About

About Aakash Patel

Aakash Patel has achieved considerable acclaim for his outstanding capabilities in business consulting, civic engagement, and leadership development. Recognized throughout the Tampa Bay region, he is the founder of the business consulting firm, Elevate Inc.

In addition to his work with Elevate, Aakash has also been instrumental in helping hundreds of companies establish a strong presence and forge meaningful connections in their respective communities. Even today, his influence continues to be felt in the public service sector, his many advisory roles, and his efforts to foster community growth and collaboration.

Bridging Business and Community

In 2012, Aakash launched Elevate Inc., a strategic business consulting company specializing in public relations, community relations, targeted networking, and social media. To date, Elevate Inc. has assisted more than 350 companies in building strong relationships that ultimately netted tangible benefits.

Much of Aakash’s success can be attributed to his ability to connect people and organizations. This capability was honed over time, from his early media experience to his hospitality-related endeavors. He especially values the time he spent as an editorial assistant with the Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau and as public relations coordinator for Westin Tampa Bay and Aqua restaurant.

Aakash eventually extended his business development leadership acumen into the digital space when he became Chamber.com’s founding business development director. From a humble handful, the platform’s member base eventually grew to more than one million worldwide.

Contributions to Education and the Workforce

Aakash Patel’s career is marked by his consistent focus on promising startups and entrepreneurs. But he is just as passionate in his support of impact-driven projects. This is evident in his public service record, which demonstrates his involvement in initiatives to expand educational opportunities and foster workforce preparedness.

In 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Aakash to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees for a four-year term. He has also served concurrently as Chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County since 2014, further underscoring his education-focused leadership.

Unsurprisingly, Aakash has served on many advisory and governance boards. In these roles, he consistently demonstrated expertise in economic development, banking, and nonprofit strategy. Positions on the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors and the Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Board allowed him ample opportunity to engage closely with elected officials. This was crucial in Aakash’s efforts to further local educational initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement.

Aakash supports leadership learning at every level. He has always been passionate about government, civic responsibility, and public safety initiatives. This is apparent in his involvement in Leadership Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, Homeland Security Investigation Citizens’ Academy, and the FBI Citizens’ Academy, among other programs.

Public Engagement and Media Representation

Public communication has remained a core component of Aakash’s professional identity. With a background in journalism and public affairs, he has authored opinion pieces for well-known publications. He frequently appears on broadcast programs, including PBS WEDU’s Florida This Week and Bay News 9’s In Focus.

Aakash’s local visibility has led to being featured in Forbes magazine in 2020 as a rising millennial entrepreneur. Additional recognition includes being named Tampa’s Master Networker by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and being highlighted as a Rising Star by the Tampa Bay Times.

As expected, Aakash’s dedication to community also extends into civic leadership. In 2018, he campaigned for a seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, District 7, driven by his desire to prioritize local concerns and make a commitment to service-minded representation.

Recognition and Accolades

Numerous awards and industry recognitions reflect Aakash’s contributions to business growth, leadership development, and community advancement. In 2013, he was included in Florida State University’s list of “Thirty Under 30” in recognition of his professional achievements. This was an especially proud moment for the then-budding business leader, as the university was where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English Literature in 2006.

Aakash was named the Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader by the Tampa Bay Chamber in 2017 and the Indo-US Chamber Businessman of the Year in 2019. He was also granted the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine Apogee Award in 2023.

Fostering Community Growth and Collaboration

With every endeavor and every position of responsibility, Aakash Patel remains focused on his goal of strengthening his community. His involvement in business advisory boards, philanthropic initiatives, and leadership development programs attests to his genuine drive for collaboration.

Aakash’s commitment to Tampa Bay’s growth was further emphasized by his participation in the Super Bowl LV Host Committee and support of the Gasparilla Film Festival Advisory Board. Through these efforts, he continues to play a significant role in shaping the community’s economic and cultural direction.

Aakash Patel’s leadership and service are closely aligned with his advocacy for business advancement, educational growth, and civic collaboration. Today, he reaffirms his commitment to guiding organizations, supporting early learning, and elevating economic opportunity, all to uplift the Tampa Bay region and make the community stronger.