Ranch Awarded Top Place to Work in Arizona and now in Tucson

Like nearly every other hospitality destination in the U.S., Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, AZ, has had its share of challenges keeping and growing a service team; the post-Covid world has been tough on everyone in the industry. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the hospitality industry has an annual turnover rate of 73.8%, with over 6% of staff leaving each month.

But this 69-room resort and dude ranch has unlocked a potent solution to keeping employees and guests happy. Tanque Verde's approach is working with a retention rate of 81%, which is practically unheard of in the hospitality industry, and a YTD Net Promoter score of 80.8 (80 and over is broadly considered world-class). The ranch has many employees who have been with the company for over ten years, and one has celebrated 47 years at the property.

"We doubled down on our people-first philosophy, leading with our vision of enriching lives and making that real for our team through their work experience and benefits, inspiring them to reach for excellence with our guests in the process," said Merrick Dresnin, Chief People Services Officer for Cote Hospitality, the ranch's parent company.

Tanque Verde Ranch was an award winner in the Arizona Star's 2024 Top Work Places in Arizona for mid-size companies last Spring. The ranch was then recently awarded first place in the 2024 Top Work Places in Tucson (second award of the year), as voted on by the staff. The ranch's Managing Director, Terry Hanley, also won the Best Leadership award in recognition of his genuine, hands-on approach to managing the 170-person team.

"I live on the ranch and am available to the team and our guests at any hour of the day or night," said Hanley. "Between our core and service values, we have found the glue that keeps our team tightly bonded."

Here are some of the steps the property has taken:

1. Hiring on values and team fit, rather than just skillset. Even if that means it takes longer to find the right person.
2. Keep medical benefits at the same rate for employees, despite year-over-year cost increases, and increase holidays with premium pay from three to ten days per year.
3. Holding bi-annual Town Halls where employees learn about the company's plans, ask questions, and raise candid concerns.
4. Implemented several guiding principles, including COTE Cares, Core Values (I.C.A.R.E.), and Service Values (G.R.A.C.E.).
5. Continual recognition of team members by senior leadership, who know every employee by name.
6. Investing in a learning management system that helps train young managers, ensuring growth from within.

To learn more about the programs and values creating success for Tanque Verde Ranch contact Indra Gardiner Bowers at [email protected]. To learn about Tanque Verde Ranch visit tanqueverderanch.com.

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About Cote Hospitality

For over 100 years, Cote Hospitality has built a legacy by offering guests an intimate collection of 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, and Tanque Verde Ranch, located in Tucson, Arizona. Its vision and mission is to enrich the lives of its guests by creating exceptional experiences and memories. Cote Hospitality offers best-in-class accommodations and amenities. However, the true essence of Cote Hospitality's collection can only be fully embraced by experiencing it firsthand. In addition, the company offers consulting services specializing in resort management, golf, spa, technology, and food and beverage advisory services and operations. Learn more by visiting www.cotehospitality.com