ABOUT

Investment

• Five Star identifies, underwrites, and executes alternative investments across multiple asset classes, allowing the firm to diversify risk and build a robust portfolio.

Development

• Five Star is responsible for sourcing development opportunities, deal acquisition and structuring, due diligence, entitlements, rezoning, engineering, construction management, and horizontal/vertical construction.

MANAGEMENT

• Five Star Hospitality Management operates 16 assets with a robust development pipeline – leading lease administration, tenant relations, guest services, and property reporting. The property management team provides superior guest service and memorable experiences, creating valuable returns for shareholders.
• Our management services include commercial, restaurant, retail, and office tenant relations solutions, leasing negotiations, and property improvement construction oversite.
• Five Star expects to expand its portfolio of managed properties to include all affiliated developments and acquisitions.

Naren Patel

Chairman & Founder

Naren spearheads organizational strategy for Five Star Group and supports the firm with development and construction. Naren also heads Five Star’s Investment Committee along with the executive team.

Throughout an impressive 35-year career in commercial real estate, Naren has built and acquired more than 50 properties. Naren started his career in hospitality as a housekeeper – earning a dollar per room. Mr. Patel’s experience has included developing, acquiring, and managing over 2.4 million square feet of buildings, including hospitality, retail, office, restaurants, land, industrial, multi-family, and mixed-use projects. Mr. Patel has been a key player in targeting significant real estate opportunities and developing new relationships through his extensive contacts in the real estate industry. He is experienced in various innovative transactions involving all types of real estate.

Naren graduated from the Shah N H Commerce College, Valsad with a Bachelor’s in Economics. Mr. Patel serves on several non-profit boards and is an advisory board member for a full-service investment firm that sponsors and co-invests in commercial real estate throughout the U.S.

Bee Patel

Chairwoman

Anish Govan

President & CEO

Anish spearheads organizational strategy for Five Star and supports the firm with capital management, asset management, underwriting, and development. Anish also heads Five Star’s Investment Committee along with the executive team.

Anish leads Five Star Group, a Southeast development and management pioneer with 35 years of experience and more than 50 real estate projects to its name. Anish has managed $165 million in commercial real estate development, built an impressive development pipeline of over $200 million including numerous premium-branded hospitality and net-lease projects in the Southeast, and analyzed over $1.5 billion in commercial real estate loans and investment opportunities. He has forged strong relationships with debt partners, brand partners, and family offices across the nation. Most recently, Ankit co-founded an investment firm that sponsors and co-invests in commercial real estate throughout the U.S. From an early age, Anish was immersed in numerous construction projects by his father Naren Patel—to whom he credits much of his valuable experience and unwavering work ethic.

Anish graduated from University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting and earned his Master’s in Global Hospitality Management from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. He currently serves on the Dalton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Board and the Kennesaw State University Hospitality Advisory Board.

Ankit Govan

CIO & Portfolio Manager

Ankit spearheads organizational strategy for Five Star and supports the firm with capital management, asset management, underwriting, and development. Ankit also heads Five Star’s Investment Committee along with the executive team.

Prior to joining Five Star, Ankit served as a portfolio manager and senior associate at a private equity firm with $2 billion in assets under management. There, he raised and managed capital across the global commercial real estate industry—integrally involved with over $500 million in transactions during his tenure. Ankit and his team collectively launched and managed 10 joint venture companies and 22 medium-sized investment funds, led a mid-scale family office and its portfolio companies, and cultivated an extensive network of sophisticated ultra-high-net-worth investors. Previously, Ankit held management and financial analysis positions with one of the largest hotel operators in North America. Most recently, Ankit co-founded an investment firm that sponsors and co-invests in commercial real estate throughout the U.S. The son of a seasoned real estate entrepreneur, Ankit staked a front-row seat to all facets of commercial real estate since childhood.

Ankit graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Finance and Supply Chain Management. He currently serves on the Kennesaw State University Hospitality Advisory Board. In 2023, Ankit was selected into the Forbes 30 under 30 Atlanta list amongst the top entrepreneurs, activists, and creatives in vibrant innovation hubs across the county.

Kimberly Rowell

Executive Vice President

With a career spanning over three and a half decades, Kimberly Rowell has had the privilege of leading some of the most exceptional professionals in the hospitality industry, guiding them to achieve award-winning results.

Her role has involved overseeing a substantial portfolio that includes franchised assets from renowned brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels, under the umbrella of leading organizations like Blackstone, Winegardner & Hammons, and HP Hotels. This exposure has been instrumental in her immersion into the industry’s most advanced training and management practices.

As a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and Certified Hotel Owner (CHO), Kimberly’s responsibilities span across the oversight of franchise relations, investor relations, financial performance, operations, sales & marketing, quality, and human resources. Collaborating closely with other hospitality leaders and hotel investors, she ensures not only the achievement of their goals but also the exploration of new joint venture opportunities.

Kimberly prides herself on her proficiency in utilizing business intelligence analytics, a skill that has been crucial in thoroughly assessing and enhancing the operational facets of the hospitality business. Through strategic planning and data-driven decision making, she has successfully driven results and boosted operational efficiency across a diverse hotel portfolio.

She is a founding Board Member of the Extended Stay Lodging Association and an active member of Women Leading Hospitality. Previously, she served on the Owners Advisory Councils for Hilton, IHG, and Choice Hotels, contributing her insights and expertise to the broader hospitality community.

Throughout her tenure, Kimberly has learned that success in hospitality is not just about managing properties, but about creating experiences, fostering growth, and maintaining integrity in every aspect of the work. She is committed to continuing this journey, driving excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.

Ivonne Hernandez

Director of Business Operations

Ivonne Hernandez’s journey with Five Star Hospitality is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill set. Joining the team in 2009 as a front desk associate while attending Dalton State College, Ivonne quickly showcased her innate ability to work effectively with people and her deep-rooted passion for community involvement.

Her commitment and team-player attitude led to a rapid ascent within the company. By 2010, Ivonne was recognized for her outstanding qualities and was promoted to Front Desk Manager. Her trajectory of success didn’t stop there; in 2013, Ivonne was appointed as a General Manager, where she delivered remarkable results. These achievements paved the way for her elevation to the corporate team in 2014.

Ivonne’s academic pursuits paralleled her professional growth. In 2015, she graduated from Dalton State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, further solidifying her expertise in the business realm.

Today, Ivonne stands as the Corporate Director of Business Operations at Five Star Hospitality. In this pivotal role, she oversees a broad spectrum of the company’s operations, encompassing financial analysis, accounting, human resources, payroll, construction support, insurance, compliance, systems administration, purchasing, supplier relations, corporate marketing, and community relations.

Regarded as the backbone of the Five Star Hospitality organization, Ivonne Hernandez continues to be an instrumental figure in the company’s ongoing growth and success. Her journey from a front desk associate to a key corporate leader is a shining example of her unwavering commitment and exceptional capability in the hospitality industry.

Justin Patel

Senior Associate, Asset Management and Investments

Justin Patel oversees asset management strategies at Five Star Group, aiming to meet targeted goals and optimize operational efficiencies. With a robust background in private equity and hospitality, he leverages his experience to enhance value across a diverse portfolio.

Previously, Justin held the role of Senior Asset Management Analyst at Peachtree Group, where he managed a $750 million hotel portfolio comprising over 20 assets. His responsibilities included executing 14 successful dispositions and contributing to the firm’s management of $7 billion in total assets.

Justin’s private equity journey began at 33 Degrees, a subsidiary of Virtua Partners, where he was tasked with managing a $200 million hospitality portfolio and overseeing investor relations for a $2 billion asset management platform.

Before his transition into private equity, Justin worked at Amazon, focusing on warehouse operations and last-mile delivery. He honed his skills in operational analysis and collaborated with delivery partners to drive profitability and efficiency.

Justin earned his Finance degree, graduating Cum Laude, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Gautam Nanda

Director of Operations

Jason Evans

Corporate Director of Information Technology

Jason Evans has been a pivotal leader in the Five Star Hospitality Management technology landscape since 2009. With over 30 years of IT management experience, he ensures the company’s IT strategy seamlessly aligns with its operational goals. Jason oversees essential systems, including network domains, CCTV, VPNs, hotel music systems, and AV automation, delivering a secure and efficient technology environment for both guests and staff.

Before joining Five Star, Jason honed his expertise at Allwired Technologies and Matrix Installations, working with major clients like Blue Cross and McKee Foods. His extensive background spans IT services, AV, networking, lighting, and automation control, with hands-on experience in troubleshooting, managing inventories, and overseeing advanced systems.

With a strong foundation in Information Technology and Management Information Systems, Jason’s leadership drives innovation and operational efficiency, making him a key contributor to Five Star’s success.