Greater Houston’s Indo-American Chamber of Commerce names Miraj Patel Business Person of the Year

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Miraj S. Patel, chairman of AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association, aahoa.com) was named Businessperson of the Year by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. Patel is the youngest person in the organization’s history to receive the award, according to a press release October 3, from AAHOA.

The award was presented at the Chamber’s September 21, 2024, Gala and Awards Banquet, celebrating its 25th anniversary. The chamber noted that Patel is the youngest chairman of AAHOA, whose 20,000 hotel owners own more than 60% of hotels in the United States.

Patel is a second-generation hotelier who began his career in hospitality at a young age, growing up in his family’s first 30-room independent property. Today, he is president of Wayside Investment Group, a Texas-based company specializing in investing in the lodging and hospitality real estate sector.

“I am honored to receive the Businessperson of the Year award from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston,” Patel is quoted saying in the press release. “It’s a privilege to be recognized by an organization that champions the entrepreneurial spirit and supports the growth of our community. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at AAHOA, and I am grateful to be part of such an incredible network of leaders. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Chamber to promote the success of our businesses and our industry.”

AAHOA shares a close relationship with the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, as its current president, Rajiv Bhavsar, and incoming president, Malisha S. Patel, are association members.