In announcing the appointment, Mike Leven, president and chief executive officer, said, �U.S. Franchise Systems does not compete with management companies, but on occasion, passive investors look to us for management services. 

�With more than 20 years of executive and management experience, Doug Longerbone�s many accomplishments in the lodging industry include managing the operations of Red Roof Inns as the company grew from 50 to over 250 motels, with revenues of some $350 million.  I can think of no better person to help make our brands even more attractive to potential franchisees,� Leven added. 

U.S. Franchise Systems, which marked its 3rd year of operation on Oct. 3, acquired the assets of a fee-based management company in April, along with the exclusive worldwide franchise rights to the Best Inns & Suites brand.  The management company currently provides services to 32 U.S. Franchise Systems hotels around the country; nine additional management contracts have been approved including six Microtels, two Hawthorns and one Best. 

�U.S. Franchise Systems offers quality people and brings honesty and integrity to every deal.  I am excited about expanding this portion of the business� nationwide network and offering a terrific service to those franchisees who are looking for expert management for their properties," Longerbone said. 

Longerbone will oversee a team of 38 and report directly to Leven,.  With his appointment, executive offices for USFS Management, Inc. will be located in Atlanta, while the reservations system and accounting offices will remain in Marion, Ill. 

In a long and successful career, Longerbone has held executive positions with Red Roof Inns, Inc. since 1981, most recently as executive vice president of operations.  Leading the company in its expansion initiatives, he directed Red Roof�s day-to-day operations with a budget of $180 million, and consistently achieved one of the highest revenue per available room (RevPar) results in the economy lodging segment.  Reporting to the chief executive officer and board of directors, he directly supervised the company�s operations, training, reservations, revenue management, customer service and purchasing departments.

Prior to that, Longerbone was operations manager for Cardinal Industries, Inc. and its Knights Inn Division.  Under his direction, the new lodging enterprise grew from one property to 26. 

A graduate of Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, Longerbone is a member of the American Hotel & Motel Association (AH&MA) , and earned the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) designation with the AH&MA Educational Institute. 

About U.S. Franchise Systems

Based in Atlanta, Ga., U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. was formed in August 1995 by Mike Leven, who has 38 years of experience in the lodging industry, and Neal Aronson, former principal of a leading New York investment firm.  The company purchased the franchise system rights to Microtel Inn & Suites in September 1995.  Microtel properties are all newly constructed, interior corridor, budget hotels.  In March 1996, the company acquired the franchise rights to Hawthorn Suites, the extended-stay product.  USFS acquired full ownership of the brand in March 1998.  USFS recently acquired the worldwide franchising rights to Best Inns & Suites, along with the assets of its fee-based management company.