Cote Hospitality Transforms Employee Engagement with New People-First Culture and G.U.I.D.E. Mentorship Program

Minneapolis, MN (Feb. 27, 2025) - In an industry grappling with low engagement and high turnover, Cote Hospitality is rewriting the script with a bold, people-first approach. With historic properties in Minnesota and Arizona, the company is prioritizing leadership training, mentorship, and meaningful benefits to drive employee engagement, retention, and long-term growth.

When Agnelo Fernandes joined the organization as CEO in 2023, he brought a philosophy of "people first." To align with the company's mission of ‘Enriching Lives,' Fernandes repositioned the Human Resources department to People Services, ensuring the team had a voice in strategic decisions. People Services collaborated with property leadership on multiple initiatives, focusing on enhancing the associate experience. The company launched an enhanced engagement survey, measuring progress toward its goals of listening to employees and ensuring their satisfaction. From 2023 to 2024, the employee engagement score rose almost 10% while participation increased by 24% at Grand View Lodge and reached a remarkable 85% at Tanque Verde Ranch.

Transformative Workforce Initiatives

Cote Hospitality has rolled out a series of people-first initiatives designed to foster employee engagement, retention, and career growth. The company prioritizes hiring at its resorts and overnight camps for cultural fit and shared values over just skillset, ensuring long-term success. Despite rising costs, it has maintained stable medical benefits and greatly expanded its officially recognized paid holidays from three to ten days annually.

Employees have direct access to leadership through bi-annual Town Halls, where they can ask candid questions and contribute to the company's direction. Additionally, Cote Hospitality's guiding principles, including COTE Cares, Core Values (I.C.A.R.E.), and Service Values (G.R.A.C.E.), reinforce its commitment to a strong workplace culture. Leadership recognition programs ensure senior executives know every employee by name and actively celebrate their contributions. Investing in future leaders remains a top priority, with a learning management system designed to develop young managers from within and foster career advancement across the organization.

Introducing G.U.I.D.E.: A Mentorship Program for Future Leaders

As part of its commitment to growing internal talent, Cote Hospitality is launching the G.U.I.D.E. Mentorship Program. This six-month leadership development initiative includes bi-weekly coaching sessions focused on six core leadership pillars, including team building, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders while aligning with the company's long-term mission.

"Our people are our greatest asset and are instrumental in delivering our mission," said Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality. "The G.U.I.D.E. Mentorship Program reflects our dedication to enriching lives, fostering career growth, and building strong connections. Investing in our people is the surest path to delivering exceptional guest experiences."

A Legacy of Loyalty & Excellence

With decades-long employee tenures, including a wrangler at Tanque Verde Ranch who has been with the company for 47 years, Cote Hospitality's commitment to its people is evident. The company's focus on a strong culture is paying dividends, reflected in its world-class Net Promoter Scores and multiple ‘Best Places to Work' awards, as voted by employees.

"Our teams feel valued, and that translates directly into the guest experience," said Merrick Dresnin, Chief People Services Officer. "The high engagement levels and recognition we've received from our employees show that our culture-first approach is working and continues to drive long-term success."

Learn More

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information on Cote Hospitality's award-winning culture and the G.U.I.D.E. Mentorship Program, please contact Moe Beyer at moe.beyer@cotehospitality.com.

About Cote Hospitality

For over 100 years, Cote Hospitality has curated intimate resort and camp experiences in Nisswa, Minnesota, featuring the historic and award-winning Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort, Camp Lincoln for Boys, and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls, along with Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. With a mission to enrich lives through exceptional experiences, Cote Hospitality also provides consulting services in resort management, golf, spa, technology, and food & beverage operations. Learn more at www.cotehospitality.com.