Ruttger’s hires general manager

In a move that signals an aggressive play to grow market share in the competitive Brainerd Lakes resort industry, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge has hired experienced administrator John P. Weiers to be its new general manager, resort officials announced.

Weiers will be responsible for the successful overall direction, administration and coordination of all activities of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. This includes directing and organizing all departments in order to provide resort guests with a world-class experience. His first day at Ruttger’s was March 20.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to be joining a resort with such a strong brand and long tradition of excellence,” Weiers said. “As important as its rich history is, I believe Ruttger’s has an even brighter future and am ready to get to work helping the Ruttger family grow the business.”

Weiers brings more than 25 years of management experience to the job, including retail, facilities, golf and food and beverage management. He was most recently employed as director of non-gaming operations at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, the business arm of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

“Mr. Weiers brings a wealth of experience and    expertise to our executive team,” Ruttger’s president Chris Ruttger said. “We are looking to him to help us evolve and grow into a resort that competes for new guests, while maintaining the legacy and tradition upon which Ruttger’s was founded 119 years ago.”

Chad Gross, Ruttger’s GM/chief financial officer, will now focus on financial and business management, and strategic planning.

Weiers’ resume boasts a vast and varied business management career. Before joining Ruttger’s his positions included corporate franchise operations analyst at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, director of continuous improvement at Merit Enterprises, Inc., area merchandise coach at Sears Holdings Corporation (Kmart), realtor at Re/Max Real Estate Properties and property manager/facilities manager at Welsh Companies, LLC.

In addition to his business management experience, Weier has a family history in the resort industry and appreciates what it takes to run a successful resort.

“I understand what Ruttger’s is about, having worked at my grandparent’s resort while growing up,” Weiers said. “Like my grandparent’s resort, Ruttger’s is about families and traditions.”

Reported by:  messagemedia.co