Indian American businessman Neil Patel is in the fray for the US Senate from central Ohio.
Patel, a very active community leader, wants to ensure every Ohioan has access to the same opportunity that allowed him to succeed and protect the American values that make us an example to the world.
Immigrating to the US with just $20 in his pocket, Patel worked several jobs, including selling candy apples on the street —and eventually made enough to open his first small business and “live the American Dream.” As his success and knowledge in industry grew over time, so did his self-driven duty to give back to the community and nation that made it all possible, notes the campaign.
Born in Ahmadabad, India, Neil Patel completed Bachelor’s degree in Business from Gujarat University. After immigrating to the United States at 20, he owned and operated a video library business in Chicago. Later he moved to the Columbus, Ohio area and purchased 4 Dunkin Donuts! After several years, Neil moved to West Virginia as the owner of a hotel where he not only stayed in contact with his Ohio partners but established himself within the West Virginia business and political leaders.
“While Neil was in West Virginia thru business contacts, Joe Manchin became a good friend. While helping Joe in his political career as Governor, Neil realized he himself, was very conservative and while Joe was elected as a Democrat, he and Neil both remained conservative. Neil went on to help Gov Joe Manchin become Senator and served on his transition team after the election,” read neilpatelforussenate.com.
“Today Neil is very proud of his friend and has learned much about working across the isles together for the good of the country and people. While they remain in different political parties, they share an ideal of working for the people in their respective states, with conservatism always in mind.”
Neil has worked tirelessly to help people and communities. Neil has prided himself in working for good rather than profit. Many of his friends will share stories of his good deeds. Neil doesn’t talk about them; he just helps when needed.
Neil has worked with several political candidates and served on two gubernatorial transition teams in West Virginia and Ohio. He has been involved in the political arena in multiple states, helping with immigration legislation, trade agreements, Sister City organization, and treaties/contracts to bring jobs to the US.
Neil has run for office before. The differences now are that he realizes he is most definitely and always has been a conservative Republican. His values, faith, and family all reflect conservative values and he lives those every day. He is truly a man of faith, service, and freedom in this country.
Neil will be the first to tell anyone that America is his home. India is his birth country, but Neil is American all the way! He does realize that there is a way to combine the two countries. He has worked tirelessly with several Ambassadors from India to the US to bring work/jobs. He has been intimately involved in trade negations between the countries and companies in both the US and India.
Neil was involved in 2006 with Ambassador Sen, acknowledging his work in getting Congress to pass the Indo-US Nuclear bill. During this time, Neil dealt with multiple Senators and Governors to bring this bill to the floor and pass it. Neil twice went to the Bush White House to discuss this deal and its benefits.
In 2007 Neil was instrumental in creating a Sister City relationship with Columbus and Ahmedabad, India. Since creating this relationship, Ohio has invested $800 million on the other side, as has Ahmedabad, creating jobs in Ohio and India. The Mayor of Columbus recognized Neil for his considerable work to accomplish this relationship.
In 2009 Neil also went to China with a delegation to create a sister city relationship between Columbus and Hefei in Anhui province, building a stronger bond between the two cities. The Sister City program brings the two cities cultural bonds and political and economic ties as well.
Neil Patel has had a continuous three decades plus service to the Indian communities in Ohio. Neil has been President of the Gujarati Mandal of Central Ohio and president of the FIA (Federation of Indian Associations). He has a deep commitment to India and his home country of the United States.
Neil brings a unifying bridge from Ohio’s large Indian/Asian population but from businessmen and women to the state and federal legislature. He is calm, never argumentative, optimistic, faithful and most of all deeply committed to the United States!
Neil and his family reside in Westerville and are all very involved in activities within their communities.
Source: neilpatelforussenate.com
