“I’ve always envisioned myself as someone who likes to help others, and that led me into the hospitality arena. I like to take care of people. The hospitality industry is all about people. You get to meet people from all over the world and all walks of life. You could be somebody’s first experience ever visiting a hotel, their eighth trip back to your hotel, and everyone in between. You get to make connections with all of them.

 

The hotel business isn’t just about the guests, it’s about the people I get to work with as well. At Timber Ridge, we have a great opportunity to hire adults with special needs. We offer experience and training in areas they might not have previously been considered. It is such a privilege to get to know all of our employees.

 

One team member in particular, Jamie, works in the water park. His mom is the leader of the Walworth County Special Olympics. Her name is Betty, and she’s just the sweetest lady. She asked me if I’d be willing to volunteer with them. In the past few years, I have become very involved with the Walworth County Special Olympics. I coach softball and basketball for them. I would encourage anybody in the community to reach out and offer your time with their group. It’s a great experience. As we ramp up for the holiday season, I would like to invite everyone out to the Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge to check out the holiday decor.- We have an illumination ceremony on November 16th. That’s when we turn on the millions of lights we have here on campus. Both the hotels will be fully decorated and really getting ready for the Christmas in the Country experience.”

 

Jesse Kearns, General Manager, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark #storytelling #lakegenevawi #interviewwithalocal #tellusastory