Meet participating employer, Treetops Resort

Employer: Treetops Resort
Location: Gaylord, MI
Director of Operations: Aaron Beach
​
As an employer, what benefits do you see for your employees completing the HTIM business management course?
The benefits for employees include a broader perspective on hospitality and understanding the business. Financial aspects of the course have been insightful and impactful for those attending. 

Can you share more about your business? 
Treetops Resort is a year-round resort with over 200 rooms with a variety of lodging options. The property features 5 spectacular golf courses, 27 downhill ski runs, nordic & extreme tubing in the winter, 14 F&B outlets including quick service, full service and banquet events, as well as a spa/salon. 

Have you sent employees to the HTIM course? If so, how many?
Yes, we’ve sent 16 employees through the HTIM course.

How does your business benefit from employees completing the course? 
First, they feel valued and appreciate the opportunity to grow which helps with retention and employee satisfaction. Secondly, attendees gain insight into areas where they don’t currently work so it opens the door to explore more of what our industry has to offer. Ultimately, they improve their knowledge and skills which leads to better leadership and improved decision making. One employee was promoted into a managerial role within a different department following completion of this course. He’s thriving in his role as a new manager.

What are your thoughts on training on location option for employees?
Having a class hosted at our property for our team was incredibly convenient and worked within our business cycles. Discussions were easily relatable due to everyone working at the same property.

What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to step up in their career?
Learners are earners – constantly be learning, looking for ways to expand your professional expertise. Mentors are leaders – develop others and share your knowledge.

What advice do you have for other hospitality businesses who want to help employees improve their skills?
Provide tangible incentives, we pay for people to attend the class if they’re hourly and provide a $500 completion bonus matching HTIM’s incentive. Beyond that, identify people in your organization who want to be promoted and use this as a pathway for development.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I think it’s important to note that the class is demanding. It’s not an easy task to complete. Companies and employees need to understand the commitment needed to complete the course. 

​
Ready to bring our course to your business?
Give your employees new skills and knowledge by having HTIM present the 12-week course on-site at your business, with a curriculum customized for your unique operation.

Learn more about on-site training