Meet the Team: Diane Kaufman
Leading a team of over 20 individuals in executing some of life’s most memorable events is no easy task, but Banquet Manager Diane Kaufman’s attention to detail, infectious enthusiasm, bright smile, and enormous amounts of energy make her the perfect person for the job!
What path brought you to Hotel Julien Dubuque?
“I love working with people. My very first job was at a local pizza and kids play place called Kid’s World. I started working there at the age of 14 and worked there until the restaurant closed when I was 18 years old. I moved up to a supervisor at age 16 and was responsible for opening and closing the store, leading other employees, managing the register and taking care of the cash drop at the end of the night. This was one of my favorite jobs as a teenager. I then went to school and obtained a degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa in 2005. I worked as a Domestic Violence counselor from 2005 until 2010.
When the program I worked for closed due to funding, I decided to go back to school as well as start working as a server in the hospitality industry again since I remembered enjoying it so much. I started as a banquet server at Eagle Ridge and worked my way up to Banquet Captain. I also started working at Hotel Julien Dubuque and worked my way up to Restaurant Supervisor. I then decided to move to Denver where I remained in the hospitality industry working at the Renaissance Hotel as a server and banquet server. Upon returning to Dubuque, I applied for the Banquet Manager in May and here I am.”
What are you most passionate about professionally? “I am passionate about providing a level of service that is the best possible! Making people happy and making sure they enjoy themselves while here is what I love to do every day. Not just simply meeting people’s expectations for their particular event, but exceeding those expectations and ‘wowing’ them!”
What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend? “I love to spend time with my friends. I love traveling and exploring new places. I also enjoy swimming, especially in an ocean whenever possible.”
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area? “Walking down on the river walk and hiking out at the Mines of Spain.”
What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque? “I love the people I work with! I have an amazing staff of very unique, interesting young adults who I learn from every day. I also have a supportive management team that I am proud to be a part of. Most of all, I love to work banquet events!! I love to see all the different weddings and work all the different kinds of parties that are booked at the hotel. My job changes every single day which makes things exciting and interesting.”
What is your personal motto? “Collect moments and memories, not things.”
As a leader a large team, what strategies do you implement to keep your team motivated and energized? “Make things fun! I have a very unique department where my staff has the ability to be creative and fun in their different job roles. Some staff members like to decorate and that is a huge part of making an event successful. Other staff members enjoy meeting and talk to new people which happens every day while serving the different events. I focus on different staff members interests and abilities and I allow them to be creative and fun with it while executing their job responsibilities.”
Please share a fun fact about yourself. “I love to sing.”
Contact Diane via email at banquetmgr@hoteljuliendubuque.com or by phone at 563.588.5575.
