The People

While our brand and our operations will give you the tools you need to create a strong, productive franchise, it's the people at La Quinta that make all the difference.

Talent. Drive. Smarts. Integrity. Straight shooters.

We want people with good ideas, a strong work ethic, an ability to see beyond the ordinary. And a team perspective that encompasses more than a single point of view.

We expect this in our own corporate and field people. We look for it in our franchisees. Because we believe that real success and satisfaction comes from an organization that knows how to play together nice.

"Ultimately, it's not just about the brand, it's the people who lead the brand and their integrity. I have faith in great people, people I can trust and count on. They have not let me down. I can talk directly to the decision-makers there. Strong reservations system. Very good loyalty program. When I considered all the different options, La Quinta was a home-run decision for me. I've been extremely satisfied with our first year's performance. Our San Diego property exceeded our expectations."
– Barry Lall (La Quinta Inn, San Diego, CA)

	Rajiv Trivedi, Executive Vice President, Franchising "We want you to feel part of our family." Rajiv Trivedi has nearly 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and is known for his active, dynamic approach. In November 2001, Trivedi joined La Quinta as VP/Franchise Operations, where he was responsible for designing and implementing our franchise program, managing franchise sales, services, administration, and training. He has served in a variety of management roles within the hotel management industry, including Cendant Corp. for ten years where he designed and implemented the franchise sales program for one of their leading brands, as well as implemented their company-wide Guest Assistance Program. He also served as VP of Franchise Operations, managing Franchise Training, Services, and Regional Marketing.
	Oliver Evancho, Vice President Franchise & Development Administration Oliver Evancho has more than 12 years experience in the hospitality industry., joining La Quinta in August 2003. He has served in a variety of management roles within the hotel management industry, including General Manager, Director Revenue Management, Operations Statistical Analysis, Development & Acquisitions and Brand Pricing.
	Jeff Palla, Vice President of Franchise Operations Jeff Palla was appointed to the position of Vice President of Franchise Operations in July 2005. Palla is an industry veteran with over 14 years of hospitality experience. He joined La Quinta as a Multi-Unit General Manager in 2000 and was promoted to be a founding member of the franchise program, as a Director, Franchise Services. Before joining La Quinta, Palla served as a District Manager for BridgeStreet Accommodations and Multi-Unit General Manager for Red Roof Inns. Prior to that he was employed by the Walt Disney Company for 5 years where he served as Guest Service Manager for various Resort Hotels. Jeff holds an M.P.A. and a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Central Florida.

Franchise Service Directors

Nothing helps as much as experience. We make sure that the people who assist you in the field have demonstrated expertise by successfully handling your responsibilities earlier in their career - each one of our franchise service directors has real, hands-on life experience in hospitality management to share with you.

We require that every director has served as a general manager of a hotel and must have at least five years experience in managing multiple properties before becoming an LQ franchise director.

Case History: La Quinta Inn, San Diego Old Town

Conversion, 79 rooms, opened on 11/01/02
After their first year of operation, this location increased their Occupancy an astounding 42.5%, while the competitive set steadily decreased. The property showed an Occupancy Index Change of 41% greater than their prior brand affiliation, year over year. RevPAR growth was recorded as a gain of over 70% in the first year as the competitive set remained flat. RevPAR Index as well proved incredibly successful with a RevPAR Index change of over 70% in the first 12 months! After 3 years of operations, the property has stabilized with RevPAR indexes always over 160%.