Ravi Patel is the President of Hawkeye Hotels, one of the fastest growing, privately-owned hotel companies in the country. Patel has overseen the development of fifty new construction and acquisition projects with total transaction volume exceeding $750 million. Leading Hawkeye Hotels to become a fully vertically-integrated hospitality firm with expertise in management, development and acquisitions.

In addition to the hotel industry, Patel is an investor and political activist. He is the Founder of Built By Iowa, a private equity firm that has invested in over 20 early-stage companies. Recently, Patel was a candidate for United States House of Representatives for the 1st Congressional District in Iowa.

Ravi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa. His current board service includes: President of the Iowa Venture Capital Association, Tippie College of Business Alumni Board, and West Bank Board of Directors. Patel is also a visiting lecturer for the University of Iowa and Kirkwood College.