Meet The Team Archives - Page 6 of 6

Category Archive: Meet The Team

September 3, 2015
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.
July 10, 2015
Meet the Team: Annette Jones

If you ever have a question about Hotel Julien Dubuque (or most anything else, for that matter!), Annette Jones will know the answer. Having worked for the Fischer Companies for the past 19 years, Annette’s experiences with Hotel Julien Dubuque extend well beyond the remodel that was completed in 2009 and she is a great person to chat with about the history of the property.

Learn more about Annette in her feature below. We are so lucky that she is part of our team!

How long have you been with Fischer Companies? “19 years.”
Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to the industry. “Went to school for Accounting and worked in that field for a while. I then went to Capri and got my cosmetology license and managed several salons here in Dubuque. After the salon I was at closed I went back into Accounting and have been here ever since.”
What are you most passionate about professionally? “Learning new things everyday.”
What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend? “Love traveling to tropical places. What’s a free weekend?”
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area? “Spending time with family and friends – doesn’t really matter what you are doing.”
What do you love most about your job? “My boss (and the other people too) ;-)”
What is your personal motto? “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
When asked to describe yourself, what do you say? “I love to make people laugh.”
July 8, 2015
Brian Neis: Wine & Cocktail Connoisseur

The next time that you visit the Riverboat Lounge, be sure to say “hi” to Brian Neis. As you will read in his “Meet the Team” feature below, Brian is passionate about his position as Hotel Julien Dubuque’s Beverage Manager and the significant role that Food and Beverage establishments play in the creation of some of life’s fondest memories. Read on to learn about the path that led Brian to Hotel Julien Dubuque, his affinity for classic literature, and his favorite craft cocktail and wine selections on the Riverboat Lounge menu!

How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque? “5.5 years.”
What path brought you to this industry? “I started in the Food and Beverage industry when I was 14 years old. I did everything from wash dishes, buss tables, mop floors, assist the cooks, and eventually assist the bartenders. When I decided to attend college, I also decided to bartend part-time to support myself. I graduated college, but instead of pursuing my field of study, I stayed in the Food and Beverage industry and began managing the bar where I was originally bartending. When Caroline’s Restaurant was in need of a supervisor, I applied and have been here ever since. I have been Hotel Julien Dubuque’s Beverage Manager for the past 2.5 years.”
What are you most passionate about professionally? “Many of our fondest memories are associated with dining or visiting a drinking establishment. Wedding proposals, catching up with someone you have not seen for a while, celebrating a job promotion – all often take place in this environment. It is hard to ignore the intense gratification I feel when I am in a room full of people sharing special moments. The laughter, smiles, hugs, and positive energy are infectious. How can you not love that?”
What is your favorite way to spend your free time? “Spending time with family and friends is always a priority. During the winter months, I love to read classic world literature like Homer, Cervantes, Dostoyevsky, etc., but in the warmer months, I want to be boating on the Mississippi, riding my Harley, and taking 10 mile walks.”
What are some of your favorite aspects of the “New Experience” in the Riverboat Lounge? “I love it when someone tells me they approve of our new approach. Having more access to the River Terrace makes a monumental difference and live music 5 nights per week is very fun.”
What is your favorite craft cocktail on the new summer menu? Favorite wine featured in the winestation? “Peach Sangria. Chateau Graysac Bordeaux.”
Do you have a personal motto? “Never slam closed any door that you may someday want to walk through.”
When asked to share a unique fact about yourself, what do you say? “I acted in Hollywood, California. I was a mummy on stage at Universal Studios for about 5 minutes.”
June 26, 2015
What do you mean ‘typical day’?

When asked to describe his typical workday, Executive Housekeeping Manager Joe Polich responded by stating that, in the hospitality industry, a ‘typical day’ does not really exist. While there are certain tasks for which he is responsible on a day-to-day basis, Joe asserts that the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry is one of the things that he enjoys most about his career. Joe joined the team at Hotel Julien Dubuque over five years ago and has since gained experience working in a variety of different capacities.
Here’s a little peek into Joe’s world…
How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque? “5 years.”
What path brought you to this industry? “I was a student at Loras College and was looking for a part-time job. I applied for a position in Housekeeping because I had previously helped with cleaning rooms in my parents’ Bed & Breakfast. I soon transferred into working at the front desk, but left after a year to move to Madison, Wisconsin. After a short stint working in Madison for two years, I came back to Hotel Julien Dubuque to work at the front desk again and eventually became a supervisor. I didn’t know that hospitality would turn into my career, but when the Housekeeping Manager position opened up, I felt it was a good step for me. I am intrigued by where this type of career is going to take me.”
What are you most passionate about professionally? “I’m passionate about providing a good experience for every guest that walks through our doors and giving my all to make sure that happens. I’ll do whatever is needed of me to make sure Hotel Julien Dubuque leaves a positive impression on people.”
What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend? “What’s a free weekend??? (sorry, hospitality joke!) Usually when I have free days, I like to spend them running, playing basketball, golfing, eating some good food and, every once in a while, just relaxing at home with a good video game.”
Please share some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area. “A great thing about Dubuque, to me, is the downtown area. I love going out to eat at all the restaurants. I’ve always enjoyed walking around the Port of Dubuque, especially in the summer time. Nothing, in my mind, can beat walking across the 3rd Street overpass back towards Dubuque when the downtown area is busy.”
What do you enjoy most about Hotel Julien Dubuque? “I love getting to know all of the associates. I think the people at Hotel Julien Dubuque have impacted my life greatly, be it past employees or current ones. I’ve made some lifelong friends because of where I work.”
Do you have a personal motto? “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
How would you describe your typical workday? “My day starts off by making the Housekeeping boards for the day and assigning rooms to housekeepers. I usually will wait for everyone to come in and then give some small direction for the day if necessary. I spend time ordering supplies, inspecting rooms, trying to problem solve, etc. The one thing you learn quickly about working in the hospitality industry is that a ‘typical day’ doesn’t really exist. You have an idea of what a day might be like, but you truly wake up each day knowing anything can happen.”
When asked to share a unique fact about yourself, what do you say? “When I was two years old, my family moved to Italy for four years.”
Is there anything else that you would like to add? “Go Hawks!!”
Meet the Team: Kimberly Ohnesorge

Kimberly Ohnesorge has been a member of the Potosa Spa team since April 2014. While Kimberly was born in Dubuque, the majority of her experience in the industry is from time spent in Las Vegas, Nevada where she owned and operated a skincare business. In her Meet the Team feature, Kimberly shares expert skincare tips as well as general wellness strategies for an all-around healthy lifestyle.
Joined the team: In April of 2014
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
Background/Schooling: “The majority of my schooling took place in Las Vegas, Nevada.”
Name one step of your beauty routine that you could never skip: “Taking off makeup at night. So many people still like to skip this!”
What is your favorite spa treatment? “The Fountain of Youth Facial. It is a very advanced facial!”
What is your favorite beauty product? “Solar Defense SPF 30 and anti-wrinkle cream by Hydropeptide.”
What wellness and/or relaxation strategies do you implement in your day-to-day life? “Always maintain a positive mindset and do not be around negative energy.”
What is your favorite beauty tip/trick? “Eyebrow waxing is so important to your overall look – eyebrows shape your face!”
What do you love most about your job? “I love educating my clients on skincare.”
Is there anything else that you would like to share? “I have worked in all areas of aesthetics from working with dermatologists to plastic surgeons to wellness spas.”

Learn more about Potosa Spa by visiting www.potosaspa.com or call 563.588.5570 to schedule your next appointment.
June 19, 2015
Meet the Team: Stephanie Gilligan

A veteran Esthetician, Stephanie Gilligan has been with Potosa Spa since August of 2011. Stephanie is a Dubuque native and graduate of Capri College. Read on as this skincare guru shares expert tips that can be incorporated into your daily regiment to help you achieve a luminous, flawless glow.
Joined the team: In August of 2011
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
Background/Schooling: “I Graduated from Capri College.”
Name one step of your beauty routine that you could never skip: “I could never skip cleansing and toning.”
What is your favorite spa treatment? “My favorite spa treatment would have to be the Lifting Code Facial or the Primeluce Facial.”
What is your favorite beauty product? “I would have to say Bioline. There are many different lines in the Bioline product group that work for sensitive skin all the way to acne-prone skin types.”
What wellness and/or relaxation strategies do you implement in your day-to-day life? “Get plenty of rest and develop a day-to-day skin regiment. Keep up with it and you will see results — it will pay off in the long run with great skin!”
What is your favorite beauty tip/trick? “High Frequency Treatment. From one pimple to very acne-prone skin, this treatment will kill bacteria and leave you with clear skin in only 2-3 days.”
What do you love most about your job? “My clients and working with all of the lovely ladies of Potosa Spa!”
Is there anything else that you would like to share? “I love what I do. I get to experience something new every day. I have met so many people from all over and cannot wait to see what the future brings.”

Learn more about Potosa Spa by visiting www.potosaspa.com or call 563.588.5570 to schedule your next appointment.
June 10, 2015
Meet the Team: Sarah Blindert

Sarah Blindert has been a member of the Potosa Spa team since 2013. Not only does Sarah work as an Esthetician, but she is also a lead Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Swedish, Thai, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage. A native resident of Dubuque, Sarah earned both licenses from Capri College. In her Meet the Team feature, Sarah shares key wellness strategies that she has learned throughout her training as well as personal beauty tips that she implements in her daily routine.
Joined the team: In 2013
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
Background/Schooling: “I Graduated from Capri College with licenses in both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.”
Name one step of your beauty routine that you could never skip: “Using a facial cleanser at the end of my day to remove everything from the skin’s surface in order to get a nice glow.”
What is your favorite spa treatment? “The Herbal Detox Wrap and Massage. It is a great way to feel refreshed!”
What is your favorite beauty product? “Eye shadow because you can be expressive and make your eyes pop.”
What wellness and/or relaxation strategies do you implement in your day-to-day life? I strongly believe that what you put into your body or do to your body will affect how you look and feel. I incorporate healthy eating and physical activities into my daily routine to always be the best that I can be.”
What is your favorite beauty tip/trick? “Stretching and drinking plenty of water can really do a lot for you.”
What do you love most about your job? “I love helping clients feel and look their best along with hearing repeat clients’ testimonials!”
Is there anything else that you would like to share? “I enjoy spending any free time that I get with my family and exploring the great outdoors!”

Learn more about Potosa Spa by visiting www.potosaspa.com or call 563.588.5570 to schedule your next appointment.
June 3, 2015
Meet the Team: Becky Bowling

Becky Bowling joined the Potosa Spa team in 2014
as a Licensed Massage Therapist after graduating
from Capri College in Dubuque. A passionate yogi and essential oil enthusiast, Becky shares her favorite health and wellness strategies for a well-rounded
daily routine.

Joined the team: In 2014
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Background/Schooling: “I Graduated from Capri College in Dubuque, Iowa.”
What is your favorite spa treatment? “Milk and Honey Shea Butter Massage.”
What is your favorite beauty product? “Body Butter. I believe it works better for dry skin than lotion.”
What wellness and/or relaxation strategies do you implement in your day-to-day life? “I do a lot of yoga and exercise frequently. I enjoy using all sorts of essential oils to help me relax in addition to meditating.”
What is your favorite beauty tip/trick? “Always take care of yourself.”
What do you love most about your job? “I love helping people feel better and relax.”
Is there anything else that you would like to share? “Going to massage therapy school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am so blessed to be able to help others in my career. Massage has shown me that feeling good is essential and more important than looking good. I hope everyone knows that they are beautiful! You are all awesome!”

Learn more about Potosa Spa by visiting www.potosaspa.com or call 563.588.5570 to schedule your next appointment.
May 26, 2015
Meet the Team: Kristi Jameson

Kristi Jameson has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist at Potosa Spa since 2014. A native resident of Dubuque and proud member of the “Potosa Spa family”, Kristi shares about the most rewarding aspects of her position as well as key wellness practices that she incorporates into her daily routine.

Joined the team: In 2014
Background/Schooling: Graduated from Carlson College in 2010
Name one step of your beauty routine that you could never skip: “Moisturizing.”
What is your favorite spa treatment? “Any and all massage treatments offered in the spa.”
What is your favorite beauty product? “HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss. My favorite spa product is Serenity Room Spray.”
What wellness and/or relaxation strategies do you implement in your day-to-day life? “Clean Eating, high water intake, and stretching/breathing exercises.”
What cosmetic advice do you share most frequently? “Use a tinted primer before applying makeup for a more natural, stay-put look that reduces the need for cover-up products.”
What do you love most about your job? “The atmosphere of the spa and the quality of the service that we provide to our customers.”
Is there anything else that you would like to share? “It’s a great feeling working a career you love with others who love what they do as well. We are more like a family here at Potosa Spa than simply co-workers.”

Learn more about Potosa Spa by visiting www.potosaspa.com or call 563.588.5570 to schedule your next appointment.
May 18, 2015
Meet the Team: Jenna Shultz

As the General Manager of Potosa Spa, free time is a rarity for Jenna Shultz. Between managing operations, overseeing marketing efforts, handling group bookings, developing new services, taking courses, and leading her wonderful team, Jenna is always on the go. A native resident of Dubuque and self-proclaimed childhood tomboy, Jenna takes a minute to share about the unique journey that brought her to Potosa Spa as well as some expert beauty and wellness tips that she has picked up along the way:
Joined the team: In 2014
Background/Schooling: “I Graduated from Capri College’s Cosmetology program and am currently studying Business Management at Ashford University with an anticipated graduation date of July 2016.”
Name one step of your beauty routine that you could never skip: “Moisturizing my face — both in the morning and before I go to bed at night.”
What is your favorite spa treatment? “Milk and Honey Shea Butter Massage. It is decadent, relaxing, and leaves my skin feeling softer than ever.”
What is your favorite beauty product? “Mascara. I can’t leave the house without applying a few coats.”
What cosmetic advice do you share most frequently? “Pencil in your eyebrows if they are thin or patchy. It really pulls a whole look together and makes everything appear more polished.”
What do you love most about your job? “I love seeing how genuinely happy it makes all of our service providers to get a good review or comment on a service. We are all here to make our guests look and feel better. There is no better affirmation that we are doing something right than to see smiles on our guests’ faces and to read kind reviews that our guests take the time to write.”
Is there anything else that you would like to share? “I grew up on a farm and was quite the tomboy when I was little. No one saw it coming when I decided to make this my career. It has been fulfilling on so many levels and I can’t imagine not having taken this path in my life.”

Contact Jenna at gm@potosaspa.com or call 563.588.5570 to schedule your next appointment at Potosa Spa.