Greg Burnes and Jonathan Allard Named Operating
Partners for The Generation Companies LLC, an
Extended Stay Hotel Operator.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK , NC) - September 8, 2006  -  This summer, The Generation Companies LLC (Generation), a Research Triangle Park-based real estate developer, asset manager and operator of extended stay hotels, welcomed new Operating Partners Greg Burnes of Suburban Extended Stay Hotel-Sterling, Virginia and Jonathan Allard of Candlewood Suites-Durham/Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The Operating Partner Program, pioneered in the hotel industry by Generation in 2000, turns general managers into entrepreneurs. The promotion of outstanding managers to managing-partners means not only more autonomy, but also more financial interest in their hotel. To enter the program, general managers must complete an extensive application process, pay a good-faith deposit, and prove their operational expertise with high scores in the areas of quality assurance, guest service, preventative maintenance, direct sales, and revenue growth. 

In the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, Greg Burnes worked with White Lodging Services Corporation before joining Generation as Area Manager in Sterling in 2004. Jonathan Allard joined Generation this summer after eight years with Marriott’s Residence Inns. 

Generation now boasts eight operating partners, more than one-third of its hotel management team. According to Ron Jacobsen, Generation VP of Operations, the program is paying off for the company.  “Both Greg and Jonathan are wonderful additions to our program,” he explains.  “They bring compelling leadership experience and deep values that will create high-performing teams and hotel assets.  We’re thrilled with the opportunity to invest in the careers of Greg, Jonathan and our other operating partners – this ownership paradigm is gaining real momentum in our company.”  

Having a say in the bottom line–both Generation’s and their own–is what inspired Allard and Burnes to commit to the program–and a whole new way of running their hotels. “This is a unique opportunity, not only professionally, but also personally,” Allard comments. “It’s my chance to remain in the same location and achieve my financial goals through a greater sense of ownership and pride in the hotel. You can have a great opportunity, but without a strong foundation and support, those opportunities go astray. Generation has the strong foundation and great people that will help me meet my goals. Plus, this gives Generation stability too, because I’m committed to stay and not relocate in search of that better opportunity.” 

Laila Oinas Named Candlewood Suites - Sterling, Virginia Operating Partner

( RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC) On April 1, Laila Oinas, general manager of Candlewood Suites-Sterling, VA, was named operating partner by The Generation Companies LLC (Generation), a Research Triangle Park-based real estate developer, asset manager and operator of extended stay hotels. The Operating Partner Program, pioneered in the hotel industry by Generation in 2000, promotes proven talented and ambitious hotel general managers to owner-partners, giving them not only more autonomy, but also more financial interest in their hotel. To qualify, general managers must complete a rigorous application process, pay a good-faith deposit, and prove their operational expertise with high scores in the areas of quality assurance, guest service, preventative maintenance, phone sales, and revenue growth. 

In the hospitality industry since 1987, Oinas worked with  Howard Johnson’s, Econo Lodge, Quality Inn and Homestead Studios before joining Generation nearly 6 years ago.  

Oinas has won numerous awards, including 2003 Assistant General Manager of the Year,  Candlewood Suites-Herndon; Intercontinental Hotels’ 2005 NewComer Hotel of the Year, Candlewood Suites Sterling; and 2005 Generation Squeaky Clean Candlewood of the Year, Candlewood Suites Sterling.  “We’re delighted that Laila has taken this step in her career and know that she will make a considerable impact at her hotel and in our cutting edge Operating Partner Program,” said Ron Jacobsen, Generation Vice-President of Operations.

“There is so much turnover in hotels due to burnout and pay ceilings,” Oinas commented. “Once a manager is in a good position, there is little opportunity for advancement without relocation. Companies don’t realize how much money they’re losing when good managers leave, the high cost of retraining, the loss of relationships, and overall employee turmoil. The Generation Companies has found a way to keep good managers by providing a good compensation package and high overall work satisfaction.”

(Left to Right) Laila Oinas, general manager of Candlewood Suites/Sterling, VA, and Mark Daley, President of The Generation Companies LLC

The Candlewood Suites-Sterling is part of the Sterling Hotel Campus, a 253-suite extended stay hotel park located at the corner of East Severn Way and Atlantic Avenue in Sterling, Virginia near Washington DC.  A joint development sharing a tree-dotted courtyard, this innovative hotel campus boasts two properties, Candlewood Suites/Sterling and Suburban Extended Stay Hotel of Sterling. 

The Candlewood Suites-Sterling features 121 suites and offers spacious accommodations that cater to the unique needs of long-term guests, including a complete kitchen with full-sized refrigerator and dishwasher, 27-inch TV, VHS/DVD player, large business desk, adjustable executive chair, two-line speaker phone with data port and complimentary high-speed wireless and Ethernet internet access. A state-of-the-art boardroom with 42” plasma and AV system is also available. Guests have access to free laundry facilities, free video and CD library, and the Candlewood Cupboard – a 24-hour honor-based pantry with food and sundries at grocery store prices. The hotel campus provides free shuttle service to and from the airport, and to attractions and businesses within a three-mile radius.