On the nomination of Cecilia Ho, Director of Human Resources at the Brooklyn Park Minneapolis Marriott Northwest , Director of Outlets Stephanie Gulner was awarded the 2024 Hospitality Rockstar of the Year designation. Minneapolis Northwest Tourism presented Stephanie a framed certificate of achievement along with a $500 Visa gift card to thank her for her exemplary hospitality service to guests staying in Brooklyn Park.

“Stephanie is a leader that any property would die for!” Ho noted in her nomination. “They truly don’t make em’ like Stephanie anymore. Stephanie loves to have fun, but also get things done.”

Stephanie is the Outlets Manager running the café and the hotel’s restaurant Wadsworth. Gulner has worked with the Brooklyn Park Marriott for three years after spending most of her career in the hospitality industry. Local cable access station CCX Media interviewed Stephanie and aired the segment on their evening newscasts and posted the interview on their website through their YouTube channel. Gulner says the key to her industry is keeping it fun.

“Hospitality in my world I believe is we get to know people and adjust to whatever people need,” she said. “I feel like if you make people feel like they’re welcome and that they belong, they’ll always come back because they feel like they’re at home.”

Stephanie is planning on spending the Visa gift card on Christmas gifts for her family.