Meet Zach Hobson: The Familiar Face Behind the Front Desk at Grand View Lodge
Zach Hobson has dedicated his life to hospitality. His journey began at age 18. Today, he serves as the Front Office Manager at Grand View Lodge. For seven years, he has welcomed guests and supported his team, ensuring memorable experiences. Zach believes the people make all the difference in hospitality.
A Career Built in Hospitality
Zach's hospitality career started shortly after high school. He took on a front desk role at a small hotel in Baxter. While studying in Duluth, he enhanced his skills at Canal Park Lodge. His experience expanded as he worked in various restaurants.
Eventually, Zach moved to the Twin Cities. He joined The Marquette Hotel in Minneapolis, where he spent three years. His roles included front desk supervisor and a lead position. He even volunteered as weekend housekeeping supervisor. This experience taught him the importance of coordination between departments, especially during busy turnover days.
Zach faced extraordinary circumstances during his time at The Marquette. He witnessed a major hotel renovation and the excitement surrounding the 2018 Super Bowl. During that week, he met notable guests, including Randy Moss and Matt Damon. These moments proved that hospitality creates lasting memories.
Finding His Way to Grand View Lodge
Zach's path to Grand View Lodge began as a guest. In November 2018, he visited twice within a week. His first visit was for Taste of the Lakes, a fundraiser benefiting Kinship. The second visit was for Brewfest. He fully experienced the resort during these visits, enjoying events at the Gull Lake Center and dining at CHAR.
Months later, Zach discovered an opening for a front desk supervisor at Grand View Lodge. He applied and received a call back the same day. He joined the team in May 2019, just in time for a bustling summer. That season marked the opening of the North Hotel and the completion of the Garden Cottages. The team received "2019 Survivor" mugs at year-end, a humorous nod to their hard work.
When 2020 arrived, the pandemic altered the hospitality landscape. Zach had a unique opportunity to experience Grand View in a new way. With fewer guests, employees often took on various roles. Zach found himself delivering towels, visiting housekeeping buildings, and exploring the resort. This experience deepened his appreciation for Grand View and solidified his decision to stay long-term.
A Day at the Front Desk
Summer days at the front desk are rarely quiet. Zach may greet between 70 to 170 arrivals daily. His first task involves reviewing the guest list. This helps him identify potential challenges and spot familiar names. He enjoys welcoming back repeat visitors and longtime guests.
His team coordinates with housekeeping, answers calls, and manages guest texts. They assist with dining reservations and recreational activities. The front desk serves as a central hub, handling various requests. One minute, a guest needs extra towels; the next, someone requests ice or dinner recommendations.
Zach relies on a simple tool: a pen and notebook. With numerous interactions, writing things down ensures that small requests don't get lost. These small gestures can significantly impact a guest's stay.
Zach likens working at the front desk to being "on stage." Each guest arrives with unique energy and expectations. Meeting people where they are is vital. His favorite part of the day often involves the first guest interaction. This moment sets the tone for everything that follows.
Zach strives to enhance each guest's experience. Whether introducing a lesser-known amenity or providing helpful tips, he aims to make every stay special. After years at the front desk, he treasures countless guest stories, keeping the job interesting.
What Sets Grand View Lodge Apart
When discussing what makes Grand View Lodge unique, Zach emphasizes one crucial aspect: people. While the property's history and location near downtown Nisswa are significant, the familiar faces create loyalty. Longtime team members become part of a family's tradition at Grand View.
Guests recognize employees at breakfast, in restaurants, and throughout the resort. This consistency fosters connection. Team members genuinely care about Grand View and want guests to understand its uniqueness.
Zach's Commitment to Grand View Lodge, Plus Menu Favorites
Initially, Zach returned to the Brainerd area for a short stay. Duluth still called to him, and many friends lived there. However, Grand View Lodge changed his plans. Through busy summers, new developments, leadership changes, and countless guest interactions, Zach became more connected to the resort.
He expresses his love for the place. This connection is evident in the way he speaks about Grand View Lodge: its quirks, history, coworkers, and returning guests. For someone tasked with providing guests their first impression, this genuine enthusiasm matters.
It is people like Zach who create the compelling reasons for them to return.After seven years at Grand View Lodge, Zach has explored its dining options extensively. His go-to favorite is the prime rib from CHAR. After busy shifts, he often hopes the CHAR team has a piece available for him. Another favorite is the BLT from the pub, though he jokes it requires careful planning due to his mustache.
Outside of work, Zach enjoys fishing and listening to NPR and Radiolab. He often revisits his favorite movie, Interstellar. Home is shared with a friendly cat, who, at the time of the interview, still lacked a name. Zach considers giving the cat a strong human name, like Kevin or Ryan.
Discover Unforgettable Experiences at Grand View Lodge
At Grand View Lodge, the combination of historic elegance and vibrant leisure creates unforgettable experiences. The dedicated staff, like Zach Hobson, ensures every guest feels welcomed and valued.
Embark on your next getaway at Grand View Lodge, where timeless hospitality and leisure await. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this resort has it all. Let the enchanting atmosphere and charming staff make your stay memorable. Learn more here