Neal Patel
Neal Patel is the founder of Patel Partners and a seasoned government relations expert with experience in both the executive and legislative branches. He previously served as Vice President at the Alpine Group, Chief of Staff at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and senior staff in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. With expertise in financial services, tax policy, energy, healthcare, and emerging technologies like blockchain, Neal has worked closely with policymakers, industry leaders, and federal agencies. A co-founder of the Asian American Pacific Islander Leadership Association, he is committed to advancing AAPI professionals in public policy. Neal holds a business degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a law degree from Charleston School of Law.
Neal Patel grew up in
Martin's Motel…
Question 1:
What was the name of your motel and where was it located? What years/ how old were you?
Martin's Motel, located in Mullins, South Carolina, was at the heart of what was once considered the tobacco capital of the world. With local markets driving massive tobacco auctions, buyers from across the globe—including Brazil and Japan—flocked to Mullins, often staying for months at a time. And where did they stay? You guessed it—Martin’s Motel. My parents operated not just the motel but also a bar and a restaurant, effectively running three businesses under one roof.
Question 2:
Where did you go to college? What did you study? What do you do now?
I attended the University of North Carolina, where I studied business, before pursuing a law degree in law school. Currently, I am a federal lobbyist and the founder of my own lobbying firm, Patel Partners.
Question 3:
Favorite motel memory?
The excitement and energy of the motel on a busy weekend, especially around the 4th of July, taught me invaluable life skills—how to interact with the public, manage money, and understand that a strong work ethic can overcome many challenges. And when it comes to politics, I learned more over conversations at the Huddle House in Mullins than I ever have in Washington, DC.
Question 4:
Worst motel memory?
Worst motel memory: As a kid, hearing the doorbell ring at the night window always made me a bit anxious. While I understood that my parents were working hard to provide for our family, I never knew who might be on the other side of that door.
