Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Michelle Bollinger

Rapid City,SD

Summary

Dynamic and award-winning Hospitality Manager with over 12 years of progressive leadership experience driving operational excellence, high-volume revenue, and world-class guest satisfaction in the Black Hills tourism sector. Proven track record of leading premium seasonal attractions to prestigious global recognition, including honors from Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. Expert in multi-department management, budget optimization, and guest experience. Adept at cultivating high-performing team cultures centered on development, hospitality, safety and unforgettable guest

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

UNDER CANVAS MOUNT RUSHMORE
Keystone, SD
06.2018 - Current

GENERAL MANAGER (December 2022 – Present)

  • Direct daily operations across multi-unit departments including guest services, retail, food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance and employee housing for a premier seasonal destination.
  • Led the property to earn top-tier industry recognition, including features and awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Midwest Living.
  • Championed guest journey initiatives to secure and maintain a current world-class Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 83.
  • Formulate and manage annual operating budgets, successfully optimizing supply chains and labor to maximize seasonal profitability and cost control.
  • Mentor and inspire a high-performing seasonal team, fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and memorable guest interactions.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER (March 2021 – December 2022)

  • Managed day-to-day operations and cross-departmental coordination to ensure seamless execution of guest services and specialty programming.
  • Spearheaded recruitment, onboarding, and service training for seasonal staff members, driving high retention and team engagement.
  • Analyzed guest feedback trends to implement immediate quality assurance improvement across lodging and F&B operations,

SEASONAL CONCIERGE (2018 – 2020)

  • Curated high-end itineraries and custom Black Hills experiences for guests, establishing deep knowledge of local tourism dynamics.
  • Resolved guest inquiries and elevated on-site hospitality standards, directly contributing to early brand loyalty and property growth.

OWNER/OPERATOR

HIITFIT JUNCTION/BLACK HAWK STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
Rugby, ND - Black Hawk, SD
02.2013 - 03.2021
  • Built, owned, and operated a successful local business, managing all aspects of marketing, finance, facility operations, and client retention.
  • Designed and executed targeted marketing strategies to drive membership growth and recurring revenue.
  • Led group and personal training sessions, cultivating a highly engaged, community-focused client culture.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Agriculture

Lake Area Technical College
Watertown SD
04-2021

Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology

Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Aurora, CO
09-1996

Skills

  • P&L & Budget Management
  • Multi-Department Leadership
  • Hospitality Management
  • Team Mentorship & Training
  • Safety & Compliance Standards
  • Customer Service

Timeline

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

UNDER CANVAS MOUNT RUSHMORE
06.2018 - Current

OWNER/OPERATOR

HIITFIT JUNCTION/BLACK HAWK STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
02.2013 - 03.2021

Associate of Applied Science - Agriculture

Lake Area Technical College

Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology

Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Michelle Bollinger