From Bellman to Board Chair: Looking to the Future with Paul Wegert
By: Katie Frankhart
The first hotelier to spearhead the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, the hospitality leader behind the revival of Saint John’s Resort reflects on his career and shares what’s ahead as he steps into his year as chairman.
Ask Paul Wegert what keeps him in the hospitality business. His answer is simple: “No day is ever the same.”
“To me, it's always just been an exciting business,” he says, fondly reflecting on his forty-year hospitality career. “We get paid to make people happy, and we work in some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.”
The excitement of the unexpected is the throughline that fueled Wegert’s rise from bellman to business owner – and beyond. In 2019, Wegert was recognized as the “RD Musser Hotelier of the Year,” the highest honor given to Michigan hoteliers, and that same year, he also started his journey with the MRLA and joined the association’s Board of Directors.
This year, he commences his term of leadership as chairman, the first hotelier to serve in the position since the Michigan Restaurant Association merged with the statewide lodging association. Drawing upon his extensive experience in hospitality leadership, he’s dedicated to delivering on the association’s legislative priorities and furthering its visionary goals to grow and unify the industry.
“To me, it's always just been an exciting business,” he says, fondly reflecting on his forty-year hospitality career. “We get paid to make people happy, and we work in some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.”
The excitement of the unexpected is the throughline that fueled Wegert’s rise from bellman to business owner – and beyond. In 2019, Wegert was recognized as the “RD Musser Hotelier of the Year,” the highest honor given to Michigan hoteliers, and that same year, he also started his journey with the MRLA and joined the association’s Board of Directors.
This year, he commences his term of leadership as chairman, the first hotelier to serve in the position since the Michigan Restaurant Association merged with the statewide lodging association. Drawing upon his extensive experience in hospitality leadership, he’s dedicated to delivering on the association’s legislative priorities and furthering its visionary goals to grow and unify the industry.
Looking Back: From Bellman to Boardman
Long before he was Chairman, Wegert was a 15-year-old bellman at the Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort in Florida. He eventually transitioned into accounting, then worked as a property controller, before becoming a corporate internal auditor. Next, he worked as an area and general manager for Sunburst Hospitality, where he established an entire procurement program. In 2000, Wegert was recruited by Highgate Hotels to run the Crowne Plaza Convention Hotel in Detroit and moved his family to Michigan.
By 2002, however, Wegert began what would become his longest and most decorated role: managing director of Saint John’s Resort (formerly The Inn at St. John’s) a golf and conference center which was once the site of a Catholic seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. Under Wegert’s leadership, the resort would be transformed into a stunning boutique hotel, fit for luxury weddings and group corporate events, and the first high-end, 18-hole championship golf course - The Cardinal - built in the Detroit area in over 20 years.
Throughout Wegert’s tenure, Saint John's Resort held the four-diamond AAA designation for nine consecutive years, earned Michigan Meetings & Events Best of Awards in multiple categories, and became the "home" of the Concours d'Elegance of America.
Long before he was Chairman, Wegert was a 15-year-old bellman at the Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort in Florida. He eventually transitioned into accounting, then worked as a property controller, before becoming a corporate internal auditor. Next, he worked as an area and general manager for Sunburst Hospitality, where he established an entire procurement program. In 2000, Wegert was recruited by Highgate Hotels to run the Crowne Plaza Convention Hotel in Detroit and moved his family to Michigan.
By 2002, however, Wegert began what would become his longest and most decorated role: managing director of Saint John’s Resort (formerly The Inn at St. John’s) a golf and conference center which was once the site of a Catholic seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. Under Wegert’s leadership, the resort would be transformed into a stunning boutique hotel, fit for luxury weddings and group corporate events, and the first high-end, 18-hole championship golf course - The Cardinal - built in the Detroit area in over 20 years.
Throughout Wegert’s tenure, Saint John's Resort held the four-diamond AAA designation for nine consecutive years, earned Michigan Meetings & Events Best of Awards in multiple categories, and became the "home" of the Concours d'Elegance of America.
During his 22-year run as the resort’s managing director, he also served as the area manager of Hotel Investment Services, Inc. (HIS), working with IHG Hotels, Hilton, and independent properties in the Metro Detroit area. Wegert’s contract with HIS ended in 2020, but his journey with Saint John’s Resort was just beginning.
In 2021, Wegert co-launched Boutique Hotel Professionals, a hotel management company, with Chief Investment Officer Jenifer Neptune and took over management of Saint John’s Resort. Later that year, the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit sold the property to The Pulte Family Foundation, and in 2022 the resort was officially rebranded as Saint John’s Resort. The Pulte family tapped Wegert as a partner in preserving and developing the iconic landmark property, confident in his ability to continue the management of the resort and to spearhead a$50 million renovation. Now, the resort is undergoing a defining remodel to include updated rooms, a new wedding pavilion, The Grotto Wine Bar, Doyle’s Irish Pub, and a 17,000 sq. ft grand ballroom.
In 2021, Wegert co-launched Boutique Hotel Professionals, a hotel management company, with Chief Investment Officer Jenifer Neptune and took over management of Saint John’s Resort. Later that year, the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit sold the property to The Pulte Family Foundation, and in 2022 the resort was officially rebranded as Saint John’s Resort. The Pulte family tapped Wegert as a partner in preserving and developing the iconic landmark property, confident in his ability to continue the management of the resort and to spearhead a$50 million renovation. Now, the resort is undergoing a defining remodel to include updated rooms, a new wedding pavilion, The Grotto Wine Bar, Doyle’s Irish Pub, and a 17,000 sq. ft grand ballroom.
I believe that hospitality is an art form, and there's no template for a masterpiece
Meanwhile, Boutique Hotel Professionals’ portfolio has grown to include four more properties in Michigan, Colorado, and Mexico. Now, as Saint John’s Resort remains under BHP’s management, Wegert stepped aside from his role as the resort’s managing director, effective January 2024, to focus on the growth of BHP.
While Wegert appreciates the reliability and high standards of hotel franchises to provide first-rate experiences to endless guests, his personal passion is all about creating niche experiences at one-of-a-kind properties. “I believe that hospitality is an art form, and there's no template for a masterpiece, so I think that independent hotels allow our company to have a blank slate, a blank canvas,” he says.
Wegert and Neptune created BHP in direct response to the growing demand for boutique and independent hotels, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z guests. “They want to [go to hotels] for the experience,” he says. “So, how can we create experiences?”
At the end of the day — no matter the unexpected turn it takes — the working partnership that brings Wegert the most pride and joy is that with his wife and BHP co-founder, Jenifer Neptune. The two married in Florence, Italy, in September 2023 in an intimate ceremony, which included Wegert’s two children and Neptune's son. Wegert and Neptune reside in Brighton, Michigan.
Looking Ahead: Wegert’s Focus for 2024
Build the Talent Pipeline
Coming out of the pandemic, the MRLA has remained steadfast in forging pathways to recovery, prosperity, and longevity for the hospitality industry. Wegert is likewise passionate about finding long-term solutions to rebuilding one of Michigan’s most significant economic drivers and the foundation of hospitality businesses: the workforce
“When the pandemic hit, we lost so many seasoned [hospitality] veterans that just said, ‘I’m out. I’m done.’” He says finding that talent has only become more difficult. “In the past, if you were looking for an employee, a manager, or a leader, you could find them. You might have to pay in order to get that person. But now it doesn’t matter what you’re paying. You can’t find them.”
That’s a hard pill to swallow for Wegert, whose “forte has always been team-building.” He’s retained talent for as many as 10 to 15 years. That’s why he looks forward to leading the MRLA’s continued efforts to foster a talented and passionate workforce.
Wegert and Neptune created BHP in direct response to the growing demand for boutique and independent hotels, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z guests. “They want to [go to hotels] for the experience,” he says. “So, how can we create experiences?”
At the end of the day — no matter the unexpected turn it takes — the working partnership that brings Wegert the most pride and joy is that with his wife and BHP co-founder, Jenifer Neptune. The two married in Florence, Italy, in September 2023 in an intimate ceremony, which included Wegert’s two children and Neptune's son. Wegert and Neptune reside in Brighton, Michigan.
Looking Ahead: Wegert’s Focus for 2024
Build the Talent Pipeline
Coming out of the pandemic, the MRLA has remained steadfast in forging pathways to recovery, prosperity, and longevity for the hospitality industry. Wegert is likewise passionate about finding long-term solutions to rebuilding one of Michigan’s most significant economic drivers and the foundation of hospitality businesses: the workforce
“When the pandemic hit, we lost so many seasoned [hospitality] veterans that just said, ‘I’m out. I’m done.’” He says finding that talent has only become more difficult. “In the past, if you were looking for an employee, a manager, or a leader, you could find them. You might have to pay in order to get that person. But now it doesn’t matter what you’re paying. You can’t find them.”
That’s a hard pill to swallow for Wegert, whose “forte has always been team-building.” He’s retained talent for as many as 10 to 15 years. That’s why he looks forward to leading the MRLA’s continued efforts to foster a talented and passionate workforce.
He calls the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) a “critical piece” of these efforts, which kicked off its first classes in January 2024. Formed as a way to bridge the resource gap, the HTIM helps individuals acquire the necessary skills for advanced careers in the hospitality industry, through a 12-week training and certification programs. The institute offered its comprehensive course, valued at $2,500, at no cost to the first 2,000 registrants and an additional $500 incentive bonus for those who graduate from the program.
Wegert also credits the ProStart high school culinary program for inspiring young talent and preparing them for bright careers in hospitality through intense competitions and hands-on experiences. He believes these types of programs get the next generation excited about lifelong careers in hospitality.
“Our industry, both from the hotel and the restaurant side, has always had this black cloud,” Wegert says about the stereotype that hospitality jobs offer limited potential for professional growth and financial gain. “I think that's something that we have to work on because it’s just not true. How do we make [these opportunities] exciting…how do we get these young people educated quickly to be a leader?”
Wegert also credits the ProStart high school culinary program for inspiring young talent and preparing them for bright careers in hospitality through intense competitions and hands-on experiences. He believes these types of programs get the next generation excited about lifelong careers in hospitality.
“Our industry, both from the hotel and the restaurant side, has always had this black cloud,” Wegert says about the stereotype that hospitality jobs offer limited potential for professional growth and financial gain. “I think that's something that we have to work on because it’s just not true. How do we make [these opportunities] exciting…how do we get these young people educated quickly to be a leader?”
I understand that this organization encompasses hotels and restaurants…to me, the exciting part is that there's just a true joint working collaboration.
Save the Tip Credit
Wegert’s tenure as chairman begins as Michigan’s hospitality industry awaits a decision from the Michigan Supreme Court concerning the constitutionality of a legislative action in 2018 to adopt a ballot proposal and then amend it, saving the tip credit along the way. This comes nearly ten years after Michigan became a legislative battleground for lawmakers, businessowners, and industry workers on this issue.
“It is a hot, tough subject right now,” says Wegert. If the tip credit is eliminated, Michigan restaurants face a change in industry regulations that could dramatically alter operations.
Still, Wegert is confident that the[MRLA] will be “leading in whatever it means to save businesses and business owners." He says the MRLA is prepared, but the next steps ultimately depend on the upcoming Supreme Court decision. “If we’re celebrating, we’re celebrating. If we’re not, we have a game plan."
Reimagine Events for Industry Connection
Members can expect exciting changes to MRLA’s events calendar under Wegert’s leadership. “We’d like to elevate our fundraiser events,” he says, explaining the goal is to bring together industry members in ways that allowed everyone to enjoy hospitality, being the guest, while also fundraising on behalf of our industry.
He refers to the annual golf outing, the Hospitality Invitational, which will be hosted at the brand-new golf course at Saint John’s Resort this year – The Cardinal. Wegert says the outing will be expanded into a two-day event and a memorable experience for industry supporters, regardless if they want to swing a club or not. With new opportunities to enjoy wine tastings, fine dining, and spa packages, he hopes it maximizes the time members can spend together while gathering to support the industry.
Reinvigorate Pure Michigan
Wegert also says it is critical that the MRLA continues its fight for the steady funding of the “Pure Michigan” campaign, which saw a cut to $15 million in 2023.
“A huge success of Pure Michigan is...allowing people to see what's out there and what's available,” he says. “It's difficult to cut something that's working in my mind, but we keep cutting it.”
He believes the first step in restoring this funding is working closely with the newly-founded Michigan Hospitality & Tourism Alliance to “get Pure Michigan back on the radar” and continue driving the success of the state’s second-largest industry through new solutions and funding opportunities, such as taxing short-term rentals.
Wegert’s tenure as chairman begins as Michigan’s hospitality industry awaits a decision from the Michigan Supreme Court concerning the constitutionality of a legislative action in 2018 to adopt a ballot proposal and then amend it, saving the tip credit along the way. This comes nearly ten years after Michigan became a legislative battleground for lawmakers, businessowners, and industry workers on this issue.
“It is a hot, tough subject right now,” says Wegert. If the tip credit is eliminated, Michigan restaurants face a change in industry regulations that could dramatically alter operations.
Still, Wegert is confident that the[MRLA] will be “leading in whatever it means to save businesses and business owners." He says the MRLA is prepared, but the next steps ultimately depend on the upcoming Supreme Court decision. “If we’re celebrating, we’re celebrating. If we’re not, we have a game plan."
Reimagine Events for Industry Connection
Members can expect exciting changes to MRLA’s events calendar under Wegert’s leadership. “We’d like to elevate our fundraiser events,” he says, explaining the goal is to bring together industry members in ways that allowed everyone to enjoy hospitality, being the guest, while also fundraising on behalf of our industry.
He refers to the annual golf outing, the Hospitality Invitational, which will be hosted at the brand-new golf course at Saint John’s Resort this year – The Cardinal. Wegert says the outing will be expanded into a two-day event and a memorable experience for industry supporters, regardless if they want to swing a club or not. With new opportunities to enjoy wine tastings, fine dining, and spa packages, he hopes it maximizes the time members can spend together while gathering to support the industry.
Reinvigorate Pure Michigan
Wegert also says it is critical that the MRLA continues its fight for the steady funding of the “Pure Michigan” campaign, which saw a cut to $15 million in 2023.
“A huge success of Pure Michigan is...allowing people to see what's out there and what's available,” he says. “It's difficult to cut something that's working in my mind, but we keep cutting it.”
He believes the first step in restoring this funding is working closely with the newly-founded Michigan Hospitality & Tourism Alliance to “get Pure Michigan back on the radar” and continue driving the success of the state’s second-largest industry through new solutions and funding opportunities, such as taxing short-term rentals.
Unite the Restaurant and Lodging Industries
Nearly six years after the Michigan lodging industry amalgamated with the state’s restaurant industry to form the MRLA, Wegert looks forward to furthering the alliance and and working on behalf of the Pleasant Peninsula's entire hospitality industry.
“We've grown so much as an association since the merger, especially with the advocacy alone at the state and federal level,” crediting Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO, for his engagement efforts with other states and persistent focus on legislative policy.
He points to the 2023 Michigan Hotel Conference hosted by the MRLA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) as a positive sign. Last summer, the President and CEO of AHLA, Chip Rogers, traveled to Michigan, meeting Winslow and hoteliers from across the state for an afternoon of conversation and discussion about the latest policy issues.
“The merger [happened] five years ago, but to get to that point that they actually had a regional [lodging] conference here last year is pretty amazing,” Wegert says, adding that AHLA had never visited Michigan in his 22 years of working in the Michigan hospitality industry.
As the first hotelier to serve as the Chairman of the MRLA, Wegert acknowledges that his expertise comes from decades of experience in the lodging industry. His focus, however, is on the bigger picture, and with restaurants and hotels working together, he sees nothing but opportunity.
“I understand that this organization encompasses hotels and restaurants…to me, the exciting part is that there's just a true joint working collaboration.”
Nearly six years after the Michigan lodging industry amalgamated with the state’s restaurant industry to form the MRLA, Wegert looks forward to furthering the alliance and and working on behalf of the Pleasant Peninsula's entire hospitality industry.
“We've grown so much as an association since the merger, especially with the advocacy alone at the state and federal level,” crediting Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO, for his engagement efforts with other states and persistent focus on legislative policy.
He points to the 2023 Michigan Hotel Conference hosted by the MRLA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) as a positive sign. Last summer, the President and CEO of AHLA, Chip Rogers, traveled to Michigan, meeting Winslow and hoteliers from across the state for an afternoon of conversation and discussion about the latest policy issues.
“The merger [happened] five years ago, but to get to that point that they actually had a regional [lodging] conference here last year is pretty amazing,” Wegert says, adding that AHLA had never visited Michigan in his 22 years of working in the Michigan hospitality industry.
As the first hotelier to serve as the Chairman of the MRLA, Wegert acknowledges that his expertise comes from decades of experience in the lodging industry. His focus, however, is on the bigger picture, and with restaurants and hotels working together, he sees nothing but opportunity.
“I understand that this organization encompasses hotels and restaurants…to me, the exciting part is that there's just a true joint working collaboration.”