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Tampa Millennial Entrepreneur Named Businessman of the Year

August 13, 2019

For Immediate Release
Date: August 12, 2019

As Tampa’s startup scene thrives, 35-year-old Aakash Patel recognized for helping companies grow

TAMPA, Fla — As Tampa continues to become a hotspot for millennial entrepreneurs, one of them has been named “Businessman of the Year” by the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce.  Aakash Patel, Founder & President of Elevate, Inc., will be honored with the award at this year’s Banyan Ball on September 14 at Armature Works in Tampa.

“Millennials are changing the way we do business in Tampa Bay and across the nation.  They are breaking conventions and spearheading new startups and technologies.  Aakash Patel is a prime example of a millennial entrepreneur and game changer.  Through his own startup, Elevate Inc., he’s helped spark and grow dozens of businesses right here in our hometown.  We are thrilled to announce Patel as Businessman of the Year,” said Indo-US Chamber of Commerce President Pawan Shah.

“I am humbled to receive this honor,” Patel said.  “I’ve always had a passion for our community.  By recruiting companies to start their businesses in Tampa Bay, we’re giving back in many ways.  Not only are we helping the startup scene grow, we are creating jobs and opportunities for the next generation.  It’s a great feeling to be part of the new energy in Tampa.”

Patel was just 27 years old when he founded Elevate, Inc in 2012.  His company provides strategic business and target networking consulting to help entrepreneurs learn, connect and grow in the community.  To date, Elevate, Inc. has coached more than 150 companies in the Tampa Bay area.

As the son of parents who emigrated from India and Uganda, Patel graduated from Florida State University with degrees in both English Literature and Political Science and returned to Tampa upon graduation in 2006.  While he’s focused on business and worked for top brands, like Westin hotels, public service has always been a passion of his.

In 2014, Governor Rick Scott appointed Patel to serve as Chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.  He was subsequently reappointed in 2018 for a term ending in 2021.  In 2015, Patel was installed as an Honorary Commander to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Director of Staff for a two-year appointment, something Aakash took seriously, as his appreciation and respect for those who bravely serve our country.

Tampa was recently named in the top 15 places for Millennials to live because it’s unique, welcoming, affordable and bursting with opportunities, according to a 2019 Livability study.   From the arts community, brew pubs, the Tampa Riverwalk, Water Street Tampa, and an accessible airport, the city is booming with new development.

It’s something the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce is proud to support.  Founded in 1999, the organization connects Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and improve their businesses through education and community involvement.  For more information on the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce visit www.indo-us.org.

To purchase tickets for this year’s Banyan Ball click here.

 

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This post was written by Elevate, Inc.

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“Aakash Patel, Chris Melvin and the rest of the Elevate team simply delivered. The connections Aakash made led to valuable relationships for me and new clients for RevStar. You can’t fully appreciate what Elevate can do for your business until you experience it first hand. I personally recommend their services to anybody looking to grow their network and business within the Tampa Bay community.”

Ken Pomella, PMP – CEO, RevStar Consulting

“If you’re looking to dive into the who’s who of Tampa Bay, Elevate, Inc. is the only way to go. Elevate worked closely with Tampa Bay Plumbers to help us get our foot in the door with the right business and community circles to help us grow. We appreciated Aakash Patel & Chris Melvin’s professionalism, attention to detail, and willingness to go over and above to provide us a quality service. The contacts through Elevate are numerous and professionally beneficial and the staff is always available to us. We enjoyed working with the Elevate team and will definitely keep them in mind for our future business needs.”

April Diemer – Tampa Bay Plumbers

“Working with Aakash and his team at Elevate was a great fit for our growing organization. His team helped us connect with key influencers across the region and identify opportunities. Together you work to define your goals and who you’re targeting and through their connections and network they can make warm introductions to the decisions makers you need to connect with.”

Chon Nguyen – Founder & CEO, Newgentek

“Elevate, Inc’s. business relationship building process and their specialized one-on-one client service has opened doors and created potential opportunities that we wouldn’t have been able to create on our own. If your business would benefit from business relationship building introductions, I highly recommend Elevate, Inc.”

Gary LoDuca – Founder & Owner, Thoughtful Advisors – 401(k) Plan Designs

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