Name: Courtney Mihalakis
Title: Esthetician/Bridal Coordinator/Wellness Coordinator
Hometown: Dubuque, IA
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
Five years.
2. What path brought you to Hotel Julien Dubuque? Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to this industry.
I have always had a passion for doing make-up and I am a beauty product junkie. It was a natural fit for me to go into the spa industry.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
I love making my clients feel relaxed in such a fast pace world. Self-care is very important to me.
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
Personally, I’m passionate about my family. Any free time I have is spent with my four kids and house full of pets.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
One of my favorite things to do in the Dubuque area is taking in the beautiful views on Heritage Trail.
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
What I love most about the hotel are my co-worker’s at the spa. They are like family to me.
7. What is your personal motto?
“You only live once.”
8. Describe your typical workday.
My typical workday includes meeting new clients, performing spa services and speaking with co-workers.
9. Tell us about your favorite service at Potosa Spa. And why you like it.
My favorite service at Potosa Spa is the Ultimate Wrap and Bath. This service includes a little bit of everything; a scrub, body wrap, facial, bath, and full body hydration. It doesn’t get any better than that!
10. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I have been in the customer service industry of 15 years.
Name: Nicole Dempewolf Title: Weddings and Special Event Manager Hometown: Dubuque, IA
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
Since February of 2018
2. What path brought you to Hotel Julien Dubuque? Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to this industry?
In 2012, I began my education in hospitality at Kirkwood Community College. Throughout my time in the Culinary and Pastry Program there, I began working in food and beverage at the Kirkwood Hotel. It was there, that I discovered my love for the front of the house and guest interaction. After graduating in 2015, I returned home to Dubuque and took a position at Vinny Vanucchis as the Restaurant Manager. Along with the many other responsibilities of restaurant management, I was responsible for the booking and execution of large events and parties such as holiday parties, tour groups, and rehearsal dinners. Executing these events became my favorite part of the job. In February of 2018, I took the position of Catering Coordinator at Hotel Julien Dubuque to further develop my knowledge of events and catering. Now, after almost a year in the Catering Coordinator position, I am taking all of the previous experience and knowledge I have gained into the Wedding and Special Events Manager position.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about our guests. One of the best things about my job is that every day and event is unique. Every couple that I sit down and meet with has a different story to tell and a different vision for their wedding. It is my job to bring that vision to life, and I am excited every time I am there to see the wedding day played out.
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
If we are not out and about socializing with friends, watching the Hawkeyes or Bears play, you will most likely find my fiance Lucas and I snuggled up on our couch with our Yellow Lab Lilly, taking turns watching each others favorite movies or reading our favorite books to each other.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
On the weekends, I love visiting the local breweries, wineries, and restaurants with friends. Dubuque has so much to offer and is constantly expanding; I am a firm believer in supporting local businesses!
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
What I most love about Hotel Julien Dubuque is how absolutely beautiful it is. The hotel offers a unique opportunity to take a step back in history and take advantage of the historic charm that is no longer visible in modern design. The hotel has a way of making every guest feel like they are part of something special.
7. What is your personal motto?
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
8. Describe your typical work day.
I spend most of the morning and afternoon reaching out to our Hotel Julien Dubuque Brides and Grooms; answering questions, giving suggestions, and detailing and planning the wedding day.
The later portion of my day is used for looking for and working on new ideas to constantly improve on making our weddings flawless. As most of our couples know, “I never like to say no.” There is always a way to make someone’s dream wedding happen.
Most importantly, I like to keep my schedule open. I keep my calendar busy with tours, menu tastings, and planning sessions as well, so making myself available most days and times makes wedding planning that much easier for our couples.
9. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I have the privilege of being a Hotel Julien Dubuque bride. My fiance Lucas and I will be getting married at the hotel this December.
Name: Sara Tenney Title: Front Office Manager Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
Eight fabulous years!
2. What path brought you to Hotel Julien Dubuque? Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to this industry.
I worked at the Julien Inn in Sales several years back! Our focus at that time was to bring additional tourism to Dubuque. I attended many trade shows with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Robert’s River Rides and the Dubuque Greyhound Park in a joint effort to bring tourists to our city! These were exciting and formative years for Dubuque tourism! After spending several years at home raising my kids, I saw the hotel remodeled and opened as Hotel Julien Dubuque! I couldn’t help myself! I wanted to return!
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
Working
with wonderful guests, clients and staff!
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
My husband and I have five children, one granddaughter and a sweet little dog too! We enjoy any time we can spend with our children and granddaughter! We like taking day trips, dining out, cooking in, wineries, reading, browsing in book stores, and exploring new places! An adventure away for a few days is always fun too!
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
I love the arts. I attend music events, art shows and theater
every chance I get! Dubuque has amazing
talent!
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
Working in
such an elegant, historic building!
7. What is your personal motto?
“The trouble is, you think you have time.”
8. Describe your typical work day.
Part of why I love my job is because I don’t have a “typical work day”! Much of my day is spent making sure we are meeting/exceeding our guest requests. I also work through emails, billing, schedules, invoices, commissions, etc.
9. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I am a bit of a dare devil! I like heights and challenge myself any chance I get!
10. Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Come experience Hotel Julien Dubuque! Contact me with
your lodging needs! I would be happy to
help make your experience one to remember!
