WICHITA, KS? Candlewood Hotel Co. is expanding its franchise program and has named Charles Armstrong Jr. to the position of vp/franchise sales. Armstrong will join Gina-Lynne Scharoun who continues to serve as vp/franchise services. The change will result in a more targeted approach for the company?s franchise sales, led by Armstrong, and franchise services, under the direction of Scharoun, according to Candlewood. Chairman/CEO Jack DeBoer, who founded Candlewood four years ago, said the company is now ready to move forward with ?a full-scale, proactive? franchise sales program. ?We needed additional resources to accomplish our goals,? DeBoer said. Scharoun and Armstrong make ?a powerful executive franchise team,? he noted. ?Together they will develop an even stronger and dynamic franchise system.? ?We planned the foundation for our franchise program from the beginning,? added Candlewood COO Jim Roos. ?In addition to refining our Candlewood Suites product and operating systems, we wanted to ensure we had a solid, effective franchise program in place to support franchisees before launching an aggressive sales effort. ?Meanwhile, we?ve built a national brand which adds tremendous value for Candlewood franchisees,? Roos said. There are currently 69 Candlewood Suites open, including 10 franchised hotels. Nine additional properties are under construction. One of Armstrong?s first responsibilities in his new position will be to develop a strong field sales team that will build brand awareness for Candlewood Suites. He comes to Candlewood from Cendant Corp. (formerly Hospitality Franchise Systems) where he served as vp/franchise sales and development for Wingate Inns International. Prior to that, he directed franchise sales for HFS? Days Inn, Ramada Inn and Howard Johnson hotels. Candlewood Suites targets mid-market, extended stay business travelers. Room rates range from $55 to $95 for studio suites and $75 to $115 for one-bedroom suites.
