MasterBUILT EXPLORES DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING MasterBUILT Hotels is a privately owned, Calgary-based hotel development, management and investment company. The company supports investors with all aspects of franchising, development and construction. MasterBUILT also offers hotel management and asset management services as part of a turnkey solution.
DAVID DONALDSON
President and CEO, MasterBUILT 52
SUMMER 2024
In the ever-changing landscape of the Canadian hotel industry, MasterBUILT has been navigating challenges with its astute leadership and commitment to sustainable growth. David Donaldson, president and CEO at MasterBUILT talks about MasterBUILT’s trajectory, development strategies, and its dedication to its workforce. Donaldson, who assumed his role at MasterBUILT approximately four years ago, brings a unique perspective to the table. A self-proclaimed “pandemic appointment,” Donaldson’s background in legal training and business administration adds a fresh dimension to the company’s leadership. Under Donaldson’s stewardship, MasterBUILT has flourished, boasting a workforce of nearly 600 individuals and managing close to 30 hotels across Canada. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, MasterBUILT weathered the storm, keeping its hotels operational and ensuring the well-being of its employees. Central to MasterBUILT’s growth strategy is its focus on development opportunities, particularly within the midscale and extended stay segments. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham and ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham stand as flagship brands in this endeavour. Donaldson highlights the unique approach MasterBUILT takes in adapting these brands to the Canadian market. “Microtel is a little bit more upscale in Canada, and we build it slightly differently,” he explains. “ECHO is our extended stay product, and it also has a MasterBUILT-based definition of what our market is and what it does in this market.” Looking ahead, MasterBUILT remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and investment. Donaldson emphasizes the importance of ensuring a reasonable return
on investment for stakeholders. “We need to see a return at the hotel or we’re not going to build it, and that’s true whether it’s our money or franchisees’ money,” he states. Moreover, MasterBUILT recognizes the vital role of its employees in driving its success. In the wake of the pandemic, the company remains dedicated to providing a supportive work environment and competitive wages. “We need to ensure we’re good employers, we’re paying the right wages for the right job, and that we’re reinvesting in our talent base,” Donaldson asserts. A COLLABORATIVE FRANCHISE BUSINESS MODEL
In the realm of hospitality development, MasterBUILT also distinguishes itself through its collaborative approach with franchisees. Donaldson says the company’s focus on fostering strong partnerships with franchise investors revolves around a SPONSORED CONTENT