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Hihotels recognizes eight company leaders

The company was established in 1982

hihotels executive team honored for long-term service and loyalty in hospitality

Hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc., leadership team, from left, are Paul Vakharia, senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region; Pat Cheedle; Penny Duelk, director, assurance and marketing program; Vic Vescovo; Gary Gobin, director of operations; Helen Somphone, vice president of finance; Frank Sweeney, director of distribution and digital marketing; and Chris Guimbellot, president and CEO.

Ed Brock
By Ed BrockJun 20, 2025
Ed Brock
Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently assistant editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
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EIGHT LEADERS OF hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. are being recognized by the company for their combined 121 years of service. The company was established in 1982 as an alternative to other, established brands.

The honorees include Paul Vakharia, hihotels’ senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region who has been with the company for 25 years. Chhaya Patel, franchise development coordinator, also has been with the company for 25 years.

The other honorees include:

  •  Helen Somphone, vice president of finance, 20 years
  •  Chris Guimbellot, president and CEO, 15 years
  • Frank Sweeney, director of distribution and digital marketing, 10 years
  • Bridget Lohnes, creative services manager, 10 years
  •  Gary Gobin, director of operations, 8 years
  •  Penny Duelk, director, assurance and marketing program, 8 years

    • “This kind of long-term commitment is rare in today’s business world, and it’s a testament to the type of culture we’ve built at hihotels,” Guimbellot said. “Our leadership team is deeply invested in the company’s mission and the success of our franchisees. We empower each other to lead with integrity, innovate with confidence, and serve with heart. That’s the foundation of our long-standing stability.”

    Guimbellot also said the company’s longevity was due to its leadership team’s shared commitment to the same values and the hotel owners it serves. Their experience has allowed hihotels to navigate industry changes while delivering support to the company’s nationwide network of properties. Regular strategy sessions and open lines of communication also promoted forward-thinking solutions, the company said.

    “It has been a privilege to be part of an organization where every voice matters,” Vakharia said. “Over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand how our collaborative, family-like culture helps franchisees thrive. We don’t just build businesses—we build relationships.”

    The company offers five economy brands: Scottish Inns, Red Carpet Inn, Master Hosts Inns, Downtowner Inns, and Passport Inn. It employs a lean, flexible structure to encourage initiative and independent decision-making within each department.

    In April, hihotels marked the second anniversary of its franchisee advisory council, which supports policy development, new initiatives, and brand operations. The council includes five franchisee hotel owners, one vendor and Guimbellot.

    leadership teamfranchise recognitionhihotelsc

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