february 23-25, 2025 TO
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
AGENDA
dear kinseth leadership conference attendee
Welcome to our 2025 Kinseth Hospitality Companies’ Leadership Conference and Awards Dinner! We are pleased you could join us for this year’s conference at the West Des Moines Marriott hotel. The staff has gone to extraordinary measures to ensure that you will find everything to your satisfaction during your stay. If there is anything the staff can do to make your stay more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to ask.
We are especially excited to welcome you to the 2025 Leadership Conference this year as we are celebrating 48 years of Kinseth Hospitality Companies. We hope to make it a memorable experience for everyone! We’ve put together an exciting lineup of motivating speakers, creative breakout sessions, and delicious food and beverages.
It is our hope that you meet some new friends, renew acquaintances, learn a lot, and have a fabulous time at the 2025 Kinseth Hospitality Companies’ Annual Leadership Conference. Please use this booklet as your guide for schedules and events throughout the conference.
Also in this booklet, you’ll find a directory of our preferred vendor partners who have helped make this conference possible with their sponsorships. Please take this directory home with you to your property and refer to as needed.
Sincerely,
THE KINSETH FAMILY
Leslie Kinseth - President
Bruce Kinseth - Executive Vice President
Linda Skinner - Vice President
Gary Kinseth - Vice President
Shana Craven - Vice President, Operations
Ben Kinseth - Vice President, Development/Finance
Aaron Mailey - Vice President, Construction and Facilities
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
christine trippi
Boasting over three decades of experience with many of the world’s leading hotel brands, Christine specialized in transforming underperforming hotels into top performers through team culture, guest experience, and operational excellence, culminating in prestigious industry awards including: General Manager of the Year, Hotel of the Year, and Best Place to Work.
Globally recognized as one of the top speakers in Hospitality and Customer Experience by Global Gurus. Her program, “Yes Is the Answer,” was ranked the #2 best training program.
Recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as 100 Most Inspirational People in Global Hospitality and Travel.
Christine Trippi’s book Yes Is the Answer has earned the title of #1 Best Seller in Hospitality on Amazon, transforming teams across the industry. This groundbreaking work is celebrated for its actionable insights, empowering hospitality professionals to deliver exceptional guest experiences and elevating team performance.
Tranquil Trails
Tranquil Trails reimagines traditional motifs on a large scale, with abstract layers, organic forms, and soft colors. Visit us at mohawkgroup.com/hospitality
STREAMLINE CLEANING
with the Right Tools to Save Time and Energy
Enhance cleaning efficiency with interchangeable housekeeping tools that feature quick-change mechanisms and can be used with an expandable pole for better reach. These lightweight tools also include ergonomic grips and easy-on mechanisms, increasing safety and reducing trips to the housekeeping cart for better workflow.
AGENDA
sunday, february 23
3:30 pm—5:00 pm check in - hotel check-in and registration hotel lobby
4:00 pm—5:00 pm cocktail hour grand ballroom
5:00 pm—8:00 pm vendor tradeshow & road trip fare grand ballroom
8:00 pm—9:30 pm sunday night awards grand ballroom
monday, february 24
6:30 am—7:30 am breakfast buffet grand ballroom
7:30 am—8:15 am state of the company address with bruce kinseth grand ballroom
8:15 am—8:30 am 401(k) session with steele capital grand ballroom
8:30 am—10:30 am sales gravy training session grand ballroom
10:30 am—10:45 am morning break pre-function
10:45 am—12:15 pm team building grand ballroom
12:15 pm—1:00 pm lunch buffet grand ballroom
1:00 pm—1:30 pm breakout session 1 see name tag
1:35 pm—2:05 pm breakout session 2 see name tag
2:10 pm—2:40 pm breakout session 3 see name tag
2:40 pm—2:50 pm afternoon break pre-function
2:50 pm—3:20 pm breakout session 4 see name tag
3:25 pm—3:55 pm breakout session 5 see name tag
4:00 pm—4:30 pm breakout session 6 see name tag
6:00 pm—7:00 pm cocktail hour pre-function
7:00 pm—10:00 pm dinner and awards grand ballroom
tuesday, february 25
7:00 am—8:00 am breakfast buffet grand ballroom
7:00 am—8:00 am ihg hotel attendees: working breakfast with rod lindsey salon a
8:00 am—9:00 am insurance session with lockton grand ballroom
9:00 am—11:00 pm keynote speaker - christine trippi grand ballroom
11:00 am—11:15 am morning break pre-function
11:15 am—12:00 pm hr session with jennifer marburg grand ballroom
12:00 pm on the road again - lunch to go pre-function
check your name tag for special assignments!
Such as Sales Gravy table assignment, Team Building table assignment, Breakout Session room locations, Monday Dinner and Awards table assignment, and Tuesday Breakfast location.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
directors of operations lead sessions
each DO region will have a chance to sit and chat with their team members
strategic thinking: the kinseth revenue game
with Stefanie Arnaman, Janette Steffensmeier, and Stacy Farmer
asset management trivia
with Jason Mailey
photography, your #1 marketing tool
with Denise Stejskal, Sarah Olberding, and Kelly Chrischilles
sum savvy solutions
with Chad Goldsmith, Michelle Schultz, and Andrew Davis
don’t be on the list
with Karyn Brouilette and Andrea Barth
MEETING ROOM FLOOR PLAN
With 25 years of experience serving the hospitality industry, HOTELSIGNS.com is the trusted choice for all your signage needs. We partner with hospitality organizations to uphold brand standards and provide custom solutions when needed. Whether you’re renovating or building a new property, we’re here to help. With our SignSpec© Planning Service, simply send us your floor plans and you’ll receive a detailed quote - including signs that comply with NFPA, ICC, and ADA standards. Visit HOTELSIGNS.com/signspec to get started.
SUNDAY AWARDS CEREMONY
tenure awards
5 Year, 10 Year, 15 Year, 20 Year, and 25 Year
quality excellence award
gift shop pfo award
gift shop revenue per occupied room award
teamwork award
new build of the year award
sales & marketing support award
General Manager and Food & Beverage Director
ken and cyrena aspire award
A partnership Kinseth can be proud of
With our ever-changing landscape, the ability to respond quickly and effectively is essential in protecting your property, people, and reputation. Lockton continues to work with Kinseth every step of the way to meet the challenges facing your organization.
We celebrate our people, our partnerships, and our independent spirit by empowering our Associates to make a difference for our clients every day.
Untethered Networks is a hospitality focused IT and communications service company headquartered in Chicago, IL. The founders have a combined 30+ years of experience in hospitality technology, bringing their expertise and industry knowledge in voice systems, networking& Wi-Fi, and managed IT services to hotels and business across the country.
• Back-of-house IT services
• Front-of-house IT services
• Microsoft M365 licensing & administration
• Hospitality PBX: new systems, break/ x, maintenance
• Admin & room phones
• Voice over IP phone lines, IP POTS lines
• Amenity WiFi: Restaurant, Fitness, HVAC controls
• Guest WiFi (select brands)
• Internet connectivity
• LTE Cellular-based backup connectivity
F&B SESSION SPEAKER
paige sullivan
CORPORATE CHEF
Adept at keeping customers coming back for more, Chef Paige inspires custom and non-commercial operators to deliver enticing and loyalty-building solutions.
Chef Paige leads General Mills Foodservice’s relationship with the Compass Group, plus builds loyalty among customers of convenience stores and quick-service restaurants across the country. From planning and executing complex events, to creating innovative and exciting menus, Chef Paige is a solution-oriented chef who enjoys educating people about food and making cooking approachable.
Before joining Chefs of the Mills in 2023, Chef Paige provided culinary and back-ofhouse support to Compass Group clients based in the Midwest and on the East Coast. As executive chef for the Minnesota Vikings, Chef Paige provided food service at the National Football League (NFL) team’s practice facility, set the standard for food programs within the NFL, and worked extensively on menu development and athlete nutrition.
Chef Paige has an associate degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Minneapolis/St. Paul and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
It’s how travel works better.
We help hoteliers drive profitable demand, improve operations, and elevate guest experiences.
• Business Intelligence
• Media & Marketing
• Distribution Services
• Reservations & Guest Management
• Sales & Catering
• Service Optimization
LEARN MORE
MONDAY AWARDS CEREMONY
dos sales excellence award—revenue
Full Service, Extended Stay, and Select Stay Directors of Sales
financial management award
General Manager and Food & Beverage Director
select service director of sales awards
Leadership and Select Service Director of Sales of the Year
extended stay director of sales awards
Leadership and Extended Stay Director of Sales of the Year
full service director of sales awards
Leadership and Full Service Director of Sales of the Year
food and beverage director awards
Leadership and Food & Beverage of the Year
limited service hotel general manager awards
Leadership and Limited Service General Manager of the Year
select service hotel general manager awards
Leadership and Select Service General Manager of the Year
extended stay hotel general manager awards
Leadership and Extended Stay General Manager of the Year
full service hotel general manager awards
Leadership and Full Service General Manager of the Year
MONDAY DINNER MENU
first course
Cold Bay Shrimp Salad
Vol-au-Vent
second course
Celestial Salad: Field greens and shredded iceberg, constellation cherry tomatoes with candied pork belly and ranch dressing
italian bread service
Focaccia bread and fresh creamery butter
entrée
Center Cut Filet Mignon:
6 oz. certified Angus filet mignon with herb steak butter, dauphinoise potatoes with Asiago cream sauce and fresh vegetable medley with diced red and yellow bell pepper confetti
Vegetarian/Vegan: Portobello mushroom and grilled vegetable napoleon with red pepper coulis
dessert
Chocolate Decadence
2023 AWARD WINNERS
Melissa Carr, Hilton Garden Inn Bettendorf
Amy Perkins, Quality Inn Creston
SELECT STAY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Karyn Brouilette, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clinton
Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs Food & Beverage Team
AGENDA
Help simplify procedures, speed up cleaning, minimize number of products needed and reduce physical effort. Help improve and manage pool and spa operations with 24/7 digital monitoring and reporting, superior equipment and chemistry, and expert training and technical support.
Designed to protect your linen investment, drive efficiency, and provide powerful stain fighting and hygienically clean linens.
Proactively defend against bed bugs and other common pests with inspections and sciencebased treatment plans from our highly trained pest experts to help protect your brand.
2023 AWARD WINNERS
FULL SERVICE DIRECTOR OF SALES OF THE YEAR: Jessica Vanderpool, Holiday Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn Council Bluffs
EXTENDED STAY DIRECTOR OF SALES OF THE YEAR: Ann Brukardt, TownePlace Suites Oshkosh
SELECT STAY DIRECTOR OF SALES OF THE YEAR: Brian Spraggins, SpringHill Suites Ames
2023 AWARD WINNERS
Debbi Malik
330-995-9200 ext. 208 440-655-3883 mobile dmalik@milldist.com milldist.com
FULL
Matthew Robinson, Lori Lammers, Melissa Carr, Ben Brantmeier (not pictured, Alex Gomez (not pictured), & Renato Cojanu (not pictured)
SELECT STAY GENERAL MANAGER LEADERSHIP AWARD: Brandy Smith Branstad, Karyn Brouilette, Deb Pittman, Beth Metke & Liz Wilke (not pictured)
EXTENDED STAY GENERAL MANAGER
Magen Eggers, John Myers, DJ Miller, & Joshua Jandera (not pictured)
LIMITED SERVICE GENERAL MANAGER LEADERSHIP AWARD: Kim Merriman, Amy Perkins, Barbara Starken, & Laura Myers
FOOD & BEVERAGE HOTEL OPERATION LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Courtyard Bellevue, Hilton Garden Inn Bettendorf, Best Western Holiday Lodge Clear Lake, Courtyard Ankeny, & Holiday Inn & Suites Council Bluffs
OF SALES LEADERSHIP AWARD: Jessica Vanderpool, Nicole Conway, Crystal Roop, Dwane Renfroe, & Mandy VanVoorhis
EXTENDED STAY DIRECTOR OF SALES LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Ann Brukardt, Crystal Roop, Cammie Brandl, & Cheryl Jass
SELECT STAY DIRECTOR OF SALES LEADERSHIP AWARD: Kim Merriman, Amy Perkins, Barbara Starken, & Laura Myers
MISSION AND VALUES
mission
The mission of Kinseth Hospitality Companies is to continue to grow as one of the most competitive, hard-working, and performance driven hotel management companies in the country. We do this by upholding a commitment to hire, train, and develop the most talented associates in the industry, to take exceptional care of our guests, and deliver result driven financial success to our business owners, investors, and developers.
midwest values
The Midwest has long been known for its solid values and strong moral compass. Treating our guests, employees, and owners with a respectful and honest approach which has been the foundation of Midwestern culture for generations. We exemplify these values in everything we do.
world class hospitality
Kinseth Hospitality Companies has a diverse portfolio of hospitality businesses located across the Midwest. We believe that World Class Service is achieved through our employees’ and associates’ passion and commitment to serve each guest with a smile. As a team, we strive to treat each guest as our number one priority; worthy of our utmost attention and gratitude.
HOSPITALITY C O MPANIESCORE
We are dedicated to fostering a world class service culture with all of our guest endeavors, employees, owners and vendors.
We do this by practicing positive engagement, responsiveness to needs, and a passion to serve others.
We believe that success is shaped and achieved by motivated individuals in a team environment.
By assuring that all leaders at Kinseth Hospitality Companies are approachable, foster an atmosphere of collaboration and respect for others, we build on our mutual success.
We believe in an open, honest and engaging leadership approach at all levels, that builds accountability, trust and respect for all. We focus on equitable fair business practices and developing people through focused training.
We are committed to a proactive approach to business that engages performance and accountability at all levels in order to maximize outcomes for our team, company and owners. We are motivated to operate clean, quality and profitable hospitality businesses.
ENTERTAINMENT
dj das entertainment
DJ DAS is back this year to emcee our tradeshow and provide some groovy tunes. A little bio on DJ DAS:
I was born on the Caribbean island of Grenada and grew up in Brooklyn, NY.
My passion for music began as a young boy sneaking to listen to my parents’ record collection. I listened to Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Disco, R&B, Rock, Funk and even some Country. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY tuning in to the legendary DJ’s Heartlandmaster Flash, Red Alert, Kid Capri and many others. I remember listening attentively to scratch routines and attempting to mimic them on my parents’ home stereo turntables.
9 years ago my only son came into this world rocking an extra chromosome. It reignited my passion for music and with a little push from my wife, DJ DAS Entertainment was started.
DJ DAS is Dependable, Attentive, Supportive
DJ DAS is the love between a father and son; a shared passion for music.
DJ DAS is 20+ years of experience with creating a party experience and a memorable event.
VENDOR DIRECTORY
AMADEUS HOSPITALITY, INC.
Liz Ruffner, Marketing Events Specialist (603) 418-5554
FERGUSON
Ed Forister, National Account Manager (727) 430-8921
300 Portsmouth, NH 03801
elizabeth.ruffner@amadeus.com https://www.amadeus-hospitality.com/ 75 New Hampshire Ave
6205B Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Floor 17 Atlanta, GA 30328
775 Kacena Road Hiawatha, IA 52233
820 West Jackson Boulevard #150b Chicago, IL 60607
BLUEPRINT RF
Amy Keefe, Regional Sales Manager (619) 886-9056 amy.keefe@cox.com blueprintrf.com
CENTURY LAUNDRY DISTR.
Brent Trudo, Sales/Marketing Mgr. (800) 791-9321
btrudo@centurylaundry.com www.centurylaundry.com
Andi Tisor, Executive Sales Rep. (515) 554-2013 andi_tisor@mohawkind.com www.mohawkgroup.com CLOUD5 COMMUNICATIONS
1304 River Birch Drive Chillicothe, IL 61523
Brandon Holzberg, (201) 463-0984
Brandon.Holzberg@cloud5.com https://cloud5.com/
ed.forister@ferguson.com ferguson.com
Justin Mitlehner, Account Manager (704) 618-5594
jmitlehner@foodbuy.com https://foodbuy.com
Ashley West, Customer Acct Specialist (563) 608-2114
ashley.west@genmills.com generalmillsfoodservice.com
Charlie Ault, Sr Corp Acct Manager (309) 339-4940
Charles.Ault@ecolab.com www.ecolab.com
Alan Larkin, Sr Corp Acct Manager (402) 651-6248
alan.larkin@ecolab.com www.ecolab.com
VENDOR DIRECTORY
300 Davidson Ave Somerset, NJ 08873
2156 Amnicola Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37406
John Kipka, Corp Acct Director (612) 964-1022
jkipka@guestsupply.com www.guestsupply.com
Dyta Kodirun, V.P. National Accounts (888) 273-8726 (240) 449-0324
dytakodirun@hotelsigns.com https://www.hotelsigns.com
Cheryl Fosberry, Sr Sales Director (888) 362-7620
405 County Road 135 Hutto, TX 78634 (843) 642-7190
cfosberry@jacaruso.com www.jacaruso.com
One KONE Court Moline, IL 61265
Seth Wissing, Ntl Acct Manager (206) 683-1900
seth.wissing@kone.com www.kone.us
1102 A1A North Ste. 205 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
David McLemore, Inside Sales Rep. (800) 918-4000
david.mclemore@lg-fulfillment.com lgfulfillment.com (800) 918-4000
LOCKTON COMPANIES
Tom Metzner, Sr Loss Control (913) 484-1770
tmetzner@lockton.com https://global.lockton.com/us/en 444 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
IA 52722
Linda Mosher, CEO (563) 424-5960
linda@logoproqc.com logoproqc.com
Cory Weber, Sales Representative (913) 484-1770 cory@theresourceone.com cory@theresourceone.com
FITNESS
Seth Kok, Sales Representative (608) 630-3670
seth.kok@matrixfitness.com www.matrixfitness.com
Debbi Malik, National Sales (330) 995-9200
dmalik@milldist.com milldist.com
(440) 655-3883
MODERN COMPANIES
Rusty Beazley, VP of Central Iowa (515) 978-3734 (515) 371-9594
rusty.beazley@moderncompaniesinc.com moderncompaniesinc.com
Tom Larson, National Account Mgr. (701) 365-8403 tlarson@pinn360.com www.pinnaclecommunications.com
Brittany Nelson, Mgr Mktg Campaigns (919) 520-6229
bnelson@relaypro.com relaypro.com
Brian Coughlin, VP/GM Hospitality (714) 928-8534
bcoughlin@sertasimmons.com www.beautyresthospitality.com
VENDOR DIRECTORY
615 Hwy. 1 West
Iowa City, IA 52246
3900 West Innovation St Sioux Falls, SD 57107
400 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06902
SERVPRO
Michele Presley, Business Dev Mgr (319) 338-8550 (319) 521-7302
mpresley@servpro.me www.servproiowacitycoralville.com
SONIFI SOLUTIONS
Katie Roth, Corporate Sales Manager (605) 988-1218 (605) 941-1317
kroth@sonifi.com www.sonifi.com
SPECTRUM BUSINESS
Justin Sandoval, Major Account Mgr. (314) 858-3539
justin.sandoval@charter.com https://enterprise.spectrum.com (316) 371-2533
STEELE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Tim Doxzon, Vice President - Sales (212) 897-0969 (646) 408-1860 tim@ttitel.com www.ttitel.com
Chris Wieland CEO (312) 736-7600
cw@untether.us www.untether.us
1000 Jackson St. Suite 201 Dubuque, IA 52001
1390 Enclave Pkwy. Houston, TX 77077
Chris Boxleiter, 401(k) Adviser (563) 588-2097 chris@steelecapital.com www.steelecapital.com
SYSCO CORPORATION
Ruth Painter, Sr Mgr - Ntl Acct Hospitality (346) 318-7392 ruth.painter@sysco.com www.sysco.com
Patrick Ahern, Strategic Account Exec. (614) 737-8381
patrickahern@wasserstrom.com www.wasserstrom.com
We are thankful to have you as part of our team!