Fresh Perspectives, Seasoned Professionals: The MRLA Welcomes New Leaders to the MRLA Board of Directors
The MRLA is excited to announce the appointment of six new trailblazers to the MRLA Board of Directors. Each new member brings a unique perspective and desire to lead the organization in its mission to support Michigan's storied hospitality industry. “As highly experienced leaders in Michigan’s hospitality industry, these talented individuals will bring a new energy and exciting range of skills to the MRLA Board of Directors,” said Winslow. “From sub sandwiches to tax strategies, boutique hotels to beloved coney dogs, happy hour to hotel management, Houghton to Macomb, their diversified knowledge of Michigan’s hospitality industry and ability to navigate its complexities will help drive strategic growth and success for our association and the hospitality industry overall.”
Lisa Plonka is a franchise expert known for her personal touch. With over 25 years of experience at Plante Moran, Lisa has spearheaded–and grown–the firm’s consumer goods and services practice, providing excellent tax strategies for restaurants, hotels, and small businesses across the state. A certified Franchise Executive, she’s proud of her role in strengthening the industry and mentoring new team members still on their way up!
Grace Keros is a third-generation owner of a beloved Coney Dog restaurant in Detroit. Founded in 1917 by Gus Keros, her grandfather, Detroit’s famous American Coney Island has been serving up chili dogs for over one hundred years on the corner of Michigan and Lafayette. Since she took over in 1990, Grace turned the local restaurant into a statewide staple and elevated the family’s signature Coney Dog into an award-winning American comfort food icon.
Ann Kelly is the resident trailblazer for Lodgco Hospitality, rising through the ranks from corporate controller to CEO and leading the company through several seasons of growth along the way. She’s fascinated by strategies that protect the long-term financial success of Lodgco Hospitality, but she’s also very passionate about issues impacting women and children, having served on the Board of Directors for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for many years
Justin Dalenberg is a restaurant Renaissance man. Right now, he’s the owner of Grand River Brewery, Bakery and Commissary Kitchen with 6 different sites, three grocery stores, two Doll n Burger’s restaurants, one Manchester Meat Company, and two other restaurants, withan outdoor adventure business in Alpena also in the works. While he’s interested in everything from menu development to cultural leadership, Justin mostly just loves to help businesses grow.
Jennifer Julien is an engineer turned hotelier who recently opened a one-of-a-kind experience called The Vault, a boutique hotel converted from an historic bank building in Houghton. She has her bachelor's in civil engineering and master’s in environmental engineering, but she ended up leaving her career to pursue real estate opportunities with her husband, Jon Julien. While The Vault is her most award-winning venture so far with Conde Nast Traveler’s naming it among the best in the Midwest, she and her husband operate numerous businesses and hotels in the Upper Peninsula.
Anthony Tomey used to be a professional pitcher with a Detroit Tiger’s minor league affiliate. After hanging up his baseball cap, he went all in on his family’s hospitality business, The Tomey Group, which knocked it out of the park with 45 Jimmy John’s locations across the state. Anthony kept swinging though, and he’s now a co-owner of 8 Mile Vodka, which garnered international awards and partnerships with Meijer, MDen Detroit, and the Detroit Pistons.
