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Our Story
In 1989, Margaret Kim, the founder and now honorary lifetime member, embarked on her journey in the hospitality industry by purchasing the 25-unit independent Stagecoach Lodge in Monterey, CA, where she lived and worked alongside her two sons, Steve and Kyu. Margaret quickly became an integral part of the community as a first-time motel owner in a prominent market. Through dedication and self-education, Margaret instilled a strong work ethic and growth mindset into her family business.
In 1994, the family expanded their portfolio by acquiring a 55-unit Comfort Inn in Lodi, CA, which served as a catalyst for the company's growth. Despite facing challenges such as the economic downturn in the Silicon Valley in 2001, they ventured into the extended-stay hotel market by opening a 4-unit MainStay Suites in Hayward, CA, which they managed until 2007, gaining valuable experience in this segment.
With the aim of replacing the Comfort Inn, they initiated the development of Comfort Inn & Suites in Galt in 2005, a 70-unit hotel that opened successfully in 2006, albeit later sold in 2008. Subsequently, in early 2008, the company rapidly expanded its portfolio, acquiring three existing hotels and commencing the development of an 89-unit Holiday Inn Express in Lodi, California.
Over the years, they managed various properties, including the Hampton Inn in Stockton, CA, which transitioned into a Holiday Inn Express in 2013, and the Holiday Inn Express in Lathrop, CA, rebranded as Quality Inn & Suites in 2010 and sold in 2016. They also briefly managed a 120-unit La Quinta in Tucson, Arizona.
Their notable success includes the opening of the Holiday Inn Express in Lodi, CA, in July 2009, despite challenging economic conditions. They recently renewed a 15-year contract with IHG and embarked on a $2 million renovation of the property in 2019.
Driven by a long-term vision to introduce an extended-stay brand to the Lodi, CA market, the company developed Candlewood Suites, their fourth such property, a 95-unit establishment that opened in September 2019. Throughout their journey, their family-owned business has remained connected to their communities and industry colleagues, earning a reputation for upholding core values and a commitment to customer satisfaction, all while injecting a sense of fun into their endeavors.
For us, operating from a place of honesty, integrity, and professionalism is key. It is our people and our culture that define who we are as a company, and where we want to go. Our commitment to these values extends well beyond our immediate team. We apply them to our growth plans and fiscal responsibilities; toward environmental consciousness; and maintaining excellent corporate citizenship.
At KFM Hospitality, our goal is to exceed expectations. In other words, we strive to go beyond for our associates, our guests and our communities.
Our Mission
Our Team
Kyu Kim
CFO/CFO
As one of the founding directors of the company, Kyu Kim brings Thirty years of hospitality industry experience to KFM Hospitality Inc. He began his hospitality career with his family purchasing a 25- unit Independent Motel in Monterey CA. This started an awesome growth of management experience, development, and knowing what it takes to be the best he can be. With four ground up development under his belt and numerous renovations, he believes future development will become easier and bigger. Kyu has led the company through many great opportunities and challenges. He did it with his wonderful wife and business partner Beth Kim who had been by his side for twenty years. With the experience gained he believes it’s time for him and the organization to take the next step to bigger and stronger ventures. Kyu Kim earned an Associate Degree from Monterey Peninsula College. Followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting from California Polytechnical College in San Luis Obispo CA. After several years in the industry he attended University of Pacific in Stockton CA and earned a Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship.
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Beth Kim
Regional Director of Operations
Beth Kim joined KFM Hospitality in 2000. Starting at the entry level joining the front line and working her way through all of the ins and outs of Hotel Management. Concentrating on her passion for the front of house and excellence in customer service culture. First time development in 2005 she poured her heart into the design and community service side of the business. Since that time she has developed and continued to grow within her communities. Beth continues to be the face of our Hotels and enjoys instilling the service culture her family created 30 years ago. Always ready for a challenge and change in the industry, Beth has appreciated the growth in learning everything from hit the pavement sales to getting involved in city legislation. The excitement is never ending, as the Company continues in the same growth path with smart controlled growth. After 20 years Beth continues to bring her passion, dedication, and work ethic to our brand, maintaining community involvement and a mentor for our Team.
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Karri Rivard
Regional Director of Operations
Karri Rivard has more than 30-years experience in the Hospitality Industry. Karri began her career in Canada with Douglas McDonald Corporation and assisted in opening 3 Full-Service Hotels and 3 Select Service Properties developing in strong Sales and Marketing Team while driving volume revenues to each specific property. In 1997 Karri relocated to Northern California and joined the Central Valley Hotel Group as Regional Director of Sales who owns and manages multi branded hotels. During her time with Central Valley Hotel she was on the opening team of Hampton Inn and Suites and a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. In 2007 Karri branched off as an independent Sales and Marketing Consultant and at present represents numerous properties with brands such as IHG, Hilton, Four Points, and Choice Hotels. She provides ownership with new Marketing Techniques, Market Analysis, and Action Plans to increase revenues with final result of an increase to the Hotel’s Market Share. Her experience and reputation is fueled with an aggressive approach to Customer Service and Key Account Relationship Building.
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Melanie Galo
Regional General Manager
At the age of nineteen Melanie got her start in the hospitality industry. She became enthralled with learning every aspect of the industry and assisting in every department. Melanie quickly came to lead hotel teams and the daily operations for numerous brands including; Wyndham, Marriott, IHG, and most recently Hilton. Humble, dedicated, and passionate are just a few words most often used to describe Melanie. Now with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Melanie looks forward to continue learning and growing and being a part of a team that delivers exceptional service to every guest.
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Mary Brocchini
Regional Front Office Manger
With over 25 years of business office experience, in 2017 Mary decided to switch gears and join the hospitality industry. Mary's leadership skills proved to be an asset to the hotel team. Mary exudes incredible integrity and leads by example daily. Mary is excited about continuing the journey in her hospitality career and being part of a team that is dedicated to guest service.
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