Melissa Blettner

When I reflect on my success, I attribute it to the opportunity to help bring truly unique and lasting hospitality experiences to life. One of the moments I am most proud of happened recently when I visited the original Great Wolf Lodge with my grandchildren. Watching them engage with the characters I helped create, seeing them laugh and join in traditions like the nightly howl, was incredibly meaningful. It is a feeling that is hard to put into words.

Over the years, I have also seen my nieces and nephews grow up with the Great Wolf brand. They still send me photos wearing their wolf ears, and that kind of generational connection is something very special. It reminds me that what we build is not just a resort, it is a lasting memory for families.

The work itself was not always easy. Opening large scale resorts with hundreds of rooms and team members in a matter of weeks required intense focus and dedication. But the reward was seeing the impact, creating something that would stand the test of time, and delivering consistent, heartfelt service.

That same passion is what drives me today with Boyd Hollow Resorts and Ancient Lore Village. While the brand may still be emerging, I have a deep belief in what we are building and the impact it will have. I was fortunate early in my career to join Great Wolf Lodge when it was still a small, family owned company, and to be part of its growth into a global leader. When the opportunity came to do something like that again, I knew I had to take it.

Ultimately, my success comes down to the people. It is about surrounding yourself with talented individuals, empowering them to shine, and recognizing that it is the collective effort of a team that creates something truly extraordinary.

My advice to young women entering this industry, and really any industry, is to find what you are passionate about and make it your superpower. Step fully into it and trust that you already have everything inside of you to succeed. At the same time, stay humble and committed to learning. Even after years of experience, I have found that every new opportunity brings new lessons. When I first came to Tennessee, I thought I had all the answers. Instead, it became one of the greatest periods of growth in my career. That willingness to keep learning is essential.

Success is also about the people you surround yourself with. Build strong teams, lift others up, and recognize that great things are never accomplished alone. It is not about taking credit, it is about creating something meaningful together. My management philosophy is rooted in basic human kindness. We are all human, and we will make mistakes. What matters is having the humility to learn from them and not repeat them. Growth comes from that awareness.

I also want women to know that they absolutely belong at the table. I have seen firsthand what happens when women step into their power and support one another. At Great Wolf Resorts, the majority of our senior leadership team was made up of women, and that collaboration and mutual respect made us stronger.

Looking ahead, we are entering a significant period where more wealth and leadership is transitioning into the hands of women. This creates an incredible opportunity. Women should feel confident in their ability to lead, to make smart decisions, and to guide businesses forward with both strength and heart.