Nash Patel, a licensed General Contractor in Florida, spearheads the development of multiple new hotels through NashBuilt, Inc., a development and contracting firm in Pensacola. Operating as the President, Nash steers the team by adhering to a set of core values that underpin the company's daily operations and guide its employees.
In 2004-2005, Nash held the esteemed position of Chairman within the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). A recent Oxford Economics Study showcased the significant influence of AAHOA's 16,000 members, who collectively possess around 60% of the United States' hotels, comprising 3.1 million rooms and contributing a substantial $368.4 billion to the nation's GDP. These hotels employ 1.1 million individuals, who collectively earn $47 billion annually. With over 3.1 million guest rooms at AAHOA member properties, the estimated annual hotel sales amount to $139 billion. Although AAHOA hoteliers are typically small business entrepreneurs, their portfolios boast various full-service, limited-service, and independent lodging facilities. His dedication remains focused on fostering a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship between franchisees and franchisors, enhancing service quality, managing costs, and promoting environmental and social responsibilities within the franchise industry.
Furthermore, Nash was unanimously elected by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to serve on the Contractor's Competency Board, assuming the role of Vice-Chair to ensure a high standard of professionalism and conduct within the construction domain.
Nash played a crucial role in elevating the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, Developers (NABHOOD), co-founded by his brother Jay, by integrating it with AAHOA and fostering a culture of mutual support. He also serves on the Industry Advisory Board for NABHOOD.
Engaging actively in local governance, Nash has served as the Chairman of the Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) for the last six years, steering initiatives to promote and enhance tourism and effectively manage the countywide bed tax revenue. Under his leadership, the TDC budget increased from $4 million to $11.9 million.
As a founding member of the Escambia County Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Nash collaborates with local hotel and tourism leaders to explore strategies for augmenting tourism in the region. He was instrumental in the establishment of Visit Pensacola, contributing to the growth of tourism revenues and bed tax revenues for County Commissioners. Nash's role as the former Chairman of the Gulf Coast Indian Association (GCIA) has been pivotal in garnering recognition and appreciation from the local government for the organization's significant presence.
Nash has been a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) since 1999, commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). His contributions have been acknowledged through various industry accolades, including the Chairman Award, Outstanding Service Award, and the Generosity Award from AAHOA. Currently, Nash serves on the prestigious AAHOA Past Chairman Council (PCC) and held the position of Chair of the Council in 2016-20
Dr. Jay S. Patel, CHA, operates as a real estate and P3 developer overseeing multiple franchised hotel assets in the panhandle region of the Gulf Coast. Playing a foundational role in the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, he has been instrumental in fostering unity among thousands of Asian Hoteliers, contributing significantly to AAHOA's evolution into the world's largest Hotel Group, controlling 60% of U.S. Hotels owned by AAHOA Members. Serving two terms as Chairman of the Franchise & Industry Relations Comm., he led pivotal initiatives concerning franchising and fair dealing practices, effecting substantial changes in the industry's operational landscape.
An esteemed authority in the Hospitality Franchised Industry, Dr. Patel authored "Franchising Is It Fair? How to Negotiate an Equitable Franchise Agreement!" and has generously donated over 15,000 hard copies of the book nationwide to educate Franchisees and Hospitality students. The online version of this publication is accessible at FranchisingIsItFair.com.
In 2023, Dr. Jay S. Patel assumed the role of Peace Ambassador to the United Nations, dedicated to the social and economic committee of the organization. His decade-long service to the State of Florida led to significant gubernatorial appointments, including as a Trustee to the University of West Florida and as the Governor to the Florida State University Systems Board of Governors. Currently, he represents the State of Florida as the Board of Governors Representative to the Institute of Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) and serves on the Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC), advising and recommending policies to key entities within the state's education system.
As a co-founder of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD), Dr. Patel has played a pivotal role in enabling African Americans to acquire over eleven hundred Hotels, bolstering their prominence within the Hospitality Industry. His efforts have not only included facilitating access to resources such as Franchising, Capital Funding, and Management Companies but also spearheading the reformation of Public Private Partnership guidelines in the Florida State University Systems during his tenure at the Florida Board of Governors.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Patel has been conferred with three Honorary Doctorates, acknowledging his remarkable contributions in education, theology, and the hospitality industry. His commendable achievements have garnered him multiple industry accolades from esteemed national organizations, including the Outstanding Service Award, The Award of Excellence, The Spirit Award, The Strategic Partnership Award, The Chairman's Award, and most recently, The Hispanic Industry Leadership Award from the International Hispanic Meeting Professional. During his tenure, Florida was consecutively named #1 in the U.S. for higher education by U.S. News and World Report.
Aman Patel is an eager and motivated member of the construction and hospitality development industry. After working with several renovations and new construction projects, Aman was able to identify his ability to work with teams in fast-paced roles and under tight deadlines. His ability to create & apply solutions to complex problems is exemplified when providing progress updates to all parties aspects in the construction development. Aman has supervised and managed multi-million dollar developments throughout the state of Florida.
In his current role with NashBuilt, Aman oversees the day to day operations with projects and company development. By focusing on creating systems to ease the construction process, he has been able to help clients reduce costs and find effective solutions in construction. This includes tasks from budget management, streamlining the documenting systems, maintaining jobsite compliance per Osha safety standards, and ensuring the completion of work exceeds the client's & brands standards.
Aman is actively pursuing his license to assist clients with financing their residential and commercial projects by originating loans and assisting transactions between clients and financial institutions.
Aman serves as a Vice President of Operations and Development for NashBuilt Construction.
Kait is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and Licensed Certified General Contractor with over 15 years of Sales, Construction, and Real Estate Management experience. Kait has been immersed in strategically analyzing, positioning, and successfully marketing national companies from the beginning.
Kait first worked for an Orlando based Real Estate Development Firm where as the Director of Operations Kait oversaw the simultaneous strategic development, promotion, budgeting, and implementation of exclusively tailored acquisition and expansion initiatives per a managed worldwide portfolio of over 25 real estate hospitality and lodging development projects.
In addition to real estate, Kait also served as the Vice President of Sales and Development for a nationally recognized commercial Construction Company specializing in Hospitality/F&B Construction, Management and Operations. A company at which she was solely responsible for the development of new, and for the continued growth of existing commercial partnerships with the objective to maximize the Company's brand image, outreach, and profitability.
Prior to joining the NashBuilt team, Kait owned and operated a Turnkey Design Build General Contracting firm. This firm offered full-service Architecture, Structural & MEP Engineering, Interior Design, Construction, and Property Improvement solutions for Commercial and Hospitality Renovations, Additions, and New Build Construction. As Owner and Executive Vice President, she directed all Operations and Development; managing the Company's Design and Estimating Divisions, Project Management and Field Staff, Sales and Marketing outreach strategies, and all Contract Administration, HR, and Financial bookkeeping.
Today, overseeing the NashBuilt brand, Kait will elevate the firm to be globally recognized as the "Gold Standard" in Real Estate, Contracting and Development.
Ken Laurette has been extensively involved in commercial construction for nearly 20 years of his career. From working as a Construction Services Department Manager to founding his own company, Ken has effortlessly displayed his passion for construction projects. In his specialized construction experience, Ken has led several hotel projects such as the Comfort Inn & Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, but has also constructed condominiums and apartments, and Causeway Bridge projects.
Ken primarily focuses on project plan reviews and revision management, coordinating on-site construction meetings, providing project updates and material tracking, reviewing and submitting payment applications for all on-site vendors, managing project schedules to ensure timelines are met between vendors and suppliers. Ken also ensures that all scheduling with local municipalities are duly coordinated and satisfied with respect to inspections.
Ken also has been engaged in renovations of thirteen different Raddisson properties in cities throughout the country. Prior to his direct experience in the hotel industry, Ken was involved in the SR-415 widening and the I-95 widening projects. These projects were in excess of 115 million dollars. During his time as a Construction Services Department Manager, Ken oversaw the construction of a Cambria (12 Story Condo), the Tuscany (8 Story Condos), the Ocean Towers in Palm Coast, Florida, the Admirals Cove (5 Story Condos), and educational institutional construction projects.
Mael Gomez has been in the construction industry for over 15 years with experience from renovations to new construction developments. From working as a Superintendent, Project Manager, and Estimator, Mael brings a refreshing viewpoint to the table. Mael's ability to succeed in working with contract negotiations and closing projects out make him a great asset to the team. Mael explores ways to solve issues proactively for all parties involved in construction.
In his current role with NashBuilt, Mael works with projects in the Orlando area. By working with other team members, Mael directly oversees the progress and transformation of projects with our clients at the forefront.
Mael serves as a Superintendent for NashBuilt Construction.
Terry Link has an extensive background in the diverse field of construction, with over 30 years of experience in supervising and participating in numerous construction projects both in the US and abroad. He has played fundamental roles in the construction of major landmarks such as Joe Robbie Stadium and the Miami Heat Stadium. Additionally, Terry has been involved in significant construction and restoration projects internationally, particularly following devastating events like hurricanes and earthquakes.
His ability to direct and organize the various aspects of construction has made him an invaluable asset on numerous projects. Notable projects include restoring an orphanage in Albania, working in the Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma, and leading renovations at Chrysalis Health's 60-acre facility in Florida. Terry consistently delivers projects that serve as shining examples of his expertise.
Within NashBuilt, Terry's role encompasses extensive daily job site reporting, meticulous scheduling of projects, and navigating complex regulatory procedures with building and permitting departments. He also maintains clear communication channels with stakeholders, including owners, architect design consultants, and engineers.
As an experienced project manager, Terry continues to champion NashBuilt's success through his comprehensive expertise and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Trey Cavenaugh is a energetic, goal oriented and a proactive professional with years of experience in the construction industry. Experiences ranging from remodeling, tract / custom home building and multifamily construction has provided Trey a wealth of knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving construction industry. Working in roles as a foreman, superintendent and project manager gives Trey an understanding of the complexities within construction helping him maneuver these to achieve great project success. Trey implements the latest technology to help streamline information with all parties, schedule project deadlines, reinforce job site safety compliance and keep projects within budget.
In his current role with NashBuilt Trey oversees projects in the panhandle area. Collaborating with Nashbuilt's team, Trey drives to build both NashBuilt's and their clients' vision.
Elery Denham has been involved in construction management and development for over 25 years of his career. After completing his industrial engineering degree in Georgia, Elery went on to become an expert in the corporate industry assisting with multi-million dollar projects, ranging from condominiums, hotels, distribution centers, and office locations. Further, Elery has exposed
His experience to student housing for college and university systems, which led him to become Vice-President of Corporate and National Accounts for a company that generated approximately 42 billion dollars in revenue annually.
Elery oversees project management for steel and CFS panel installation. He assists procure the structural engineer, steel fabrication, CFS panel manufacturer, and erection contracts. He further coordinates design criteria AE, SE, and CFS firms. Elery also manages RFIs and submittals during all phases of the project related to steel, CFS panels, joist and deck. In addition, Elery has been involved with hotel structures that ranged from 160 to 210 rooms and has a wide range of construction type builds. He has led development of hotels, apartments, and condos. With respect to technical training, Elery is qualified in CPM, PERT, PDM. His industrial engineering background has allowed his expertise to value engineer projects that were in excess of 45 million dollars and with projects reaching 930 units.
Kandace Patel has spent her career working in operations and management for the hospitality industry. Over the last 30 years, she has managed various hospitality franchises, such as Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion Inn, Best Western, Studio 6, and many others. Through her experience, she was also responsible for the financial management of each of the properties, including those that underwent construction and renovations. From ensuring that orders were correctly budgeted for, managing inventory of construction materials and property assets, as well as providing a well-rounded management style for each property under her wing, she has successfully formed her experience in the hospitality industry.
Currently, Kandace serves as the Accounts Manager for NashBuilt Construction.
Maddie Menear has become a motivated member of the construction industry, specifically, to assist our business development team. Maddie has helped NashBuilt grow their business using her previous skills in the sports industry. These skills include: marketing, human
resources, and event coordinating. Maddie has taken a lead role in the development of proposals and presentations for new business materials to create and nurture business opportunities. She assists in the coordination and implementation of marketing strategies,
and delegate tasks that achieve strategic goals for NashBuilt.
Currently, Maddie serves as the Director of Operations and Development for NashBuilt Construction.
Kishane Patel has spent his time involved in organization management and has helped create NashBuilt from the inception of its time. After finishing his term in public service as an elected member of the Florida Board of Governors for the State University System and as a former Trustee at the University of West Florida, he joined the NashBuilt team to help recruit talent, manage operational aspects of the company, and assist the executive leadership.
In his previous role with NashBuilt, Kishane served as the Director of Development to provide assistance to all projects from Panama City all the way down to Miami. His ability to solve problems in the office allows him to create systems that ease the burden on other team players.
After launching his own law firm, KJP Counsel, PLLC, Kishane now serves as In-House Counsel for NashBuilt. He specializes in construction, franchising, real estate, and insurance law.
Rebecca Neal is a highly motivated, driven and adaptable professional with years of experience in customer relations, conflict resolution and customer service. Polished with excellent interpersonal skills, her time in management and ability to efficiently navigate computer software has prepared her to increase productivity and performance for NashBuilt while alleviating workload of our business development team.
Currently, Rebecca serves as the Administrative Assistant for NashBuilt Construction.