Meet HTIM Graduate: Annah TJ Apple

Employer: 6PM Hospitality
Title: Guest Service Manager
Date of HTIM course completion: November 2025
Location: Holland, Michigan

Why did you want to enroll in the HTIM business management course?
I wanted to expand my knowledge in the hospitality industry. I have recently been put in the position as guest service manager and my general manager suggested I take the course to gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in this new role. ​

How will this help you step up in your career?
I learned quite a bit across many different facets of hospitality during the course, and I feel that it gave me a good base for moving up in my company. I left with a more solid understanding of personnel management, profit & loss management and skills for interacting in a professional setting. All of this combined has made me feel more confident in my current role while also providing some confidence in seeking higher/more involved positions in the future.
 
What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to grow their career?
It never hurts to learn more! I have a lot of experience in management and hospitality (albeit in different areas than I currently work in), so it was easy to think on a surface level that I had it down, and didn't really need to learn more. However, even the items I thought I knew like the back of my hand - in class I found that even just ONE SENTENCE of new information motivated me to implement more knowledge into my toolkit and never count out an opportunity to learn more. 
 
What was your favorite part of the HTIM business management course?
Rita! Our instructor had such enthusiasm for the industry and course material that it all felt fun. My favorite topic we covered was “Menu Mix” and learning about the different ways to look at pricing, profit and performance of items on a menu.
 
How long have you been working in the industry?
I have been in the food and beverage industry for 10 years, and have now been in the hotel industry for three.
 
Can you share more background on your current role?
I am the guest service manager at a 56-room hotel (currently under renovation with an addition of 30+ more rooms) with onsite event spaces and a restaurant. I manage the front office team, but have a hand in all hotel operations - because it all relates to how guest's experience our property during their stay.
 
What was your first job in hospitality? How did you get into this industry?
My first job was at a fast food restaurant, and ever since then I’ve been in the food service industry. As a busy body, I have always had multiple jobs at once and it has allowed me to gain experience in many areas of hospitality. From working in a restaurant, to a housekeeping manager for rental properties, to eventually moving over to hotels while working as the food and beverage director for an entertainment company.
 
I started at the hotel part-time at the front desk as a side job, and loved it so much that I worked toward a management role. I think my experience leading up to my current position set me up for success, in that I understand each 'world' (serving, bartending, kitchen work, management, housekeeping, etc.) on a personal level - so it was easy to transfer my skills into hotel management.
 
Interesting & fun fact:
My husband and I worked in the entertainment industry for five years together, and we are huge music festival people. So, we got married at Lollapalooza in 2021 and it was very unique! 

Learn more about HTIM Hospitality Business Management Course

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