While bartending and waiting tables in college, Denise Munderloh fell in love with the hospitality business.  After 12 years of working in a variety of hotels (in four different states!) mostly in food and beverage and operational management, she decided that the next avenue in this business would be sales.  After having been on the opening management team at Lied Lodge when it was built in 1993, she left the state of Nebraska to gain some experience, and when the time was right returned to Lied Lodge in November 2004 and is now the Director of Sales and Marketing.
 
Lied Lodge & Conference Center is located on Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.  The 144-room lodge offers the perfect location for meetings, retreats, conferences, weddings, reunions and more.  Being located only 45 minutes from Omaha and Lincoln, and two hours north of Kansas City, Lied Lodge makes the perfect location for many companies to “meet in the middle”. 

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When my brother died at the age of 28 and I was 22, I realized every day was precious.  Because of that, I took some chances and opportunities with my career when they came forward.  I never looked back at any of my decisions whether they were right or wrong…I told myself that if I made the decision, it must be right.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Explore!  Driving somewhere new that I’ve never been too.  Shopping at a unique store.  Going to a restaurant and ordering something I’ve never tried.  And doing all of this ideally with a good friend!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I used to sing at weddings!  Mostly family and close friends’ weddings, but I did have several gigs over the years.

What are you the most proud of? - I am most proud of the way I live my life every day both personally and professionally with a caring and passionate attitude.  My parents instilled not only a strong work ethic but also strong morals. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Treat everyone how you want to be treated.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? - Personally, I would love to complete a photography class.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I am not sure if this is a super power, but I wish could twitch my nose like Samantha so I could get more things done every day.

What are your plans after retirement? - At this point, I do not have specific plans, but traveling will definitely be a part of my retirement.

Which talent would you most like to have? - To be more artistic and creative.  My sister was the one blessed with those talents, not me.

 What is your favorite movie? - The Blind Side

What is your favorite TV show? - Army Wives

What is your favorite local restaurant? - El Portal Mexican Restaurant in Nebraska City

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Since I love the Food Network, I would have to say Bobby Flay.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - dmunderloh@arbordayfarm.org