The Next Steps for the Hotel Business: Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality Group

The Proven Principles Hospitality Podcast

Mitch is the President and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group. The company holds a growing portfolio of hotels affiliated with brands such as Hilton and Marriott, including the company's first boutique hotel, The Edwin in Chattanooga, TN.

We used to do ‘after action reports’ after big events. They were meetings and reports to discuss what happened, what went wrong and what went right. We’d include several departments and managers to make sure we covered as many bases as possible, then made sure to share learnings with everyone, and have the report available to reference for the next big event.

As the summer travel season of 2022 comes to a close, and the hospitality industry (perhaps) takes a moment to breathe after record occupancies and tight staffing, there is now news of another economic storm that could derail its fragile recovery.

This episode could be looked at as an after action report of sorts. Mitch takes us through his company’s experience not just over the past couple of years but over several previous crises, what they’ve learned that made them stronger and how they’re approaching the litany of challenges that continue to emerge. We touch on finances, consumer behavior, staffing and most crucially, how company culture is the linchpin to it all.

About Mitch

Mitch Patel founded Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. in 1997 with a mere $3,000 in his savings account. Under his leadership as President and CEO, Vision holds a growing portfolio of hotels affiliated with premium brands such as Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International, including the company's first boutique hotel, The Edwin in Chattanooga, TN.

Mitch has led Vision to be the recipient of many awards, as well as industry media recognition in the fields of development, community service, design, and achievement. Most recently, Vision received the Marriott International Development Partner of the Year Award- Full Service, Marriott International Partnership Circle Award, the Marriott International Serve 360 Award, the Developer of the Year Award for the Hampton Brand by Hilton Worldwide, and the Multi-Brand Developer of the Year Award by Hilton Worldwide.

Mitch serves on the Marriott International Franchise Advisory Council and the Hilton Worldwide Owner's Advisory Council. Mitch maintains his presence on boards of local organizations that support education and economic development in Vision's hometown of Chattanooga, TN. He also serves as the Vice Chair of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau and is an advocate for ending human trafficking in the hospitality industry. His efforts have earned him nationwide recognition, which includes his most recent honor of receiving the NSDAR Americanism Award.

Mitch holds a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Links

https://www.vhghotels.com

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