Page

1

2

Q: We haven’t even talked about the restaurant yet. I remember years ago, this is where I brought my date for the prom.

A: The restaurant is definitely for everybody - we have patrons ranging from retired couples celebrating their anniversaries to prom guests, as you say. I do believe there is a misconception that it is for just for Inn guests. If I can plug the restaurant a minute: We are open every day for Breakfast and Dinner. Breakfast is from 7:30 11 am, dinner from 5 to 9 pm.

The atmosphere is extraordinary, and even though it’s a “fine dining” experience, the casual dress of the Forest is welcome. It probably reflect my personality a little - when I lived in Mercer for the past 20 years, friends knew they could just kind of stop by for dinner. My door was open. So although reservations are recommended, you can feel comfortable stopping by and we’ll almost always find you a place at our tables.

Q: What kind of a staff does it take to make a place like this tick? Seems like it’d be a great reality show - the crew of Gateway Lodge, interacting with the guests, working hard...

A: The first thing to know about our staff is that the words "that's not my job" are not spoken here. They must all be supportive of each other, willing to help wherever needed. These are people who work very hard, but it’s also true our fun factor is off the charts, too! One of my favorite sounds is the laughter of my co-workers, which seems to fill the hall here at the lodge. And everyday we have an honest-to-goodness family meal together.

Q: No kidding? That’s awesome...are you hiring? Where do I sign up?

A: Ha ha...We’ll talk later. I don’t want to downplay the hard work, though. The maintenance aspect of this business is huge, from operating our own sewage plant to maintaining our diesel engine that operates the generator. In the winter, I’ve plowed and ashed driveways, and in the spring and summer done a ton of planting. I do have a maintenance manager that sets a daily routine for the department. There’s so much - the lodge, the cabins, the conference center, snow removal, planting, the restaurant, the rooms. Lots of things to take care of. But it’s all so our guests can feel right at home and enjoy themselves.

Q: Do you ever just kick back, when the chores of the day and night are done, and enjoy the Lodge yourself? Relax a little, and feel at home the same way your guests do?

A: Honestly, for a while after starting out, I didn’t. There was just so much to do, learning how all the different processes here worked, creating some new ways of doing things, meeting people, even meeting other business owners in the area. But yes, I am now finding some time to appreciate what I’ve got here a little more - walk outside and look out over the River and enjoy the Forest, have a glass of wine, spend time laughing with friends, eating together. It’s been a great, great experience and I love it, I really do. I feel blessed.

Q: Thanks for your time, Deb.

A: You’re quite welcome, thank you!

Page

1

2