Meet HTIM Graduate: AJ Anderson

Employer: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Title: Guest Service Manager
Date of HTIM course completion: December 2024
Location: Traverse City
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What was your favorite part of the HTIM business management course? I enjoyed learning about how to manage a food and beverage department and how to safely serve guests. In my current position, I am not involved in F&B interactions, so it was interesting to learn how they operate. 
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Why did you want to enroll in the HTIM business management course?
I was signed up by my employer Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
 
How will this help you step up in your career?
I was able to listen to how other managers handle internal/external issues and apply those strategies to my day-to-day interactions. 
 
What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to grow their career?
 Take this course seriously and stay up to date on the weekly assignments. Tom Hamp was my instructor and was able to assist on any issues.

How long have you been working in the industry? 
I’ve been working in the industry for seven years.
 
Can you share more background on your current role? 
I am the guest service manager at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. I oversee our bell service, concierge, PBX and front desk department.
 
What was your first job in hospitality? How did you get into this industry?
I started as a bellman in 2017 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. In 2019, I was promoted to the supervisor role of bell captain. After being bell captain, I was promoted to laundry manager in 2021. As the laundry manager, I was able to learn about managing a budget and running my own department. In the spring of 2024, I was promoted to guest service manager.

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