About

Hari is a self-made, forward-thinking businessman who is always thinking about ways to grow his business while positively influencing local communities. As the president and CEO of HKB Investment Group, Hari leads his team towards business developments that will positively impact the Atlanta metropolitan area. Hari’s professional journey started in India where he became experienced in medical equipment retail. In the United States, he capitalized on his entrepreneurial skills and built a thriving business in the gaming industry. His investments are now centered in the hospitality and medical fields. As a leader, Hari values robust work ethics and strong work-life balance culture. Central to his vision of HKB’s corporate culture is the idea that “everyone grows together:” business, employees, and the community. Hari is an expert in strategic capital investment. His mission is to build a legacy that will inspire future generations to believe in their dreams and in the power of hard work.​

Prem started his career in the hospitality industry when he was 11 years old. Due to his experience in the field, Prem is well versed in every operational role in the hospitality industry. Having the exposure of working as a front desk agent, as well as in housekeeping, and hotel management, Prem is an expert in providing high-quality services and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. With his extensive experience and educational background in business administration, Prem’s career progressed towards the strategic management of properties and investments. In the past 10 years, Prem has successfully managed over 2000 rooms across multiple brands in Hospitality Industry. He is passionate about business strategy, exceptional customer service, urban development, and aviation (he is a Certified Flight Instructor).​

Arlene Conroy joined HKB Hotel Group in October of 2022 as the General Manager at Hyatt Place Greenville Haywood. She recently was promoted to the Chief of Staff for the company in June of 2024. Her job responsibilities with the company include reviewing daily revenue and payment data for the hotels, analyzing payroll, coaching/development General Managers and other duties related to the daily operations of our hotels. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 2009 with a major in Biomedical Sciences. While finishing up her last semester in college she started working night audit and her passion for hospitality started from there.

Jaynil started his journey with HKB Group in 2017. Jaynil’s dedication and his exceptional ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment were rewarded through an accelerated career path. His career quickly progressed toward positions of leadership that leveraged Jaynils experience and knowledge in financial matters. Jaynil graduated from Georgia State University with a double major in Accounting and Finance. As a Corporate Controller, Jaynil leads accounting for HKB and assist in Risk Analysis, Insurance and Aquations. ​

Deepak Dhal began his career as an accountant with YATEEM Group in Dubai, where he worked from 2008 to 2015. Since 2015, he has continued his journey as an accountant in the USA and has been working with HKB Hotel Group for the past few years. Holding a Master’s degree in Business Studies from Tribhuvan University in Nepal (2004), Deepak brings strong accounting expertise along with a solid understanding of business and marketing, having previously managed his own business in Nepal. He is known for being hardworking, honest, and loyal, thriving in team environments while consistently striving to contribute his best towards achieving the company’s goals.

Candace Gray-Spann, an accomplished senior paralegal, joined HKB Hotel Group in 2024. With over twenty-two years of paralegal experience and twenty-seven years in customer service and administrative roles, she brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Candace is adept at working in fast-paced legal and corporate environments, excelling in processing and analyzing large volumes of information to find successful solutions. She has been instrumental in closing hundreds of transactions, including multi-million-dollar deals. Candace’s passion for conducting legal research and driving organizational growth makes her an asset to HKB Hotel Group. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s Degree from Spelman College and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the ABA-approved National Center for Paralegal Training.

Joe focuses his practice on corporate counsel and governance, all things commercial real estate, and business disputes and litigation. He advises HKB Hotel Group in the commercial real estate industry on achieving the most efficient results. Joe has been selected for six consecutive years as a Georgia Rising Star recognizing him as one of the best young lawyers in the state from 2014 to 2020 in the areas of civil litigation defense and business litigation. Less than three percent of the lawyers in the State of Georgia are named to the list published annually by Super Lawyers magazine.

Nejdra Nance has been an integral member of the hospitality industry since 2018, having previously worked with one of HKB Hotel Group’s sister companies before officially joining HKB in 2021. She brings a unique blend of administrative expertise and extensive experience in client management to her role. Nejdra oversees essential administrative functions, organizes official documentation, and coordinates executive travel itineraries, all while ensuring compliance with industry standards through effective collaboration with property managers. Her background as a Licensed Practical Nurse enhances her commitment to excellence in hospitality, allowing her to approach her responsibilities with a strong focus on service and care. Nejdra’s professionalism, compassion, and collaborative mindset make her an invaluable member of the HKB team, where she is dedicated to supporting colleagues and optimizing operational efficiency.

Sanket Patel is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at HKB Hotel Group, bringing over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Initially starting in technology, he transitioned to hospitality in 2019, overseeing midscale properties before becoming VP of Operations in 2021. In his role, Sanket is responsible for Hotel Operations, Performance, Brand Compliance, and Financial Management, including budgeting, cost control, and financial planning. He is dedicated to ensuring that properties operate efficiently, profitably, and in full compliance with brand standards while delivering exceptional customer service.​

Joining HKB Group in 2018 as a General Manager, Mani’s strategic acumen was further refined. Her educational background in marketing, combined with her operational expertise, positioned her as a specialist in brand conversion. She has successfully spearheaded numerous brand conversion initiatives, enhanced asset value and aligning properties with market demands. Mani’s career is a testament to her skill in maximizing asset performance, ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction, and driving sustainable growth.

S.K. Patel joined HKB Hotel Group as a Renovation Project Manager. He comes from a background in the Hospitality Industry where he Managed multiple properties and built ground up Hotels. He has worked in every department of the Hospitality industry. Before joining HKB Hotel Group he was working for a Procurement Company.

A hotelier with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Taqua Scoon brings a level head and balanced perspective to the HKB team. Prior to joining this results-driven team, Taqua served in a multitude of hotel capacities, including collaborative and supervisory roles with Hilton hotels. This multi-level experience and knowledge has allowed her to lead her teams to achieving several industry-recognized awards and high guest satisfaction. Throughout her career she has made it her mandate to serve in her earned capacity at a standard that is beyond reproach. Daily, she aims to maintain a high-spirited company culture that is inspired by the lessons learned throughout her career, as well as her multicultural roots.