What is it like being a Quest franchisee? For Koden and Jake, the biggest benefit has been the hands-on support from head office, which made the transition smooth despite not having a hotel background.

 

Koden: Jake and I don’t have a background in hotel operations, so having access to head office has been crucial. We’ve been able to reach out with all of our questions and have received so much help and advice. I’ve never had anyone tell us to just figure something out on our own – everyone is more than willing to jump on a call to help us get on the right track.

How did you get started in hospitality and franchising with Quest?

Koden: It really started for both of us in October 2024 when we became joint-venture partners of Quest Bundoora! 

Jake: I come from a construction background, I was on the tools for a couple of years before moving up into management and leadership roles. Koden’s background is in commercial real estate. So from a business perspective we had the experience and knowledge but the day-to-day operations of running a hotel were quite foreign to us. 

Why did you choose Quest as your specific franchise opportunity?  

Koden: We both wanted to run our own business. We owned an investment property together and instead of expanding our portfolio we decided to diversify. We were looking at different business opportunities but dug deeper into the Quest franchise model. We were impressed and comfortable with what they had to offer. 

Jake: Being a well-established and reputable brand was also a major draw card. The existing framework of the Quest franchise makes the transition into the business remarkably smooth. This is especially true when purchasing an established location like Bundoora, as the experienced staff are already in place and the hotel is fully operational.

The hospitality industry can be challenging. What’s your take on the ups and downs?

Jake: We’ve had a pretty good time in general so far! We’ve had things to work through around the building but my construction background has come in handy. 

Koden: If you come from a 40-hour working week you’re going to get a shock trying to run a Quest! It’s a 24/7 business, so for some that takes a bit to get used to, physically and mentally.

What makes Quest such a strong franchise opportunity?

Koden: It’s the support you get coming in as a new business owner, you’re not thrown in the deep end and told to swim! The processes and procedures of Quest’s Business Format Franchise Model are designed to support franchisees at every step, even if they don’t have a background in hospitality.

Tell us how you engage with the Quest for a Cause program.

Koden: We’re sponsoring a lot of community groups, organisations and sporting clubs. Our strategy is to make sure that we’re active in the community, creating brand awareness and being involved in the community from a business perspective.

 Jake: We’re the naming right sponsor for the Eltham Wildcats, a women’s basketball team in the NBL1 competition. We provide accommodation for all the team’s imports, including a player from Canada and one from Poland! The players stay with us for a significant period of time, and it’s a great cross-brand partnership.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of giving business ownership at Quest a go?

 Jake: It’s a lot easier than just going and starting your own business, especially if you don’t have a business background! It’s a genuinely great opportunity to become a business owner.

 Koden: We hear it a lot over the counter: “I only stay at Quests now.” Quest is a trusted and reliable brand.

 Ready to start your journey as a Business Owner at Quest Apartment Hotels? Find out more here.