Summer 2014 Newsletter

TPI
SUMMER 2014
INNSIDE
The future is now...
A rebranded name and logo
energizes the TPI team
Torgerson Properties has a great opportunity waiting
Tom Torgerson illustrates why now is the time to create a win-win outcome
Hello Team! I’m glad to be talking with you at this time as the prolonged winter has finally
faded into the sunset and summer is in full swing!
As always, there is a lot going on in the TPI Hospitality world. Most importantly, we have
shown tremendous growth in guest satisfaction over the past six to twelve months, and have
been awarded an unprecedented number of TripAdvisor Excellent Ratings as well as other
awards and acknowledgements. This is just more evidence of the great job you are all doing
with our guests. I commend you on your dedication to satisfying every guest every time, and
if we happen to drop the ball, we make it right before they get out the door. Your efforts are
very impressive to say the least!
Tom Torgerson
Chief Executive Officer
TPI Hospitality
There are so many things going on in the TPI Hospitality world, including repositionings, new
constructions and major renovations. All of these projects have their own stories and lives,
including a lot of enthusiasm by TPI associates for each one. Obviously, there are a lot of
balls to keep in the air, and with that, everyone needs to do their part to pull these projects off
with exceptional success. These are true team efforts! There are so many to review, it might
be easier to just list them in this simple format:
- December 2013: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Willmar opened
- March 2014: Green Mill Restaurant and Bar Willmar opened
- March 2014: Courtyard Rochester guest room enhancements completed
- April 2014: Best Western Plus Willmar opened
- April 2014: Hampton Inn Arbor Lakes guest room enhancements completed
- May 2014: Willmar Conference Center opened
- May 2014: Hilton Garden Inn Eagan guest room enhancementss completed
- June 2014: Courtyard Arbor Lakes new Bistro and Lobby reopens
- July 2014: Holiday Inn Express Eagan converts to Quality Inn & Suites Eagan
- August 2014: Ruff’s Wings & Sports Bar Willmar opens
- August 2014: Hampton Inn & Suites Minnetonka opens
- August 2014: Green Mill Restaurant & Bar New Ulm opens
- September 2014: New Ulm Conference Center opens
- September 2014: Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester opens
- December 2014: Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington guest room enhancements completes
- January 2015: Best Western Plus New Ulm opens
- March 2015: Green Mill Restaurant & Bar Shoreview opens
- March 2015: North Metro Event Center Shoreview opens
- May 2015: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Golden Valley reopens
- July 2015: Best Western Plus Shoreview opens
Projects that are in the process of being developed are:
- Hampton Inn West Bloomington is scheduled to start construction in August of 2014 and open in August of 2015
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Roseville is scheduled to start construction in spring of 2015 and open in spring of 2016
- Hampton Inn Roseville is scheduled to start construction in spring of 2016 and open in spring of 2017
In the back ground, TPI Corp is researching ways to make the associates of TPI more and more the interwoven fabric of TPI
Hospitality and for them to participate in the successes we truly intend to achieve together going forward. We are way too early
into this process, but simply want you all to know that we are building something great together and we want to share that
success with you. So stay tuned on this one. I think that by the end of 2014 we will have something exciting to share with
you. In 2014 TPI will surpass $100,000,000 in revenues, approach $300,000,000 in enterprise gross value and approach 2,000
associates. The entire TPI team has worked very hard to reach these milestones and I want to thank you all for making it
possible. TPI has never believed in sucking money out of the company, as we would rather reinvest and reinvest and reinvest
back into the infrastructure. It is this infrastructure, teamed in unison with the amazing work of so many TPI associates, that
provided the formula for this great company. I wish you all the best summer ever!
~ Tom
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Leadership, Values, Vision
Mitch Peterson shares his perspective concerning TPI’s greatest opportunity for success
Having just completed our Leadership, Values, Vision rallies company-wide, it feels like a
great opportunity to do a recap of what we shared. First and foremost, I would like to thank
all of the TPI associates who participated in these events. Your interaction, engagement and
feedback were essential to the process and aided greatly in creating successful outcomes. To
align the entire TPI team with the critical message of these rallies, I would like to share some
thoughts with you.
As TPI continues to compete in an increasingly more competitive environment, it is imperative
that we continue to find ways to set ourselves apart from our competition. We feel that there
are three distinct, competitive advantages that we as a team can leverage to insure that TPI
continues to outperform our competition. Those three items are; Leadership, Core Values and
Vision. The following are some thoughts on how these three opportunities can set TPI apart
from our competitors.
Leadership: Perhaps the best description that we shared pertaining to leadership was a
quote by the 6th President of the United States, John Quincy Adams. President Adams
stated, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more,
you are a leader”. It is a deeply held belief within TPI that each of us, without regard for the
position we hold, have the ability to be a leader. It is simply a choice that each of us must make. Whether it’s helping a
co-worker, going out of our way to assist a guest or simply in the manner in which we conduct ourselves, we can lead. In our
opinion, the primary characteristic of a leader is that the leader always has the best interest of others in mind and is focused
on selfless acts rather than selfish acts. In addition, effective leaders are humble, not arrogant. In this sense, a leader is not
concerned with self-promotion, but rather promotes others. Simply put, leaders are servants first. If you really look at this
simple explanation, it is clear that each of us can lead…it’s simply a matter of choosing to lead. In the end, leadership is less
about words, and more about actions!
Mitch Peterson
President of Operations
TPI Hospitality
Core Values: TPI has long lived by a simple set of core values, and we recently realized the importance of memorializing
them and sharing with everyone within TPI. Essentially, in their simplest form, core values are the basic principles that guide
our conduct within TPI as well as with everyone we interact with, including guests, clients and vendors. They are the
cornerstone to how we make decisions and how we act in the workplace. Our core values are represented in the simple
acronym, STAY SHARP.
Set the example for others to follow – Be a Leader, do what’s right, and inspire others to act in a similar manner.
Tenure is reinvented – Whether any of us has been with TPI for 10 months or ten years, we earn what we receive.
None of us are entitled to anything other than opportunity.
Accountability first – Without regard for any situation we find ourselves in, whether we created it or not, we own it.
There are no victims.
You before me – Simply put, we serve before being served and have the best interest of others in mind before our
own.
Service and guest satisfaction – This is the cornerstone to what we do. We serve each other and our guests…it is the
only reason that we are in business.
Honest and straightforward – Integrity is the strongest asset each of us possesses. There is no substitute for being
honest and direct in a respectful way.
Autonomy is earned – We promote certain freedoms to how each of us approach our roles. We earn these freedoms
only by living our core values and vision statement.
Respect one another – The golden rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
continued on page 20...
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Get your retirement plan on target!
Vanguard Target Retirement Date investments are available in the TPI Retirement Savings Plan
Target Retirement Date investments are designed to address a particular challenge facing many retirement investors;
constructing a professionally diversified portfolio. Many investors lack time or interest when it comes to investment or
retirement planning. They can become overwhelmed by the choice of investments available in a retirement plan lineup. Target
Retirement Date investments are designed to help long-term investors achieve their goals and overcome these challenges.
They are constructed on a number of investment best practices; the principles of asset allocation, diversification,
transparency, and maintaining a balance among risk, return, and cost.
Vanguard Target Retirement Funds are built in accordance with our overall investment philosophy that minimizing costs,
maintaining a long-term outlook, and diversifying across asset classes are key elements of investment success. The glide path
below illustrates our portfolios’ four core investment strategies:
Stock market exposure includes both domestic and international markets.
Bond exposure increases over time, to reduce volatility and offset diminishing future years of workplace income as the
participant approaches and goes beyond retirement.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are added to the mix as an inflation hedge.
Moderate stock market exposure is maintained in retirement for diversification and growth potential.
You can find more information on these investment opportunities by logging on to your TPI Hospitality 401k Retirement Savings
Plan at www.alerusretirementsolutions.com or by calling 800-433-1685. You can also contact Sweet Financial Services at
800-658-2507 for any of your investment related needs.
4
Torgerson Properties Flashback
Innside TPI has been an important part of the TPI culture for twenty-two years. When Innside TPI was published for the first
time, TPI only operated four hospitality brands...Perkins, Holiday Inn, Days Inn and Super 8. We have come a long way since
then. TPI’s longstanding success is directly related to the amazing associates who have been delivering outrageous guest
service in the hospitality industry since 1972, when Tom Torgerson Sr. developed the Holiday Inn of Willmar.
The pictures above identify just a few of the many associates who have helped create so much success since that fateful day
in 1972 that started it all. These people were all featured in Innside TPI at some point between 1992 and 2001, and every one
of them is still part of the TPI team. Can you identify all ten?
The first person who can identify all ten associates correctly and send those names to [email protected] will receive a
certificate for two nights of lodging at any TPI hotel. Here’s a tip...all of the past editions of Innside TPI are available at the TPI
Hospitality website at www.tpihospitality.com/about/innside-tpi
Good luck to everyone!
Carlton Harris honored with the Diamond Service award
Below is the nomination letter submitted by the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington team
“It was hard to pick just one category to nominate Carlton Harris for because
he wears many hats here. He works in housekeeping, helps out during the
week as a houseman, helps with banquet set up and then works in the
kitchen not only as busser and dishwasher, but he also cooks for us when we
need help. He is always willing to do any extra projects around the hotel, from
cleaning windows to deep cleaning floors. He is a very dedicated individual
and wants to learn as much as possible. Carlton’s commute to work, which
includes walking, biking and riding the bus, can often be a challenge, but he
is always on time and ready to get started. Carlton is one of the hardest
working associates at the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington, and our entire team
appreciates everything he does for us. Thank you Carlton!”
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A Blast From The Past!
This page from the Winter 1998 edition of Innside TPI reminds us that our vision statement has long been the foundation of
TPI’s unique culture. Tom’s message encourages all associates to “unleash” their creativity and talent” to assure an
outrageous guest experience. Outrageous guest service is not a task...it’s at attitude. Unleash your attitude!
6
TPI’s Eagan Campus earns a trifecta
Cathy Heuring, Rayisa Shvarts and the Hilton Garden Inn are recognized as the best of the best
TPI Hospitality was presented with multiple awards
exemplifying hospitality excellence during the Eagan
Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Hospitality Heroes Awards
program which took place March 27, 2014.
In order to qualify for an Eagan Hospitality Heroes Award,
candidates must exhibit service above and beyond their
normal job description through outstanding qualities such as
leadership and consistently adding to the general well-being
of guests and patrons.
TPI’s Hilton Garden Inn of Eagan was awarded one of the top
honors, Eagan Property of the Year. This award was given to
Hilton Garden Inn not only for its superior caring of guests, but
also for its active involvement in the community through
organizations such as the Dakota County Regional Chamber
of Commerce and the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Hilton Garden Inn of Eagan surpassed the criteria that were
necessary to win the Eagan Property of the Year award with
outstanding customer service, community involvement,
cleanliness and a never ending determination be to a better
establishment for its guests and its associates.
Two TPI Hospitality associates also had the honor of
receiving an award for their outstanding individual
performance. Cathy Heuring of Staybridge Suites was
nominated by her General Manager, Bill Godbe, who believed
she more than fit all the criteria of this award. The Eagan
Front Desk Associate of the Year is one that shows admirable
qualities such as over-the-top guest service, leadership and
consistency with every guest. Cathy is known by her
manager and staff as one person who greatly impacts her
team members and is constantly viewed as an inspiration by
her co-workers and guests. In one situation, Cathy made a
special trip to the store to get medications for a guest who had
been experiencing a terrible cold. She even delivered some
hot chicken soup!
The Hilton Garden Inn team accepts their award from the Eagan Convention
and Visitors Bureau recognizing the hotel as Eagan’s 2014 Property of the Year
Cathy Heuring of Staybridge Suites accepts the Eagan Convention and Visitors
Bureau award recognizing her as Eagan’s 2014 Front Desk Associate of the Year.
In addition, Rayisa Shvarts of the Holiday Inn Express was the
recipient of the Housekeeper of the Year Award, which serves
as a testament to the high standards, extraordinary attitude
and incredible work ethic that this award honors. During the
awards ceremony, Rayisa was recognized for the six day
weeks she often works along with the abundance of comment
cards she often receives during her work weeks. Her
nomination, submitted by Lucan Smith, Assistant General
Manager at the Holiday Inn Express, stated that “For all of us
at the Eagan Holiday Inn Express, Rayisa could be our Room
Attendant of the Month every month! Rayisa is friendly and
will do anything to make the guest’s stay enjoyable.”
Congratulations to Hilton garden Inn Eagan, Cathy Heuring
and Rayisa Shvarts for your amazing performance and for
absolutely setting the example to others to follow. You make
the entire TPI team proud!
Rayisa Shvarts of Holiday Inn Express accepts the Eagan Convention and
Visitors Bureau award recognizing her as Eagan’s 2014 Housekeeper of the Year.
7
A thankful General Manager
Dave Feist offers his thanks to those who helped make the Willmar Legacy Project a success
As most everyone knows, the Willmar campus has been in a
state of construction and renovation for over a year. As we
near completion, I would like to issue my gratitude for the help
that we received over the past several months. Thank you to:
Tom Torgerson, for having a vision for the future of the Willmar
campus, as well as investing in that vision to make it a reality.
Our esteemed leadership team, specifically Dennis Wallenta
and Kathy Aamot for helping hammer out all the details and
working with all the vendors, contractors and subcontractors
and keeping us on task and on budget.
Sheryl Walton and Marlene Kubasch for keeping all of the
purchasing contracts, invoices, and agreements organized
and questioning the ones that we missed or may have been
duplicated.
Fellow GMs and AGMs (Todd Roy, Emmett Lincoln, Lucas
Smith, Jason Hall) and all of the associates who took a day
away from their properties to come to Willmar, roll up their
sleeves, and help get us cleaned up and ready for our Best
Western Conversion. Again, our leadership team jumped in
here as well. Special thanks to the furniture assembly crew of
Pete Bromelkamp and John Cox.
Bob Smith for his constant support and help with getting our
banged up furniture looking good, and for helping coordinate
other maintenance personnel from other locations to come
and help us out on this endeavor.
Tina DeLeo, our Executive Housekeeper, for staying on top of
so many challenges, coordinating room sets, tear downs,
resets, interpreting brand standards and GM requests,
constantly cleaning the ever-settling dust and keeping our
housekeeping crew directed and on task.
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Fred Asche, our Chief Maintenance Engineer, for pointing out
the not-so-obvious (as well as the obvious) maintenance
concerns with our contractors, knowing the buildings inside
and out so that our subs had one point of contact for any
questions, keeping the crew on task, rolling with the daily
challenges, and pushing through it all with the right attitude.
Our front desk associates, for working off of temporary front
desks, disappointed guests, closed hotels, and for doing
whatever is asked by your boss, as well as whatever it takes
for the guest.
Our housekeeping associates, for making sure our new rooms
were neat and tidy, for answering to the constant challenges
and for taking whatever task or assignment we gave you and
running with it.
Our maintenance crew, for staying on top of the daily work
orders, regardless of whose responsibility the issue was, and
for keeping up with the ever changing daily priorities and
workload.
Dee Anne Osborne, John Cox, Jessica Kloss, and Chad
Pemberton, for helping me out with ecommerce, hours of data
building, rate code set up, strategies and all of the new
challenges that came with setting up our first Best Western
Plus. Additional thanks to Chad for filling in as our interim
sales person as well.
For those of you who are new to TPI, this project exemplifies
the caliber of the company you have joined. To see the executive team assembling desks, scrubbing walls, helping move
furniture, offering to help out at every corner, truly demonstrates our core values as a company, and makes TPI
Hospitality truly the best hotel and restaurant company to
work with! Thanks again for everything TPI.
TPI reinvestments continue
Recent investment projects continue to change the face of TPI Hospitality
Comfort Inn Willmar has
transformed
into Holiday Inn Express
Willmar
hester under
Homewood Suites Roc
ober opening.
Oct
an
h
wit
construction
Holiday Inn Willmar has
tranformed
into Best Western Plus
Willmar
It’s
NEW
It’s
hester guest
All of the Courtyard Roc
h, new look.
rooms now sport a fres
Hampton Inn Minnetonk
a under
construction with a sum
mer ‘14 opening.
NOW
Green Mill Willmar has
reopened, with
the outdoor patio soon to
be completed.
Center received a
The Willmar Conference
enhancements.
face lift and technology
es’ new
The Courtyard Arbor Lak
June.
in
s
open
lobby with bistro
9
Celebrating
Success!
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Since the last edition of Innside TPI was published six months ago, TPI teams and individual associates have been recognized by many local, national and brand affiliations for their outstanding performance. This unprecedented execution is only
made possible by first-in-class associates working together to create an outrageous experience for their guests and fellow
associates. Congratulations to all of these properties and associates for “setting the example for others to follow”!
TPI Hospitality - Top Hotel Management Company by Hotel Business Magazine
Hampton Inn Fairmont - Highest Guest Satisfaction among all Hampton Hotels worldwide
Courtyard Rochester - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Staybridge Suites Naples - IHG South Region’s Top Heartbeat Score
Hampton Inn Fairmont - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Ashley Morgan, Homewood Suites New Brighton - Director of Sales of the Year Award of Merit
Hampton Inn Arbor Lakes - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Cathy Heuring, Staybridge Suites Eagan - Front Desk Agent of the Year by the Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hampton Inn Shoreview - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Staybridge Suites Naples - IHG South Region’s Highest IHG Rewards Club Recognition Score
Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Jason Subbert, Fairmont Hotels - Honored as General Manager of the Year by Hospitality Minnesota
Hilton Garden Inn Eagan - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Staybridge Suites Naples - IHG South Region’s Top RevPar Increase
Staybridge Suites Naples - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Rayisa Shvarts, Holiday Inn Express Eagan - Housekeeper of the Year by the Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Days Inn Willmar - Days Inn Chairman’s Award
Hilton Garden Inn Eagan - Property of the Year by the Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eagan - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Courtyard Arbor Lakes - Marriott’s Gold Circle Award
Holiday Inn & Suites Arbor Lakes - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Carlton Harris, Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington - Best Busser/Dishwasher by the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Holiday Inn Austin - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Homewood Suites New Brighton - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Homewood Suites New Brighton - Hilton’s Connie Pride Award
Homewood Suites St. Louis Park - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Perkins Austin - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Staybridge Suites Arbor Lakes - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Todd Roy, Homewood Suites New Brighton - General Manager of the Year Award of Merit
Staybridge Suites Bloomington - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
Staybridge Suites Eagan - TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
11
Inn the news at TPI Hospitality
Ryan Miller was born and raised in
Willmar, MN and attended Willmar public
schools.
He attended college in
Alexandria and graduated with a degree
in Hotel & Restaurant Management.
After college, Ryan joined Pillar Hotels &
Resorts where he spent the last six
years of employment. He held positions
ranging from an Operations Manager, to
AGM, to task force GM to GM of his own
property. He has worked in several
different brands, including Marriott,
Hilton, IHG and Hyatt. He is looking
forward his future with TPI and to
building relationships with his new staff.
Welcome to TPI, Ryan!
Erin Lafferty joins the Holiday Inn New
Ulm and Green Mill New Ulm teams as
the Sales and Catering Director. She
has over ten years of management
experience in the hospitality industry
with a focus in food and beverage. She
is a native to the New Ulm area and
recently moved to be closer to her
family. Erin and her husband John have
an eight year old daughter and nine year
old son. She spends most of her free
time at her children’s sports activities or
with her family.
Melissa Gepp graduated from UWRF
with degrees in English and Spanish and
was previously a preschool teacher.
She taught for four years until the birth of
her son, and currently has two kids,
Anthony and Samantha.
Melissa
returned to the workforce at the front
desk of TownePlace Suites in Eagan.
She moved up to Sales Coordinator and
then SMERFE Sales Manager for both
the SpringHill and TownePlace. After six
years, Melissa moved to Bloomington
with Hyatt Place and Holiday Inn
Express. She is very excited to be part
of the Eagan Sales team as the
Corporate Sales & Catering Manager.
Candace Huisman has recently been
promoted to the position of Assistant
Housekeeper at Best Western Plus
Willmar. Candace has been with TPI
Hospitality for many years, starting out at
Green Mill Willmar in 2000. She had
become a fixture in the Green Mill
kitchen, and recently made the switch to
the front desk area at the Best Western
Plus. She is excited about her new role
and looks forward to working with the
Housekeeping team in the newly
updated hotel. Congratulations on your
new role, Candace.
Holiday Inn Austin welcomes Nick
Hansen as Assistant General Manager.
Nick is a 1998 Graduate of GlenvilleEmmons High School and attended
Riverland community college for
Construction Electrician. He has seven
years of experience in hospitality, two of
which he was the AGM at Holiday Inn
Express and AmericInn in Albert Lea,
MN. Prior to coming to TPI he worked as
the Supply Chain Director for Bellisio
Foods in Austin.
Nick is an avid
Minnesota Vikings fan and when he is
not watching football he enjoys spending
time with his wife, Vicki and his
daughters, Makayla 11 and Olivia 3.
The Willmar team would like to introduce
their new hotel AGM for the Willmar
campus. Nadene Schliep joined the
team as a prior manager of two businesses in Willmar, and has a degree in
Business Management. Nadene and
her husband have been married for 23
years and they also raise beef cattle. In
her free time Nadene enjoys spending
time with her husband and their three
kids, Samantha (23), Amy (21) and Ryan
(16). She is an avid reader, and an
established cattle rustler. Welcome to
TPI, Nadine.
12
Inn the news at TPI Hospitality
Introducing Mavie Sue Hannan! Mavie
was born on May 12th at 10:12am and is
the daughter of Kyle Hannan and his
fiance Alyssa. Kyle is the Front Desk
Supervisor at Homewood Suites New
Brighton. Mavie weighed in at seven
pounds, three ounces and was 19 ¾
inches long. As you can see, she has a
full head of read hair! Congratulations to
Kyle and Alyssa on the birth of their new
blessing.
Jeanette Patwell is excited to be joining
the Holiday Inn Express Golden Valley
team as the Front Desk Manager. She
currently lives in Burnsville but will be
moving to Chaska in November.
Jeanette previously worked at the
Hampton Inn & Suites in Bloomington,
located near the Mall of America and the
MSP airport. She was with that property
for a little over five years and will miss it
dearly, but is looking forward to
establishing great relationships with the
entire team at Holiday Inn Express
Golden Valley as well as the rest of the
TPI Hospitality team.
Chelsey Walerak has recently accepted
the Director of Sales and Catering
position at the Holiday Inn and Austin
Conference Center. Chelsey previously
was the Director of Catering, and prior to
that she had been the Banquet Manager.
Chelsey is very involved in the
Austin community, serving as a local
chamber ambassador and working
closely with the Convention and Visitors
Bureau to help sell Austin as a great
place to meet and stay. She has a
passion for not only delivering an
exceptional product, but also selling it.
Congratulations on your new role,
Chelsey.
Michelle Shamrokh recently joined the
West End Campus sales team.
Michelle will represent the Homewood
Suites St. Louis Park, Holiday Inn
Express & Suites Golden Valley and
Hampton Inn & Suites Minnetonka as
the SMERF Sales Manager. Michelle’s
background includes sales, teaching,
modeling, coaching and downhill skiing.
She is excited to utilize her natural
interaction with clients and guests on a
daily basis. This summer Michelle is
looking forward to playing volleyball,
swimming, going to the park and
spending time with her husband Ben and
step daughter, Zayda.
John Buttweiler joined the Hilton
Garden Inn Shoreview team in May as
their Maintenance Engineer. John grew
up in the North Metro area of
Minneapolis and has lived here all his
life. He is happily married to Eileen and
has a wonderful son and daughter-inlaw, Jon and Jessica, and awesome
grandkids, Kaela and Noah. John’s work
place origins were in the car business as
an auto body technician, and later in
residential and commercial remodel and
repair.
He is now repairing and
maintaining a hotel and lov’n it! John’s
hobbies include old cars, the outdoors
and making Maple Syrup.
Mackenzie Kennedy has recently
accepted the Sales and Catering
Manager position for the Arbor Lakes
Campus. Mackenzie began her career
with TPI Hospitality in 2009 as a
bartender at Holiday Inn & Suites Arbor
Lakes. She then moved to Courtyard
Arbor Lakes, working as a morning
Server, Dining Room Manager and most
recently as Food & Beverage Manager.
Mackenzie also has a background in
sales working for It’s Just Lunch and
Zeps, prior to and during her time with
TPI. Congratulations on your new
position, Mackenzie.
13
Inn the news at TPI Hospitality
Penny Karsjens has accepted the
Assistant Director of Catering Sales
position at the Holiday Inn Austin
Conference Center. Penny worked for
her parents in a small fast food
restaurant as a teen, and then spent
several years at home raising a family.
About ten years ago she re-entered the
work force working for Applebee’s as a
host and server. She then transitioned
into an office assistant position and then
to an office manager. Penny enjoys
spending time with her four children and
two dogs, family and friends. She also
likes to golf, go for walks, motorcycle
rides, and cooking.
Gail Nelson joined TPI as Director of
Sales for the Rochester campus. Her
past experience includes being a
Marketing Director, Branch Manager,
and Mortgage Loan Officer in banking.
She is excited to learn the hospitality
industry and to help grow TPI’s footprint
in the Rochester market. Gail is involved
with the United Way, Chamber of
Commerce and the Rochester CVB.
When not at work, Gail and her husband,
Scott, are watching their two children
play sports. Her son Jack is quarterback
for Winona State, and her daughter
Emma plays three sports for Byron High
School. Gail and her family live in Byron.
Bhakti Joglekar recently joined the
Bloomington Campus as their new
Corporate Sales Manager. Prior to
joining TPI, Bhakti had extensive
experience with Starwood Hotels &
Resorts, working at the Westin Edina,
the Westin Minneapolis, and the Westin
in Governor Morris, NJ. Bhakti started
her career in Pune, India, where she
completed her Bachelors degree in Hotel
Management at the University of Pune.
In her free time she volunteers for Allina
Health and across the Twin Cities for
hospice, respite and eleventh hour
care. She loves to bike, read and travel.
Welcome to Bloomington, Bhakti.
Kathy Aamot is a grandma? That can’t
be true! Well, here are the facts.
Welcome Jack Christopher Skordahl,
son of Kathy’s daughter Bria and her
husband Chris. Jack was born on
Sunday, February 9th at 7:24am. He
weighed in at seven pounds, fifteen
ounces and was 20 ½ inches long.
Everyone survived the ordeal well...even
grandma! Congratulations to Bria and
Chris, as well as grandma Kathy and
grandpa Brett.
Linda Mead has recently been
promoted to the Executive Housekeeper
position at Best Western Plus Willmar.
Linda joined the Willmar team in 2013 as
an Assistant Housekeeper and has done
an excellent job. She is determined to fill
the shoes of the former veteran
Executive Housekeeper, Tina Smith,
who recently moved to Illinois. Linda
looks forward to working with the
Housekeeping team and continuing their
past success. Congratulations on your
new role, Linda. The Willmar team is
excited to have you on board.
Angie Winkel is joining Green Mill New
Ulm and the New Ulm Conference
Center teams as their new General
Manager. Angie built her career with TPI
managing at the Green Mill in Shoreview
for the last 16 years. She has lived in
the Twin Cities area her entire life, and in
her free time she enjoys cabin weekends
at the lake with her friends and family,
spending time with her niece and
nephews, and cheering on the Twins
with her parents and brothers.
14
Inn the news at TPI Hospitality
Andy Anderson recently joined the
Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center
and Torge’s Live team as their Food and
Beverage Director. Andy has lived in the
Austin area for the last 14 years and is
very much vested in the community. He
brings solid experience from different
franchises including Applebee’s, Red
Lobster, Chili’s, and Chuck E Cheeses.
Andy met his wife of 21 years in Virginia
and they have two wonderful twins, one
boy and one girl. He is involved in
coaching his children’s sports and loves
spending time outdoors. Andy says he
has a strong desire to become a great
leader with TPI Hospitality.
Andrea Steele was recently promoted to
AGM at SpringHill Suites Rochester.
Andrea grew up in the KassonMantorville area which is a small town
just outside of Rochester. She has been
married for 21 years and has a son.
Before working in hotels, Andrea went to
Cosmetology school where she decided
a career in hospitality might better suit
her personality. Andrea has worked at
the SpringHill Suites for six years and is
very enthused about her new role. She
is looking forward to continuing to
broadening her knowledge in the
hospitality industry and to growing as a
manager. Congratulations Andrea!
David Wedan, a cook at Courtyard
Arbor Lakes, recently performed the
Heimlich procedure on one of his fellow
associates who was seriously choking.
David remained calm and reacted
immediately. His calm demeanor and
quick actions made this almost seem like
no big deal, but without David’s timely
response, it could have become a very
big deal. Kudos to David Wedan for
what was truly a heroic effort.
The Holiday Inn & Suites Arbor Lakes
would like to welcome Chrys Rodriguez
as the new Assistant General Manager.
Chrys has over eight years of beverage
and front office management experience
but also taught Speech Communications
before transitioning into the hospitality
field. Chrys has been with TPI since
2009. Outside of work, Chrys enjoys
frequent trips to Las Vegas and watches
every TV show known to mankind,
except for reality TV..well, maybe just the
Kardashians. Best of luck in your new
role, Chrys.
Elicia Allen joined the TPI team as a
SMERF Manager, and recently became
Corporate Sales Manager for the West
End Hotels. Her background includes
being a Sales Manager for Select
Comfort and a Manager for Ivivva
Athletica. Elicia’s experience with client
negotiations and customer service drew
her to the hospitality industry where she
enjoys focusing on relationship building.
Elicia prefers an active lifestyle including
volunteering on the planning committee
for the Twin Cities Marathon, teaching
Yoga Sculpt as a certified trainer,
running marathons and triathlon and
spending time with her dog Abby.
The Willmar campus would like to
welcome Staci Tegels Nelson as their
Director of Sales and Catering. Prior to
coming to TPI Hospitality, Staci was the
Sales and Service Manager at US Bank
Willmar. Staci and her husband Les live
in Willmar and have three grown
children. In her free time Staci enjoys
working out at two local gyms and is
currently studying to become a Certified
Personal Trainer. Welcome to the
Willmar team, Staci.
15
Inn the news at TPI Hospitality
Chris Carey recently joined the TPI
team as General Manager of Staybridge
Suites Eagan. Chris fell in love with the
hospitality industry as a teenager and
has been in the business since 1994.
He has worked with Radisson, Sheraton,
Embassy Suites, AmericInn as well as
working as a Regional Manager. Most
recently he was the GM of The Estes
Park Resort in Colorado where he was
awarded the “Top 25 GMs to watch in
2013” by Hotel Management Magazine.
Chris resides in Lakeville with his wife,
Dallas, and their two children, Behr and
Island. Chris enjoys boating, fishing,
camping and hiking.
The Rochester campus would like to
welcome Renee Deeds as their new
Sales Manager. After obtaining her
nursing degree from the University of
South Dakota, Renee spent over twenty
years in nursing, most recently with the
Department of General Surgery at the
Mayo Clinic. She joined the TPI team in
2012 as a barista/server at the Marriott
Courtyard Bistro. Renee is married and
has two beautiful stepdaughters ages
ten and eighteen. With her free time,
she also enjoys kayaking, card making
and scrapbooking. Congratulations,
Renee, and best of luck in your new
position.
TPI would like to welcome Cole
Matthew Rath. Cole is the son of Holly
Rath, General Manager at Homewood
Suites St. Louis Park, and her husband,
Matt. Cole, who was born on Thursday,
April 24th at 8:06pm, weighed in at
seven pounds, two ounces and was
nineteen inches long. Rumor has it that
Cole has mom, dad and dogs Bella
(Great Dane) and Harley (Lab) wrapped
around his tiny finger already!
Congratulations Holly and Matt on your
new bundle of joy!
Kristin Sorensen joined the Hampton
Inn Fairmont team in February as the
Property Supervisor. She is from a Navy
family and has lived in many hotels
growing up due to so much traveling.
She has gained her passion for this
industry from this experience. She now
resides in Spirit Lake, IA and is a diehard
Chicago Bears and Blackhawks fan.
Kristin is a recent graduate of South
Dakota State University with her degree
in Hospitality Management. Eager to
learn and get more experience under her
belt, she is hoping to make a great
impact on the Fairmont team. Welcome
aboard, Kristin!
Lindsey Thompson has just recently
relocated.
She was the Assistant
General Manager at Holiday Inn Express
Golden Valley, and has now transferred
to become the Assistant General
Manager at Courtyard Rochester.
Lindsay is originally from the Rochester
area, and she is very happy to be closer
to her family and friends and is enjoying
the opportunity to spend more time with
them since her move back. In her free
time Lindsey enjoys being with her
nephew, golfing and kayaking with
friends. We wish you the best of luck in
your new home, Lindsey.
Bill Godbe has accepted the General
Manager position at TPI’s soon-to-open
Hampton Inn & Suites in Minnetonka.
He was most recently the General
Manager at Staybridge Suites Eagan.
Bill’s hotel career began in 1999 at the
front desk of the Amerisuites - Mall of
America while studying Hospitality
Management at Normandale Community
College. His most recent position was at
Pillar Hotels and Resorts as the General
Manager of Hampton Inn - Minnetonka,
which will now be dropping the Hampton
brand. Bill’s previous experience in the
Minnetonka market promises to be a
great asset to the new hotel.
16
Inn the news at TPI Hospitality
Andrew Rohlik has been promoted to
the Food & Beverage Manager at
Courtyard Maple Grove. Andrew is a
native Minnesotan and has been with
TPI since 2010 when he started at the
Courtyard as a line cook. Andrew and
his wife welcomed their first child,
Maverick, this past February. Andrew
takes over his position at the Courtyard
as the hotel transitions the Food &
Beverage operations to Marriott’s new
Bistro concept. Good luck in your new
role, Andrew.
Holiday Inn Austin is excited to welcome
Becky Meany as their new Banquet
Manager. Becky has been with TPI
since 2011. After attending college in
Wisconsin for the last three years, Becky
has recently graduated with with a
Bachelor of Science degree in
Professional Communications and
Emerging Media. Along with her degree
she also obtained a minor in Human
Resource Management. Becky enjoys
spending time with her family and
friends. She is also an avid Minnesota
Twins, Wild, and Vikings fan.
TPI presents Tom Hed as the newly
appointed Assistant General Manager at
Perkins Fairmont. Tom began his career
in the food industry as a dishwasher at
the age of fifteen. Now, his passion for
food, attention to detail, and drive for
excellence has brought him into the TPI
family. Tom is recently engaged and has
two beautiful children, Spencer, 7, and
Kaylee, 5. Congratulations, Tom, and
welcome to TPI!
Green Mill New Ulm welcomes Joe
Romasiewicz as their new kitchen
manager.
He recently moved to
Minnesota in November from South
Florida. He has spent the last 11 years in
Restaurant Management both Front and
Back of the house. Out of work he enjoys
spending time with his children, visiting
the parks, riding bikes, walks, and
outdoor sports. He is looking forward to
growing his career with TPI and excited
to begin a new Green Mill in New Ulm!
Kayla Brice joined the Hilton Garden
Inn Shoreview team in May as their
Executive Housekeeper. She grew up in
the small town of Brillion, WI. Kayla
graduated from the University of
Wisconsin – Stout in 2012 with a degree
in Hotel Restaurant & Tourism
Management. During her college years
she experienced several internships,
including two at Walt Disney World.
After graduation, she moved to the Twin
Cities to start her career in the
hospitality industry. Welcome to the
Shoreview team, Kayla.
Sue Agostinelli joined Homewood
Suites New Brighton as the Director of
Sales. She most recently worked at the
DoubleTree Bloomington South. Prior to
the DoubleTree, Sue was Vice President
of Davidson Travel, a full service travel
agency. She resided in Great Falls, MT
for over twenty years before relocating to
the Twin Cities. Sue studied Marketing
at Montana State University, and
obtained her CMP certificated in 2006
and renewed it in 2011. She has two
grown children, two grandsons, a
granddaughter on the way and lives with
her two dogs Beemer and Seeley.
Welcome Sue!
17
Whatever it takes for outrageous guest service...
A guest comment received at the Austin Conference Center...
“How nice! I
mean, who does
that these days?
We felt so
grateful. I could
rave even
longer!”
Oh my, where do I start? We had such a great experience working with Chelsey Walerak
and Penny Karsjens. These two women and the rest of the staff that night were
outstanding. The ballroom looked so beautiful after they decorated. Penny even went out
and got some powdered snowflakes to add to our table centerpieces after she noticed our
wedding cake was a birch bark cake. She thought it would add to the outdoor winter theme!
How nice! I mean, who does that these days? We felt so grateful. I could rave even longer.
Call me if you need more compliments!
A guest comment received at Staybridge Suites Naples...
I want you to know that one of your front desk associates made the difference in us
choosing to stay at your hotel. Lindita Fteja answered my call back in January responding
to my questions about Staybridge Suites. She was extremely helpful, kind, friendly,
knowledgeable and courteous as she enthusiastically told us about why my family and I
would thoroughly enjoy our week's stay.
A guest comment received at Staybridge Suites Bloomington...
Vanessa Sparks went above and beyond to check on me and other guests in the family reunion party to make sure we had
all we needed. She is a great asset to your hotel and company. She knows her job and does it with ease and a great smile
too. Don't lose her.
A guest comment received at Courtyard Rochester...
I am writing to share with you that your staff at the Courtyard in Rochester is amazing! We got to know many of them
during our stay, and they all treated us with respect and kindness. They were professional and courteous and extremely
accommodating! Your staff there is by far the kindest hotel staff that I have encountered, and they have obviously been
trained well!
A guest comment received at Staybridge Suites Arbor Lakes...
It was such a pleasure to deal with Trisha Heiling. She was polite, understanding, efficient and happy to help. Our
extended family is leaving the Maple Grove area, so we may not have many future opportunities to stay at your facility, but
I want to recognize Trisha’s exceptional performance and I hope your organization does as well.
A guest comment received at Homewood Suites new Brighton...
Every single staff member that I encountered was friendly and courteous and always willing to go the extra mile. I get the
impression that this hotel is a great place to work because all of the staff genuinely seemed to be happy to be there. The
little extra touches like the welcome gifts containing a sports drink and a snack for the players, the kid-friendly breakfasts,
the newspaper with the flyers waiting for me and a handwritten welcome note did not go unnoticed and were much
appreciated.
A guest comment received at Perkins Fairmont...
I just wanted to take a moment to brag about one of your employees. Ashley Jordan waited on me and my family and gave
us tremendous service with a smile. You should be very proud to have her as part of your team.
18
YOU have the power!
A guest comment received at Holiday Inn Express Willmar...
I would like to draw your attention to the performance of two of your employees at the Holiday Inn Express. Christine
Jackson and Justin Pierskalla are both doing an excellent job of representing your organization at the front desk. Due to
a sudden change in health of our father, my sisters and I recently needed to visit Willmar for several days. Christine showed
empathy toward our family as we explained our need for flexibility and she worked very hard to accommodate our every
request. Justin was also very gracious as we made various changes to our schedules during his shift as well. Please
recognize these two individuals in any way possible for their contributions to an excellent experience at your hotel.
A guest comment received at Holiday Inn Austin...
Victor Rodriguez at the front desk has amazing customer service skills! Keep him around, he has a great energy!
A guest comment received at Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview...
Kory Lesnick made me feel like she cared about my stay and was helpful by providing directions to my local destinations.
I sensed her fellow employees had respect and admiration for her as well. She is a bubbly individual, and has an outgoing
personality. I have met hundreds of people in my seventy one years of traveling, and felt compelled to complement your
organization on having such a devoted employee with such a fantastic personality and attitude.
A guest comment received at Hilton Garden Inn Eagan...
The breakfast buffet was awesome, but Creshod Watkins made it an experience! He should be a stand up comedian, well,
he actually was. Seriously funny, charming, and we could not help but enjoy everything about breakfast. Several of us
stayed after we finished because we were having such a good time. We left in such a good mood, we would stay there again
in a heartbeat! Thanks again, Creshod, and all of the other friendly people working at the Hilton Garden Inn Eagan.
A guest comment received at Hampton Inn Arbor Lakes...
My rental car was stuck in a snowbank and it was not coming out. I was late for an appointment with a prospective
customer, and that car was not budging. Gary Johnson showed up, and to make a long story short, he was determined to
get me out. He trudged through knee deep snow, dug through ice and finally pulled me out with his personal vehicle. Great
service! He saved me who knows how many hours and tow fees. Tell Gary I said thanks!
A guest comment received at Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington...
Kendra Alfonso was so incredible it made me want to leap across the desk and hug her!
She had the biggest and brightest smile on her face and a tone in her voice which made me
know she actually cared. She cared about our family having a good time in the lobby
instead of acting like we were a bother. Oh, and Sue Lawson, our bartender, also cared
that we were enjoying ourselves. All of the staff we encountered had a genuine concern.
A guest comment received at Perkins Austin...
We have honestly never met a more friendly staff. Everyone made us feel so welcome and
happy that we were there. Mariah Paaverud was just wonderful. She was so cheerful. We
were on our way home from a depressing Mayo visit, Mariah and the whole staff were just
exactly what we needed. Thank you so much for such a great experience.
“We were on our
way home from
a depressing
Mayo visit,
Mariah and the
whole staff were
exactly what we
needed.”
19
...continued from page 3, Leadership, Values, Vision
Pace setters win – There is no resource available to us that is more valuable than time itself. We don’t believe in
wasting time. Every second lost is gone forever!
Vision: TPI developed a vision statement many years ago. It simply states, “Whatever it takes for outrageous guest service.
You have the power!” Each of you has been exposed to this vision statement from the moment you joined TPI Hospitality. It
bears repeating what this statement truly means. It is actually a very simple, yet powerful, concept. In the daily roles we each
have at TPI, we not only have the right, but also the responsibility, to do whatever it takes to insure that our guest’s
expectations are consistently being exceeded. Without regard for what role you have within TPI, your number one priority is
to satisfy our guest’s wants and needs. It is the responsibility of each of us to understand our guest’s expectations and be
proactive in exceeding them. Executing your role, smiling and greeting guests, being alert for opportunities and going above
and beyond, are just a handful of examples of how we can each live our vision statement. Sometimes the simplest gesture
can have the greatest impact! Our guests simply need to know that we care for and appreciate them. Without satisfied guests,
we wouldn’t be employed.
In closing, please keep this thought in mind as you continue to execute your role at TPI: Leaders, who consistently live by a
sound set of Core Values, and act with a clear Vision, ultimately create success. Each of you has the ability to be a
leader…don’t waste that opportunity!
My heartfelt thanks to each of you for all of your contributions! I am proud to be associated with you and it is a privilege to
serve you!
Mitch
At TPI Hospitality, we believe in our associates...
“Whatever It Takes For Outrageous Guest Service
...You Have The Power!”
TPI Hospitality
Water’s Edge Professional Building
103 15th Avenue NW Suite 200
P.O. Box 1020
Willmar, MN 56201
Phone: 320-235-7207
Check out our web site at www.tpihospitality.com