25 Years of Synergy: A Journey of Innovation, Resilience and a Promising Future

As we celebrate Synergy’s 25th anniversary—we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve taken together. Our path is not only one of significant milestones, both rewarding and challenging, but it’s also a path of evolution as we continually adapt to meet our clients’ ever-changing requirements, while simultaneously navigating the volatile landscape in which our industry operates. From our humble beginnings as a regional corporate housing company to the global hospitality leader we are today, our story is one of resilience, innovation and an unwavering commitment to our customers. 

A Journey of Transformation

Founded in 1999 in the innovative hub of Silicon Valley, Synergy co-founders Jack Jensky and Henry Luebbert set out with a mission to transform the commodity-driven version of corporate housing, prevalent at the time, into one driven by hospitality and partnership.

Their vision was to provide a level of service that would exceed the expectations of the world’s largest corporations while ensuring every guest felt uniquely cared for as an individual.

Our story began, as most stories do, with our first customer, a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer who recognized our passion and innovative spirit and was willing to take a risk on an unproven startup. Choosing the newcomer Synergy, over the well-established Oakwood Worldwide, was a significant leap of faith for this customer, and we are proud to say that 25 years later, we continue to earn their trust and their business.

From there, we were able to grow from only $600,000 in revenue in 1999 to over $10 million by 2020. This growth was not just a measure of our financial success, but a testament to our commitment for creating a better user experience than that of our competitors. The evolution from a startup to a thriving global leader in temporary housing was no small feat—it has been achieved through the dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment from the talented people who have been part of this exciting journey.

“Success isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about creating a legacy that our employees and clients can be proud of.” This vision has guided us in building a company that prioritizes long-term relationships, trust, and mutual respect." — Henry Luebbert.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The early 2000s tested our resilience as a company. The dot-com crash and the tragedy of 9/11 could have spelled the end for a young company like ours. Instead, it became a defining moment. This ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity became a hallmark of Synergy’s success.

“Planes literally stopped flying, and we didn’t know what would happen. But we quickly recovered and pivoted to weather our first significant crisis.” — Jack Jensky

Fast forward to 2008, and the global financial crisis presented yet another challenge. Jack shared, “Henry looked at me with confidence and said, ‘This is going to make us a better company.’” And it did. We found new business opportunities, adapted our strategies and emerged stronger than ever.

Moments of Pride: Giving Back and Going Global

Synergy has always been about more than just business. Our culture has been forged around teamwork and dedication to customer care. We pride ourselves on our willingness to do whatever it takes to provide a great guest experience. This ethos is reflected in everything we do, including our mantra, “we, together,” and it’s a significant reason why our company is called Synergy.

One of the proudest moments in our history wasn’t a business deal but a community initiative. In 2010, with Synergy’s headquarters now established in San Ramon, Synergy was approached to provide corporate sponsorship for a Little League team in Danville. In what would become a typical “major league” response from Jack and Henry, they didn’t just sponsor the team—they reignited community spirit by bringing back the joy of opening day festivities. “We had no idea there would be over a thousand people to cook for that day,” Jack reminisced. “But our employees showed up on their day off, and together, we created a moment that people still thank us for today.”

This sense of community and togetherness is what makes Synergy unique. It’s why, in 2010, when the world’s largest internet search company sought a global temporary housing supplier, they chose us—despite our lack of international operations at the time.

They recognized the “all in” mentality that Synergy brings to everything it does. To meet this challenge, Henry personally flew to Dublin, Ireland, and within a month, he had set up Synergy’s first international office.

"What was deemed impossible, we made possible,” —Jack Jensky

This milestone marked the beginning of our global expansion, which continues to thrive today. It was a pivotal David vs. Goliath victory that not only launched our international presence but set the stage for future growth. Fueled by our ability to compete against former industry giants like ExecuStay by Marriott, Oakwood Worldwide and BridgeStreet, we continued to win contracts with major clients and establish additional international operations in key markets like London and Singapore.

Partnership with Ascott: A New Era

In 2017, Synergy entered into a transformative partnership with The Ascott Limited, a significant global hospitality leader, who acquired a majority stake in Synergy. This partnership was more than just a business transaction; it was a validation of Synergy’s potential to reshape the hospitality ecosystem.  The strategic alliance has allowed Synergy to vastly extend its reach and ability to meet the needs of our clients on a global scale, solidifying our place as a leader in the industry.

Embracing Challenges as Opportunities

As we look to the future, we're excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The past few years have seen unprecedented changes, from the shift to remote work during the pandemic to rapid advancements in AI and other disruptive technologies. These changes have challenged us to adapt and innovate, and we have done so with the same spirit of resilience and teamwork that has defined our journey from the start.

Yet, amidst these challenges, we’ve remained true to our core values. As Jack insightfully observed, “Every challenge we faced was an opportunity to redefine who we are and what we stand for. Our resilience is not just about survival—it’s about growth, learning and embracing the future with confidence.” Through it all, we have adapted, innovated and continued to deliver exceptional service.

The future of corporate housing lies in flexibility, sustainability and an immersive cultural experience. The gap between traditional full-service hotels and multifamily unfurnished apartment buildings presents a significant opportunity. At Synergy, we are perfectly positioned to bridge this gap to meet the evolving needs of today’s global traveler. The road ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges, but with the Synergy spirit that lives within each of our associates, we are confident in our ability to navigate whatever comes our way.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future Together

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are filled with pride for how far we've come and excitement for what the future holds. Perhaps more importantly, this milestone is an opportunity to take a moment and thank everyone, including our customers, partners and team members, who have been integral to this journey. From our early days as a company of four doing business from a kitchen table in San Ramon, California, to the global operation we are today—it’s been one incredible ride. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about what’s yet to come.

At the heart of Synergy’s success is a culture that reflects our core values and principles. Henry Luebbert wisely notes, “A strong culture isn’t something you build overnight. It’s the result of consistent actions, shared values and a commitment to doing what’s right.” Over the past 25 years, we have cultivated a culture of integrity, collaboration and excellence.

Here’s to the next 25 years of Synergy—where we will continue to innovate, adapt and, most importantly, care for our customers with the same passion and commitment that has defined us from the very beginning.

Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.