Our Team

A team committed to raising the bar  Thoroughbred Hospitality Group was founded in 2018 with a single mission: to build and manage structures with integrity. THG adopted the “Unbridled Hospitality” moniker and embodies it on a daily basis. We firmly believe boundaries should be pushed, dreams to become reality, and new heights to be reached. We understand the value of a dollar and the process of earning it the hard way. Let us make that dollar work for you.

Meet Our Executive Team

AMEET PATEL

President / Chief Executive Officer

Graduating from the University of Kentucky with degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Management – Ameet started his professional career in public accounting. He later realized that auditing the books of financial institutions and public/private companies wasn’t his passion.

It was Hospitality. After some years in the industry, Ameet realized that there was a void for the next generation of hoteliers and travelers – thus THG was born!

At THG, Ameet is responsible for overseeing new construction projects and upon opening – the financial and operational aspect of every hotel in the THG portfolio.

In his spare time, Ameet enjoys traveling, volunteering, and being a foodie.

ANISH BANKER

Chief Financial Officer

Anish attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and graduated with high honors. He has several years experience in public accounting as well as internal audit experience and specializes in financial institutions, internal controls, and financial reporting.

At THG, Anish focuses on accounting and IT functions for the company. He is responsible for accounting, financial planning, and risk management strategies while providing timely insights into operational results, trends and growth drivers. In addition, Anish provides strategic financial leadership for THG’s growing hotel portfolio.

Anish enjoys spending time with his family and also has several hobbies such including: Traveling, Grilling, and Coaching his kids soccer team!

Sagar Leva

In-House Counsel | Chief Investment Officer

Sagar graduated from Auburn University with high honor degrees in Finance and Accounting. That led him to a career in consulting at a Big 4 firm. Soon after, Sagar went to Northwestern Law where he earned his J.D. with a focus on real estate law. Sagar practiced at a large firm in Atlanta specializing in hospitality law. He represented developers, lenders, owners, and franchises. His legal track record includes closing over $1.5B of hospitality deals throughout the country. 

At THG, Sagar serves as in-house counsel, as well as, Chief Investment Officer that oversees every aspect of our assets pre-construction. From Investor Relations to Capital and Debt management, he is involved every step of the way to ensure our clients are at the forefront of everything we do!   

Sagar enjoys golfing, eating good food, and attending music festivals.

Meet Our Corporate Team

TIM KELLY

Director of Operations

Tim Kelly is the current Director of Operations at THG, with a proven track record in the hospitality industry. With over 20 years of experience, Tim has developed a deep understanding of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Before assuming his current role, he served as a General Manager for THG as our Award-winning Hampton by Hilton in Somerset, KY where he honed his leadership skills and strategic planning abilities.

Tim, holds a degree from the University of the Cumberland’s, which laid the foundation for his successful career in hospitality. He is known for his ability to streamline processes, enhance team performance, and drive significant improvements in service delivery.

Outside of his professional life, Tim enjoys outdoor activities and spending quality time with his family. He is also an aspiring grill master. In addition, he serves proudly on The Troop 170 Scout Committee and board member of the Pulaski County Tourism office.

JAKAYE GARTH

Director of Sales and Revenue

Jakaye is a 2015 graduate of Morehead State University, where she received her BA in Strategic Communication. During her time at MSU, she completed an internship and employment with Morehead Tourism Commission, where her passion for tourism & hospitality was ignited.

Upon returning home to Somerset and working for the local newspaper for three years, she realized again that the hospitality industry is where she longed to be, and began her career with Thoroughbred Hospitality Group. At THG, she manages revenue management and the sales department for the entire portfolio.

Outside of her job, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and serving her community.

KIM JENKINS

Director of Food and Drink

Kim earned an AA degree in early childhood education and went on to own a daycare center for 15 years in California.

Shortly after moving to Alabama in 2000, Kim tried her hand into the medical field first as a Dialysis Technician, then as a Dietary Manager at a Long Term Care facility where she managed the Dietary, Clinical, Therapeutic, Mechanical and F&B aspects of the facility.

The last 17 years she managed a Holiday Inn Express in Alabama but always wanted to get back into the F&B industry.

In her spare time, Kim enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandson and dogs! Kim has only lived in Kentucky for a couple of months but Is enjoying every minute of it!

Duayna Brown

Regional Sales Manager

Duayna has an Associates degree and a certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University.
 

A Florida native, she moved to Kentucky in 2017 and landed her first job in Hospitality as a front desk position at a boutique hotel. She inadvertently discovered her passion for creating memorable experiences for others and connecting with people. Duayna started with THG in 2021 and is continuing to make her mark. 

Outside of work, Duayna enjoys caring for her pet rabbit, music, spreading her warm energy, and making those around her smile and laugh.