My Place Hotels of America's Terry Kline, executive vice president of franchise development, will retire at the end of May after more than four decades in the hospitality industry.
Kline's career includes the sale of more than 800 franchise units and a legacy defined not only by exceptional performance, but by the relationships, culture, and leadership he cultivated throughout the industry. Since joining My Place Hotels at its inception, Kline has led franchise development for the past 12 years, playing a foundational role in shaping the brand's growth trajectory and establishing its presence within the extended-stay segment.
"Terry joined us at a pivotal moment — when the My Place brand was in its earliest stages, with just a handful of hotels open and several more under development," Ryan Rivett, co-founder and CEO of My Place Hotels, said in a statement. "Within a matter of months, he had secured our first independent franchise partners and built the early momentum that would define our growth. His ability to connect with people, build trust, and execute at a high level set the tone for everything that followed."
Kline's history with The Rivett Organization dates back to the mid-1980s, when he was first recruited by Ron Rivett, co-founder of Super 8 Motels. During his tenure with Super 8, Kline contributed to one of the most significant franchise expansion stories in the hospitality industry, continuing his work into the early 2000s. He later played key roles in the growth of the GuestHouse and Settle Inn brands before rejoining The Rivett Organization in 2014 to help launch and lead franchise development for My Place Hotels.
Beyond the numbers, Kline's impact is most evident in the culture he helped build and the people he mentored along the way. His leadership style — grounded in integrity, consistency and a genuine commitment to others — has left a lasting imprint on the organization, according to the company.
"Looking back, what mattered most wasn't the deals or the numbers. It was the people," Kline said. "The developers who took a chance on a new brand, the franchisees who trusted us with their investment, the teammates who showed up every day to build something real. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that the relationships are the job. Everything else follows from that."
"Terry is far more than a leader in franchise sales and development — he is a builder of teams, a mentor, and a steward of culture," Ryan Rivett added. "Over the past 12 years, he has contributed immeasurably to the foundation of this company. His influence will continue to be felt in the strength of our relationships, the character of our team, and the trajectory of our brand for years to come."