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Speakers

 

CHAD HOUSER - Founder, Head Chef, Cafe Momentum

Always one to add a little levity to the conversation, Chad often describes Café Momentum as “taking kids out of jail and teaching them to play with knives and fire.” But levity aside, it’s this charisma and passion to teach life, social and employment skills to Dallas’ most at-risk youth that makes Houser a hit with everyone from philanthropists and dinner-goers to the young people participating in the program. After 17 years as a chef, Chad sold his partnership of Parigi Restaurant to devote his full attention to the role of Executive Director of Café Momentum in 2012. In the community, Chad has previously served as President of the board of directors for Dallas Farmers Market Friends and is also a member of the El Centro College Food and Hospitality Institute “Hall of Fame.” Chad was featured in the Rachel Ray Show, the Starbucks production of Upstanders Season 2, a series created to shine a light on stories of everyday Americans who are doing extraordinarily courageous things. Chad has received multiple nominations and accolades for his cooking and his philanthropy and in March of 2018, Houser was named a CNN Hero recognizing individuals at the cutting edge of creative impact across the globe.

 

DAVID SCOTT PETERS - Hospitality industry speaker and coach

David Scott Peters is a coach and speaker who specializes in teaching hospitality industry operators how to cut costs and increase profits with systems and his trademark formula for success. He uses a no-BS style to teach and motivate operators and managers to take control of their businesses and finally realize their full potential. Thousands of hospitality industry operations have used his formula to transform their businesses. Peters is also a coach and principal in The Largo Group, an accounting firm concentrating on the specific needs of restaurants. To learn more about David Scott Peters, his formula, his online courses or The Largo Group, visit davidscottpeters.com

 

 

KAREN ANDERSON - Director of Community Relations

Joining WLSSD in 2001, Karen Anderson and the Environmental Programs Team work to establish mutually-beneficial relationships in the region and beyond in order to ensure WLSSD achieves its clean water and landfill abatement goals. Anderson is responsible for the development, planning, management and execution of strategies for all aspects of public and legislative affairs for WLSSD. Additionally, Anderson leads the daily operations and development of WLSSD’s environmental programs related to pollution prevention, recycling and waste reduction, hazardous waste management, biosolids management program development and education, and water quality programs. Anderson earned B.A. degrees in Communication and Political Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth and an M.A. degree in Management from the College of St. Scholastica. Anderson is a graduate of the Blandin Leadership Institute and the Leadership Duluth program and is a member of the national and Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Minnesota Government Communicators Association.  Active in the region, Anderson serves as Past Chair of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Past-President of Duluth Superior Eco Rotary, and on various non-profit boards.

 

BABETTE APLAND -  Managing Director, Mental Health, American Public Media

Babette is a senior executive with a proven track record in launching new and innovative health solutions. For example, during her career at HealthPartners, Babette established nationally recognized health and wellbeing services and built provider partnerships based on global payment systems. In addition, Babette led large-scale growth, innovation and improved financial performance in one of Minnesota’s largest mental health systems. Most recently, Babette joined American Public Media and Minnesota Public Media to lead a new five-year, national initiative, Call to Mind, to measurably raise the American public’s and key stakeholder’s understanding of and engagement in mental health. Her goals include activating public conversation and creating a platform for change through partnership and leveraging APM’s and MPR’s innovative media capabilities including news coverage, new on-air programming, podcasting, digital content, investigative journalism and live events.

 

DAVID BENOWITZ - Chief Operating Officer, Craft & Crew

David Benowitz is COO and part owner of Craft & Crew Hospitality, a growing restaurant group in the Twin Cities. After graduating from the business school at the University of Kansas, David quickly realized that the corporate world didn't move fast enough for him so he joined his father in the restaurant business. Over the last 15 years, he has opened or reconcepted six unique bar/restaurants while building and establishing the Craft & Crew brand as a leader in this community. David's commitment to intentional leadership, corporate culture, and employee growth has created an organization in which both salaried and hourly employees are aligned with the mission and success of the stores they serve.

 

DONNA FAHS - COO, Parasole Restaurant Holdings, Inc.

Donna has over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry. She has been with Parasole for 37 of those years. She's always loved food and food preparation. As a young girl growing up in Wisconsin, her daily chore was to prepare the family meal beginning at age 12. Her love of food and the idea of nourishing others led her to Iowa State University where she studied Food and Nutrition and Education.  After graduation, she landed in Santa Barbara, California working in an upscale cooking school and began her career in the hospitality industry. She was introduced to the Good Earth where she worked as the catering manager, then general manager and now is the COO.  Her overall job functions are to motivate and lead a high performance management team, as well as maintain concept integrity and viability in regards to food and beverage programs, service, atmosphere, design and marketing. 

 

CHRIS FLAGG - Chief Information Investment Officer, TPI

Chris oversees all investment and asset management for TPI, including sourcing new investment opportunities, overseeing all project management, and future capital investment planning at owned properties.  Prior to TPI, Chris served Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Waterford Hotel Group, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and Definitive Consulting Group.  Chris has over 15 years and $1 billion of hospitality transactional experience.  Chris earned his undergraduate degree from Westmont College and his Masters in Hotel Management from Cornell University School of Hospitality Administration.

 

MICHAEL FRAISER - Partner, Rubric Legal LLC

Michael Frasier is a partner at Rubric Legal LLC. He has  defended many businesses sued for alleged violations of the ADA in state and federal courts and at the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. His litigation practice also includes trademark and copyright infringement lawsuits and disputes among business owners. He also advises business clients on formation and other transaction matters.

 

BRENT FREDERICK - Owner, Jester Concepts

Brent Frederick has been working in hospitality for over 15 years. He developed his passion for the industry while working as a server and bartender while attending college at the University of Minnesota. Throughout his years of experience he honed his appreciation for great food, drinks, style and service. 
Now, as a proprietor of several of the Twin Cities most exciting restaurants,
Frederick is responsible for the financial aspects of the business of Jester Concepts from site selection to lease negotiations, sourcing capital, concept building, and construction management. Frederick also contributes to the design and brand development of all of Jester Concepts properties, sourcing materials, found items and adding great character to the spaces. Frederick believes one of the greatest rewards of opening and owning so many restaurants is the opportunity to build community, both for the guests who become regulars, and the staff who become family.

 

STUART GRAY - Owner, Hospitality Rocks

Stuart has been in the business of serving others since 1976 when he began his career track by operating a sales and service business of delivering a daily newspaper route in Up State New York, so YES! he has an attitude, that of Service! The first service challenge was to add new customers to earn a "Mood Ring", that was accomplished in short order. Then he was recruited into the hospitality business at Mama's Pizza Oven and his hospitality journey of serving others began After graduating from Mankato State University with a degree in Fine Arts he was again recruited to lead an Italian Restaurant (Pizza Hut) in the prairie, in rural South Dakota. Then he transitioned to a high volume steak house (Bonanza) in Sioux Falls with a staff of over 70, all but 3 TEAM members were still in high school. During that tenure a company called John Sexton ( To become US. Foods) invited Stuart to represent them as a Sales Professional. That was a great move and he added service value for more than 19 years as a highly decorated Sales Leader, Director of Training and Sales Manager. In 2005 Stuart had the desire to go down the path of serving others in hospitality as an entrepreneur. Today Stuart owns Hospitality ROCKS, a company that focuses on Recruiting, Speaking and Training in the Hospitality Industry.  

 

JJ HAYWOOD - CEO, Pizza Lucé

JJ Haywood is the CEO/co-owner of Pizza Luce' with 9 locations in the Twin Cities and Duluth.   JJ has been active in the hospitality industry serving on boards of the Minnesota Restaurant Association and Hospitality Minnesota and through her membership on the National Restaurant Association's Pizzeria Industry Council. 

 

 

 

PETER O. HAEG - Co-General Partner of Farnam Street Capital

Peter is a manager of Farnam Street Partners and Farnam Street Special Opportunities I and II. This also includes, Farnam Restaurants LLC, an Original Pancake House franchisee. Further, Peter is a director of Famous Dave’s and of Park Financial Group, the holding company for Park State Bank. Previously, he was a principal in Piper Jaffray’s Corporate Finance Department. Prior to joining Piper, Peter was with Donaldson, Lufkin, and Jenrette (Los Angeles) in a similar capacity. Peter earned a BA from the University of Minnesota.

 

 

MOLLY HULL -  Director of Brand Development, Clarity Coverdale Fury

Molly Hull is Director of Brand Development at Clarity Coverdale Fury (CCF). She helps clients develop marketing strategies, media plans and creative campaigns that achieve business goals. She has blogged for the agency on the topic of Conscious Consumerism, including how businesses within the hospitality industry can leverage shared values to increase loyalty and revenue. Molly is also a Hennepin County certified Master Recycler and Composter.

 

 

 

TOM JOLLIE, APR - Senior Vice President, Padilla

Tom’s first introduction to the hospitality industry was as a chef’s apprentice at the Northland Hotel in Green Bay where he helped prepare meals for the visiting NFL teams staying at the hotel (and then stayed late to do the dish washing). Year’s later he continued working with chefs such as Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Michael Chiarello on behalf of his work for General Mills.  All told, Tom has more than 30 years of public relations and marketing communications experience with a focus on communications planning, consumer marketing and crisis communications. During his career, Tom has represented many clients in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. These include Bank Restaurant, Iceland Air, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Jefferson Bus Lines, KLM Airlines, Loews Minneapolis, Meet Minneapolis, MSP International Airport, Minnesota Tourism, Travel Manitoba and The Westin Minneapolis.  Tom is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and a member of the College of Fellows. He is a member of the board of directors of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, Northern Star Council Boys Scouts of America and Children’s Heartlink. He also served on the steering committee of Destination Transformation 2030, the tourism master plan for the city of Minneapolis.

 

MELISSA KJOLSING - Cofounder & CEO, Recovree

Melissa is the cofounder and CEO of Recovree, a technology company dedicated to helping more people find recovery from substance use concerns through peer relationships. Working with employers, Recovree provides peer recovery coaching services to engage and support employees that want to change their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Prior to launching Recovree, Melissa was the founding managing director of Lunar Startups, an incubator for underestimated entrepreneurs powered by the Knight Foundation and American Public Media. She also led the MN Cup for five years, the largest statewide startup competition in the country. She is responsible for scaling the program and positioning it as one of the pillars in Minnesota's startup ecosystem. Other organizations that she has helped to create include Grow North, WE*, Twin Cities Startup Week and Forge North.

 

DICK LYNCH - CEO, Granite City Food & Brewing Ltd.

Dick has led the development of countless successful firms and brands that have become household names in the restaurant industry and beyond.  In 2017, Dick became the CEO of Granite City Food & Brewing Ltd., which is an award-winning restaurant and brewery chain operating in 13 states. A restaurant industry veteran, Dick was the Chief Brand Officer for Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. where he was the chief architect of the restaurant chain's successful rebranding effort. He also served as Principal of GO LLC from 2003 to 2008, where he developed brand strategy and innovation plans for concepts including Burger King, Ruby Tuesday and Buffalo Wild Wings. Prior to that, Dick served as an Executive Vice President of Campbell Mithun Advertising, where he led the development of brand architecture and positioning for such famous brands as Domino's Pizza, Martha Stewart Everyday, Betty Crocker, and Jeep.

 

TOM MASON - Inventory Control Manager and  Sustainability Project Leader, Mystic Lake Casino/Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community                    

Tom Mason has worked at Mystic Lake Casino for nearly 25 years. He started his tenure as the Food and Beverage Systems Administrator, and spent the last 20 years as the Inventory Control Manager. For the last two years, Tom has led the initiatives to reduce waste, increase recycling, incorporate composting and support the SMSC Gaming Enterprise's commitment to being a good steward of the earth as the Sustainability Coordinator for the Casino, Hotel and Conference Center. Prior to his years at Mystic, Tom worked as a Production Control Buyer and Planner with Control Data. In his spare time, Tom ran Majestic Oaks Refinishers antique restoration. He is a member of Environmental Initiative and the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA). 

 

DENNIS MONROE - Co-founder and Chairman, Monroe Moxness Berg 

Co-founder and chairman of the law firm of Monroe Moxness Berg PA, Dennis is a pioneer in corporate financing, with a broad network of finance contacts and clients and a long history of involvement in the restaurant and hospitality industries. He assists businesses in identifying unique financing sources, and developing the financial tools necessary for their growth and development. Representing lenders, investors, and developers, Dennis has overseen in excess of $5 billion dollars in commercial transactions, ranging from $5,000,000 to $300,000,000. His knowledge is grounded in practical business experience and informed by an entrepreneurial mindset: he served as CEO of Parasole Restaurant Holdings, one of the largest restaurant companies in Minnesota, from 2009 to 2011.

 

MATTY O'REILLY - Co-Founder, Banner Year Advisors

Matty is a Minnesota-based restaurateur and entrepreneur. Upon graduating from St. John’s University in 1992 with a B.A. in Business Management and Organizational Leadership, he went on to study and learn about the hospitality industry by working for a handful of top MN restaurant companies. Since 2004, Matty has opened or consulted on over three dozen openings, spanning a conceptual spectrum that represents almost every lane of hospitality (food truck to taproom to coffee shop to fine dining to QSR models and everything in between). He currently owns four diverse restaurant concepts and a hospitality consulting outfit called Banner Year Advisors, which helps existing operators grow profit, refine systems and strategically make decisions based on their data analytics. He is frequently referred to in local and national press as “a restaurant makeover artist” or "the restaurant whisperer,” based on his unique ability to resourcefully and efficiently bring second-generation restaurants back to life.

 

RICK OKNICK - Director of Operations, Republic Hospitality Group

Rick Oknick has spent his lifetime working, learning, and evolving in the restaurant industry. Having always been drawn to the energy of hospitality, he started washing dishes in his small hometown Swedish cafe at 12 years old and from there worked in every role in the front and back of house through college. After attending St. Cloud State University for Marketing & Communications, he found his true path in management. Being a hands-on leader with a knack for developing and growing people & profits, Oknick found his partner in Matty O’Reilly.
For the past 5 years he has been the Director of Operations for the Republic Hospitality Group, which currently includes Republic 7 Corners, and Republic at MSP Airport, Bar Brigade, and The Foxtrot Burger Spot. Having experience leading and problem solving in every segment of restaurant operations has uniquely equipped Oknick to take on the ever changing and challenging landscape of operating profitable and vibrant concepts.
 

ROBIN PFEIFER - Account Manager, Adventure Creative

Robin is a creative and strategic communications professional with 15 years of advertising agency experience. She's managed a wide variety of brands ranging from professional sports teams to fashion labels. Her focus currently resides within the travel/tourism and outdoor recreation spaces. Areas of expertise include brand strategy, account management, relationship building, storytelling and creating clarity from chaos. Robin masquerades as a freelance travel writer on nights and weekends. 

 

 

JOHN REMAKEL - Shareholder, Monroe Moxness Berg

John advises private companies and family-owned businesses and owners, serving as outside general counsel on a wide range of transactional, corporate finance and business law matters such as mergers and acquisitions, senior and mezzanine debt, entity formation and corporate structures, joint ventures, commercial agreements and franchise-related matters. He leads the firm’s securities law practice focusing on emerging companies and concepts, private equity groups and private investors in all aspects of equity and convertible debt fundraisings, private placement offerings, crowdfunding, venture capital and securities law compliance.

 

ANNE SALLEE - Senior Account Manager, DigiPro Media

Anne has more than 30 years experience in technology, law, government and hospitality.While earning her Masters in Legal Studies and teaching attorneys how to use their new Windows 3.1 computers (with 250mb hard drives and 2mbs of RAM!), she sold & designed custom PC's for a manufacturer in San Antonio. From there Anne went to work in various capacities law and governmental offices until 2012, when she came to her senses and left law and politics (or so she thought). She worked for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Assoc. as a Regional Director, working on legislative issues while growing membership and building a successful Chapter in SE Florida.  With DigiPro Media, Anne has come back to her tech roots, putting technology, law and hospitality experience to work helping inform businesses, associations, non-profits and governmental groups about the requirements of ADA Digital accessibility and the business benefits of doing the right thing.  

 

ANNE SPAETH -  Owner of The LynHall

Anne is a self-described "horrible cook" and a North Dakota native whose early food influences included pizza, fast food, and TV dinners. An unlikely candidate for the restaurant world, she fell in love with the power of food, culture and community gathering around longs tables while residing in London and traveling abroad. Fast forward to today, Anne is owner of The Lynhall, a collective of passionate educators, chefs, bakers, craftspeople, storytellers, and entrepreneurs. Before opening The Lynhall, Anne spent six years advocating for system reform for children ages 0-5 in the child protection and foster care system. As a former child abuse and neglect prosecutor, Anne continues her mental health advocacy through The Lynhall's Nourish Series and The Long Table Fund which were established in May of 2017. The Nourish Series is a collection of events that focus on promoting personal and professional mental health and well-being, by bringing the community together through food and conversation.The Long Table Fund works in partnership with the community to connect and empower those in the restaurant industry affected by trauma, mental health issues, and chemical dependency. Proceeds of The Long Table Fund provides mission-specific educational opportunities and increased access to crisis mental health care for members of the restaurant industry.

 

FRANK SOUKUP - Director of Marketing, Cote Family Destinations

Frank directs marketing for  Grand View Lodge, Camp Lincoln-Lake Hubert, Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, and Grand View Real Estate. He also serves on the Brainerd Chamber Board of Directors and the MRCA Board. Frank’s areas of expertise include advertising, marketing, web direction, videography, photography, SEO, social media, and more. Frank has been a freelance artist for over 30 years, creating innovative marketing and graphic concepts for many companies including ProfitPro Ag, Rapala, Miller Nitro, Bitterboy Activewear, Turck, Golden Care Financial, United Way, and much more. He is an internationally produced artist from illustrating children’s books to creating publications in conservation agriculture.


 

ROB FRIEND - Executive Director of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation

Rob Friend is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation. Rob oversees the Energy Smart and Waste Wise programs. He has more than 19 years of experience in the commercial composting and recycling industry working in sales and safety before focusing on organics recycling development. Rob has worked with waste haulers, generators and public entities to increase organics recycling collection and processing through presentations, tours and creating of educational material. Rob graduated with a B.S. in Business Management from Mankato State University.

 

ALEX ROBERTS - Head Chef, Founder of Restaurant Alma , Café Alma, Hotel Alma, and Brasa

Chef Alex Roberts was born in Buffalo, New York but raised in Minneapolis from a very young age. Thirty-three years of restaurant experience started in local Twin Cities kitchens. He attended the French Culinary Institute and gained experience working in several renowned restaurants including Gramercy Tavern, Bouley and Union Square Café. An intensive period of food and wine related travel in Northern Italy followed New York, and in 1999 he returned to the Twin Cities to open Restaurant Alma. In 2007 he opened a second restaurant concept, Brasa Rotisserie. Alex is committed to creating a new model of restaurant success through demonstrating excellence and sustainable practices in food, hospitality, job quality and service to others. Both restaurants have received regional and national acclaim, earning a James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest, 6 national semifinal nominations in Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Service, and Outstanding Restaurant categories. Local accolades include a 4-star rating from the StarTribune and multiple City Pages Best Cafe & Best Restaurant awards. The restaurants have been featured in a wide range of publications and television including: Art Culinaire, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, GQ, Man vs. Food, The Today Show and Washington Post.

 

SARAH WEBSTER NORTON - Executive Director, Serving Those  Serving

Sarah has worked in the service industry for nearly 25 years. Having stumbled into activism a few years ago, she has enjoyed a personal transformation that has led her to her life’s work: helping the service industry succeed and thrive. Sarah is most concerned about the lack of benefits available to, and high-stress jobs held by, members of her beloved industry. She started a Facebook group called Service Industry Staff for Change which, to date, has over 8,000 members. Her involvement in politics has been reluctant, yet abundant, with her most notable achievement being a seat on the committee to determine sick time with the city of Minneapolis (Workplace Partnership Group, 2016). She has also started and circulated two petitions, one with 3,500 signatures and the other with over 2,000 signees. Sarah is very excited to be able to partner with the Sand Creek Group to provide much-needed mental health and workplace wellness services to industry workers. When not attempting to change the world, Sarah raises her three children (ages 21,18 and 8) with her husband Jon of 22 years.


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