Meet The Team Archives - Page 2 of 6

Category Archive: Meet The Team

July 29, 2021
Meet The Team : Abby Palmer

Name: Abby Palmer

Title: Marketing Manager

Hometown: Dyersville, Iowa

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

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.

Well, I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa this past May in Marketing and Advertising. Once I graduated, I started looking for full-time employment in the Dubuque Area involving Marketing. I’ve always known about Hotel Julien because of my spa getaways with my mom, sister, and niece, so I thought it would be a cool place to apply to, especially since they had a Marketing Manager position open. So far, it’s been a great opportunity for me and has really been expanding my knowledge of Marketing within the hospitality industry.

3.What are you most passionate about professionally?

Professionally, I am passionate about being behind the scenes of projects whether that be an ad piece, a new menu, or anything else I deal with in my job. It’s really fun and gives me a sense of accomplishment seeing a project go through each stage and then finally be put out there for people to see or use.

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

I would say I am passionate about living my life to the fullest. That being said, I usually spend a free weekend doing everything I can whether that be going to concerts, going out to get food and drinks with friends, checking out the events going around the area, or even binge-watching the occasional Netflix series.

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

I really like going out to eat and trying new restaurants. I am a sucker for good deals on drinks and food!

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

What I love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque is just how welcoming and friendly the staff is. It didn’t take me very long to feel like I was a part of the family here.

7.What is your personal motto?

You are the only one who controls your happiness.

8. Describe your typical work day.

Each day for me is usually different. However, I typically start my day by responding to emails, then updating all of the social media accounts, and then working on advertising projects or in-house pieces to promote our hotel, spa, restaurant, and lounge.

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

I have a twin brother!
July 28, 2021
Meet the Team : Andrea Adams

Name: Andrea Adams

Title: Massage Therapist

Hometown: Platteville, Wisconsin

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

9 ½ 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 had a friend who was in the esthetics program at Capri College when I was studying Massage Therapy. She brought me to Potosa Spa.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am passionate about Naturopathic and Holistic Health. I’m all about the clients overall well being, making their day, and helping them find natural ways to take back their health.

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

Reading and learning anything I can get my hands on – law of attraction, music, breathing deeper, gardening, etc. I usually spend my free weekends in my garden, on my porch, or going to yoga.

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

I really enjoy going to the Farmer’s Market, looking at the scenery of Dubuque, floating at Float ‘n Fly, doing Hot Yoga at B1, going to the massage therapy at Potosa Spa, and also bringing my kids to the public pool.

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

Hotel Julien is home to me. I love my work, and I love doing it at Potosa Spa!

7. What is your personal motto?

Surrender and Begin Again

8. Describe your typical work day.

I usually come in, open a treatment room, prepare towels, stock laundry, fill what needs filling, and then provide 4-5 services.

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

Organic Shea Butter Massage. It includes an exfoliating scrub, hot towels, shea butter, wrap, and then a 60 minute massage.

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

I never run out of energy. It’s rare whenever I do.
July 15, 2021
Meet The Team : Stephanie Gilligan

Name: Stephanie Gilligan

Position: Esthetician

Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa

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

Almost 10 years (Anniversary: August 29th) – Doing esthetics and the front desk here at the spa.

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 graduated from Capri College. Then, I stared working at my sister’s salon and was there for about a year or so. After that, I started working at Potosa a year after they opened.

3.What are you most passionate about professionally?

Making the client happy! People need “me” time, and I want to leave them feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and calm as well as give them a treatment like they’ve never had before!

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

weekend?

I love spending the weekend at the Farmer’s Market, getting to be a vendor with a close friend of mine where we sell our home-made soaps, body scrubs, bath salts, and sprays! Sunday dinners are always a must with my family, too!

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

Again, the Farmer’s Market! Also, going to the shops down on the 3rd and 4th street area, and hanging out with my friends and family.

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

My coworkers! We have a great team at Potosa Spa!

7. Describe your typical work day.

I start the day by getting my treatment room ready and getting prepared for any services I have that day. I make sure everything is stocked, cleaned, and ready to go for the clients.

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

Definitely the Fountain of Youth Facial. You can notice a difference just after the first one! The hydradermabrasion helps with hydration, circulation, and fine lines.

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

I make home-made soaps and scrubs!
Meet The Team : Chase Lopez

Name: Chase Lopez

Position: Front Desk Clerk

Hometown: Born in Sterling IL

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

Will be 3 Years in August.

2. Please share a little bit about your background: education, interests, activities?

I am Mexican, Italian, and German. I graduated from the University of Dubuque in December 2020 in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I love helping people out, being there for others, and turning someone’s bad day into a good one. Some big things that I’m always interested in are plants and animals. I love growing plants and being there for animals or learning about them.

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

I love to go hiking at the Mines of Spain early in the mornings to be one with nature. When I get the chance to go to the River Museum I would go! I love animals and reading about Dubuque as well.

4. What do you enjoy most about working at Hotel Julien Dubuque?

The thing I enjoy the most while working at the Hotel is how close the front desk is with each other and how willing each one of the clerks are to work with each other most of the time. Also, having a great manager who is always willing to work with the front desk if they have school or other jobs.

5. Please share a personal motto or quote that you best relate to.

When you wake up in the morning, you are the only person who can choose to either start the morning off good or start it off bad.

6. When you’re asked to share something unique about yourself, what go-to fun-fact do you typically respond with?

Some unique things about me is I like to write poems, and I lived through a hurricane.

7. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

No matter how old you are, always make sure you have time to yourself to enjoy life! Also, always keep you head up high and try not to dwell on the past!
March 13, 2020
Meet The Team: Eryn Wernimont

Name: Eryn Wernimont

Title: Cosmetologist/Wellness Coordinator

Hometown: Dubuque, IA

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

I have been with Potosa Spa/Hotel Julien Dubuque for just over a year.

2. What path brought you to Potosa Spa/Hotel Julien Dubuque? Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to this industry?

As a cosmetology student, I toured Potosa Spa as part of one of my classes. I really connected with the spa and knew this was where I wanted to be.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

I’m passionate about providing exceptional, creative and relaxing services for all of my guests.

4. What are you passionate about personally?

Personally, I am passionate about all forms of art, being kind to others and that person others can count on.

5. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend?

I love going to movies with my husband or having dinner and playing games with friends and family.

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

What I love about Potosa Spa/Hotel Julien Dubuque are my co-workers of course! I also love the history the hotel brings to Dubuque.

7. What is your personal motto?

“Be kind and always give your best.”

8. Describe your typical workday.

The great thing about my job is I don’t have a “typical workday” as a cosmetologist. I get a wide variety of appointments and my days don’t all look the same.

9. What is your favorite service at Potosa Spa?

My two favorite services at Potosa Spa are the Spa Pedicure and Beyond Bliss Facial. Both services are not only luxurious but relaxing for both the guest and the provider.

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

There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to see a live musical theatre performance. It’s definitely my favorite form of entertainment.
March 12, 2020
Meet The Team : Joe Ogelsby

Name: Joe Ogelsby

Title: Banquet Captain

Hometown: Dubuque, IA

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

I have currently been with the Hotel Julien Dubuque for 4 months. I previously worked here from 1994- 1996.

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 about 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

I have a passion to serve the public. I get the satisfaction of knowing that I gave a 100% effort which leads to the great guest experience.

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

When I have a free weekend, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with my two children. My children astonish me every day.

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

My favorite things to do in Dubuque are outdoor events during the summertime, such as concerts, walking on the riverwalk, kayaking, grilling, and dining at local restaurants.

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

The history and background of the Hotel Julien Dubuque are astonishing and quite interesting. I also do love my co-workers and they are great at what they do.

7. What is your personal motto?

“Live each day as if it were your last” or “Do it right the first time, so you don’t have to do it again.”

8. Describe your typical workday.

My typical day is viewed as managing the other banquet staff trying to make sure that everything is complete while not overlooking any detail.

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

I am very quick-witted and sarcastic. I am a huge fan of the Star Wars films. Lastly, I have never had an illness.
February 28, 2020
Meet The Team : Emily Montgomery

Name: Emily Montgomery

Title: Front Desk Associate

Hometown: Dubuque, IA

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

I have been an employee at the Hotel Julien Dubuque for eight 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 was working in retail and needed a change. I applied for multiple positions at the hotel, and when I came in for my interview I was impressed by the friendly staff. That is when I knew this is where I wanted to be.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am passionate about making others happy and making sure that I provide the best customer service to our guests.

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

I like spending time with my family or friends and just sitting at home reading a good book.

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

I enjoy going to the Fenlon Place Elevator and going to the arboretum in the fall to see the leaves change color.

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

I love the friendly atmosphere our guests and employees provide.

7. What is your personal motto?

Omnia Paratus or “Alway Ready”.

8. Describe your typical workday.

On a typical workday, I will answer phone calls, make reservations, give guest directions, and check guests in and out.

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

I am really good at Harry Potter trivia.

10. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

I lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky about a year ago.
February 24, 2020
Meet The Team : John Hertz

Name: John Hertz

Title: Front Desk Shift Lead

Hometown: Warrenville, IL

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

I have been with Hotel Julien Dubuque for over two 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’ve had a family member and a few college friends work at the Hotel Julien Dubuque. They recommended I apply for a position at the Front Desk.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am currently in college for business administration and I have a strong passion for marketing and human resources.

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

I enjoy watching and playing most sports, reading history books, and spending time with my wife.

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

The restaurants in Dubuque are amazing. It’s fun to visit them with friends and family. Also, I really enjoy catching a Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey game.

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

I really love the atmosphere of the Hotel Julien Dubuque. All the employees are really caring and plenty of them have turned into great friends.

7. What is your personal motto?

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forgot to make a life.”

8. Describe your typical workday.

My typical day includes checking in guests, answering phone calls, and making sure that every guest’s request is met with satisfaction.

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

I played competitive baseball for 14 years.

10. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

I am currently in college and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, biblical theology, and an associates’ degree in K-12 education and history.
February 14, 2020
Meet The Team : Thomas Jarvis

Name: Thomas Jarvis

Title: Host at Caroline’s Restaurant

Hometown: Highland, CA

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

I have been at Caroline’s Restaurant/Hotel Julien Dubuque for the past two 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 really enjoy the hospitality industry. My two sisters, Jamie and Jen who also work at Caroline’s, recommended this position to me when it became available. Given my past experience in the food industry and love for hospitality, it was a natural fit.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

Professionally, I have a passion for helping people and being kind to others.

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

Personally, I’m passionate about spending time with my family. On my days off, I enjoy watching movies, and fishing.

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

I love to fish in the Dubuque area.

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

The history of the hotel is amazing and I really enjoy the people that I work with.

7. What is your personal motto?

“We are all a work in process.”

8. Describe your typical workday.

I spend the day seating guest, cleaning tables, answering phone calls, taking reservations, and take up room service orders.

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

I recently just got engaged.

10. What is your favorite menu selection at Caroline’s?

My favorite dish is the Julien Club because it is a great tasting sandwich.
February 3, 2020
Meet The Team : Timofey Khmelev

Name: Timofey Khmelev

Title: Front Desk Associate

Hometown: Boiling Springs, SC

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

I have been with Hotel Julien Dubuque for just over a year.

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 enjoyed working with people and working in the hospitality industry is a great way to use those skills daily.

3. What are you most passionate about professionally?

Professionally, I am passionate about guest satisfaction and always trying to do my best even when things get difficult.

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

I’m passionate about personal growth. I always try to better myself through the new things I learn every day. My favorite thing to do on the weekend is to hang out with friends and explore surrounding cities.

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

Some of my favorite things to do in Dubuque are hiking in the Mines of Spain, walk around downtown and visiting the many great restaurants in the area.

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

What I love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque is the environment. Everyone here treats one another like family and I can always be myself.

7. What is your personal motto?

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

8. Describe your typical workday.

My typical day includes checking in hotel guests, answering phones and handling guests requests.

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

I can speak fluent Russian.

10. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

I am an aspiring pilot and attend college at two universities.