--- title: Hotel Acquisition, Management & Development Services description: Seeking a hotel management consultant to review your hotel property? Let KAJ explore the potential of partnering with you for hotel management needs. image: https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/KAJ_2020/images/social-generic.jpg --- # Acquisition, Management & Development. [Connect With Us](https://www.kajhospitality.com/contact?hsLang=en) ## We're Here to Help. Yes, revenue, profitability, and investor returns are a priority, but none of those things are possible without people. KAJ believes a people-first approach drives all other metrics. The results won’t come without first focusing on people—our team, our guests, and our stakeholders. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on [partnering with people](https://www.kajhospitality.com/here-for-partners?hsLang=en) in our industry looking for support and guidance as the world of hospitality shifts and adjusts to a new normal. What’s your goal this year? Take the first step by recognizing our partner process. The guide is comprehensive by design to share our process with you as you determine your next steps in hotel acquisition, management and operations. [![Hospitality hinges on people and partnerships. Learn how KAJ leverages both in our free download: Here for Partners.  Get the Guide](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/7070147/83dddeec-864b-4d22-b9cb-68afd3670675.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/7070147/83dddeec-864b-4d22-b9cb-68afd3670675) ## Partnering to Protect Hospitality. ### Hotel management & operations. Our ability to meet the expectations to deliver a meaningful impact across the entire operation is how we measure success. KAJ Hospitality Management Group can assist with all aspects of hotel operations — including talent acquisition, training and retention; implementing reporting systems, budgets, projections, sales and marketing initiatives and community involvement. Or, our management services can be parsed out individually, depending on what your property and team need for support. **Now is the time to collaborate. Now is the time to put people first.**   ### Revenue Management. We combine art and science in regard to consumer and market behavior to predict the right strategies to forecast hotel property opportunity for occupancy and revenue. We pride ourselves on our ability to outperform our comp sets in RevPAR index (RGI), and our financial team is involved on a daily basis across each property to proactively manage and maximize every revenue opportunity.   ### Guest Satisfaction. Our guest service philosophy is one of simplicity: keep the human experience at the forefront of all decisions, guiding our business practices across all aspects of operation. We won’t allow corporate policies and procedures to get in the way of our goals: to provide an exceptional experience and make everyone feel like family. We adapt to ever-changing consumer preferences and create an environment for people to thrive in, both professionally as team members and personally as guests.   ### Human Resources. We provide direction to the most critical aspect of hospitality: people. We can assist with managing talent; recruitment, training and retention; developing a human resources strategy that establishes your property as an employment destination; and professional oversight of payroll, benefits coordination and employee engagement.   ### Accounting & Finance. KAJ’s background and experience in hospitality financial planning for owners and investors is enhanced by our ability to develop and execute operating forecasts, potential threats, cash flow projections, capital expenditure plans and property improvement plan recommendations. Our goal is to provide a crystal clear financial picture in order for key stakeholders to make well-informed investment decisions.   ### Sales & Marketing. A comprehensive marketing plan is customized for each hotel property and ideally executed by a driven, highly engaged sales team. KAJ assists in both building a training program for the sales team and a framework in which to create necessary contacts to build a strong pipeline that leads guests straight to your property. [Connect With Us](https://www.kajhospitality.com/contact?hsLang=en) ![People-First Reputation](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/icons/icon-care-white.svg) People-First Reputation --- ![Experienced, Hands-On Approach](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/icons/icon-hands-on-white.svg) Experienced, Hands-On Approach --- ![Proven Business Process](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/icons/icon-simple-white.svg) Proven Business Process --- ## Meet the leadership team at KAJ Hospitality Management Company. ![Aaron Johnson](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Aaron_SM%20(1).jpg) ### AaronJohnson Chief Vision Officer [See Aaron's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Aaron Johnson](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Aaron_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact).  ![Bryan Ahlers](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Bryan_SM%20(1).jpg) ### BryanAhlers VP of Sales and Revenue Strategy [See Bryan's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Bryan Ahlers](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Bryan_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Sara Lussman](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Sara_SM%20(1).jpg) ### SaraLussman Executive Vice President [See Sara's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Sara Lussman](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Sara_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![McKenzie Hettich](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/McKenzie_SM%20(1).jpg) ### McKenzieHettich VP of Operations [See McKenzie's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![McKenzie Hettich](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/McKenzie_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Christine Dwyer](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Christine_SM%20(2).jpg) ### ChristineDwyer Regional Director of Operations [See Christine's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Christine Dwyer](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Christine_SM%20(2).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Blair Riffel](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Blair%20Riffel%20(1).jpg) ### BlairRiffel Regional Director of Operations [See Blair's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Blair Riffel](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Blair%20Riffel%20(1).jpg) ### Blair Riffel I started in housekeeping while in college as just a job. I fell in love with the business and was moved to the front desk after two summers — better with people than making beds, I imagine is what they were thinking. From there, I worked my way through the business, from front desk to multi-property leadership. What do you like to do in your free time?** **I play disc golf, whether in leagues or tournaments, and spend time with my wife, Sara, and our two dogs — Nordy (a Newfiedoodle) and Jet (a standard poodle). What is your favorite city to visit?** **San Diego. You can’t beat the weather, great food, and breweries. Why people?** **Connecting with people, hearing their stories, and learning something about them or where they are from. I love that every day is different — no two days are ever the same. To connect with Blair reach out [here](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Peggi Monico](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/IMG_7938%20(1).jpg) ### PeggiMonico Regional Director of Sales [See Peggi's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Peggi Monico](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/IMG_7938%20(1).jpg) ### Peggi Monico My diverse experience in the hotel industry spans key leadership roles. I've guided sales and marketing strategies for a large downtown Minneapolis hotel, delivered revenue optimization expertise to a Minnesota-based hotel management and ownership group, and shaped brand-level sales and marketing initiatives across a Midwest hotel portfolio. What do you like to do you in your free time? In my free time, I enjoy walking, golfing, tennis, and downhill skiing. I also love spending time at our family cabin in Park Rapids, MN. What is your favorite city to visit? Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I enjoy visiting family there—and of course, hitting the slopes! What is your favorite KAJ memory? As a new member of the KAJ team, my favorite memory so far is the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received from everyone I’ve met. It’s a wonderful group of people, and I’m proud to be part of this organization. Why People? What I love most about hospitality is the opportunity to work with people and build long-lasting, meaningful business relationships. To connect with Peggi, reach out [here](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Tony Nasello](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Tony%20-%20Close%20Up.jpg) ### TonyNasello Regional Director of Food & Beverage [See Tony's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Tony Nasello](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Tony%20-%20Close%20Up.jpg) ### Tony Nasello I attended Humber College in Toronto, Canada, and graduated in 1989 with an associate degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts. A highlight of my early career was my one-year internship as an international cast member at Disney World’s Epcot Center. Throughout the 1990s, I worked as a Hotel Manager aboard luxury and expedition cruise vessels for Holland America Line and Clipper Cruise Line/INTRAV, visiting all seven continents. In 2000, I opened Sarello’s, a contemporary fine dining restaurant in Moorhead, MN, which I operated with my wife until 2016. From 2016–2023, I served as the General Manager of the boutique Hotel Donaldson in downtown Fargo. I joined the team at Hilton Garden Inn Fargo as General Manager in 2023 and was delighted to begin 2026 as the first Regional Director of Food & Beverage Operations for KAJ Hospitality. **What do you like to do in your free time?** I embrace what I call my “Four-F Philosophy”: Family, Food, Fun, and Fitness. I love cooking with my wife and son, especially dishes that celebrate our Italian and Norwegian heritage. I also try to go to the gym every day after work, which helps me stay fit and recharge my energy. **What is your favorite city to visit?** The Eternal City — Rome. I love everything about this city: the ancient history, the food, the architecture, and the people. Just walking around Rome is like being in an open-air museum; there is always something beautiful to see and learn about. There is a timeless quality to Rome that makes me feel connected to my heritage and humanity. **What is your favorite KAJ memory?** My favorite KAJ memory is hosting the Family Feud game show at the 2025 KAJ Leadership Conference. **Why people?** I love hospitality because it brings people together. My career in hospitality has allowed me to travel the world and experience incredible personal and professional opportunities. I have met people from all over the world whom I now call friends — both guests and team members. Through these experiences, I have learned about different cultures, customs, languages, and food, and I am still learning every day. To connect with Tony reach out [here](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Brian Johnson](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Brian_SM%20(1).jpg) ### BrianJohnson Revenue Manager [See Brian's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Brian Johnson](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Brian_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Bronwyn Bergeson](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Browyn_SM%20(1).jpg) ### BronwynBergeson Revenue Manager [See Bronwyn's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Bronwyn Bergeson](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Browyn_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Becca Cater-Weight](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Becca_SM%20(1).jpg) ### BeccaCater-Weight Human Resource Leader [See Becca's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Becca Cater-Weight](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Becca_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Heidi Gravett](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Heidi_SM%20(1).jpg) ### HeidiGravett Payroll & Benefits Manager [See Heidi's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Heidi Gravett](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Heidi_SM%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Leah Monahan](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Leah_LG%20(1).jpg) ### LeahMonahan Senior Accountant [See Leah's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Leah Monahan](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Leah_LG%20(1).jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Kate Noterman](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Kate%20800%20x%20600.jpeg) ### KateNoterman Marketing Manager [See Kate's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Kate Noterman](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Kate%20800%20x%20600.jpeg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Mike Bonasera](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Mike%20Bonasera%20(1).jpg) ### MikeBonasera Director of Construction and Renovations [See Mike's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Mike Bonasera](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Mike%20Bonasera%20(1).jpg) ### Mike Bonasera I started in hotels in 2001 with the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomington, MN, and over the years have worked on numerous renovations and new construction projects, including eight resorts on the North Shore of Minnesota. I love seeing a project come together and knowing the property team and guests are happy with the final result. **What do you like to do in your free time?** I enjoy spending time with my wife, kids, and grandkids. We’re active in their activities—from adaptive sports to choir concerts—and I also love fishing, especially up in Ely, MN, where I enjoy both summer fishing and ice fishing in the winter. **What is your favorite city to visit?** Ely, MN – it’s a beautiful place to fish, relax, and take in the scenery. **Why KAJ?** Learning about KAJ from a trusted vendor and seeing firsthand how much the team values people and properties. **Why People?** I love collaborating with property teams, from GMs to maintenance and front desk staff, to coordinate projects that minimize guest impact. Seeing projects succeed and guests happy is the most rewarding part of my role. To connect with Mike, reach out [here](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact).   ![Kyle Gullotto](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Kyle%20800%20x%20600.jpeg) ### KyleGullotto Task Force General Manager [See Kyle's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Kyle Gullotto](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Kyle%20800%20x%20600.jpeg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ![Jesse Helms](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/leadership/JesseHelms-cropped.jpg) ### JesseHelms Accounting Administrator [See Jesse's Bio](https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development#) ![Jesse Helms](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/leadership/JesseHelms-cropped.jpg) ### 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](http://kajhospitality-7070147.hs-sites.com/contact). ## Our Partners Process. After introductions and a needs assessment, KAJ Hospitality will make recommendations for partnering with you on behalf of your project or property. ![KAJ-Process-Graphic-2](https://www.kajhospitality.com/hubfs/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/KAJ-Process-Graphic-2.svg) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressLocality" : "Sioux Falls", "addressRegion" : "SD", "postalCode" : "57108", "streetAddress" : "7405 S Bitterroot Pl" }, "description" : "Seeking a hotel management consultant to review your hotel property? Let KAJ explore the potential of partnering with you for hotel management needs.", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "43.478160", "longitude" : "-96.748690" }, "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7070147/Web%20Images/KAJ_2020/logo.svg", "name" : "KAJ Hospitality", "telephone" : "1-888-512-1276" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "description" : "Seeking a hotel management consultant to review your hotel property? Let KAJ explore the potential of partnering with you for hotel management needs.", "name" : "Management & Development", "publisher" : "KAJ Hospitality", "url" : "https://www.kajhospitality.com/management-development" } ```