"We created these positions to support and develop brand revenue through effective direct sales and local marketing within this specific target area," said Dan Daniele, president of Baymont Franchises International, LLC. "Baymont Inns & Suites is the first hotel franchise company that has created regional sales positions whereby the brand pays the salaries to support franchisees at the local level."

Daniele said some Baymont Inns & Suites franchises do not have a full-time sales person on board. Therefore, the general manager, in most cases, fills the role as operations manager and sales manager simultaneously. 

"The regional sales managers will not only strive to drive business on a regional and local level to specific hotels, but will train existing local salespeople on how to better market their hotels," Daniele said. "This supports our commitment to working with franchisees directly to help them boost performance."

Sales Driven, Quality Focused

"Creating these positions compliments the strategy put in place to build brand loyalty and recognition through exceptional customer service and expanded amenities," said Jim Abrahamson, president and chief operating officer of Baymont Inns, Inc. "Becoming more aggressive in our sales effort, being a quality-focused and sales-driven organization, providing exceptional customer service backed by a 110% Satisfaction Guarantee, and offering guest amenities not previously provided to guests in this segment, will immediately help our franchisees drive revenue."

The regional sales managers will work closely with hotel salespeople and/or general managers on identifying areas of new opportunity or areas that are in need of improvement.  Former director of sales and marketing for the franchise Baymont Inn & Suites in Gainesville, Fla., Tim Flors was promoted to regional sales manager for the Southeastern region, which includes Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Flors is based in Nashville, Tenn., and reports to Baymont Inns & Suites Director of Franchise Operations Steve Clinkenbeard, who oversees 29 hotels in his seven-state region. Janice Pavlich was named regional sales manager for the Great Plains-Southwest region, which includes Baymont Inns & Suites franchise locations in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. Pavlich is based out of St. Louis and reports to Director of Franchise Operations Karen Yoest, who oversees 25 Baymont Inns & Suites in a seven-state region.

Tim Flors . Janice Pavlich

"I look forward to serving as a mentor to property salespersons to further develop their sales abilities," said Flors. "Networking with other regional and national sales directors will surely improve revenues within the region, and also supports the brand�s national sales and marketing efforts."

Baymont Inns & Suites operates or franchises more than 180 locations in 32 states nationwide, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS).