How, when, and why did you start your business?

Sara and I had already been in the lodging industry but we were looking for a new place that better fit our architectural preference and a market that offered restaurants, shops, arts and other things to do to attract customers. When we stepped into the Stewart Inn we were totally blown away. This architectural masterpiece, designed by George Maher, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright and one of the founders of the American Arts and Crafts movement, was one of the most beautiful homes we had ever been in. And Wausau itself was such a hidden gem; it seemed like a city on the rise and one that would captivate guests year after year. Never did we anticipate getting so many repeat guests - about 20% of our rooms are filled with previous customers.

What makes your business unique?

I think it's a combination of being in an incredible city, having a perfect location for guests to explore without getting back in their car, having a property that is architecturally significant and so well preserved and providing a memorable guest experience.

What product/service is your most popular, or what are you are known for?

As the top rated hotel in Wisconsin and one of the top ten small stay hotels in the U.S. two years running, I think the Stewart Inn just gives guests exactly what they are looking for, irrespective of why they stay with us.

What motivates you?

I think what really motivates us is that we love what we are doing and guests just sense that we do this for the right reason.

How do you measure/define success?

We know that as a business you are only as good as your next guest. All the accolades and awards that you have gotten only get the guest to stay with you. But what you do from the moment they arrive to the time when they leave defines whether they will have a great experience and want to come back.

How do you generate new ideas?

We are always looking for ways to improve. We fervently believe that unless you continue to reinvent yourself you will fall behind.

Talk about your staff.

We have always been blessed with a great staff since virtually the day we opened. To have four employees who have stayed with us between two and three years and to have two employees leave and then return in this industry is very unusual. Our staff is as vital to our success as anything we personally do.

What excites you most about the future of the district?

The Wausau River District just keeps getting better and better each year.  We feel so incredibly fortunate to be a part of this community