The Timeshare Beat

CANDLEWOOD SUITES CONTINUES EXPANDED FRANCHISING STRATEGY WITH ADDITION OF SIX NEW FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS

Source: Candlewood Hotel Co.

July 14, 1999
WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)----Candlewood Hotel Co. (Nasdaq: CNDL), Monday announced that it has added six new regional franchise development directors for the company's expanded "Value Partners" franchise program for Candlewood Suites.

The sales team will be led by Charles "Chick" Armstrong Jr. who joined Candlewood last May as vice president for franchise sales.

"We now have what I consider one of the strongest -- if not the strongest -- franchise team in the industry," said Armstrong. "As a group, our new directors have the network and insight needed for their successful franchise expansion of our brand. They know the local developers, lenders, contractors, brokers, marketing and feasibility companies, and architects -- all the key players in the business," he added. "We are proud to have them aboard."

Monette O'Connell, formerly an associate director of franchise development for Candlewood, is now director of franchise development (Northwest Region) and legal services. Before joining Candlewood three years ago, she served eight years with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. in various positions.

John Cohen is director of franchise development - Southeast Region. Cohen joined Candlewood from Wingate Inns, where he was the 1998 Rookie of the year. His background in new construction, as well as in brand building, will greatly benefit the Candlewood Suites franchise program.

Linda Figgins is director of franchise development - Great Lakes Region. Figgins has extensive experience in sales, marketing and customer service. Formerly an associate director of franchise development for Candlewood, she has worked with prospective franchisees on a nationwide basis.

Michael Goldstein is director of franchise development - Southwest Region. A seasoned industry professional, he brings 25 years of hotel operations and real estate development background to the job.

Michael Marquez is director of franchise development - South Central Region. He joined Candlewood from Choice Hotels, where he was director of franchise development and recipient of the Victor J. Trapani Sales Excellence Award for three consecutive years. Marquez also was named salesperson of the year for Quality Inns and Suites in 1998.

Doug Schadle is director of franchise development - Northeast Region. His franchising career spans a 10-year period. He joined Candlewood from Cendant Corp., where he was director of franchise development for Days Inn, Ramada Inn and Howard Johnson.

"Candlewood offers a real partnering relationship with our franchisees. That's why we call them Value Partners," said Armstrong. "Our franchise development directors will do more than just sell a franchise opportunity. They will provide all the support needed to help ensure everyone is a winner: the Value Partner, Candlewood, our guests, our employees and the communities where they are located," he added.

According to Armstong, Candlewood will carefully target markets to help assure Candlewood Suites franchisees of the best location, in the best market, with the best support services for success. The company also will offer regional development seminars for potential franchisees as clusters of interest develop.

Candlewood Suites serves mid-market business travelers and other extended-stay guests. Room rates range from $55 to $95 for studio suites and $75 to $115 for one-bedroom suites, depending on market location and length of stay. A total of 73 Candlewood Suites are now open coast-to-coast, including ten franchised hotels.

CONTACT: C. Russell & Company Public Relations
Carolyn Russell, 316/636-2224