About Aakash Patel
Founder & President — Elevate, Inc.
Aakash Patel is a business consultant, civic participant, and leadership advocate who has centered his work on connecting businesses with the communities they serve, especially in the Tampa Bay region. He founded a consulting firm that helps organizations build relationships, clarify their message, and grow in ways that consider local needs. Through careful listening and steady outreach, he has supported many companies as they strengthen their presence, form partnerships, and contribute to community life in thoughtful, practical ways.
Bridging Business and Community
Aakash launched his consulting firm in 2012 to guide organizations in public relations, community relations, targeted networking, and social media. He has worked with hundreds of companies seeking clarity on how to present themselves and connect with others. Drawing on patient, conversation-based work, he helps clients understand how consistent involvement and genuine interest can lead to long-term trust, mutual benefit, and measurable results that support both business goals and community priorities.
Patel shaped much of his professional approach through earlier roles in journalism and hospitality. He once served as an editorial assistant at a state capital bureau for a regional newspaper, learning how public issues are reported and discussed. He later moved into public relations at a waterfront hotel and restaurant, where he gained experience in guest service, media outreach, and day-to-day reputation management. These experiences showed him that strong relationships grow from clear communication, reliability, and respect for the people being served.
Commitment to Education and Workforce Development
Aakash Patel extended his interest in business development into the digital space when he served as the founding business development director for a global networking platform. When he began, the community was small, but it grew significantly over time as more professionals joined and connected. His work there focused on building partnerships, supporting member growth, and encouraging meaningful exchanges. This experience reinforced his belief that access to networks can open doors for entrepreneurs, startups, and established organizations alike.
Aakash has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to education and workforce readiness through service in higher education governance. In 2021, he was appointed by the governor of his state to a four-year term on the board of trustees of a local community college. In this role, he participates in discussions about student access, academic quality, and community partnerships. He brings a perspective shaped by his work with businesses and his belief that education and workforce development are closely connected.
Patel has also provided leadership to early learning efforts in his county, serving as chairman of a coalition focused on young children and families since 2014. In this capacity, he supports programs that help children build strong foundations in their earliest years and assist parents in accessing essential resources. His continued involvement underscores his view that education begins long before college and that early learning plays a critical role in shaping future opportunities for both individuals and communities.
Leadership, Boards, and Civic Engagement
Aakash Patel has served on numerous advisory and governance boards related to economic development, banking, nonprofit work, and tourism. Through roles on regional economic councils and visitor-focused advisory groups, he has worked with local leaders and elected officials on strategies to attract investment, support job creation, and improve quality of life. These positions have given him a chance to advocate for education, workforce initiatives, and thoughtful community planning that looks ahead rather than focusing only on short-term results.
Aakash has consistently supported leadership learning and civic awareness at many levels. He has participated in regional leadership programs, public safety academies, and citizens’ initiatives related to law enforcement and homeland security. These experiences have helped him better understand how public institutions operate and how they interact with residents. He values these opportunities because they allow him to build relationships, learn from others’ perspectives, and encourage more people to become informed, engaged participants in civic life.
Public Voice, Recognition, and Community Impact
Patel has maintained a public voice through writing, speaking, and media appearances. With a background in journalism and public affairs, he has contributed opinion articles to respected publications. He regularly appears on local public television and cable news programs to discuss regional topics. His efforts have led to recognition as a rising entrepreneur and effective networker, including features in national business outlets and local news coverage. He sees this visibility as an opportunity to highlight community issues rather than to seek personal attention.
Aakash Patel has received several awards that acknowledge his contributions to business growth, leadership development, and community service. Early in his career, his university named him to a “Thirty Under 30” list, recognizing his accomplishments as a young graduate with a degree in political science and English literature. Later, he was honored with regional leadership and business awards, including recognition from a local chamber of commerce and a regional business and wealth magazine. Each recognition reminds him to stay grounded and focused on service.
Aakash continues to support community growth and collaboration through involvement in high-profile local initiatives and cultural events. He served on the host committee for a recent regional championship football game and has served on an advisory board for a local film festival. In 2018, he ran for a county commission seat, seeking to provide service-focused representation. Across these roles, he remains committed to advancing business, expanding educational opportunity, and strengthening civic connections throughout the Tampa Bay area.
