KAJ Hospitality Careers & Culture
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.
KAJ is here for you. You're here for others. And we're all here for people.
Since the day in 1993 when KAJ Hospitality started 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. 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 welcoming and goodwill. It’s comfort and familiarity.
We want everyone to feel like family — our team, our guests, our partners, and all.
KAJ is a second-generation, family-owned and operated business led by Aaron Johnson, son of our founder Kevin Johnson. Informed by the culture we've built over the years, our legacy and 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.
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.
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.
Christine Dwyer
I fell in love with hospitality while interning at Ferrari-Carano winery in Healdsburg, CA. I wanted to be one of the gals who ran the wine club and threw all the fancy events in the winery. When I moved back to North Dakota I went to school at the Minnesota School of Business to get my BA in Hospitality Management. During that time I got my first hotel job at the Ramada Plaza & Suites in Fargo as a guest service agent and was immediately hooked on hotels and all they have to offer guests and staff alike!
Throughout my past 15 years I have worked different hotel positions in both sales and operations and both limited and full service hotels. I was lucky enough to be a part of hotel openings during my career including Home2, AC Marriot, and Homewood. When I came to KAJ in 2016 I started the process of converting our Cambria to a DoubleTree by Hilton which took place in spring of 2017.
Hospitality has shaped my life and many of my friendships have come from my time in the hotels. KAJs family culture was what pulled me to the company and it has been a fantastic 8 years being apart of the organization and growth.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Even though I love and work in hotels my favorite pastime is camping with friends and family. My husband and I love to go to music festivals and concerts.
What is your favorite city to visit?
Chicago
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
KAJ Conference in Deadwood connecting with all the other properties.. Even got to go on a buffalo safari!
Why people?
I am a people person, so the hotel world is perfect for me, I get to make lasting connections with guests and coworkers.
To connect with Christine, reach out here.
Jeremie Slagle
I like to describe my hospitality journey as being pretty eclectic. I have several years of experience in branded select-service and full-service properties, a few more years in always fun and absolutely never dull resort, waterpark, and casino properties, and the past couple of years working with a very unique, curated portfolio of boutique hotels, restaurants, yoga studios/spas, and event venues. The variety has given me exposure to a range of operating systems, cultures, and markets.
What do you like to do you in your free time?
Anything outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking are my absolute passions, any day spent outside is a great day!
What is your favorite city to visit?
Anywhere in the Hill Country of Texas, amazing people, great food, amazing sunsets, lots of live music and wide open spaces.
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
Being fortunate enough to Join KAJ and being reunited with some former team members and meeting even more new ones and being able to return home!
Why people?
Our team, our guests, and our vendors are the absolute heartbeat of our industry, what drive me and why I love what I do. The people create the experiences and bring then hotel to life and give it a heartbeat and energy.
To connect with Jeremie, reach out here.
Brian Johnson
I began my career in 2005 as a Front Desk Agent in Brandon, South Dakota. Over the years, I progressed through roles like Guest Service Manager and Assistant General Manager in Sioux Falls, Sioux City, IA, and Lincoln, NE. Eventually, I became a General Manager. In 2018, I joined KAJ Hospitality as a Revenue Manager.
What do you like to do you in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family, indulging in music creation, and engaging in the hobby of collecting Hot Wheels.
What is your favorite city to visit?
My preferred city is Lincoln, Nebraska, as it holds a nostalgic charm for me since my family used to reside there.
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
My favorite moment with KAJ was at our Fargo Conference, where we joined forces with Youth Works to pack up their old place for their move to a new one. Helping out and giving back felt really good.
Why people?
What I like best about hospitality is that it's challenging. I enjoy helping people, and the challenge comes in dealing with some who may have had a negative experience. I find satisfaction in going above and beyond to crack a smile and create lasting memories for them. I used to have a saying: "If I don't provide you with the best customer service, I'll give you the room for free." Solving guest issues and ensuring they leave on a positive note is something I love—it's all about helping people.
To connect with Brian, reach out here.
Bronwyn Bergeson
I spent some time working on and off in Front Desk roles for a few years before making the shift to Sales. This transition allowed me to acquire extensive knowledge about the industry while working with different brands. Following that experience, I stepped into the role of General Manager, which provided a valuable education in Operations as I collaborated with various departments and team members. Building on this, I have now progressed to overseeing Revenue, managing multiple hotels in our KAJ portfolio.
What do you like to do you in your free time?
I mostly like to spend time with my family or friends when I have time. Summer is full of lakes and sports activities! Trying to improve my gardening skills this year has become a hobby. Winter is a little less exciting here in ND. To relax I like to watch anything that's funny!
What is your favorite city to visit?
Naples, FL
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
At conference last year we had a game night at Dave & Buster's, it was a blast getting to relax and have fun with everyone! We also had a super fun barbecue, and it was a perfect evening.
Why people?
Hospitality is great because you get to meet people from all over the world and hear their stories, you never know who you might meet at the hotels. I love getting to work with teams from several of our hotels, everyone is so awesome. KAJ truly is full of "people people"!
To connect with Bronwyn, reach out here.
Heidi Gravett
I have lived in Sioux Falls, SD since I was seven years old. I started working part time in the hotel industry in 2014 at a Marriott. I have two boys that were active in hockey, so I originally started working for the hotel discount, but loved it. I have always loved customer service and connecting with guests was a great experience. I started with KAJ in 2021 as a Payroll and Benefits Administrator. Instead of taking care of guest, I now take care of our staff.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to spend time with my family. I also love to read, listen to books, watch psychological thrillers on TV.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Right now, my favorite place to visit is Grand Forks ND. My two sons are attending college at University of North Dakota and love to watch UND Hockey. Go Sioux!
What is your Favorite KAJ Memory?
My favorite KAJ memory is attending the 2022 KAJ conference. That event is when I met our fabulous management team. I am so impressed with KAJ’s core values and how the company implements them. Seeing Holly Hoffman speak at the conference was inspiring. I am so excited to be a member of KAJ and can’t wait to see what our future holds.
To connect with Heidi, reach out here.
Becca Cater-Weight
My journey in the hospitality industry began as a Director of Sales, sparking my passion for Extended Stay. With 8 years of experience in hospitality sales, in 2017 I transitioned to the operations side, assuming the role of General Manager at the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Gillette, WY. As a GM, I focused on creating a positive work environment and developing leaders, resulting in the hotel's recognition of numerous awards over the 7 years including three wins for KAJ Hotel of the Year.
What do you like to do in your free time:
We have a small but tight-knit family. My absolute favorite job is being an Aunt, anytime time spent with my niece and nephew is icing on the cake! Family holidays are loud and always fun being spent with my folks, sister and her family. My husband and I are pretty low key people, we enjoy spending time at home with our fur babies, watching our nephew dirt track race in the summer, glamping, and cruising the lake on our pontoon.
Favorite placed to visit:
Galveston, TX or Oahu, HI. Both places have such a relaxed coastal vibe, friendly locals, and outstanding restaurants.
Favorite KAJ Memory:
There’s been so many wonderful memories, however the 2018 Leadership Conference in Deadwood, SD, is a standout moment. It was my first conference as a GM, with an impactful message from Aaron I vividly remember to this day. It was when I knew I had found my “work home” with KAJ.
Why people?
For me people are intriguing. Making connections, whether it be with guests, team members, fellow leaders or the random stranger that held the door for me, sharing those human connections creates a puzzle of stories and lessons that leads to a big, beautiful masterpiece. I love analyzing people. Learning their personality traits and finding commonalities to create those meaningful connections. I also have a soft spot for supporting the underdog and helping them not only find but live up to their full potential. At the end of the day, I can eat at any restaurant or shop at any store, yet I always find myself going back for the people.
To connect with Becca, reach out here.
Leah Monahan
I began my career with a hospitality management company in 2000, where I handled accounting duties for Days Inn's, The Radisson Encore Inn, and Marriott's. As the company expanded its portfolio to include IHG, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Hilton properties, I took on various roles. I took a few years off to focus on raising my children, returned for special projects as needed, and eventually went back to full-time employment in 2011. Starting as a staff accountant, I moved up to become a financial reporting manager and currently hold the position of senior accountant.
What do you like to do you in your free time?
I love spending time with my family and friends. My fiancé and I love to entertain and host lots of dinner parties. I also love to dig in the dirt and plant lots of flowers in the spring and summer. Shopping and reading are also hobbies of mine.
What is your favorite city to visit?
My favorite city to visit is Isla Mujeres Mexico. There is nothing better than having my toes in the sand and a drink in my hand. It is also a foodies paradise with over 160 “mom and pop” restaurants on the tiny island which is 2 miles by 7 miles!
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
I’ve only been here a short time, but I was able to help with a KAJ Cares during Easter and we put together Easter baskets for the kids at Children’s Home Society.
Why people?
I love the variety of personalities in the hospitality industry. It’s fun to be part of team that want’s to make a positive impact on the people they serve and come into contact with on a daily basis.
To connect with Leah, reach out here.
Kate Noterman
I have over 19 years of experience in the hotel industry, primarily working at two hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton in West Fargo, ND, and Hilton Garden Inn in Grand Forks, ND. It all began when I started as a Breakfast Server while attending the University of North Dakota while pursuing my degree in History at the University of North Dakota. Over time, I progressed through various roles and eventually became the General Manager of the same hotel.
During my tenure in the hotel industry, I spent a significant portion of my time in Sales, where I held positions such as Sales Coordinator, Catering Sales Manager, and Director of Sales for a total of 7 years. Following that, I was a General Manager for 8 years before transitioning to my current role as the Marketing Manager at KAJ.
What do you like to do you in your free time?
Being physically active is something I truly enjoy. I have been doing HIIT workouts for the last 4+ years and love it. During the winter, I like to hit the slopes and go snowboarding. Hiking, traveling, photography, and collecting plants are other hobbies that bring me joy. Additionally, I am a huge music enthusiast!
What is your favorite city to visit?
I have a special place in my heart for the Philippines. My mom was born and raised there, and we have a large extended family there. The country's natural beauty is captivating, and the people's warm hospitality never fails to make my visits enjoyable and memorable. It's always a fantastic experience being there!
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
I have loved getting the opportunity to travel to all the KAJ Properties and meet their teams! Interacting with people energizes me, and it's fun to hear their stories and learn what makes their hotels and markets special.
Why people?
People are the best part about hospitality! Over the past 19+ years, I've had the chance to meet and work with many amazing individuals. They include hotel guests, clients, colleagues, leaders I learned from, team members I guided, fellow hoteliers, and friends made through Hilton's work conferences, among others. Hospitality people are fun and friendly! I'm grateful to have met these people, many of whom I still call friends and keep in touch with.
To connect with Kate, reach out here.
Kyle Gullotto
At 15, I wanted an Xbox. My Mom made me get a job at the hotel where she worked in order to buy it myself. I then spent the next 12 years there, working my way from a restaurant host to executive chef, all the way to Director of Operations. At the end of those 12 years, I was still working, however, my Xbox was not.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have always been a nerd at heart, so most of my free time is spent far too deep in whatever series of novels I have stumbled upon.
What is your favorite city to visit?
My favorite city to visit is Winona MN, as the bluffs and valleys are absolutely gorgeous.
What is your favorite KAJ Memory?
My favorite memory with KAJ so far has been meeting and bringing on the Hilton Garden Inn Fargo team.
Why People?
I have stayed with hospitality because you meet so many varied people and get to not only hear their stories but take an active role in it. From the good times to the bad you can truly make a difference for everyone no matter how small or how grand.
To connect with Kyle, reach out here.
Pat Lund
Having had the opportunity to be a part of the initial openings of Grand Falls Casino and Resort, as well as the Hard Rock in Sioux City, the experiences with both were amazing. I was hired as the Director of Human Resources at Grand Falls. From Grand Falls, I became the Director of Human Resources at the Hard Rock, performing many of the same duties as Grand Falls.
In 2014, I joined a hospitality company located in Minneapolis as their Director of Human Resources. Ultimately, I became the General Manager of the property, overseeing 246 hotel rooms, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 259 seat full service restaurant. Since my home and family were in Sioux Falls this entire time, and after 9 years, I made the decision to be back home. I am thrilled to have found KAJ and am looking forward to the opportunity.
What do you like to do you in your free time?
In our free time, my husband, Mike and I love to In golf as much as we can. During the months of May through October, the golf course is where you will find us. Golf season overlaps a bit with college football, another of our favorite things to do. We are avid SDSU Jackrabbit fans, attending as many of the SDSU men’s and women’s basketball games as possible. Since our daughter Ashlee is a KU alum, we also love Jayhawk sports, particularly basketball.
What is your favorite city to visit?
My absolute favorite city to visit is New York City. I love the excitement of the City, attending as many Broadway plays as possible, and overall experiencing the vibrancy of city life.
What is your favorite KAJ memory?
Since I am new, memories will be forthcoming!
Why people?
The team effort in ensuring guests have the service they expect is what I enjoy most. Taking care of guests’ needs and finding out what we can do better is always top of mind. I enjoy the interactions with all!
To connect with Pat, reach out here.
Zach Poser
I started construction right away at 18, doing paver stone patios and retaining walls for a few years, then I took off to try school again at NDSU for engineering. After realizing that being a full-time student, while working a pizza delivery job and having a toddler at home just wasn’t working out, I went back into the trades to find out what I liked best. I’ve bounced between many trades, being fortunate enough to grow through each, learning the basics and more, leading into developing a very strong general construction knowledge base. Fast forward to the last 5 years, I started a small lawn care and snow removal business while mastering the art of flooring and tile. After reaching the top end of that trade, I decided to incorporate everything into one business doing property maintenance, which has led to this opportunity.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to hang out at home with my family and relax. We go to the lake as much as possible in the summer.
What's your favorite city to visit?
I haven't traveled much outside of the region; however, I really enjoyed the scenery and cultural differences when we took a family trip to Albuquerque and then drove from there to Durango, Colorado.
Why people?
Well, simply put, I love making people smile through my work. Impressions last on me, and I love the feeling of accomplishment when my job is done well.
To connect with Zach, 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 Inspire to Succeed
We Overcome Obstacles
Your Hotel and Hospitality Career is Ready.
We Invite You to Stay Awhile.
KAJ Hospitality has room for you—and room for you to grow. Many current KAJ leaders got their start in housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, breakfast service, and other areas. Our unique and varied 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. We’re not just looking for people to fill jobs. We’re looking for people who want to start their journey with KAJ—people who want to set goals, grow, and make a difference to this organization and the people involved.
We take pride not only in helping our team members along their professional paths but also helping our communities. Through programs like KAJ Cares, our team members volunteer, get involved, and give back.
Looking for your next great opportunity? It’s time to check in with KAJ Hospitality.