Glenwood Hot Springs' Kjell Mitchell Celebrates a 40 Year Milestone

Glenwood Springs, Colo. (Nov. 21, 2016) – Four decades have passed since Glenwood Hot Springs President and CEO Kjell Mitchell began working at the world’s most famous hot springs pool. For Mitchell the anniversary may be just another day at a job he loves, but it’s also a perfect time to reflect on the evolution of the resort over the years, as well as on Mitchell’s own achievements and his hopes for the future.

Mitchell’s is a classic story of success through hard work and dedication. Over the years and after working in a variety of positions, he steadily climbed up the ladder to his current role as President and CEO. “Forty years is a long time. It was my choice to hop on the “Hot Springs bus” and stay on it. I could have jumped off, but I was enjoying the ride, and I still am,” said Mitchell.

It all began when he was hired on as a bellman for the summer. His job was to greet guests upon arrival and help them wrangle their luggage to their rooms in either the Stone Bathhouse or in one of the two annex lodges. Though it was hard work that summer, the hospitality industry had hooked him. On Nov. 24, 1976 he was hired fulltime as a desk clerk and night auditor; not long after that Mitchell was named lodge manager. The rest, as they say, is history.

In 1989, he was appointed General Manager. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its business operations to include the Spa of the Rockies in 2008. He also oversaw massive renovations to the stone bathhouse and the Lodge. In addition to his duties at Glenwood Hot Springs, Mitchell served on the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association Board of Directors for 16 years and helped to create a supportive pro-tourism climate in Colorado. In 2010, Mitchell was named Hotelier of the Year by the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association. His proudest achievement as a manager came in 1995 when he represented the United States at the International Cultural Exchange on Hot Springs in Beppu, Japan.

Beyond the honors and accolades, Mitchell pointed to fond memories that have given him satisfaction over the last forty years. “From my early days to the present, the most fulfilling aspect of my job is seeing how people’s lives are enriched by Glenwood Hot Springs. It’s rewarding to regularly see all our locals, our many repeat guests, and watch employees take their first job and grow up here like I did,” said Mitchell.

In addition to answering serious questions about his tenure at Glenwood Hot Springs, Mitchell also had some fun with the Q&A.

• How would you describe yourself in 1 – 3 words? “A fortunate man.”
• How would you describe Glenwood Hot Springs in 1-3 words? “The healing waters.”
• What do you do for fun? “Ride my bikes (one at a time) year round. Hang out, see blues artists and travel with my best friend who also happens to be my wife.”
• What’s next for Kjell Mitchell? “I occasionally look at the fence; occasionally I sit on the fence; but I am not ready to jump the fence or be put out to pasture.”

All joking aside, running the world’s largest hot springs pool isn’t always easy, the mineral water is highly corrosive, not to mention all the “normal” maintenance such a property requires. “Keeping a facility that’s well over 125 years old in first class condition is probably the hardest day-to-day challenge,” said Mitchell. “I’m thankful we have a top-notch facilities department that’s up to the task.”

Most people would consider retiring after 40 years, but not Mitchell who says he’s “all in” for continuing to help steer the future direction of Glenwood Hot Springs. With the Grand Avenue Bridge project in progress and after the recent announcement that they are under contract to purchase the historic Hotel Colorado, Mitchell is fired up about the prospects for the coming decade. “We are in the midst of an exciting new growth opportunity; right now we’re working through our options and setting priorities for the future,” he said. It looks like Kjell Mitchell is right where he wants to be, working at the Glenwood Hot Springs.

About Glenwood Hot Springs:
Glenwood Hot Springs is a historic Colorado landmark resort located along I-70 at Glenwood Springs, approximately 165 miles west of Denver and 90 miles east of Grand Junction. Famous for its enormous hot springs pools, other amenities include the Spa of the Rockies, the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge; an athletic club, a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch and a retail store specializing in swimwear. For more information, including press releases, a press kit, photos and a live web camera, please visit http://www.hotspringspool.com/misc/press-room or call 800-537-SWIM (7946) or 970-947-2955.

Media Contacts:
Jeremy Gilley, Director of Sales and Revenue
Glenwood Hot Springs/Spa of the Rockies
970-945-3324​
jgilley (at) hotspringspool (dot) com
or
Vicky Nash
Resort Trends, Inc. – media communications for the travel & tourism industry
970-948-4923
​pr (at) hotspringspool (dot) com