Roy Patel’s journey is a story of ambition, resilience, and vision. In July 1977, with a dream to make his mark, Roy moved to the United States. His first steps into the hospitality industry began humbly, working with his in-laws at their hotel, where he learned the ropes of the business. Eager to forge his own path, Roy seized the opportunity to purchase his first hotel in Livingston, CA, less than a year after arriving. This marked the beginning of a journey that would span decades, filled with relentless drive and determination.

After selling his first property, Roy set his sights on a rundown hotel in Redlands, CA. Not deterred by its condition, he rolled up his sleeves and rebuilt it from the ground up, gaining invaluable experience in construction. With the hotel transformed, he sold it two years later and moved to Texas, where he redeveloped a closed property in Yoakum. Here, he mastered the complexities of modernizing electrical and plumbing systems, skills that would serve him well throughout his career.

In 1982, sensing a new opportunity, Roy moved to Mississippi. Teaming up with his cousin, they embarked on their most ambitious project yet—building their first franchise hotel in Vicksburg, MS. By December 1983, just nine months after breaking ground, they opened a 50-room hotel, cementing Roy’s reputation as a visionary developer.

With each new property, Roy sharpened his expertise, forged partnerships, and built a legacy of growth and innovation. As his company expanded, he and his partners co-founded Southern Hospitality Services, LLC in 2003 to manage their rapidly growing portfolio. Recognizing the need to streamline construction, Roy founded SHS Development, Inc. in 2010, cutting out middlemen and bringing construction in-house, allowing for greater control and efficiency.

Today, Roy remains at the helm of a thriving enterprise, overseeing the development and management of multiple properties. His wife, Gita, played an instrumental role, managing their first Marriott franchise for nearly a decade, earning accolades like Hotel of the Year. His children, Jignesh and Shetal, have followed in his footsteps, deeply involved in the business.

Roy’s journey is a testament to perseverance and vision, rising from modest beginnings to lead a hospitality empire. Proud grandfather of three, he still finds time for his passions—playing golf, traveling, and volunteering with BAPS, a global socio-spiritual Hindu organization. His legacy continues to grow, built on a foundation of family, hard work, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Naresh “Nash” Patel serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Southern Region of Southern Hospitality Services. He entered the hotel industry in 1987 and has developed more than 13 properties. Nash holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and contractor licenses in Louisiana and Alabama.

His leadership experience includes service with the West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau, the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Hilton Advisory Board for Technology, and the Monroe/West Monroe Hotel Association. He was also recognized with the Kitty Degree Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in Business by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

BJ Patel, Chief Operating Officer (West Region) of Southern Hospitality Services, LLC, moved to the United States in December 1999 at the age of 23, after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in India. He began his career at an independent motel in Jackson, MS, quickly advancing to managing a franchised property in Pearl, MS. By November 2001, he was managing the Hampton Inn at San Francisco Airport and later became instrumental in overseeing all of the California properties.

Upon the founding of SHS Development, Inc., BJ initially served as Chief Development Officer before transitioning to his current role as Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for sourcing and procuring FF&E and building materials for all construction projects, while also overseeing operations and development across the West Region.

BJ is married to Shetal Patel, the daughter of Roy Patel, and they have two sons. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and traveling.

Jignesh Patel was born and raised in Mississippi. He attended the University of Mississippi and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources in 2009. He is the son of Roy Patel and has been involved in the business at a very young age. After graduating from Ole Miss, he joined the company with his father. He trained in various positions and managed the Hampton Inn for a few years. He has helped open several hotels throughout his career as well. In 2013, he took on the Chief Compliance Officer position. He currently oversees all of the properties’ compliance with franchises, legal, company standards, & lenders.

In addition, Jignesh is married and father of two boys. His wife, Jessica, is also in the business and currently assists as Director of Sales in the company. He enjoys travelling and has a great passion for sports.

Vic Patel graduated from B.V.M. Engineering College at Vallabh Vidhyanagar in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics. He came to America in 2002, and began working at the Comfort Inn in Pearl, MS. Afterwhich, he took on the role of General Manager at various properties and obtained his CHA. Later, he became a partner and currently he oversees the operations and development in Flowood, MS, along with maintaining and continuously enhancing the company’s technologies.

Vic is married to Bharati, who is also involved in the management of the Flowood properties. Their son & daughter currently work for Microsoft and both graduated from prestigious universities, Virginia Tech & Columbia, respectively.

Lynn Foley is a 38 year veteran in the hospitality industry with an emphasis in hotel sales and marketing. Having graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1984 with a B.B.A. in Marketing, Ms. Foley began her hotel career in Vicksburg, MS.  She continued her career in Panama City Beach, FL, Memphis, TN, and New Orleans, LA.  She returned to Vicksburg, MS in 2003 and joined Southern Hospitality Services, LLC in 2009 as the Director of Sales & Marketing for four (4) Vicksburg hotels.

She became the Chief Marketing Officer for SHS in 2018 and oversees the sales and marketing efforts of all hotels in the Southern Region.  Ms. Foley is the mother of three (3) grown children and very active in her community.  She is Past-President for Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Vicksburg, and Vicksburg Association of Marketing Professionals.  She currently serves as the Board Chair for the United Way of West Central Mississippi.  Ms. Foley is passionate about the performing arts and enjoys participating in her church choir, the Vicksburg Chamber Choir, Vicksburg Theatre Guild, Westside Theatre Foundation, and tap dancing classes.  She has been recognized numerous times for her service to her community.

Ross Patel serves as Vice President of Development, supporting the planning and execution of SHS development initiatives.

Pritesh Patel serves as Vice President of Development, supporting project coordination and the delivery of SHS development initiatives.

Bhavik Patel serves as Vice President of Procurement and Regional Director for Alabama.

Sue Patel serves as Vice President of Operations for Louisiana, supporting property performance, team leadership, guest experience and brand standards across the region.

Payal Desai Patel serves as Executive Administrator for Louisiana.

Edgie Cowart serves as Regional Director for Louisiana, supporting hotel operations, property teams and consistent performance across the region.

Shetal Patel serves as Vice President of Operations for California, supporting property performance, team leadership, guest experience and brand standards across the region.

Keith Patel serves as Regional Director for North Mississippi, supporting hotel operations, property teams and consistent performance across the region.

Sonya Patel serves as Regional Manager for North Mississippi, supporting day-to-day hotel operations, property teams and guest experience across the region.

Paul Patel serves as Regional Director for Southwest Mississippi, supporting hotel operations, property teams and consistent performance across the region.