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
I am a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with degrees in Business Administration and Hospitality Management. Over my 19 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.
Diane Hanisch
I grew up in a small town in Iowa and learned the importance of being kind and caring for others at a young age. I started as a front desk agent of a hotel in my early 20s and have been in the industry ever since. I have gained valuable experience and knowledge in Hotel Operations, Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and Finance. I have also worked with many hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Choice Hotels, and GrandStay. I graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Business Administration from the Beacon School of Business. I am excited to utilize my education and my skills in the industry to be serving as the Corporate Director of Finance with KAJ Hospitality.
My husband and I have 3 beautiful children, a dog, and a cat. We enjoy many outdoor activities – camping, kayaking, hiking, and swimming. I also love to listen to music and to read and/or listen to books. Family is extremely important to me, so I enjoy visiting my family as often as possible.
Why People? One of the best things I feel about this industry is the wonderful and amazing travelers you get to meet. Each person has their own story, and they are looking for an experience when they travel. I love being a part of each person/family’s story and helping them make the most of their travel needs. I enjoy not only our guests, but our team as well. Coaching, inspiring, and supporting team members to become the next leaders allows for both personal and company success.
To connect with Diane, reach out here.
Randy Carlson
I started my hospitality career in 2017 as a part-time Night Auditor at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Gillette, WY after a career in the oil and gas industry. My plans were to work as a Night Auditor and explore a career in accounting, however, I fell in love with the hospitality industry. I worked my way up the ladder to Front Office Manager, Assistant General Manager and finally General Manager/Task Force General Manager. My experience with Hilton, along with IHG and Marriott prepared me for my return “home” to KAJ Hospitality in 2021 as Leadership Support/Task Force General Manager. My passion for growing leaders and dedication to helping teams streamline daily operations and processes now allows me to lead KAJ Hospitality’s northern region as Regional Director of Operations.
What do you like to do you in your free time? I am a big family man, you can find me kayaking, hiking or camping with them during my free time. If we are not enjoying the outdoors, I am mastering my Netflix binge skills cuddled up on the couch with my dogs.
What is your favorite city to visit? Keystone, SD. You can't beat hiking around Mt. Rushmore and partaking in all the roadside family fun attractions the area has to offer. From the buffalo and burros at Custer State Park to freshly pulled saltwater taffy, gold mine tours and zip lining there is something for everyone.
What is your favorite KAJ memory? I have two vivid memories that stand out. The first is the 2017 Powder River Invitational Golf Tournament sponsored by Home2 Suites by Hilton Gillette. It was my first event as a hotel leader and allowed me to show appreciation for our clients outside of the hotel. The sponsorship was a huge success and continues to be a KAJ Cares event to this day. The second memory is from our 2022 annual KAJ Hospitality Leadership Conference. Seeing our leaders together for the week, collaborating for future growth and living out our core values was an irreplaceable feeling.
To connect with Randy, reach out here.
Jesse Helms
My career started in the hotel industry as a sales coordinator at the Wichita Marriott. From there, I’ve worked in nearly every position in the hotel industry including Sales Manager, Director of Sales, Assistant General Manager and General Manager of brands including Marriott, Hyatt, Wyndham and IHG. My favorite part of the hotel business is our team. Having great employees is very rewarding. We spend so much time together that it becomes like family. I pride myself in team building and taking care of people.
What do you like to do you in your free time? I love to entertain at our home in the country. We have lots of friends and family over for cookouts, boating, fishing and bonfires. We also love to travel and try out local flavors in each city.
What is your favorite city to visit? Nashville, TN. I have visited Nashville many times and enjoy the music, history, nightlife and, most of all, the food. The people are so nice in Nashville.
What is your favorite KAJ memory? My first visit to our corporate office in South Dakota. After a short hiatus working for another company, this was the first time seeing everyone together again. Who knew a day full of meetings could be so much fun. The most fun part was to be a part of a group that is so dedicated to the growth of KAJ and not losing the “Here for People” mentality. Every person truly believes in our core values and decisions are made with all of them in mind.
To connect with Jesse, 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.