"The formation of our new sales team is our first big step to drive the Hawthorn Suites brand forward," said Chick Armstrong, Hawthorn Suites' recently-appointed senior vice president of development.  "Each of our new directors of development has proven ability and strong understanding of the hospitality industry and of the extended stay segment, in particular."

US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS) is the parent company of the franchisor of the Hawthorn Suites brand.  Since USFS acquired the brand in 1998, it has grown to 114 hotels open or under construction, as of June 30, 2004.  According to Armstrong, Hawthorn Suites hopes to at least double that number over the next five years, and is seeking qualified developers who possess the knowledge and capability to build and operate in the upper tier of extended stay.

In order to maximize efforts, the new sales team has organized into one division dedicated to selling Hawthorn Suites and to complementing the brand's operations, training, national sales and direct sales departments.  The development team initially consists of four seasoned sales professionals; over the next six months, two more members will be added.

Bill Bradford is a 16-year hotel industry veteran.  He has spent the past eight years with USFS, primarily focusing on Hawthorn Suites franchise sales.  Formerly, he held positions with Choice Hotels International, Days Inns of America and Holiday Inn Worldwide.  He is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Michael Brown is an eight-year veteran of the hospitality industry. Formerly, he was vice president of franchise sales and development for Value Place Hotel Company.  He has held senior franchise sales positions with Candlewood Hotel Company and Cendant Corporation.  He is a graduate of the University of Tulsa.

Robin Eberhart joined USFS in 2001 and has extensive experience in the hospitality and real estate industries.  Her 15-plus years of experience includes development and financial positions with such prominent hotel franchising companies as Days Inns of America, Choice Hotels International and Promus Hotel Corp.  She has also provided hotel brokerage services, and is a graduate of Georgia State University.

Matt Lohlein has 10 years of development experience.  He recently rejoined USFS and has held franchise development positions with Cendant Corporation and Super 8 Motels.  Prior to developing franchises, he was a national account manager for ClosetMaid Corporation, an Emerson Electric Company.  He is a graduate of the University of Alabama.

Hawthorn hotels are upscale properties with such value-added comforts as daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet and social hours, exercise and meeting facilities, 24-hour front desk service, guest laundry and valet service, swimming pool and spa, and convenience store. 

US Franchise Systems, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.  In November 2000, business interests of the Pritzker family of Chicago, Ill., which also own other hospitality businesses and assets, including Hyatt Hotels, as well as numerous manufacturing, health-care, natural resources and other businesses and assets, recognized USFS' potential and acquired the company.

All Hawthorn hotels are independently owned and operated.