Aakash Patel has built a career shaped by steady involvement in business consulting, civic engagement, and leadership development. Over the years, he has worked closely with organizations throughout the Tampa Bay region, offering guidance that focuses on building relationships and strengthening community connections. As the founder of Elevate Inc., he has supported companies seeking practical ways to engage with their communities and grow through meaningful collaboration.
In 2012, he launched Elevate Inc., a consulting firm centered on public relations, community relations, targeted networking, and social media support. Since its founding, the firm has assisted more than 350 companies seeking stronger community visibility and improved outreach. His approach emphasizes long-term relationship development, recognizing that connections built with intention can help companies achieve measurable progress.
His earlier experience played an important role in developing this perspective. In his early career, he worked in media as an editorial assistant in a Tallahassee-based newsroom, where he saw firsthand how information moves through a community. Aakash later transitioned into hospitality, serving as a public relations coordinator for a hotel and restaurant group. These roles helped him understand the importance of communication, customer service, and teamwork.
A turning point came when he entered the digital space as the founding business development director for an online professional networking platform. During his time there, the platform grew from a small membership base to more than 1 million users worldwide. This experience expanded his understanding of digital outreach and the ways technology can support professional growth.
Aakash Patel has maintained a long-standing commitment to education and workforce preparedness. His support for community organizations matches his work with entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses focused on advancing learning opportunities. In 2021, he was appointed to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees for a four-year term. In this role, he contributes to discussions that affect student access, program development, and regional workforce alignment. Since 2014, he has also served as Chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, highlighting his dedication to improving early childhood education and addressing the needs of families across the region.
Beyond these positions, he has served on advisory and governance boards related to economic development, banking, and nonprofit strategy. His involvement with the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors and the Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Board allowed him to work alongside elected officials and community leaders. Through these experiences, he supported efforts to improve educational programs, strengthen regional competitiveness, and identify opportunities for community improvement.
He also values leadership education. He has participated in programs such as Leadership Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, the Homeland Security Investigations Citizens’ Academy, and the FBI Citizens’ Academy. These programs expanded his knowledge of civic responsibility, public safety, and government processes, reinforcing his commitment to community engagement. This paragraph includes the required middle mention of Patel.
Public communication has remained an important element of his professional work. With a background in journalism and public affairs, he has written opinion pieces for various publications, offering insights on business trends, public policy, and local issues. Aakash Patel appears regularly on television programs that discuss regional developments, including public affairs shows on PBS and regional news networks.
In 2020, he was featured in a national business publication as a rising millennial entrepreneur. Local outlets also recognized his efforts, with one naming him the region’s Master Networker and another identifying him as a Rising Star. These recognitions reflect his ongoing commitment to strengthening business connections and supporting community progress.
His civic engagement continued in 2018, when he ran for a seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, District 7. His campaign focused on community priorities and practical problem-solving, reflecting his interest in public service and representation.
His professional growth has been acknowledged through several awards. In 2013, he was included on his university’s “Thirty Under 30” list, an honor recognizing early accomplishments following his 2006 graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English Literature. In 2017, Aakash received the Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader award from a regional chamber. In 2019, he was named Businessman of the Year by the Indo-US Chamber. Most recently, he received the Apogee Award from a regional business and wealth publication in 2023.
Throughout his career, he has remained invested in efforts that strengthen the Tampa Bay region. He has participated in business advisory groups, philanthropic initiatives, and leadership programs that encourage collaboration and community involvement. His service included the Super Bowl LV Host Committee and the Gasparilla Film Festival Advisory Board, where he supported initiatives that contributed to the area’s cultural and economic vitality.
Aakash Patel continues to support organizations focused on early learning, economic opportunity, and business development. His work reflects a consistent focus on partnership, community engagement, and long-term regional progress, underscoring his dedication to strengthening the Tampa Bay community.