We’re in the business of building strong careers and stable portfolios. A fulfilled team and efficient operations are part of our DNA. Our unique model leads to greater success because everyone, from our associates to our owners, are fully aligned with a stake in the outcome.
— Clifford Patterson (VP, Business Insurance Agent at McGriff Insurance Brokerage)
Ravi Desai is a Principal and CEO of Opal Hotels Group. In his role, Ravi focuses on development, acquisitions, accounting, financing, and renovations.
Previously, Ravi was with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton in their Washington, DC office, where he counseled clients on a wide array of matters, including corporate formation, corporate governance, strategic alliances, business combinations, mergers and acquisitions, and represented both public and private companies. Ravi was with Friedman, Billings, and Ramsey prior to law school, where he focused on private equity transactions ranging from $100 million to $500 million.
Ravi received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Juris Doctor from The University of North Carolina School of Law.
Ravi and his wife have two daughters. Ravi is an avid basketball and football fan, always cheering on his Tarheels! Ravi loves to travel and has been to over 35 countries.
Mital Patel is a Principal and COO of Opal Hotels Group. In his role, Mital focuses on hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, and people and culture.
Mital grew up in the hospitality industry, working in almost every position in the motels his family operated. Previously, Mital practiced law serving as outside general counsel to technology startups and small / medium sized businesses, focusing on corporate transactions in a variety of industries.
Mital received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from North Carolina State University and his Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law. Mital is active in the local community, previously serving as chair of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association and co-founder of Triangle Startup Weekend, and currently serving on the YMCA of the Triangle’s Y Guides Advisory Board.
Mital and his wife have twin fraternal daughters, Zoe and Mila and a son, Ajay. When he is not cheering on the NC State Wolfpack, Mital enjoys running the Krispy Kreme Challenge and supporting the many great local businesses around the Triangle.
Trevor Walden is the Vice President of Operations for Opal Hotels Group. In his role, Trevor is directly responsible for the overall financial and operational performance for all hotels within the portfolio. In this role, Trevor develops strategic planning initiatives and drives results of the Balanced Scorecard.
Trevor is an accomplished Operations and Sales leader with over 20 years of valuable experience. He has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic skill set that is focused on building and maintaining an exemplary service culture that delivers exceptional team member and guest experiences.
Trevor has held multiple senior leadership roles in both sales and operations. He has extensive experience working with major hotel brands that include Hilton, Marriott, IHG and Hyatt Hotels.
Trevor earned his B.S. degree in Economics from George Mason University and has been a resident of Raleigh, NC since 2002. Trevor and his wife have one daughter. Trevor is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf, traveling and attending concerts.
Kendal Furlong is the Director of Accounting for Opal Hotels Group. Kendal is responsible for the operational accounting processes, procedures, and performances for the Opal Portfolio.
Although not a North Carolina Native, Kendal has been in the Tar Heel state since 2013. Kendal started her hospitality career at the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2013. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration- Finance from UNCW. Kendal is also an Alumni of Leadership Raleigh Class 47 with the Raleigh Chamber.
Kendal and her boyfriend spend their time outside of work playing with their bunny Oliver, and dog, Sadie. Kendal also enjoys, traveling, puzzles, and organizing/ hosting events.
Chris Floyd brings over 25 years of hotel industry experience to his role as Area Director of Operations at Opal Hotels Group. He oversees the operations of our Hilton branded properties in NC and VA, focusing on strategic planning, process optimization, and team leadership to ensure exceptional guest experiences and financial success.
Starting as a guest services associate in Greenville, NC at the East Carolina Inn, Chris developed a passion for the extended stay market as a property leader and Quality Assurance Specialist with Residence Inn by Marriott. This propelled him into his career as a Task Force General Manager and Corporate Support Specialist for multiple Marriott, Hilton, Choice and Hyatt within North America over a span of twelve years. Chris’ innovative approach and leadership skills combined with his love of teaching shines in his connections with associates from multiple markets and diverse backgrounds. He excels in implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost guest satisfaction.
Chris attended East Carolina University and is a diehard fan of things related to Pirate Athletics. Outside of work, Chris enjoys attending college sporting events, traveling and discovering new places to visit in his home state of North Carolina.
Tyler Parks-Shinstock is the Corporate Director of Revenue for Opal Hotels Group, where he leads revenue strategy with a collaborative, people-centered approach. With 17 years in hospitality, his experience spans front- and back-of-house hotel operations, food & beverage, and a pivotal return to the industry at a Hampton Inn in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Over the past eight years, Tyler has partnered with 70+ management companies and supported 100+ hotels across North America, gaining a well-rounded understanding of diverse markets, ownership styles, and team cultures. His revenue philosophy was shaped by a formative chapter at Hilton’s Revenue Management Consolidated Center (RMCC) and further refined through the past four years with one of Virginia’s largest hotel ownership companies. In 2024, he was honored by Marquis Who’s Who of America’s Top Hospitality Executive, a recognition he credits to the mentors, teams, and leaders who guided his journey.
Rooted in the belief that results are built through empowerment, authenticity, and belonging, Tyler is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusive workplaces that support neurodiversity, and is thrilled to be a part of Opal Hotels Group for its genuine welcome and values-forward, people-first culture. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new places, immersing himself in music, and never turns down a good karaoke night — especially when shared with friends and colleagues.
David Bisese is the Corporate Manager of Commercial Strategy for Opal Hotels Group. In his role, David leads and guides Opal’s commercial strategy, looking holistically at how sales, marketing, and revenue management come together to maximize results for all hotels within the portfolio. With a strong background in both Operations and Sales Leadership roles amongst both major and independent hotel brands, David is uniquely adept at harmoniously blending both disciplines into driving overall Commercial Strategy. David provides continuous support for Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management functions within the portfolio.
David has an extensive passion for the hospitality industry, training and development, and has held numerous senior leadership roles with major hotel brands that include Marriott, IHG, Hilton, and Sonesta. In his free time, David enjoys exploring new destinations and culinary experiences, as well as attending musical theater shows and local music productions.
