C.K. Patel, former AAHOA chairman, received the 2024 Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers during its Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit at the Marriott St. Louis Grand in St. Louis, Missouri on May 7. Patel chaired AAHOA from June 2011 to May 2012.
Patel has owned and operated hotels in the Atlanta area for more than 35 years, AAFD said in a statement. He held multiple elected positions within AAHOA for 14 consecutive years before assuming the role of chair.
“For the past 25 years or more, C.K. has been at the forefront of efforts to advance fair franchising in the hospitality industry,” said Robert Purvin, AAFD’s chairman. “We are proud to recognize and honor his many years of service representing the rights of franchisees. Over the years, the AAFD has benefited greatly from Ck’s support and guidance.”
Patel introduced fair franchising rights, an online travel agency, and a member benefits purchasing cooperative during his AAHOA chairmanship, the statement added. Patel actively promoted AAHOA’s 12 Points of Fair Franchising, educating both AAHOA hotelier franchises and franchisee entrepreneurs in other industries. He represented AAHOA and the hospitality industry on the AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards Committee, contributing to the development and promotion of the AAFD Fair Franchising Standards.
“As we all honor and celebrate C.K. Patel's award, we commend his exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication to fair franchising advocacy,” said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA’s president and CEO. “I have worked with C.K. for many years, and he has never taken his eye off the ball. Through his educational efforts, he has influenced countless entrepreneurs within the AAHOA community and the franchisee industry, leaving an indelible mark of excellence and empowerment. No one is more deserving of this prestigious Award.”
Patel expressed deep honor upon receiving the award.
“Over the years, it has been a pleasure to work in concert with the AAFD and with Bob Purvin, specifically, to help protect hotel franchisees success and goodwill,” he added.
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