Venerts - Property Management | Corporate Profiles

JAMES L. BERVEN - James (Jim) L. Berven, founder and president of Venerts Venerts Hotel Management Inc., has been on the leading edge of commercial development and hotel management throughout the Midwest for more than two decades.

A South Dakota native, Augustana College graduate and former Marine, Berven began his career in real estate sales and development before going on to form one of the largest farm brokerage operations in northeastern South Dakota. He launched Venerts Investments, Inc., in 1983 with co-owner William Folkerts.

Berven is well known throughout the industry, having held office for the Realtors Association at the local, state and national levels, and serving 17 years on the S.D. Real Estate Commission. He also has been elected to serve on the SD Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has filled several positions on the SD Visitor and Industry Alliance.

Berven is a member of the Franchise Advisory Committee for Country Inns & Suites by Carlson.

WILLIAM J. FOLKERTS - William (Bill) J. Folkerts is a founder of Venerts Venerts Hotel Management Inc., and secretary of the firm. He has more than 30 years of experience in the residential rental business and has served a key role in forming limited partnerships, “s” corporations and LLCs to own and manage real estate.

Folkerts, born and raised on a South Dakota farm, is a graduate of South Dakota State University, where he earned degrees in agriculture and economics.

Folkerts has more than 25 years of experience in the public sector, working in business development, loan packaging, loan serving and technical assistance to local governments. His area of expertise focused on community and economic development and providing management assistance to business and industrial clients.

An expert in local development, Folkerts has served as a board member and chairman of the Watertown City Planning Commission and on several Chamber of Commerce committees. He was on the board of the Watertown Development Company, the Board of Directors of the National Association of Development Organizations and the SD Population Task Force.

Folkerts also has filled several gubernatorial appointments to various state commissions. Currently, he is president of the SD Innkeepers Association.

CONNIE WARD - As Director of Operations and Vice President of Venerts Hotel Management, Connie Ward is responsible for the daily operations of all properties managed by the firm. She joined Venerts in 1993, bringing with her experience in hotel management at various levels. She holds an A.A.S. Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management and is a Certified Hotel Administrator. Ward works with general managers to ensure optimal profitability for ownership and dependable, high quality service levels that exceed guest expectations and demands.

Ward is responsible for recruiting, hiring, supervising and training of general managers and the purchasing of operating supplies, furniture, fixtures and equipment. She also develops and manages operating budgets, compensation and benefits, and management development.

Connie is a member of the Franchise Advisory Committee for Country Inns & Suites by Carlson.

JODI RUDEBUSCH - Jodi Rudebusch is the Director of Financial Operations and Treasurer of Venerts Hotel Management, Inc. Rudebusch, who holds a Master of Business Administration and a B.A. degree in both Business Administration and Accounting, heads up the financial and accounting functions for Venerts and its managed hotel properties. She also prepares monthly financial statements and files the various tax forms required by state and federal law.

In addition to the financial operations, Rudebusch also handles employee benefits, insurance, and IRA’s. In this capacity, Rudebusch serves as the key financial link between Venerts Hotel Management Inc., property owners and managers.

Rudebusch is relentless in her search for cost savings and opportunities for effective allocation of financial resources. However, she also understands the importance of exceeding guest expectations. This blend of tough financial discipline and insistence on delivering a quality experience makes Jodi a rare find in the financial arena..

SUSAN DOLNEY - Susan Dolney is the Director of Marketing and Training and Vice President of Venerts Hotel Management. She holds a B.S. degree in Travel Industry Management and CLM certification, and has 10 years of experience as a hotel General Manager.

Dolney provides marketing assistance and property support by providing a vast array of promotional materials. She develops and implements marketing plans, advertising and promotional campaigns and targeted Internet sales efforts. Among Dolney’s strengths is her ability to build relationships at all levels and facilitate positive, on-going training between managers, associates, and departments. She commands respect and inspires those in training to take lessons to heart, strive to meet goals and exceed customer expectations.

Dolney also works closely with general managers to create a total team effort approach to operations and sales and marketing at each property. She ensures maximum utilization of franchise marketing services to secure a property’s position within a market and tracks results from sales and marketing efforts.

MIKE WOITAS - Mike Woitas is the Director of New Business Development and Vice President of Venerts Hotel Management, Inc.. He is also the entertainment director of the Albert Lea Freeborn County Fair, and President of the Minnesota Lodging Association. Prior to joining Venerts, Woitas worked for 10 years as Operations Director for three radio stations in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

Woitas has extensive experience in public speaking and community relations. His public service know-how helps grow and deliver not only management contracts but also new customers.