Val Voelker, general manager, Blue Canyon Kitchen * Tavern and Director of Development Sales for Gateway Hospitality Group is a multi-year hospitality veteran with an abounding enthusiasm for customer service and guest satisfaction. A native of Wisconsin, Voelker’s interest in sales, service and hospitality began at an early age, in the front of the house, in his parent’s restaurant in Elkhart Lake.
Through his years growing up and working in the family restaurant, Voelker became certain of his career objectives for the restaurant industry. He attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout, a college nationally renown for its restaurant program, with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. His enthusiasm and passion for the industry flourished as he immersed himself in his career, both sales and service oriented, working with large hospitality corporations such as Stouffer Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Hilton Hotels Corp, Marriott Hotels and resorts.
He gained knowledge in management and earned experience in all aspects of the hospitality industry. Voelker’s knowledge was tested and proven during three successful hotel openings, including his position as Director of Sales and Operations during the opening of the Hilton Garden In Cleveland/Twinsburg, a focused service product with meeting and banquet operations.
Following the opening of the hotel, Voelker worked as national sales manager for Conferon, the worlds largest meeting planning company. Strictly developing new accounts allowed for further emphasis on sales, guest service and overall success of the organization.
Recognized in 1999 at Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Voelker received the Distinguish Service Award – this is the highest recognition in the industry, bestowed to a fellow professional. Voelker’s achievements in his industry are outstanding, his drive for success and contagious positive attitude have earned him great professional respect.
