FOLLOWING IN THEIR MOTHERS' FOOTSTEPS

Words by Janelle Brandon

Last fall at a networking event, Dave Schultz and Cristina McCoy noticed something familiar at a display of the last 30 years of Area Woman Magazine: both of their mothers graced the covers.

Dave Schultz, son of former WDAY anchor Maureen Zimmerman, is the new general manager of Element Fargo slated to open March 26 just off Interstate 94 and Veterans Blvd. in West Fargo.

“My mother worked very hard as a reporter, news producer and anchor,” said Schultz, a former professional golfer. “I found out my mother was actually on the first Area Woman cover thirty years ago. She had been working as a reporter at a television station in Houston, and decided she wanted to return to Fargo to raise her family. She liked working in this community. There is something about the people.”

Element Fargo’s Sales and Marketing Manager Cristina McCoy is the daughter of Carol Johnson, general manager of the Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center in Fargo, who has actually been on the cover of Area Woman twice for her dedication to the community as well as being named Woman of the Year.

“They did a feature story on her when I was one and then again years later for our area’s Woman of the Year award, and last year she also received the YWCA Lifetime

Achievement award” said McCoy, whose mother taught her to always do great work and treat people well in an effort to leave a positive lasting impression and a unique legacy. “My dad passed away when we were young and I always remember my mom working hard for my sister and me. Even when I was little, she’d take me along to the office if she needed to get things done. My husband and I look forward to projecting that same work ethic with our son.”

Schultz hired Morgan Hanson a few months ago to serve as Element Fargo’s front office manager and during a conversation mentioned that he and McCoy’s mothers had been on Area Woman Magazine covers.

“So has mine,” said Hanson.

Hanson’s mother is Deb Jenkins who is well-known in the community for founding the Celebration of Women and Their Music which just finished its eighteenth year. The music festival isn’t the only thing Jenkins is known for in the community. In addition to being a musical performer herself, she runs a successful catering company. All of this done while working as a registered nurse.

“I remember my mom incorporating me into her activities. If she was working on a catering order, there would be music and friends and laughter filling our home. She showed me how to work hard but also enjoy myself and do what makes me happy while working.”

A strong work ethic and enjoying what they do will serve Schultz, McCoy, Hanson and the rest of the Element Fargo team as they get ready to open the doors of the new hotel. They’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible network of supportive professionals in the community.

“There have been so many people who have welcomed me back to Fargo,” noted Schultz. Schultz had been living in Texas before moving back to Fargo last year. He got married to his wife Kelsey just before Christmas. “Fargo is like a big magnet. You may leave for a while, but you always find your way back home.”

The trio is excited to open the doors to an energizing environment featuring a clean design and focus on a state-of-the-art hotel experience. They’ve developed a team-focused management approach so that the hotel will be a place of fun and relaxation for business and pleasure.

“There really is something for everyone whether you’re single, a couple, or a family looking for a memorable hotel experience for a day, a week, or more,” added McCoy. “We have a dedicated guest experience specialist as well to answer our guests’ questions and make sure they feel supported throughout their stay.”

To learn more about Element Fargo, visit www.elementfargo.com.