Meet Desireé Fires.

Location: Monroe, MI
Employer: Callaghan’s Coffee Café / Northwest Community Schools
Title: Owner / Math Teacher

Why did you want be an instructor for the HTIM business management course?
As a teacher, my passion is helping people learn & grow. As a business owner, I combine my passion for teaching with my passion for my industry and work to teach my employees more about business, customer service and hospitality in general. Teaching the HTIM course is an opportunity for me to make a larger impact and share my knowledge and experience with others in the hospitality industry.
 
How will this course help individuals step up in their career?
This course is helpful in providing skills and knowledge that is applicable in the daily work of hospitality professionals. From organizational & time management skills to customer service & employability skills, this program provides something for everyone looking for growth in their hospitality career. 
 
What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to grow in their career?
My advice to others is to never stop looking for ways to learn.  There are always opportunities to learn from your peers & supervisors, along with resources available online and in person.  
 
How long have you been working in the industry?  
I started in hospitality as my first job back in the mid-90s working at a local ice cream shop, I then spent years working as a server at different restaurants.  In 2020 my husband & I opened our coffee café and we have been serving our community ever since. 
 
Can you share more background on your current role?
Deciding to open a coffee shop and start a business from scratch (with NO coffee background knowledge) was a bold decision.  We started with research and education, helping us build the foundation we needed to start our business.  During the remodel of our building, COVID hit and changed the entire industry.  We were able to make some changes to our business plan to accommodate the new landscape and we continue to be flexible, changing with economic demands and challenges as they appear.  

Interesting and fun fact:
I LOVE to travel.  My favorite places to be are Lake Michigan, Ireland or Las Vegas.  If I could travel for a living I absolutely would.  

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