It is not just the fresh air, scenery, and history that make the Lodge a destination. Meet the team that adds fun, joy, and adventure to the mix — and find out more about our core values and benefits provided to KML team members.
We are constantly recruiting to find people that have the Lodge Team core values. Learn more about opportunities to join the Lodge Team.
Staff
Hello Adventurers! Chris Guibert here – your in-house mountain bike fanatic. I have a strong passion for all things outdoors. As the Lead of Outdoor Activities at the Mountain Lodge I want make sure you and your family have a great experience while staying and playing. I have a strong knowledge of the Copper Harbor Trail System and the local area so please feel free to ask me any questions about the trails, regional activities and local secrets.
I purchased my first mountain bike in 1988 while studying at the University of Arizona and like a kid in a candy store, mountain biking became the focus of my life.I worked in bike shops and then started a guide service, Arizona Off-Road Adventures, that offered day and week-long tours around the state of Arizona. The pinnacle of my guiding career was to lead a seventy five day tour down the Continental Divide Mountain Biking Route in 1998. In 2002 I received a degree in Professional Photography from Colorado Mountain College. Since then I have worked as a freelance photographer across the country. My work can be viewed at chrisguibert.com.
Hi my name is Monica Howard. I started as an Intern at the Lodge during summer 2021, and have since become full-time at the resort. I am a recent graduate of the Everglades University, with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management. I have worked mostly in the food industry and I am hoping to become an Events Coordinator someday. During my free time, I am a Twitch Streamer and enjoy playing video games and I also enjoy hiking out here too. I am a huge Disney Nerd as well. I do enjoy working at the Lodge and love to learn.
Calin Leech is the lead liaison for the merchandising for the Lodge Life Shop. She is responsible for assuring the values and vision of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge are upheld through the products and brands promoted. She received her education in English and Art with a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. Calin has a shared background in tourism and customer service industries. She was born in Texas, and raised in West Michigan. After college, she moved further north eventually making her way into the U.P. for a few years. She quickly fell in love with its natural beauty. While in the U.P. she worked closely with small businesses, such as managing a cafe in Marquette. She continues her relationship with the U.P. community despite having relocated below the bridge again.
My name is Martin Mueller. I study mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University (Go Huskies!) for my bachelor degree. I am a member of the Huskies Pep Band (play alto saxophone as one of the many instruments), the Book Club (American Gods is one of my favorite books), and the Alley Workshop (a workspace for students to create). I enjoy running races, cross stitching, playing and listening to music (seven instruments I can play), and reading mystery stories. During my time working at the lodge, I clean dishes, expedite, make coffee (barista), do house keeping (recent), and maintain the golf course (recent).
Hi! My name is Widad. I am a chef, artisan, and watercolor artist. My interests are reflected in the food, gelato, and paintings that I create. I love to pairing flavors of food that are vibrant, yet provide a balanced feel in one’s mouth. I spend time in the Keweenaw, Kalamazoo, and Austin. I am married to John; we have two children, Martin and Naya. [ Learn more about the Chef ]
Greetings nature and wildlife lovers! I’m Nutter Butter.
I am the resident rodent representing all Eastern Chipmunks here in the Keweenaw.
In my eyes, you are all nuts!
Apparently I have become the mascot for the OAC. Little did these humans know that I had already claimed this cabin as my “homebase” for employment before they arrived. I am here at dawn and I don’t leave until the sun sets. Seven days a week, I greet every guest with open paws. I never call in sick and I am always on time. You may recognize me by my birthmark on my right ear, I have a clipped ear.
Please come and say hi to me in the summer OAC. Better yet, come feed me some nuts!
All I ask is that you watch for me scampering underfoot; It’s how I greet folks!
General Management
founder, investor, golfer, runner, professor, entrepreneurship
John is the chief lead at the Lodge, and is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to operations and strategy of the resort.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edwards University, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial finance). Before his time at St. Edward's, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world.
John has started several companies, and worked as an employee in others. Along with his duties at the Lodge, he works with his son, Martin Mueller, on Pick'n Run and his wife, Widad Mueller, on Rollin' Gelato. He is the founder of Keweenaw Resort, LLC, which owns the Lodge.
Organizational Chart
More info about the organization’s structure at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge can be found on TheOrg.com.
Advisors
Bill Alband was the golf course superintendent at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for more than 25 years, from 1997 to 2021. During that time he was responsible for keeping the golf course in pristine shape for golfers. Since 2021, Bill has been an advisor to the Lodge. His knowledge of the golf course runs deep, as he has a long history with the golf course at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.
Owner, Keweenaw Resort, LLC
Keweenaw Resort, LLC was setup in August 2018 for the purchase of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, when it was bought off auction from the Keweenaw County (September 5, 2018). The company is owned by John Mueller.
- KML Team Page – Questionnaire [ for team members ]