Meet The Team Archives - Hotel Julien Dubuque

Category Archive: Meet The Team

March 25, 2022
Meet the Team: Briana Lee Martin

Name: Briana Lee Martin

Title: Massage Therapist

Hometown: Maquoketa

1.How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?

About 8 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.

After COVID, I wanted to work for a business that was professional and secure, and Potosa was the first place that came to mind.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

Making sure my clients feel comfortable and relaxed with me, and making sure their concerns and questions are heard.

4. What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?

For fun, I love to make art and garden. I spend most of my free time restoring my future home.

5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?

I love to visit the River Museum and find new places to eat and grab something sweet.

6. What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?

Being able to hear all the stories of guests traveling and learning what their favorite locations are that they’ve visited.

7. What is your personal motto?

Life’s too short to live it unhappy.

8. Describe your typical work day.

Very busy, I usually have 3-5 clients a day. Lots of interactions.

9. What is your favorite service at Potosa Spa and why?

Shea Butter Massage because it makes the skin so soft and you leave feeling relaxed and smelling great!

10. Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself.

I like to name my pets after food!
March 18, 2022
Meet the Team: Lauren Klar

Name: Lauren Klar

Title: Wellness Coordinator

Hometown: Dyersville, IA

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.
December 8, 2021
Meet the Team: Ashley Bausman

Name: Ashley Bausman

Title: Group Sales Manager

Hometown: Freeport, IL

How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque?
I have been working at the Hotel Julien Dubuque since May 2023.

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 came to Dubuque for my college education at the University of Dubuque. I knew I wanted to enter the hospitality industry, so I applied to the Grand River Center. I planned events and weddings at the Grand River Center. Upon researching Hotel Julien Dubuque, I learned that it is a small business and values community engagement. I was enthused about
accepting the position as Sales Manager.

What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about building relationships and community engagement.

What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to
spend a free weekend?
I am passionate about reading, kayaking, and baking. My favorite way to spend a
weekend is soaking up the sun on the Mighty Mississippi.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area?
My favorite things to do in the Dubuque Area are golfing, visiting the local restaurants
and bars, shopping, attending the Farmer’s Market, and engaging in community events.

What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque?
The thing I love the most about Hotel Julien Dubuque is how big of an impact it has on
the entire town. Almost everyone I engage with has a significant event that has taken
place at the Hotel Julien Dubuque.

What is your personal motto?
“Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the best you’ve got
anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between
you and them anyway.” -Mother Teresa

Describe your typical work day.
My typical work day includes responding to emails and voicemails, writing and sending
contracts, sales calls, updating lodging blocks, and attending networking events.

Please share a go-to fun fact about yourself.
A fun fact about myself is that I competed in gymnastics or cheerleading for 17 years.
October 7, 2021
Meet the Team: Sarah Mescher

Name: Sarah Mescher

Title: Salon Lead/ Esthetician/Nail Tech

Hometown: Dyersville, Iowa

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!
Meet The Team: Jim Rucker

Name: Jim Rucker

Title: Licensed Massage Therapist

Hometown: Dubuque, IA

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.
September 30, 2021
Meet The Team: Lauri Santow

Name: Lauri Santow

Title: Catering Manager

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

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?

GO BEARS!!
September 22, 2021
Meet The Team : Corey Kruser

Name: Corey Kruser

Position: Banquet Manager

Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa

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?

I am a hobbyist!
August 23, 2021
Meet The Team: Michael Henson

Name: Michael Henson

Title: Executive Chef

Hometown: Miamisburg, Ohio

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?

I love food!
August 19, 2021
Meet The Team : Ben Donovan

Name: Ben Donovan

Position: Sous Chef

Hometown: Dubuque, IA

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!
August 6, 2021
Meet The Team : Rachel Jacobson

Name: Rachel Jacobson

Title: Corporate Sales Manager

Hometown: Bridgewater, Iowa

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!