Barry Owens of Treetops Resort

As general manager of Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Barry Owens celebrates the variety and gift of Michigan’s four seasons

While he’s lived in many states, Michigan has always been home for Barry Owens – and there’s no place like it. After attending Plymouth Salem High School and Kalamazoo College, Barry eventually settled in northern Michigan, where he’s lived and pursued his hospitality career for over 35 years.

Following a 24-year stint with Garland Lodge & Golf Resort in Lewiston, Barry has worked as the general manager for Treetops Resort in Gaylord for the past 14 years. Nestled in northern Michigan, Treetops is a top destination in the state for both golf and winter sports, providing visitors with the Pure Michigan experience all year round.

For someone like Barry who lives and breathes the Michigan lifestyle, the opportunity to work at Treetops has been a hole-in-one.

What led you to become general manager at Treetops, and what’s it like to manage such a large, year-round tourist destination?

I do believe in fate. As my time ended at Garland, an opportunity dropped out of the sky at Treetops.   Interestingly, I initially pushed off the opportunity but ultimately realized I love the hospitality industry and can move teams in a positive direction. It’s always exciting in this role. There are many moving parts, and I am drawn to getting people to work together through problem-solving. In addition, I find satisfaction in seeing the faces of our guests and staff after they have experienced a special moment with family, friends or coworkers. To me, that is the secret sauce of what we do.

What does Treetops mean to the Gaylord community?

Treetops is one of the largest employers in Gaylord. We are a leader in the hospitality industry, bringing statewide, national and even international exposure to our community. We provide opportunities—for staff to work in this great area and our guests to recreate in our area and perhaps move to this area or even locate a business. Studies show that people want to work where they play. We take all of these responsibilities very seriously.

What’s a typical day like in your role? How does this differ during peak golf season vs. peak skiing season?

My day consists of touring the operation, reviewing results on how we did, planning for the next day, next year, and the next ten years and interacting with staff and guests to take the temperature of how we are doing. The difference between golf and ski season is simple—my clothing choices.

What do you think sets Gaylord and Otsego County apart from other areas of the state?

Gaylord is a versatile city and destination for travelers across the state as it features skiing, golf, our Alpenfest, small business shopping and sporting activities year-round. What makes it unique is it is also the intersection for travelers year-round and has become the I-75 and M32 intersection. Otsego County, in the center of northern Michigan with Gaylord in its center, makes it hard geographically to avoid passing through. Still, the beautiful scenery and local attractions and eateries make it an easy stop on a traveler’s list.  But what separates Gaylord is the people. We may have differences, but we always come together when it matters most. The recovery from a recent tornado is a perfect example. People from all walks of life stepped up to help. When I hear the phrase, "Ain't no hill for a climber,” I think of the people of Gaylord.

What is your favorite season in Michigan?

It's a tricky question as I like them all. Fall is very special for me. I like the change of season, the beauty of the landscape that mother nature gives us, the last chances to enjoy the season and the early morning hum of our equipment removing leaves for that day's golfers; our neighbors may have a different opinion. I also like seeing the staff prep the ski hills for the winter season, and of course football. But making snow is amazing; not many people can say they have to do that in their lives.

What makes Michigan an ideal place to enjoy recreation and our work/life balance?

Michigan is a state of seasons, providing its residents an opportunity to experience all four seasons in a year, allowing participation in any activity, from spending time on freshwater lakes to playing in the snow during our winter. The vast expanse of Michigan ranges from dense forestry to larger cities of opportunity. Residents can work in Grand Rapids, Detroit or any city during the week and take the scenic route north for just a few hours to escape into the beautiful horizons of nature. We have Pure Michigan.  Michigan is the birthplace of the automobile and Motown—two items dear to us all. We have a certain grit that allows us to overcome any challenge. Plus, we do it with a smile and say thank you. I am very proud to be a part of this great state.