Mr. Barry Patel has successfully built a total of 22 hotels in the Rio Grande Valley, seven of which are located in the South Padre Island. This has resulted in a $400 million economic impact, and the employment of about 600 people in the ongoing operation of the hotels. Mr. Patel was inducted to the RGV Walk of Fame in 2018 by the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce.

Barry Patel has consistently been committed in his support of local non-profit organizations, community events and public organizations, including South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Sea Turtle Inc, Friends of Animal Rescue, U.S. Border Patrol, El Paseo Arts Foundation, and most all area events from walks, runs, fishing tournaments, Laguna Madre Education Foundation Scholarships, hospital fundraisers, and the list goes on. Without hesitation, Patel offers financial support, venues, support services and his personal time and energy for the benefit of our community.

Patel has been recognized by the RGV Hispanic Chamber; Indian Association of the RGV; Gujarati Samaj RGV; South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce as a Community Partner; and by the RGV Partnership.

With bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Bradford in England and from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Patel began his career as a pharmacist, and was registered in Texas, Florida, and New York.

Patel’s family includes five brothers and one sister, all in Texas. Together they have 11 children and six grandchildren. Barry is married to Jayshree Patel.