HONORING RAVI PATEL

HONORING RAVI PATEL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E213] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RAVI PATEL ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, March 12, 2026 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I will always cherish my association as attorney and friend of Ravindra (Ravi) Patel. Assisting him incorporate SREE Hotels, Inc., I saw firsthand his phenomenal business acumen and integrity. In the best Indian-American tradition, coming to America with limited resources, he has built one of America's most successful hotel hospitality enterprises providing countless Americans entry-level jobs for fulfilling lives. Indian-Americans now own a majority of hotels across America with the 6 million Indian Americans having a per capita income twice that of other American communities. Our family will forever remember his infectious smile and words and deeds of encouragement. I will never forget as I began a campaign for State Senate his $100 check delivered at the Governor's House Hotel restaurant in Columbia as the initial deposit for my successful campaign account. I include in the Record the following tribute to Ravi that has been published by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association: ATLANTA (January 21, 2026)--AAHOA extends condolences following the passing of Ravi Patel, who served as AAHOA Chairman from 1992-93. Ravi was a founding member of the association and the Chairman of Charlotte-based SREE Hotels. The AAHOA family is deeply saddened by the loss of a true visionary and a foundational pillar of our association,' said AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel. `Ravi was not just a leader; he was an architect of this organization. During his tenure as Chairman, he took a formative idea and gave it a home--literally and figuratively--by drafting our bylaws and establishing our first headquarters. His transition from chemical engineering to hospitality is a testament to the American Dream, and his legacy lives on in the 30-plus hotels he built and the thousands of hoteliers he inspired. Ravi's journey in the hospitality industry began in 1980 with the acquisition of a roadside motel in Florence, SC. Drawing on his engineering background, he renovated and repositioned the property as an EconoLodge, turning it into a success that became the cornerstone of SREE Hotels, which he co-founded with Chandra Patel. As Chairman from 1992-1993, Ravi's leadership was instrumental in the association's infancy. He focused on providing hoteliers with the tools to gain professional expertise in ownership and management, ensuring that the next generation of Asian American owners had a seat at the table. A native of Nadi, Fiji Islands, Ravi studied chemistry and physics at Saint Xavier's College before earning his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University. Before his legendary career in hospitality, he served as an engineer for Goodyear. His analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit helped SREE Hotels grow into a premier management and development group, partnering with global brands including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. ``Ravi's commitment to education and his `do-it-yourself' work ethic defined the early spirit of AAHOA,'' added AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. ``He believed that through knowledge and unity, our community could achieve anything. He was a mentor to so many and will be deeply missed. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, his children, and the entire SREE Hotels family.'' Ravi lived in Charlotte, NC, where he remained active as SREE's Chairman and a cherished mentor to many in the industry. His contributions to the hospitality landscape of the Southeast and his service to AAHOA will be remembered for generations to come. ____________________