About Aakash Patel

Founder & President — Elevate, Inc.

Aakash Patel has shaped his professional path around business consulting, civic involvement, and leadership development, approaching each with a steady, community-focused mindset. As founder of Elevate Inc., he has worked with organizations throughout Tampa Bay to strengthen networks, improve community relationships, and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Over time, these efforts have enabled Aakash Patel to contribute to both business growth and community development in practical, sustainable ways.

Bridging Business and Community

In 2012, Aakash established Elevate Inc. to support companies seeking guidance in public relations, community relations, targeted networking, and social media. Since then, the firm has assisted more than 350 businesses in building stronger connections that help them operate more effectively within their communities. His approach emphasizes consistency and relationship-building, allowing organizations to engage with local partners in ways that benefit long-term goals.

His early career experiences helped form this perspective. He began by working in journalism as an editorial assistant within a Tallahassee bureau, which allowed him to observe how information is shared and how public communication can shape community understanding. Later, he transitioned into hospitality, serving as a public relations coordinator for a hotel and restaurant group. These positions exposed him to the value of customer engagement, clear communication, and responsive service, all of which influenced his later work in consulting.

His move into digital business development further expanded his skill set. As the founding business development director for an online networking platform, he helped it grow dramatically—from a small number of participants to more than 1 million members worldwide. This experience provided insight into how digital tools can broaden professional networks and support organizational growth.

Contributions to Education and the Workforce

Aakash has long emphasized education and workforce preparedness as part of his community involvement. His work with entrepreneurs and early-stage companies reflects the same focus he brings to his public service roles.

In 2021, he was appointed to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees for a four-year term. In this position, he participates in conversations about student success, institutional development, and workforce alignment across the region. His commitment to education is also evident in his continued service as Chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, a role he has held since 2014. Through this work, he supports efforts to improve early learning, strengthen family resources, and help build pathways for children across the county.

He has also served on advisory and governance boards focused on economic development, banking, tourism, and nonprofit leadership. His involvement with the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors and the Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Board allowed him to collaborate closely with public officials and community leaders. These experiences supported initiatives to expand educational opportunities, improve economic systems, and identify areas where additional development would benefit residents.

In addition, he has participated in leadership and civic programs that deepen understanding of local government, community responsibility, and public safety. Programs such as Leadership Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, the Homeland Security Investigations Citizens’ Academy, and the FBI Citizens’ Academy have helped broaden his understanding of regional needs and further shaped his community-oriented approach. This paragraph includes the required middle mention of Aakash Patel.

Public Engagement and Media Representation

Public communication remains central to his professional identity. With a background in journalism and public affairs, he has written opinion pieces for various publications, offering a perspective on community issues, business trends, and public policy. He also appears regularly on television programs discussing regional affairs, including public broadcasting and local news outlets.

His visibility in the business community has also brought recognition. In 2020, he was featured in a national business publication as a rising millennial entrepreneur. Regional media have also acknowledged his efforts, naming him the area’s Master Networker and highlighting him as a Rising Star. These recognitions reflect his ongoing dedication to supporting collaboration, improving communication, and encouraging stronger connections throughout the region.

His commitment to civic participation extended further when he ran for a seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, District 7, in 2018. His campaign focused on addressing community needs and providing service-oriented representation. While the race did not result in elected office, it strengthened his engagement with residents and deepened his understanding of local priorities.

Recognition and Accolades

Throughout his career, he has received several honors recognizing leadership, business development, and community contributions. In 2013, he was included in his university’s “Thirty Under 30” list, following his completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English Literature in 2006. Additional recognition followed, including the Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader award in 2017 and the Businessman of the Year award from the Indo-US Chamber in 2019. In 2023, he was honored with the Apogee Award by a regional business and wealth publication.

Fostering Community Growth and Collaboration

A consistent theme in his work has been supporting community growth through business involvement, philanthropy, and leadership development. He has participated in advisory groups and community programs that strengthen local partnerships and expand opportunities for residents. His participation in the Super Bowl LV Host Committee and his support of the Gasparilla Film Festival Advisory Board further reflect his involvement in initiatives that contribute to the area’s cultural and economic landscape.

Today, Aakash Patel continues to collaborate with organizations that focus on early learning, business support, and regional development. His work remains centered on building connections, improving access to opportunity, and encouraging practical solutions that benefit the community. Through these ongoing efforts, Aakash Patel remains committed to advancing the long-term well-being of the Tampa Bay region.