Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall McIntyre.
Hi Kendall, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I actually started my first business back in high school — a small but busy cleaning business that grew quickly through word of mouth. One of my clients ended up connecting me with Marta Turnbull, who had a vacation rental at the time. I was also attending Northwestern Michigan College as an early college student, which gave me a great foundation early in life.
As Marta and I began working together, the vacation rentals started taking off, and little by little, I found myself taking on more of the business operations. By 2017, I was fully managing our Airbnbs — handling everything from guest communication and scheduling cleanings to coordinating contractors and keeping each property running smoothly.
After several years of growth and with the short-term rental market changing, Marta approached me about purchasing a motel in Bear Lake, Michigan. I was immediately on board for the new challenge. She bought the property, and officially launched Motel Bear Lake.
Now, three years in, after a lot of renovations and long days, the motel is thriving. I still manage a number of rental homes in Traverse City, but a larger portion of my time is spent as the operations manager at Motel Bear Lake. Over the years, I’ve also completed formal hospitality management training and certified pool operator training, both of which have helped me take our guest experience to the next level.
Outside of work, life has been equally full. I’ve rescued two dogs, bought a home in Interlochen, and recently married my partner of the last ten years. It’s been a busy, rewarding journey, and I’m so proud of how everything has come together, both personally and professionally.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, it’s been a relatively smooth road; though not without its challenges. I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am, and no journey comes without a few bumps along the way. I’ve been lucky to have a truly wonderful community of people around me to offer guidance and support when I’ve needed it most.
Because I started what eventually became my career at just sixteen, a lot of my biggest lessons came through hands-on experience. I had to grow up fast in some ways; learning how to manage clients, stay organized, and take full responsibility for my work from a young age. It wasn’t always easy, but those early experiences shaped my work ethic and independence, and they’ve carried me through every stage since.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today, I wear a few different hats, but at the heart of it all, my work revolves around creating thoughtful, welcoming spaces and systems that make both guests and teams feel cared for. As the operations manager at Motel Bear Lake and through managing several rental homes in the Traverse City area, I focus on the details; everything from guest experience and hospitality to process development and business operations.
I’ve always had an incredible attention to detail, and I take a lot of pride in the quality of the work I put out there. I tend to be a bit more quiet and “behind the scenes,” but I’m deeply invested in every piece of what I do whether that’s refining our systems, researching ways to improve efficiency, or finding solutions to challenges that come up day-to-day.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the positive impact our businesses have had on both the community and marginalized groups of people. Creating spaces that are inclusive, welcoming, and genuinely supportive means a lot to me. It’s one of the main reasons I love this industry. Hospitality, at its core, is about people and connection.
I’ve learned so much over the years, from my first small business at sixteen to running operations today and I’m proud that I’ve never stopped learning. Every stage has taught me something new about leadership, service, and the kind of environment I want to build for others.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a big risk-taker, but I’ve learned that there’s always some level of risk involved in making meaningful decisions. Something can always go differently than planned and when it does, you have to adapt.
Throughout my career, I’ve fully committed to the choices I’ve made, even when they came with uncertainty. New business ventures, managing multiple properties, or stepping into leadership roles all came with the chance of failure, but I’ve always trusted my work ethic and my ability to problem-solve.
After more than a decade in this field, I’ve gotten good at assessing situations, creating a logical plan, and then just giving it a go. For me, risk-taking isn’t about being reckless, it’s about being willing to move forward, stay adaptable, and learn as you go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.motelbearlake.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motelbearlake/?hl=en
