.

Service and Leadership

My commitment to service goes beyond hospitality. I have served on the St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Committee, the River Parish Tourism Committee, and the Health and Human Resources Board. That work taught me that strong organizations succeed when they listen to their stakeholders, plan strategically, and focus on long-term growth.

Within Best Western, I have served as a Governor for the last 10 years, including 2 years on the Development Committee. I have also served on the Louisiana Co-op Committee for more than 10 years, serving as Vice Chair for all but the last two years.

Why I'm Running

I am running for Director because I believe Best Western should stay firmly focused on the success of its members.

My Priorities

1. Driving Net RevPAR growthEvery major initiative should ultimately support revenue growth and profitability for our members.
2. Staying a true membership organizationBest Western was built by its members. I will work to make sure every member's voice matters.
3. Capturing more corporate businessWe have long been strong in leisure travel. Now we need to keep improving our products, design standards, and sales efforts to win more corporate travel.
4. Setting a clear five-year visionWe need a clear picture of where we want to be in five years and a roadmap to get there.
5. Keeping Best Western relevantHospitality is changing quickly. We must adapt while protecting the values that made our brand successful.

As an owner, operator, and member, I understand the challenges our hotels face every day. I am committed to listening, advocating for members, and working with others to strengthen our brand and create long-term value for every member.

Together, we can build a stronger, more profitable, and more member-focused Best Western.