Behind Our Brand.
At KAJ, we’re people-focused. Our mission is to foster a culture that inspires the people we engage with on a daily basis to achieve anything and everything they desire.
People Over All Else.
Relationships Are the Foundation of Every Business Decision.
Since 1993 when KAJ Hospitality got its start with a Days Inn in Oacoma, SD, we’ve kept a firm grip on the notion of family; it’s woven into each business decision we make. But why? Family is about expressing individualism within the safe acceptance of belonging. It’s about showing up in times of good and bad. Protecting and promoting each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s lightheartedness and goodwill. It’s comfort and familiarity.
Family is having firm expectations and an unrelenting commitment to the people and the house you serve together.
KAJ is a second-generation, family-owned and operated business, led by Aaron Johnson. Our legacy, founded by Aaron's dad, Kevin Johnson, and our vision will always be aligned and focused on people as we take our brand to next level.
Connect
Nurture
Grow
Leadership Comes From Everyone.
Aaron Johnson
Graduate of Dakota State University in Madison, SD. BBA in Business Management and Minor in Computer Information Systems.
SD DOT Bridge Crew – we fixed bridges. T&R Electric – I reclaimed transformers, yes. I used to match paint at Sherwin-Williams. Now I think a computer does it. All things hospitality since 2004.
Favorite city to visit: Kailua-Kona, HI
Favorite KAJ memory: 2018 company retreat and organizational WHY discovery in Deadwood, SD.
Why people? People just need a little inspiration, a positive and supportive voice in their head, because when people get out of their own way, they can change the world.
To connect with Aaron, reach out here.
Bryan Ahlers
Summa Cum Laude graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with degrees in Business Administration and Hospitality Management. Over my 17 years in hospitality, I have amassed experience with multiple brands including Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Choice Hotels and Best Western in roles from Guest Services to Director of Sales and General Manager. The variety of positions held has allowed me to successfully integrate a unified effort for Sales, Revenue Management and Operations across our portfolio.
In my free time, I'm an avid runner and busy dog dad to 3 Boston Terrier rescues.
Favorite city to visit: Austin, TX. I ran a marathon there and really enjoyed the music scene.
Favorite KAJ memory: Our annual conference which was held in Deadwood, SD one year. We stayed in a “haunted” hotel!
Why People? My drive is to help KAJ leaders at our hotels accomplish results. I love formulating strategies with my team, working with them to achieve those strategies, measuring the results and celebrating success. We’re all working towards the greater good of making KAJ successful.
To connect with Bryan, reach out here.
McKenzie Hettich
I knew I was destined for the travel industry when I began my career with a Walt Disney World Resort Internship. Through my Disney experience and two seasons of escalating from Manager Trainee to Assistant General Manager at the State Game Lodge Resort in Custer State Park, I learned valuable guest service skills, management skills and of course the secrets to a “magical experience”.
After graduating from South Dakota State University, I worked for both the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Brandon, SD and filled nearly every role in the hotel including Guest Service Agent, Front Office Manager, General Manager, Human Resource Manager, Event Coordinator and Director of Sales. In 2015, I came back to work with KAJ on the corporate team, earned my SHRM-CP Certification and now focus on Human Resources in the industry I love!
Favorite city to visit: Orlando. I loved living in Orlando and now I enjoy bringing my family back to share those same experiences.
Favorite KAJ memory: This is tough, we have had so many great times! One memory that I will always cherish was driving down to Omaha with my daughter to help our Omaha team with a KAJ Cares event volunteering in the park for Earth day. When we got there, not only did we have all our management team and employees volunteering, but we also had past KAJ employees that came back to help us. It was such a beautiful spring day and the camaraderie that we all had working together for a great cause was so special, especially being able to share that experience with my daughter.
Why People? I get up in the morning to help our people, whether it’s helping our teams through difficult situations, finding new people to join our team, or helping our people grow in their roles and get that next promotion, our people are what drive me and make me love our company and my role in KAJ!
To connect with McKenzie, reach out here.
Sara Lussman
Growing up I always enjoyed traveling with my family. I feel you may not always remember all your material possessions, but the life experiences created through travel will last a lifetime. This sparked my interest in the hospitality field and the desire to attend school for Hotel-Restaurant Management. I have had the fortune to work for some of the best organizations and brands in hospitality including The Walt Disney Company. Through my career in hotels I’ve had the privilege of experiencing and working the daily operations of every department.
Favorite city to visit: It's hard to pick one, so my favorite two to visit are Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC.
Why people? At the end of the day our hotels are just buildings, what makes them special is the very people that enter them. We are here for each other through the good and the rough, as a family we support each other and endure through it all. This experience has given me the distinct respect for each and every role that contributes to the successful operation of our portfolio. The past several years working with the KAJ family has been some of the most rewarding with our “People First” mentality.
To connect with Sara, reach out here.
Here for people
Blair Riffel
I have been in the hotel industry over 25 years and worked my way through the business, from housekeeping, front desk and now into hotel leadership.
My wife Sara and I have two dogs, Taxi a mini labradoodle and Nordy a Newfiedoodle.
Favorite city to visit: San Diego. The ocean is right there, the climate is perfect,and the breweries and restaurants are all amazing as well. Nothing beats having dinner outside in November, or spending a day at the zoo.
Favorite KAJ memory: When we as a team got together in Deadwood. Leadership, GMs and DOSs together wrote the mission statement and 'Why' statement for our company. That sticks out to me because generally these statements are written by a corporate team member or third-party agency, but KAJ let the hotel leaders be involved in the process.
Why people? Everyone has a story, whether it is a part-time breakfast attendant or a regular guest. We see people in the best of times like weddings, and in the worst of times like funerals. Being there for the guest and engaging with them and hearing their stories is what makes this industry special. Today is not the same as yesterday and it will not be the same as tomorrow. Something about that has kept me going in this industry, it is far from monotonous in that aspect.
To connect with Blair, reach out here.
Yes.
Everyone.
We Show Up with Empathy
We Take Care of People
We Include Others
We Motivate to Succeed
We Overcome Obstacles
Your Career is Ready.
We Invite You to Stay Awhile.
KAJ Hospitality has room for you—and room for you to grow. That’s the thing about the hotel business. Many of us in leadership got our start in housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, breakfast service—you name it. Our vast experience makes each property unique in our ability to not only serve our guests but each other as well. Our team could use more of that hands-on approach to hospitality. That’s where you come in. Our employees enjoy both personal and professional growth, community involvement, mentorship, and plenty of workplace fun. And we firmly believe hospitality is a great launchpad for any career aspirations. KAJ is honored to offer professional foundations to many individuals.
Looking for your next great opportunity? It’s time to check in with KAJ Hospitality.