Tell us about your experience of being part of the Quest Apartment Hotels network.
Ben: The experience has been excellent. I started back in 2017 as the franchisee of Quest Wagga Wagga. I didn’t have any experience in hotels but one thing that really attracted me to the Quest brand was the tools, techniques and support they gave us to learn and flourish in the market. This effectively set us up and gave us the opportunity a couple of years later to buy Quest Rockhampton, Quest Mackay On Gordon, then go into the joint-venture with Alison with Quest Townsville On Eyre. 

Alison: Fifteen years ago, I started as a guest services agent on the front desk at a Quest in Sydney. From there I worked at five different Quest properties in different roles, from sales through to general manager. So I had a vast amount of experience when the opportunity came up to go into the joint venture with Ben.

How and when did your career in hospitality start out?
Ben: I started in hospitality when I was 15, working at McDonald's. I’ve basically been in the industry since, from pubs, clubs and now hotels. I’m strongly aligned to hospitality and my skills have been transferable. I think that’s the key to the success I’ve had with Quest.
Alison: I also started out at McDonald's as a teen, then I worked at the local RSL club, did a diploma in hospitality management and a degree in business after high school. I went travelling in Europe and after six months I thought it was probably time to come home and get a real job, and I've been with Quest ever since.

The hospitality industry can be challenging. What’s your take on the highs and lows?
Alison: The highs come from welcoming someone through the door and the satisfaction you get when they love their experience at your hotel. It’s so rewarding. 

Ben: It can be challenging keeping up with the changing markets – it’s an ever-evolving set-up so we need to be ahead of the game. I love the strategy sessions with the Quest sales and operational teams in trying to move things forward and being able to capture our big share of the market.   

What makes Quest such a strong franchise opportunity in Australia?
Alison: With Quest’s Business Format Franchise Model, you have everything you need to be successful in the business.  
Ben: It’s the experience of the Quest sales, business development and marketing teams. They’re always angling in with new ideas and approaches and we're seeing that in our occupancy numbers and positive reviews.
 
What advice would you give to someone thinking about giving business ownership at Quest a go?

Alison: If you’re considering a joint venture, get to know the person, build the relationship then find the property that suits you.
Ben: Have a really clear plan on where you want to go and make sure your visions are aligned to Quest’s. With a joint venture, make sure the business partner is really invested and has their skin in the game. I couldn’t ask for anything more from Alison – she's incredibly dedicated to Quest. 

Ready to start your journey as a Business Owner at Quest Apartment

Hotels? Find out more here.