Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, Vice President Bavarian Inn Lodge One Covered Bridge Lane Frankenmuth, MI 48734 989-652-7200 www.bavarianinn.com
Q: How long have you been with Bavarian Inn Lodge? A: Being 4th generation in the family business… I have been with the Bavarian Inn corporation literally my entire life.
Q: How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? A: I became a Chamber Ambassador in December 2013. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!
Q: What do you like about being an ambassador? A: My favorite part about being an ambassador is meeting all the different people in our area. If I haven’t met you yet, please stop me at an event to say Hello. I’d love to talk with you.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. A: I’m one of the few people born & raised in Frankenmuth… and very proud of this. I attended Michigan State University, worked in Denver, CO for a bit and spent 9 years working in Chicago. In 2013 I came back to Michigan and participated for a few months working/living in Gunzenhausen, Germany as part of a Sister City Work Exchange before returning to our family business. I have a wonderful family and in June 2017 I married a wonderful man, John Kaczynski.
Q: What was your first job? A: Working at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in the kitchen with my grandmother, Dorothy Zehnder. “If you can lean… you can clean”. I did a lot of cleaning, folding napkins, filling jam jars, and of course trimming chicken when I first started working there around age 11-12.
Q: What worries keep you up at night? A: My “to do” list. I believe I think the most about what I did during the day and need to do for tomorrow when it’s time for bed. That’s why I keep a pad and pen on the nightstand.
Q: What is your greatest achievement? A: Professionally, at the age of 30 being the Director of Convention Services and on the Executive Committee of a 1,200 guest room & 120,000 sq. ft. banquet space property in downtown Chicago.
Q: What is your most prized possession? A: I’m not one for “stuff”. I’m more of a making memories type of girl. However, I would currently say my wedding ring. When looking at it, I think of the love of my life (my husband John if curious) and those people that celebrated our wedding with us. Makes me smile every time.
Q: What is something unique in your office? A: My grandfather Tiny Zehnder’s green office swivel chair. I know he is watching over my brother and I (yes, I share an office with my older brother Michael and we still get along great.)
Q: What is your favorite Michigan travel location? A: FRANKENMUTH! Where else would you want to travel?!? And enjoying that Bavarian Inn chicken.