Ricky Patel founded Paragon Hotel Company in 1995 as a platform to make value-added investments in the lodging and hospitality real estate sector. As Chairman, he provides overall strategic guidance for the company’s investments, as well as the organization’s management and development. Ricky Patel’s many years of hospitality experience have assisted in developing a successful formula for owning and operating high-quality hotels throughout the southeastern United States.

Raised in India, Mr. Patel graduated with honors in the field of Pharmacy before immigrating to the United States. Since that time, he has been involved in every facet of hotel development and management. As a pioneer for Asian American hotel owners, he continually maintains rich ties within the lodging industry and the local communities in which he belongs, including the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

Outside of the hospitality industry, Mr. Patel maintains strong ties with the South Asian community of the greater Upstate South Carolina region through his effective leadership and growth initiatives with the Vedic Center of Greenville. In his spare time, Ricky loves spending time with his family and participating in various lake activities in Lake Hartwell.