About ICON Lodging

We are dedicated to driving value and returns for our partners and investors.

The Vision Behind Our Success

Laser Focused is simply the best way to describe ICON Lodging‘s commitment to creating value, delivering projects on time, and maintaining a high level of profitability for our hotel projects. The secret to our success is actually not a secret at all, it is a conscientious effort to continually build on the core values developed early on as a family business. As our Mission & Vision evolved to grow into one of the top hotel companies in the nation, we were able to keep those core values intact. ICON understands that with every project completed or every guest room rented, our clients and hotel guests can appreciate the way we deliver true hospitality.

Future and Growth, while embracing our core values we continually focus on accomplishing calculated yet aggressive growth. This vision has allowed us to carefully plan around both macro and microeconomic cycles to keep the growth trajectory steady. Our plans include strategically planning our growth with our key franchise partners to enter into high-barrier to entry markets both regionally and nationally. We have also developed key partnerships with capital both on the equity and debt sides to make our projects a win-win-win for all parties involved.

Modern bar and lounge area at Fairfield by Marriott in Fort Worth

The ICON Lodging Experience

Family Beginnings

ICON Lodging was created by combining many family-owned and operated hotels, whose roots date back to the 1980s. ICON Lodging’s success is due in great part to the company’s hands-on approach. Their grassroots beginnings of living and working in a mom-and-pop hotel with their families have provided a tremendous foundation of core values for the company’s ongoing success and future growth.

Commitment to Excellence

Our Mission at ICON Lodging is to maintain a highly respected hotel company while enhancing and growing our reputation by providing a superior guest experience. At ICON Lodging, we turn our vision into reality, one decision at a time.

Expanding with Purpose

Our long-term growth strategy is to expand our portfolio of hotels at a steady pace during not only robust economic cycles but more importantly, during turbulent economic cycles. We feel this can be achieved by making sound acquisitions and developments, capitalizing on favorable market conditions, and working with great franchise partners who are ready to help make our vision a reality.

Our Leadership Team

Piyush Patel

Managing Partner

Mr. Patel, Managing Partner at ICON Lodging, is deeply involved in the development, construction, and management of the company’s limited-service hotels. His hands-on approach has been key to ICON Lodging’s reputation for delivering high-quality hotel projects. Over the years, he has developed 21 new hotels and renovated 6 properties across Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana under leading brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, and La Quinta. He holds a Finance degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Nimesh R. Patel

Managing Partner

Nimesh Patel, Chief Architect of Hotel Acquisitions at ICON Lodging, brings over 16 years of experience in the hotel industry. He specializes in acquisitions, development, and deal structuring, with a keen ability to identify value and build key industry relationships. Nimesh has helped finance over $150 million in hotel assets and contributed to the purchase and renovation of projects worth more than $50 million. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.

Eric Mills

Vice President of Operations

Eric, Vice President of Operations at ICON Lodging since September 2016, has over 20 years of experience in hotel management. Previously, he managed a portfolio of hotels across Southwest Texas, including brands like Hilton, Marriott, Choice, and IHG. Eric has been key in driving brand quality and guest satisfaction while optimizing operations for financial health. His ability to adapt to industry changes has been vital in maintaining operational excellence at ICON Lodging.

Trushar Bhakta

Vice President of Corporate Affairs

Mr. Bhakta is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs at ICON Lodging, bringing over 20 years of accounting experience and 10 years of hotel development expertise. A second-generation hotelier, he has a deep understanding of the industry. He holds a BBA and Master of Science in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Having worked at KPMG and Pegasus Solutions, he specialized in the entertainment, data management, and hospitality sectors. Mr. Bhakta’s role focuses on accounting, vendor relationships, and managing development, lender, investor, and franchiser relations.

Jessica Holt

Comptroller

Jessica, with over 20 years of accounting experience, is a valuable member of the ICON Lodging team. She holds a BBA in Accounting from Kennesaw State University and began her hospitality career with Suburban Lodges of America, Inc., where she was part of the accounting team during the IPO and stock offerings, rising from staff accountant to accounting manager. As Vice President of Accounting for Columbia Hospitality Management, Inc., she built and managed a high-performing accounting department. Jessica's expertise ensures ICON Lodging has timely and accurate data to support successful hotel project decisions.

Brett McMillin

Regional Director of Operations

Brett, Regional Director of Operations at ICON Lodging, oversees the daily operations of the company's Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Independent properties. He joined ICON in 2017 as General Manager of the Fairfield by Marriott Fort Worth Downtown/Convention Center and later opened the dual-branded Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton Euless DFW West. Brett has held various leadership roles throughout his career and is dedicated to ensuring high guest satisfaction, supporting General Managers, and delivering results for ownership within the ICON business model.

Pamela Mims

Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing

Pamela, Corporate Director of Sales at ICON Lodging, brings over 22 years of experience with major brands like Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Choice Hotels. Known for driving top-line revenue, she leverages technology and artificial intelligence to refine sales and marketing strategies. With a background in Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington, Pamela stays ahead of industry trends, optimizing processes and enhancing customer engagement. She leads a team of sales professionals dedicated to exceeding targets and growing ICON's revenue.

Amalie Lopez

Regional Director of Operations

Amalie, Regional Director of Operations at ICON Lodging, oversees the day-to-day operations of Hilton and Marriott properties. With extensive experience in hotel operations, including training, compliance, and accounting, she has progressed through various roles since starting at the entry level. Amalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Operations from Washington State University and an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Abilene Christian University. She is passionate about the people-focused aspect of the hospitality industry and its dynamic nature.

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