"When
I joined the company in 2001 it was made very clear to me by Jay that our
goal was to be a
GREAT hotel
company, not just a
BIG hotel
company. Since that time the entire team, top to bottom, has used
GREATNESS as
the benchmark by which we judge ourselves. It is as simple as that."
Whip M. Triplett
Executive Vice President
Philosophy:
The North Point Hospitality Group Philosophy is simple.
The organization seeks to grow through developing and acquiring high-end,
brand defining, select service and full service hotels in high barriers to
entry markets with top-tier franchise partners such as Hilton and Marriott.
Our growth strategy for success is simple: be in the best markets with
the best brands at the best locations. Operationally, our success comes from
our belief of taking great care of our associates, who in turn will take great
care of our guests.
Mission:
The Mission of North Point Hospitality Group is as clear and concise
today as it was when our company was founded in 1978. Our mission is to reward our stakeholders; our guests, our investors, our
associates, our brand partners and those who have entrusted us with
the oversight of their assets, through a measured and balanced
approach to growth and a commitment to the culture of superior service.
Vision:
The vision of North Point Hospitality Group is that our company
continues to be recognized as an award winning owner, developer and
manager of brand defining hotels in key business markets and leisure
destinations. That through a continued divestiture of leisure
products, our measured and balanced approach to growth will yield
resources that are reinvested in the company for the benefit of our
stakeholders. That our guest experience, our culture of superior
service and that our associates, at all levels, are provided the
leadership, training and autonomy needed to create that culture
regardless of hotel location or brand affiliation.
Leadership:
Founder, J.K Patel
At
the age of 38, JK Patel immigrated to the United States in 1978 from Kisumu,
Kenya with his wife and two young children. In Kenya, Mr. Patel had worked
with Barclays Bank where he served as Senior Loan Officer. That strong financial
background served him well when he bought his first hotel in Aiken, South
Carolina in 1979, a full service Ramada Inn. Since then, Mr. Patel has developed,
owned and operated more than thirty hotels throughout the Southeast. Today,
Mr. Patel still enjoys an active role in the day to day operations of the company.
In 1996, JK Patel had the distinct honor of serving as chairman of the Asian American Hotels Owner’s Association (AAHOA), an organization that currently boasts a membership of more than 8,000.
JK Patel currently lives in Alpharetta, Georgia with his wife Geeta. He enjoys traveling and being a grandfather to his four grandchildren.
President and Chief Executive Officer, S. Jay Patel
As president and CEO, Mr. Patel is responsible for the overall direction and guidance of the company. Mr. Patel is also personally involved in all strategic growth decisions related to site selection and brand options in potential markets. His relationships with franchisors and lenders pave the way for future hotel developments.
Mr. Patel joined North Point in 1991 after graduating from Winthrop University with a B.S. degree in Marketing. Since that time, the company has developed from ground up 19 hotels with a total project cost of over $250,000,000.
Understanding the link between business and community, Mr. Patel was instrumental in forming the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and served as the first Chairmen of the Board of that Organization. He remains on the board today as well as serves on the Board of Directors of the North Fulton YMCA and on the Executive Committee of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
Executive Vice President, Whip Triplett
Whip
Morrison Triplett serves as Executive Vice President for North Point Hospitality
Group and joined the company in August 2001. In that capacity, Triplett oversees
the daily operation of the company, which includes hotel operations for all
North Point owned and managed hotels, construction of current projects and
due diligence of potential hotel development opportunities.
A 1992 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Triplett has more than 21 years of hospitality experience. He served as the 2006 Chairman of the Savannah Convention and Visitor's Bureau as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Tourism and Leadership Council. He also serves as a member of the Tuskegee University Hospitality Industry Advisor Board.
In 2006, Triplett became a published author with Savannah – A Postcard History Series published through Arcadia Publishing. He prefers to spend his free time with his wife Stephanie and their two children; his son Tristan and daughter Brooks.
Vice President of Finance, Steve Mikulenka
Before joining North Point Hospitality Group in 2001, Steve Mikulenka was the controller for Chateau Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Georgia. Prior to that, he worked for Interstate Hotels & Resorts at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club and also for Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts, both in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Before this, Steve was the Internal Audit Manager for Destination Hotels & Resorts. Earlier in his career, he held controllerships with Capitol Hotel Group at various properties.
Steve earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University in 1987 prior to joining the I.T.T. Sheraton Corporation at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.
Director of Human Resources, Betty Brady
Betty Brady joined North Point Hospitality Group as the Director of Human Resources in June 2005. Ms. Brady brings with her over 15 years of Human Resource experience. Prior to North Point Hospitality Group, Ms. Brady worked as Benefits Administrator and Safety Director for Findlay Industries located in Johnstown, Ohio and for the Flexible Corporation in Delaware, Ohio. Ms. Brady earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration majoring in Human Resources from DeVry University. She is also an active member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
Ms. Brady has one loving son, Joshua, who obtain his college degree in Drafting Design and now working as an engineer.
Director of Design & Construction, Phil White
Phillip Gregory White currently serves as Director of Design & Construction for North Point Hospitality Group and brings more than 30 years of commercial and residential construction experience to the company. Phil is responsible for the oversight of all new hotel construction projects as well as ongoing renovations of hotels currently owned and operated by NPHG. Prior to joining NPHG, Phil was President of Complete Construction Management, Inc. and was responsible for all facets of that operation for more than ten years. Phil is an established professional in the field of design, construction management and logistics and holds several state industry certifications. He is well versed in dealing with state & city government officials and departments regarding planning, development, permitting and inspection processes.
White is blessed to have a loving and supporting family; his wife Kathy and their three sons, Michael, Adam & Matthew. Phil served in the United States Air Force and in his spare time is a Professional Long Drive District Champion and a four time RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Finalist. He also acts as the Parish Council President at Holy Resurrection G.O.C in Hilton Head, S.C. where he is involved with several local charities and youth sporting organizations.
Executive Assistant & Office Manager, Judy Wallis
Judy Wallis serves as assistant to the company's Executive Team and is the Office Manager for the Corporate Office. In her duties, Judy facilitates the smooth operation of the corporate office, as well as being the primary liaison between hotel associates and the Corporate Office. Judy also has record keeping responsibilities for all company projects currently under development or construction.
Judy joined North Point in August 2001 and has been a valued member of the team for seven years. Previously she served 32 years with AT&T that culminated with her position of Payroll and Accounting Manager for her group.
Judy currently lives in Gainesville, GA, has two married children, April & Tommy and two beautiful grandsons, Ben & Nathan.
