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.
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.
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.
Christine Borpie
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.
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.
Jasen Hanisch
I was born and raised in Montrose SD, after graduation I joined the US Navy and spent 12 years active duty traveling the world building and maintaining base facilities. After leaving active service I moved back to South Dakota with my wife and joined the 114th Fighter wing, Civil Engineering squadron, at that time I took a small break from construction and worked at FedEx Freight for a few years while I grew my construction company. Throughout my career I’ve worked in every aspect of construction and maintenance from pouring the foundations to maintaining sewer lift stations.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love summer so I enjoy kayaking with my family and playing a few rounds of golf with my wife whenever possible.
What is your favorite city to visit? I really don’t have a favorite city. I love small towns and all the uniqueness that each one has.
Why People? I’m a bit of an over explainer! I enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge of the construction industry by breaking it down to the most basic level, mostly because I believe to really teach someone how to fix something they must first understand how it works and why. Once a person knows the how and why they can apply that to anything from electrical to plumbing. I want everyone I work with to grow in their career and set their sights on my position and that’s when I know that I’ve done my job correctly.
To connect with Jasen, 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.
Yes.
Everyone.
We Show Up with Empathy
We Take Care of People
We Include Others
We Inspire 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.