1.How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
Since June 2021
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 a license in Cosmetology and wanted to work in this type of environment.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
The best part about my job is seeing people leave happier than when they arrived.
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
I am passionate about music, and I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
Going on Target runs!
6.What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
The Hotel Julien Management Team makes me feel valuable and appreciated.
7. What is your personal motto?
You never know what someone could be going through, so be kind.
8. Describe your typical work day.
When I open, I get the spa ready and make it a welcoming and relaxing environment. Throughout the day, I try to make the experience better by being the first and last person they see.
9. What is your favorite service at Potosa Spa and why?
I love any type of facial here at Potosa Spa because of how relaxed they make me feel afterwards. I love how fresh my face feels after I get one.
10. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
My husband and I recreated my grandparent’s wedding photo.
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
I have been working at the Hotel Julien Dubuque for 6 months as a bartender/mixologist
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’ve been bartending for about 12 years, starting out at Winifred’s Catering out of Cedar Rapids, IA. I eventually started bartending at their high-end steakhouse, also called Winifred’s. While working at Winifred’s, I began to experiment with different spirits and house-made ingredients and learned that I was pretty good at making cocktails. In 2013, I entered and won the Iowa’s Best Mixologist Contest hosted by the Iowa Restaurant Association. I took a short break from bartending for about 4 years, working in digital marketing and online tech support before finding my way back into the hospitality industry at 7 Hills Brewing Company. I worked for 7 Hills as a bartender and marketing manager up until I had to be laid-off due to COVID-19. I took some personal time and started my cocktail YouTube channel, Alchemix Bar, with my wife. In April of 2021, I entered and won the IRA’s Top Mixologist contest again, representing myself and Alchemix Bar. But, there’s nothing like bartending for a crowd that enjoys cocktails. So I reached out to the Hotel Julien Dubuque and asked if they needed help. Now, here I am!
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Professionally, I’m most passionate about creating a phenomenal customer experience. That means making patrons comfortable by offering friendly and fast service and great-tasting, consistent cocktails.
What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
Personally, I’m passionate about cocktails and learning about different spirits, modifiers, and techniques to build quality cocktails. I spend a lot of my free time working on and growing our YouTube channel. I also enjoy making wood projects on my CNC and learning about business and marketing.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
The Dubuque area has beautiful scenery, and I’ve enjoyed hiking the trails at Mines of Spain and walking along the Mississippi River walk with my wife. I also like to visit the local breweries and some of the more unique bars in the area.
What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
I love the history and the atmosphere of the Hotel Julien Dubuque. Walking through the doors feels like you’re stepping back in time, but with the modern amenities we’re used to.
What is your personal motto?
Be 1% better every day
Describe your typical work day.
On a typical work day, I get up and take my son to school. Then, I edit content for our YouTube channel and do some web development for websites or do some woodworking. I get ready to head into work by 2:30 to prep the bar and all of the fresh ingredients I need for that night’s shift. When I get home, I’ll usually unwind and take some time to relax before I go to bed.
What is your favorite cocktail we serve at Riverboat Lounge and why you like it?
My favorite cocktail I am serving right now is an original cocktail I created called the Winter Mai Tai. It takes the traditional Mai Tai flavors of almond, mint, and lime and adds winter spices. The cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg elevate the cocktail and make you feel like you’re celebrating the holidays on a beach somewhere tropical.
Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I played hockey for 6 years and love hardcore metal music.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I can’t wait to see new faces at the Riverboat Lounge and to bring my knowledge of modern and classic cocktails to the patrons who visit the bar.
1.How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
3 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.
What brought me to Hotel Julien was when I teaching at Capri, I wanted to get back to the spa life, so I jumped at the chance to apply with Potosa Spa! I have been in the spa industry since 2014, grew up in the spa industry, and knew early on that I would love working in this industry myself.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
Professionally, I am passionate about transformations and helping people feel better overall, whether it’s by providing a service or just talking things out!
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
Personally, I am passionate about traveling, adventure and my dog! I enjoy spending my weekends going to new places and exploring with my friends or my dog, Axle.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
Hiking around the Mines of Spain and listening to my friends, Temple Hill Road, play at Dimensional Brewing Co.
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
What I love most about Hotel Julien is my coworkers and clients!
7. What is your personal motto?
Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive.
8. Describe your typical work day.
Booked and busy!
9. What is your favorite service at Potosa Spa and why?
Hard to choose!
10. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I am an adventure- seeking dog mom! I also like to skydive!
1.How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
About 9 months
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 got into massage therapy because I needed a new direction in my life, and so the journey continues. After 20 years away from my hometown, I moved back to Dubuque, discovered Potosa, fell in love with it, and so here I am.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am passionate about providing a healthful and holistic service to the people I work on.
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
I love to ground myself in nature, either in the woods or on the waters in my canoe.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
Visiting historic old shops, fishing, going on walks, and the occasional trip to the casino.
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
The historical atmosphere.
7. What is your personal motto?
Motion is life, stagnation is death. Always keep moving forward.
8. Describe your typical work day.
There is usually nothing typical in the work day of a massage therapist.
9. What is your favorite service at Potosa Spa and why?
I really couldn’t pick a specific service. All provide a healthy benefit(s) in some way.
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
It’s almost been a month!
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 been in the hospitality industry for so many years. Most of my time has been spent on the execution side of the business. Now I have the opportunity to use my food and beverage experience to focus more on the sales and planning aspect.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about working with and for others that share my commitment to providing the highest level of service.
4. What are you passionate about personally?
Personal relationships. My family and friends are the most important thing in the world to me!
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
I like to go to Eagle Point Park.
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
The staff is genuinely friendly and the history of the building…especially Caroline’s story.
7. What is your personal motto?
Be honest, be kind and be happy!
8. Describe your typical work day.
Nothing “typical” yet…there’s something new everyday!
9. What is your favorite entrée we serve at Caroline’s Restaurant and why you like it?
Pork Tenderloin. It is unique and delicious!
10. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I love a psychological thriller.
11. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque? 4 months
2. Please share a little bit about your background: education, interests, activities?
I am originally from Dubuque and graduated from Senior High School. After high school, I worked at the Grand River Center as an Assistant Facilities Manager for 17 years. Now I am enjoying my time as the Banquet Manager at Hotel Julien. Things I enjoy doing in my free time include kayaking and watching or going to sporting events!
3.What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
I really enjoy kayaking, going on hikes, swimming, and spending time with my son.
4.What are some of your favorite features on the banquet menu?
Beef Tenderloin with Bourbon Peppercorn Sauce is definitely my favorite!
5. What do you enjoy most about working banquets?
My favorite thing about working banquets is the interactions I get to have with the guests. I also really enjoying working in a face paced environment and in banquets you get to do that.
6. Please share a personal motto or quote that you best relate to.
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary” – Vince Lombardi
7. When you’re asked to share something unique about yourself, what go-to fun-fact do you typically respond with?
1. How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
A little over a month!
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 been in the hospitality industry since the age of 13. I started as a dishwasher and then worked my way through the ranks to start managing kitchens at the age of 18. I have worked in a plethora of restaurants from QSR to fine dining. Most recently I was the Executive Chef at Inspired Madness Inc., an amazing restaurant group in Bozeman, MT.
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am passionate about from-scratch-cooking with a focus in locally sourced ingredients.
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
Spending time outdoors in nature. I love to hike, camp, backpack, hunt, canoe, swim, and just about anything that endures enjoy our beautiful forests, rivers, and lakes.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
I enjoy hiking in the Mines of Spain and swimming with our pops in the Mighty Mississippi.
6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
What I love the most about Hotel Julien is the staff, the history, and the potential to grow professionally here.
7. What is your personal motto?
Word hard, play hard.
8. Describe your typical work day.
Just leading the amazing culinary team to create amazing food!
9. What is your favorite entree we serve at Caroline’s Restaurant and why you like it?
Pork tenderloin because it has a complexity of flavors on a very well balanced plate.
10. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.
I’m the oldest of 5 kids.
11. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
1. How long have you been with Caroline’s Restaurant?
5 Months
2. Please share a little bit about your background: education, interests, activities?
I was born and raised in Dubuque. I went to Kirkwood Community College for Culinary School. I usually spend my free time with my family, and I enjoy watching NFL football in the fall, going to the shooting range, and taking the kids to do new things.
3. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
I like hiking, hunting, and taking the kids to the pool or park.
4. What are some of your favorite features on the Caroline’s menu?
The monthly specials. The Salmon Bruschetta is one of my favorites!
5. What do you enjoy most about working at Caroline’s?
The people and atmosphere! I really enjoy working in a hotel setting.
6. Please share a personal motto or quote that you best relate to.
If you’re going to do something, do your best, and do it right the first time.
7. When you’re asked to share something unique about yourself, what go-to fun-fact do you typically respond with?
My Dad’s side of the family is really big — my grandma had 12 children!
8. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
Getting ready to welcome another baby girl to our family this October, we are all very excited!
1.How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
A little over 2 months!
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’ve always been a planner; planning my day, my future, my grocery list! It was just a constant skill that I found so much joy in, so choosing Event Management as a major at Iowa State University was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. From studying a semester at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to completing various internships in different locations, my love for hospitality only grew.
After graduating from Iowa State University, I started my career in Wisconsin Dells where I would have a 7-hour drive to my home town which consisted of driving right through Dubuque. With the glow of the Hotel Julien sign always welcoming me into the city, I would imagine what it would be like to work there someday and now that day is today!
3. What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about helping people feel at home. Yes, we are a hotel but creating an atmosphere that is welcoming and comforting is a feeling that people remember.
4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?
I love re-doing furniture! There’s something special about bringing life back to a classic piece.
5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
My favorite thing is Saturday mornings spent at the Farmer’s Market or watching barges lock through the dam!
6.What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
The atmosphere. I’ve only been here a couple of months but I feel like I’ve been here for years. It’s hard to beat that feeling!
7. What is your personal motto?
Be the person you want to meet.
8.Describe your typical workday.
There’s no “typical” workday in hospitality, but my favorite part of the day is completing prospecting calls to potential clients. There’s something about the challenge of trying to build a relationship over the phone or email that lights my fire. Making a good and memorable first impression is everything and a little nerve-racking too!
9. Please share a go-to fun fact about yourself.
My mom’s a flight attendant so we would always go on short trips spontaneously like Australia for a weekend and Italy for 3 days!
Name: Briana Lee Martin
Name: Ben Donovan
