Meet HTIM Graduate: Beth Cottee

Employer: HIS Northern MI, Inc.
Title: Human Resources Director
Date of HTIM course completion:  April 2025
Location: Petoskey, Michigan
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Why did you want to enroll in the HTIM business management course?
I enrolled for three reasons – first, to vet the course as a potential staple in our hospitality manager training toolchest. Second, to stay on top of industry trends and experience firsthand what our hotel and restaurant managers are up against in day-to-day operations. And lastly, for my own personal development.

How will this help you step up in your career?  
By having experienced the training course firsthand, I can confidently know what I am signing future managers and supervisors up for. It also helps us to build and refine our own training programs.
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What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to grow their career?
Take this course and take the material seriously. 

What was your favorite part of the HTIM business management course?
Networking within the class. Our instructor encouraged an open environment, so it felt like we were all learning together.

How long have you been working in the industry?
I’ve been working in the industry for 15 years.

Can you share more background on your current role?
As much as I love working on the operations side of hospitality, I also love being on the administrative and decision-making side of things. I am proud to provide support for our managers and team members who are on “the front lines” of our industry by making sure we have solid policies and a trustworthy payroll and HR infrastructure in our company.

What was your first job in hospitality? How did you get into this industry?
My first job in hospitality was working at a Subway as a sandwich artist in Ann Arbor in the 90s. I initially picked it up as just a job, but I ended up loving chatting with people, taking care of our regulars and the business end of things as well. I then moved on from Subway to work at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor. This was where I discovered what true passion for good food and exceptional customer service looks like in a business. Although I was only there one summer, it left an indelible impression on me on how to cultivate an environment of true hospitality, not only to customers but also to employees, vendors, and really anyone who interacted with the business in any capacity.

Interesting & fun fact: 
I was born and raised in New England, having lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan in the 90s. In summer of 1994, my roommate in Ann Arbor invited me to spend a long weekend with her family in Northern Michigan. After spending four days there, I knew it was where I wanted to live. I moved there permanently early that winter and have lived here ever since.

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