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Our Leadership Team

At the helm of our leadership are the four principles which are second generation of Kinseth Hospitality. Linda Skinner, Leslie Kinseth, Bruce Kinseth and Gary Kinseth. Each Principle has uniquely special skills that attribute to overall success of Kinseth Hospitality. All of them started out by operating their own full service hotel and restaurant in the late 70's and throughout the 80's. As they evolved, so did the company. The 1990's were a decade of growth and opportunity for the partners. Bruce oversaw and continues to oversee the main hub of the organization now located in Coralville, Iowa. Centralized accounting and administration for all the properties became a primary focus for growth. Area Managers were added to oversee additional properties under Bruce's direction. Leslie Kinseth developed Kinseth Development and Construction services. Linda honed in on her design skills and worked along side Leslie, in design, construction and procurement for their growing portfolio. Gary leads the Sales and Marketing corporate team in revenue management, developing solid sales team at each hotel and coming up with company initiatives that lead to sale growth throughout the year. The third generation has now stepped up to the plate and work in various roles throughout the organization. Kinseth currently has a workforce of over 4,000 Associates, Managers, Accountants, and Operational Directors.

Les Kinseth

President

Bruce Kinseth

Executive Vice President

Linda Skinner

Vice President

Gary Kinseth

Vice President

Nicole Wright

Corporate Controller

Jeff Schrader

Director of New Business Development

Aaron Mailey

Construction and Development Manager

Ben Kinseth

Director of Operations

Shana Craven

Director of Operations

Will Harrington

Director of Operations

Connie Schlichting

Director of Operations

Rob Wartella

Director of Operations

James Evans

Director of Operations

David Brown

Director of Operations

Steve Peters

Director of Operations

Elliott Rhoad

Director of Operations

Tammy Fraley

Director of Operations

Suzy Ridder

Director of Operations

Stefanie Arnaman

Director of Marketing & Revenue

Janette Steffensmeier

Senior Revenue Manager

Amanda Turner

Revenue Manager

Shannan Barnes

Corporate Director of Sales

Stacy Farmer

Sr. Regional Director of Sales

Jacob Gonsior

Regional Director of Sales

Doug Sinclair

Task Force Sales Manager

Sarah Olberding

Senior Creative Marketing Specialist

Michelle Peterson

Creative Marketing Specialist

Denise Stejskal

E-Commerce Web Manager

Les Kinseth

President

Les Kinseth is the President of Kinseth Hospitality Companies overseeing the company’s involvement through all hospitality acquisitions, new developments, new construction, major repositioning, and renovations. In his role as president, he oversees new property development for Kinseth Hospitality and is involved in negotiation with management contract partners, franchise organizations, third-party vendors (including contract execution with architects and general contractors), and equity investors.

In addition to his duties as President, Les serves as head of Development/Construction Services and Facilities Management. His duties in this role include supervision of all capital improvement planning, asset management, and construction/renovation procurement for the company. He oversees the architect and general contractor for new construction projects and for the re-development and re-conception of existing hotels. His passion is cultivating a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit within the company through positivity, leadership, and ambition. Through his intense dedication to motivate his associates and demonstrate an uncompromising work ethic he ignites a vision for future growth.

His educational experience includes over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry including growing up in the business, working for his father in all areas of hospitality operations. Knowledgeable in many areas Les sets the direction for the entire Kinseth Hospitality portfolio, including construction planning and renovation. Les was instrumental in moving Kinseth Hospitality into the role of General Contractor on a number of new hotel development properties and thousands of rooms.

Highly competent in all facets of the hospitality industry, he drives the company’s success by utilizing his hospitality experience for the benefit of all of our guests, owners, and employees. In addition, our ability to draw from his extensive hotel experience maximizes the performance of the entire corporate organization of each hotel.

He received a BBS from the University of Iowa in 1980 and started in the hospitality business that same year.

Bruce Kinseth

Executive Vice President

Bruce Kinseth is the Executive Vice President for Kinseth Hospitality overseeing the development of each functional department within the company. In his role, he is actively involved in all facets of operations, including finance and accounting, sales and marketing, human resources, operations, asset management, franchise communications, and relations, hotel development, construction, and renovation. Bruce is passionate about creating a strong team atmosphere while working to achieve Kinseth Hospitality Companies, investors, and managing partners goals. He pushes his team to provide data-driven results for maximum growth potential.

His educational background includes over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry including growing up in the hospitality industry while working for his father. Bruce has experience with all brands and virtually all sizes and types of operations, from limited-service hotels to full-service hotels with banquet and convention space, as well as independent and nationally-branded restaurants. He has participated in the acquisition of all the hotels for the Kinseth portfolio, including those from direct acquisitions and third-party hotel management contracts. He has been named a Receiver by the Court for various banks and institutions and has also administered private equity investments for hotel investors.

Knowledgeable in many areas across the hotel industry, as Executive Vice President of Kinseth Hospitality, Bruce has seen the company grow from a portfolio of three hotels, with $5,000,000 in revenue and 150 employees, to that of a fully integrated hospitality company, with the operation of over 65 hotels, 6 branded restaurants under multiple franchise brands, and the employment of more than 3,000 employees. From sales and marketing to the negotiation and implementation of labor contracts with the unionized hotels, Bruce has been instrumental in maintaining strategic and operational plans for Kinseth Hospitality.

He received is BBS in Business from the University of Iowa in 1981 and started his career in the hospitality industry that same year. Bruce has been invited as a guest speaker and panelist at many hotel conferences, including conferences regarding distressed real estate assets.

Linda Skinner

Vice President

Linda Skinner is a Vice-President for Kinseth Hospitality responsible for the overall direction and management of hotels located across Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, Council Bluffs, and Des Moines, Iowa, Kansas City and Columbia, Missouri. Linda oversees hotels and restaurants with brands and franchises for Marriott, Hilton, and IHG on a daily basis. In her role, Linda also oversees interior design for new hotels and ongoing renovations for the portfolio. Linda is passionate about design and transforming any space no matter its condition with current interior design trends.

Her educational background includes over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She has led the initial takeover, start-up and conversion for many hotels in the Kinseth Hospitality portfolio, ranging in size from a 78-room Holiday Inn Express to a 300-room, full-service Holiday Inn featuring 15,000 square feet of banquet space. Linda launched her career in 1981 when she became the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Best Western Crossroads in Council Bluffs. There she supervised all food and beverage aspects of the hotel. In 1985 she became General Manager of the hotel. She continued her efforts in Council Bluffs with the startup of the first Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). She was appointed President of the CVB and eventually as Ambassador for Council Bluffs. In 1992 Linda was designated as a Certified Hotel Administrator. She then became heavily involved with the interior design of Kinseth Hospitality properties, becoming a Director of Operations in 1997.

Linda’s hotels have won many franchise awards including the Torch Bearer Award from Holiday Inn for the Council Bluffs - Holiday Inn, and from Marriott for the Columbia, Missouri-Courtyard by Marriott (Diamond Award winner for the #1 ranked Courtyard in the Central United States region for Quality and Guest Service).

Gary Kinseth

Vice President

Gary Kinseth is a Vice President for Kinseth Hospitality overseeing our corporate sales, marketing, e-commerce, revenue, and regional teams and is the Director of Operations at multiple properties and hospitality projects. Gary and his corporate team are responsible for marketing, revenue, and e-commerce strategy. His passion is continually evaluating our strategy to move Kinseth Hospitality Companies and our properties forward in our ever-changing technological marketplace.

His educational background includes over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry including vast experience with full, select and economy service hotels, sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, and catering, and restaurant operations. From his early years working in the family business to his current position as Vice President of Kinseth Hospitality Companies, Gary has served as General Manager and Director of Operations for economy to full-service hotels and restaurants and has also coordinated and opened numerous properties for Kinseth Hospitality Companies.

Knowledgeable in many areas he is experienced with multiple brands including Best Western, Carlson, Choice, IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, as well as independent brands. Gary's continued focus on the future helps drive the success of his corporate teams and properties.

He attended Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa and received his BLS in Business and Communications from the University of Iowa in 1988, received his CHA certification in 1989 and has multiple brand training and certifications.

Nicole Wright

Corporate Controller

Nicole Wright is the Corporate Controller for Kinseth Hospitality. In her role, she oversees the accounting, payroll and IT departments. She is responsible for managing the company's general ledger, financial statements, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance, and various other special analyses. Her passion is accounting and teaching people how what they do affects the numbers.

Her educational background includes over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. During her time in Las Vegas, she worked at several hotel properties including the Sands Hotel and Casino, MGM Grand Hotel, Boulder Station Hotel, and Casino. She continued her career auditing Casinos and Hotels for 5 years. She recently began her career with Kinseth Hospitality after relocating to Iowa to be closer to the family.

Jeff Schrader

Director of New Business Development

Jeff Schrader is the Director of New Business Development for Kinseth Hospitality. In his role, he is responsible for securing third-party management contracts for hospitality properties, joint-venture contracts for the development of hotels, and the growth of company-owned and operated properties.

His educational background includes over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. From 1977 through 1980, Jeff held numerous hotel training positions with Westin and Aircoa hotels at locations in Chicago and Kansas City. He then pursued hospitality accounting and consulting assignments with Pannell Kerr Forester in Atlanta, completing market/feasibility studies, operational reviews, and economic evaluations for a variety of clubs, hotels, and restaurants. From 1985 through 2002, Jeff held franchise sales and development positions with Holiday Inns, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Prime Hospitality Corporation.

Knowledgeable in many areas he has been responsible for the growth and development of numerous hotel brands including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheraton Hotels, and AmeriSuites. He joined Kinseth Hospitality in July of 2002. Jeff has participated in numerous hotel conferences, most recently acting as a panelist at the Midwest Lodging Investors Summit and has also participated as a guest lecturer at Kendall College in Chicago.

He received his BA from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1977, and his MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1982.

Aaron Mailey

Construction and Development Manager

Aaron Mailey is a Construction and Development Manager at Kinseth Hospitality Companies. 

Aaron manages the day-to-day operations and oversees the construction of new properties and renovations in the Kinseth Hospitality portfolio. He also identifies new sites for potential hotels and is heavily involved with developing pro formas, construction budgets, and creating task schedules during the construction process.

Aaron grew up in the hotel business, offering over 30 years of experience and has worked in nearly every facet of the industry. He started out in the hospitality industry bussing and washing tables and worked his way to front desk manager, overseeing the engineering department, asset management, and ultimately moving into his passion for construction and development.

Aaron has a Certificate in Building Engineering from Iowa Western and went on to the University of Nebraska Omaha, graduating with a degree in Construction Management.

Ben Kinseth

Director of Operations

Ben Kinseth is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality Companies and a third generation leader at Kinseth Hospitality overseeing renovation planning and execution, hotel financing and refinancing as well as assisting in strategy for the overall direction of the Kinseth portfolio, new developments, and acquisitions. Ben works closely with a variety of ownership groups; Ben is instrumental in investor relations, communication, and asset analysis. He is also a Director of Operations for Kinseth properties where he oversees the day to day operations of on-site General Managers. His passion is working with our owners, investor groups and general managers providing an approachable style of leadership.

His educational background includes more than 30 years of experience growing up in the hotel and restaurant industry. Ben contributes a wealth of knowledge from holding multiple positions within the company at both the hotel level and corporate oversight. His previous hotel management roles include hotel General Manager, Traveling Manager, and Restaurant Manager. From a very young age, Ben has been immersed in the hotel and restaurant businesses holding positions including front desk, housekeeper, night audit, front desk agent, server, bartender, dishwasher and cook.

Knowledgeable in many areas of operations from a young age Ben has seen Kinseth Hospitality grow from a portfolio of three hotels, with $5,000,000 in revenue and 150 employees, to that of a fully integrated hospitality company, with the operation of over 70 hotels, 6 branded restaurants under multiple franchise brands and the employment of more than 3,000 employees. Ben has had significant involvement in the development and construction of over $150,000,000 in new hotels and conference centers throughout Iowa and the Midwest.

Shana Craven

Director of Operations

Shana Craven is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality, overseeing a portfolio of hotels in Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. In her role, she works closely with hotel General Managers and Directors of Sales helping them achieve financial success and guest satisfaction performance. In addition, she assists the corporate Sales and Marketing department at Kinseth with strategic planning. Her passion is helping others succeed by providing support, training and on the job mentoring.

Her educational background includes over 20 years of experience managing Hilton hotels. She grew up in the heart of the hospitality industry living in a hotel until the age of 12. Beginning work at an early age, she gained extensive knowledge taking on every role in hospitality, from bus girl to night Manager on Duty. Shana moved away for a few years and worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer for the Navy but came back to the hotel industry and accepted her first professional role as a Catering Sales Manager at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Council Bluffs. From there she continued to build her career and became a General Manager for Hampton and Hilton Garden Inn properties.

Shana has extensive knowledge in opening properties including the Hilton Garden Inn Omaha. She has opened over 5 Kinseth properties, 3 of them being ones she has managed.

Shana has a degree in Hospitality Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Will Harrington

Director of Operations

Will Harrington is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality Companies, overseeing a variety of hotel properties across multiple brands including IHG, Marriott, Wyndham, and Hilton, throughout the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Alabama, Texas, Ohio, Wyoming, and Louisiana. In his role, he works closely with his hotel managers and restaurant managers to provide strong ownership returns. His passion is focusing on guest satisfaction and developing strong leaders who can effectively manage a hotel and its team in order to drive financial performance.

His background includes over 20 years of hotel management experience. Will began his career in hospitality with Bristol Hotel Corporation before joining Grand Heritage Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Hospitality Management Corporation, and Platinum Portfolio. During his career, he and his hotels have received many accolades and awards.

Knowledgeable in many areas throughout his career, he has worked in all aspects of hotel operations and provides hands-on knowledge to his hotel properties. Will has a deep understanding of food and beverage and has also managed franchised restaurants. His experience ranges from small select-service hotels to full-service hotels, conference centers, and beach resorts. In addition to franchised hotels, Will has worked with several independent hotels and restaurants in developing concepts, repositioning, and openings. His strong background in hotel operations, food, and beverage, renovations, as well as sales and marketing makes him a strong asset for Kinseth Hospitality.

Connie Schlichting

Director of Operations

Connie Schlichting is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality, overseeing a portfolio of full-service hotel properties in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. In her role, she works closely with her General Managers, Director of Sales, and Food & Beverage Managers to ensure financial success for Kinseth, Investors, and managing partners. Her passion is taking an immersive hands-on approach and teaching by example all while sharing her vast knowledge with her properties.

Her educational background includes over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry working across several brands including Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. During this time Connie has worked every aspect of the business with an especially strong skillset in operations, and food and beverage. At the start of her career with Kinseth, she was tasked with opening several Bennigan’s locations including overseeing construction and operations of each of the facilities. From there she transitioned into a Regional Food & Beverage Director overseeing 6 Bennigan’s restaurants as well as hotel banquet operations. During her tenure, she also became a General Manager of duel hotel properties. During her career, she has received many accolades including both General Manager and Food & Beverage manager of the year awards for three different hotels and brands.

Knowledgeable in many areas including but not limited to hotel demolition, renovation, and new build hotel projects, Connie’s experience ranges from hotel management and leadership to extensive food and beverage, and restaurant experience. Her attention to detail and vast knowledge of the industry sets her apart and makes her a great asset to the Kinseth team.

Connie graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas with a BA in Education and minor in Psychology/ Sociology.

Rob Wartella

Director of Operations

Rob Wartella is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality Companies, overseeing a variety of hotel properties including economy, select service, and extended stay hotels throughout Wisconsin. In his role, he works with on-site General Manager’s to help achieve success in quality, customer service, and financial performance. His passion is working with his properties to achieve a common goal.

His educational background includes over 20 years of hotel management experience. He joined Kinseth Hospitality in 2006 as General Manager for Country Inn & Suites at the Madison West (Middleton) location. Rob has been presented with many awards throughout the years including Teamwork, Quality of Excellence, Perseverance, Leadership, and Select Service General Manager of the Year all presented by Kinseth Hospitality.

Knowledgeable in many areas including the daily operations of a given hotel, sales and hotel renovations, Rob provides practical leadership for his properties. Self-motivating and dependable under all conditions Rob’s expertise is a valuable resource for Kinseth Hospitality Companies.

Rob studied at the University of Wisconsin Stout and earned a BA degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

James Evans

Director of Operations

James Evans is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality, overseeing a diverse portfolio of hotels within the organization including economy, mid-scale and extended stay hotels in Iowa and Illinois. In his role, he oversees all aspects of hospitality operations for his properties. Each interaction and property visit are committed to improving both top and bottom line revenue while maintaining a focus on quality and guest satisfaction. His passion is developing his teams to embrace all duties of their position, from financial accountability, impeccable quality assurance, sales, and marketing, to positive service culture and community involvement.

His educational background includes over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry working with several brands including Hilton, Marriott, Choice, and Radisson. James has been engaged in limited service, select service and mid-scale brands at every level. Soon after managing his first property, James was promoted to Area Operations Manager overseeing multiple properties receiving accolades, including multiple GM of the Year awards, as well as Quality Assurance and Financial Achievements. Following his success with previous management companies, James joined the Kinseth Hospitality team in 2011 and shifted to a Regional Sales Director. In this role James worked with a multitude of brands developing a strong sales force, positioning each property to outperform their respective competitive set.

In his current position as Regional Operations Manager, James has a strong focus on quality, efficiency, service, and property sales. James takes all of this previous experience and embraces those experiences in his day to day management approach.

David Brown

Director of Operations

David Brown is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality, overseeing a variety of hotel properties across multiple brands including IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, and Best Western throughout the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. In his role, he works closely with Hotel General Managers, Restaurant Managers, and Directors of Sales helping them achieve financial success and guest satisfaction performance. His passion is to develop strong property leaders who in return meet and exceed the expectations of their guests, brand leaders and ownership.

His background includes over 21 years of hospitality and hotel management experience. David began his career as Guest Service Representative and Night Auditor and moved his way up the ranks within the business. David has worked 20 of the 21 years in the business for Kinseth Hospitality. During his tenure with Kinseth Hospitality David has won numerous awards and accolades along with the coveted General Manager of the Year award.

David has extensive knowledge in many aspects of the Hotel business with a great knowledge in Revenue Management and a deep background in Food and Beverage as a General Manager of a franchised restaurant. His experience ranges from small select-service hotels to full-service hotels, and conference centers. His strong background in hotel operations, food, and beverage, renovations, as well as sales and marketing make him a strong asset for Kinseth Hospitality.

David has a degree in Business Administration from Baker University.

Steve Peters

Director of Operations

Steve Peters is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality Companies, overseeing a variety of full-service, extended-stay, and limited-service hotel properties across Iowa. In his role, he works closely with hotel property investors, owners, general managers, and directors of sales, to drive profitability and guest satisfaction.

His background includes over 30 years working in the hospitality industry. He started his career as a night auditor for a Residence Inn in West Des Moines, Iowa, along the way he has been a GM for IHG, Marriott and Best Western hotels all in the Des Moines market. Steve enjoys the fast pace and the consistent interaction with a variety of people including the public that a job in the hospitality industry provides.

He has received the General Manager of the year award twice for Kinseth Hospitality Companies. He is a 5-time recipient of Guest Satisfaction awards with Marriott and has also received Hotel of The Year Awards for Residence Inn in West Des Moines.

Steve has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

Elliott Rhoad

Director of Operations

Elliott Rhoad is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality, overseeing a diverse portfolio of hotels within the organization including full-service, limited service, and select service hotels in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 
 
In his role, he works with hotel general managers, property owners, and investors to achieve financial success, enhance their career goals, and drive sales. Elliott’s focus is to assist in the professional growth of team members by helping as many of them as he can get to the next step in their careers to make our business stronger and develop loyal team members.
 
His educational background includes 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry starting out as a night auditor at a Best Western in Charleston, South Carolina. He joined Kinseth in 2018 as a General Manager for Holiday Inn Dubuque and successfully won the 2021 General Manager of The Year award for Kinseth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in Hospitality from the College of Charleston. 
 
In his current position as Director of Operations, Elliott leads his group with a strong grasp of finance, sales, and marketing ideas. He is always willing to try new things to gain positive exposure for his properties. In his free time, he enjoys coaching soccer and keeping up with his two teenagers.

Tammy Fraley

Director of Operations

Tammy Fraley is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality Companies, overseeing a portfolio of select service and extended stay hotels located in Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Colorado. In her role, she works closely with hotel General Managers, Directors of Sales, hotel Owners, and Investors. Her passion is mentoring individuals and supplying the tools to drive revenues, deliver a superior customer experience and create an inclusive culture at their hotels.  She is committed to the success of others and finds true satisfaction in realizing the potential of others by finding opportunities for their career growth.   
 
She began her career in hospitality in 1998, when she started working as a meeting planner securing hotel room blocks. Over the course of the next 10 years, she moved into the roles of Sales Coordinator, Sales Manager, Director of Group Sales, and Director of Sales & Marketing.  In 2009 she switched gears to work in operations as a General Manager which eventually evolved to an Area General Manager bringing her into her role today as a Director of Operations. She has over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry and began working for Kinseth in 2012.
 
During her career, she has received many awards multiple times, including eight Quality Excellence Awards, seven Teamwork Awards, three Financial Achievement awards, and two Leadership Awards.  She has also been the recipient of a Perseverance Award and Select Service General Manager of the year. She holds an associate degree in marketing, General Manager Certifications for Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, and is also a Marriott Certified Meeting Planner. She enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge with others while gaining the same in return from each of the individuals she works with. In her free time, she enjoys family, crafting, and baking.

Suzy Ridder

Director of Operations

Suzy Ridder is a Director of Operations for Kinseth Hospitality, overseeing a majority of extended stay and limited-service properties within the Marriott and Hilton brand family. In her role, she works closely with hotel general managers, owners, investors, and brand teams. She also assists with setting up effective teams and brand systems at new construction properties across central Iowa and Oklahoma. 

Suzy’s goal is to develop the skill sets of our general managers to be the best they can be while driving the financial success of the hotel brand in each market. In addition, she pushes her teams to drive guest satisfaction scores to the top 10% of their brands. She enjoys working for a family-owned business that can drive results but also values the importance of individual staff members by believing in them and treating them with respect and trust.

She started her hospitality career while working through college with a boutique hotel company in the San Francisco and surrounding areas.  From there she grew into many different hotel positions including Hotel General Manager.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with an emphasis in Statistics from San Francisco State University. 

She successfully won the Extended Stay General Manager of the Year award for Kinseth in 2021. She was the lead opening manager for multiple Marriott Hotels and assisted in renovations and openings for both Hilton and IHG hotel brands. 

In her spare time, she enjoys visiting with family, walking her dog, and relaxing with friends. 

Stefanie Arnaman

Director of Marketing & Revenue

Stefanie Arnaman is the Director of Marketing and Revenue for Kinseth Hospitality Companies overseeing Revenue Management, E-Commerce, and Creative Marketing. In her role, she works with her team to maximize hotel revenue through effective inventory and pricing strategies based on future demand forecasts, current trends, and historical data. In addition, she oversees the E-Commerce manager and assists with developing strategies to drive online traffic to our company and portfolio websites. Together they coordinate website design, Search Engine Optimization, and photography for the portfolio. She also oversees the Creative Marketing Specialist by coordinating print media production and digital marketing projects.

With a very successful hands-on approach to managing people, her passion is to develop her teams through successful leadership training and mentoring, to build creative marketing strategies and e-commerce solutions that drive measurable metrics and revenue, and to push each hotel in the Kinseth Hospitality portfolio to reach their goals.

Her educational background includes over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry with over 15 years in revenue management for Kinseth Hospitality Companies. Previous to employment at Kinseth Hospitality Stefanie held many different titles with Larkin Hotel Management Company and Interstate Hotels. She has worked as Human Resources Manager, Front Offices Manager, Sales Manager, and Revenue Manager. In addition, she has experience working with many brands including Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, IHG, Choice, Wyndham, Carlson, Red Lion, and Independent Hotels.

She is a certified Revenue Manager with multiple brands. Her successful experience in hotel operations, revenue, and marketing strategies bring a wealth of knowledge to the Kinseth team.

Janette Steffensmeier

Senior Revenue Manager

Janette Steffensmeier is a Revenue Manager for Kinseth Hospitality. In her role, she works closely with our hotel managers and their ownership teams to analyze markets and determine optimal product price points to help each property reach their revenue goals each year. Her passion is coaching both new and seasoned Hotel Managers on understanding revenue systems as well as enforcing proper use of the programs for optimal functionality.

Her educational background includes over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry working with revenue management systems across many brands including Hilton, Choice, Radisson, Wyndham, Best Western, and Hyatt. She began her career with Kinseth Hospitality in 2008 and has held several positions at the Holiday Inn Express in Coralville, Iowa working her way up to the management team.

Knowledgeable in many areas Janette has been an integral part of Kinseth’s revenue management team working with nearly 50 properties including new builds, brand conversions, independent and receivership hotels. Her attention to detail, hands-on management style, and extensive understanding of each individual market Janette has been able to assist properties in attaining their revenue goals.

She received an accounting degree from Kirkwood in 2011 and joined our corporate revenue team that same year.

Amanda Turner

Revenue Manager

Amanda Turner is a Revenue Manager for Kinseth Hospitality at our corporate office in Coralville, Iowa. In her role, she works closely with our corporate revenue team, directors of operations, hotel general managers, and sales teams to analyze markets and determine optimal rate strategies to help each property reach its revenue goals each year. 

Her passion is coaching both new and seasoned team members on building their knowledge, confidence, and understanding of how to increase the revenue and ADR effectively and strategically for their properties. Amanda enjoys training and supporting our hotel general managers and developing revenue strategies for a wide range of different hotel types and markets. 

Her educational background includes over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She began her career working at Bennigan’s restaurant in 2006 and transitioned into a sales manager role for multiple Kinseth hotels. She moved into an assistant general manager role at the Coralville Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in 2015 and was then promoted to hotel general manager for the Holiday Inn Express in Coralville for several years. She finally landed in revenue management at our corporate office working with IHG, Hilton, Choice, Wyndham, and some of our independent branded properties. 

Amanda is a certified revenue manager with multiple brands and has won numerous Teamwork and Leadership awards with Kinseth. When she is not working you might find her at a Bluegrass, or Jam Band concert. She is also an avid bike rider who has ridden RAGBRAI 10 times and enjoys training rides with her team. 

Shannan Barnes

Corporate Director of Sales

Shannan Barnes is a Corporate Director of Sales for Kinseth Hospitality overseeing our a portfolio of full-service, select-service and extended-stay hotel properties in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, and Missouri. In her role, she works closely with the Director of Sales and the entire Sales team, along with each brand to ensure the success of each hotel. Her passion is coaching her teams with effective sales techniques and motivating them to reach their goals.

Her educational background includes over 12 years in the hospitality industry working across several brands including Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. Shannan’s hospitality career started in operations at a full-service hotel which included over 300 guest rooms and 12,000 square feet of banquet space. After 5 years she transitioned over to sales where she oversaw hotel sales teams as Director of Sales for several properties and brands.

With knowledge and experience in opening new properties, property renovations, food, and beverage, event planning, catering, and negotiating; Shannan is extremely resourceful and a very effective Regional Director of Sales committed to increasing the bottom line for our hotel sales departments.

She is certified with Marriott Meetings, and Marriott Extended Stay EDGE programs. In addition, she holds a Marriott Edge Coach certificate and has completed Hilton Director of Sales training levels 1 and 2. Shannan is certified in Cvent Meeting & Event Planning, as well as a certified and licensed Corporate Administrator for Delphi FDC and Delphi Standard for the entire portfolio. She is also the head of sales reporting for the entire portfolio.

Stacy Farmer

Sr. Regional Director of Sales

Stacy Farmer is a Regional Director of Sales for Kinseth Hospitality overseeing a portfolio of full-service, select-service and extended stay hotel properties. In her role, she works closely with the hotel director of sales and the entire hotel sales team, along with each brand to ensure the success of each hotel. Her passion is for training and developing sales teams to ensure they reach their highest potential.

Her educational background includes over 22 plus years in the hospitality industry working various hospitality positions including front desk, guest service manager and director of sales. Stacy started working with Kinseth in 2003 while attending the University of Iowa. She graduated with a BA in Communications.

With her knowledge and experience in hotel sales and operations Stacy is committed to unlocking every sales persons fullest potential while working one on one with each team to ensure success. Stacy is certified in Hilton and Radisson Sales, Cvent Meeting & Event Planning, as well as a certified and licensed Corporate Administrator for Delphi FDC and Delphi Standard for entire portfolio.

Jacob Gonsior

Regional Director of Sales

Jacob Gonsior is a Regional Director of Sales for Kinseth Hospitality overseeing a portfolio of full-service, and select-service hotel properties located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas. In his role, he works closely with the hotel general managers and director of sales. His focus is on driving sales and reviewing and understanding each property’s market position and SWOT analysis.

His educational background includes 14 years in the hospitality industry working in various positions from housekeeping, front desk, food and beverage, and finally sales where he found his true calling. Jacob started working with Kinseth in 2017. He holds a Crowne Meetings Director Certification, IHG Solution Selling Certification & Hilton’s Full-Service DOS Certification.

With his knowledge and experience in hotel sales, Jacob is committed to assisting our teams with achieving their goals in whatever way possible. He enjoys working with different types of people, markets, and brands. Jacob has been recognized as the SHG Values Champion for the Sheraton Woodbury in 2015. He also won the Kinseth DOS Sales Excellence Award for Marketing and a GM/DOS/F&B Director Teamwork Award in 2019.

When he’s not working, he enjoys tending to his beehives, relaxing around the bonfire, and watching his daughters play in their competitive sports programs.

Doug Sinclair

Task Force Sales Manager

Doug Sinclair is the Task Force Sales Manager for the corporate sales team, assisting a portfolio of full-service, select-service, and extended-stay hotel properties. He works closely with the Director of Sales and the sales team, along with each hotel’s brand, assisting in all sales capacities. He is passionate about supporting our sales teams, to always improve and reach their goals.

His background includes over 25 years in the hospitality industry, working across several brands, including Marriott and IHG. Doug’s hospitality career has included full-service & select-service hotels. He has extensive sales experience in all market segments, event planning, and event operations.

With knowledge and experience in opening new properties, property renovations, food and beverage, event planning, event operations, and negotiating. Doug is extremely creative, resourceful, and committed to supporting all aspects of our sales teams, to reach and exceed their goals and objectives.

Sarah Olberding

Senior Creative Marketing Specialist

Sarah Olberding is the Senior Creative Marketing Specialist for Kinseth Hospitality, where she creates effective marketing and sales materials and graphics with a focus on brand standards. She has a passion to create collateral that is well designed and grabs the attention of the target audience.

Since the beginning of her career, Sarah has focused on channeling her talent and creativity into meaningful and powerful results. She takes pride in her designs as well as the strong relationships she has built with clients and colleagues. Sarah firmly believes in working hard, working together, focusing on small details, and having fun along the way.

Sarah joined Kinseth Hospitality in May of 2018 and brings 4 years of graphic design experience after graduating from Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design in 2014.

Michelle Peterson

Creative Marketing Specialist

Michelle Peterson is a Creative Marketing Specialist for Kinseth Hospitality with a focus on restaurant and food and beverage marketing. In her role, she works on building brand recognition and creating sales materials, as well as creating social media strategies for our restaurants and full-service properties. She also assists the marketing team and our entire portfolio by creating effective marketing and sales materials as needed. She has a passion for communicating visual ideas that successfully captivate a target audience and build successful relationships. 

Since the beginning of her career, Michelle has been a motivated self-starter with high energy. Her focus with creative marketing is on understanding the brand, and the target audience’s wants and needs, and then connecting all the dots. She loves how every day is different and filled with creative ways to communicate with our outside world. Working with so many different professionals gives her energy. 

She graduated from Iowa State University with a BA degree in Art and Visual Culture and a Minor in Apparel and Merchandising design in 2018 and from Upper Iowa University with a BA degree in Graphic Design in 2020. She is Google Ad Certified. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outside

Denise Stejskal

E-Commerce Web Manager

Denise Stejskal is the E-Commerce Web Manager for Kinseth Hospitality. In her role, she focuses on monitoring the online presence of all our properties across all Internet channels, including branded and non-branded websites, local listings, meta sites, and third-party OTA sites. She works closely with our revenue managers to develop meta channel and OTA travel ad campaign strategies for our hotels.

In addition, she assists, in coordinating professional photo shoots for our hotel products, and creates and designs websites for F&B or independent hotel outlets as needed. Denise also manages Google ads, provides SEO audits for branded and non-branded hotel and restaurant websites, and writes SEO-friendly copy. She monitors the online reputation of our assets and assists properties in connecting to their sites, reviewing disputes, and responding.

Denise loves brainstorming creative ideas and enjoys taking a deep dive to find digital marketing and advertising opportunities that have the potential to generate new business and increase revenue.  She enjoys teaching and watching fellow employees learn new things. She is highly organized and a big believer in utilizing the tools at hand to improve productivity, training, and communication within the organization. 

Denise joined Kinseth Hospitality in 2011. She graduated from Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish in 2003. She is also Marriott Plus Certified. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new destinations.