A family of friends

Woodloch Pines Resort celebrates 50 years

By SANDY LONG

HAWLEY, PA — If you’re looking for John Dodson on a Thursday evening, there’s a good chance you’ll find him, dressed in a mini skirt and wig, singing his heart out as “Cher” during a staff performance at Woodloch Pines Resort. If you’re looking for his boss, CEO John Kiesendahl, there’s an equally good chance you’ll find him grinning from within a Sponge Bob Squarepants costume as he entertains Woodloch’s youngest guests.

Just don’t get the illusion that it’s only fun and games at the all-American family resort, where the not-so-secret formula of lighthearted laughs and weighty workloads has combined to create a 50-year success story featuring guests, employees and friends—all of whom are treated as members of the Kiesendahl family.

From its humble beginnings back in 1958, when Harry and Mary Kiesendahl purchased a rugged 12-acre property in Hawley, with a boarding house, no running water and only one employee, to today’s 1,200-acre complex consisting of the resort, a championship golf course, several fine housing developments and an associated destination spa, the Kiesendahls have maintained a long-standing policy that guests should be made to feel as if they are company in the family’s home.

Harry passed away in 2006 and now the third-generation family business is being run by his and Mary’s sons John and Steve, and John’s sons Bob, Bradley, Matthew and Patrick. Many improvements and expansions have occurred. From 25 guests in 1958, today’s Woodloch can accommodate 1,000 guests at full capacity and employs 1,000 people during its busiest seasons, making it Pike and Wayne counties’ largest employer. But some things remain the same. “The core of our message hasn’t changed,” said Steve Kiesendahl, director of sales and marketing. “We extend this place as our home.”

Steve arrived at Woodloch as a two-year-old and grew up washing dishes, tending to garbage, dancing with guests as the need arose and obediently singing “Pennsylvania” on the front lawn as guests arrived. “We did whatever it took,” he said. “We still do.”

In his day job, Dodson is director of dining. But like most Woodloch employees, including the family members, people pitch in to pour coffee or pick up trash on the grounds. “That’s what’s great about the family I work for. They don’t ask you to do anything they wouldn’t do,” said Dodson, who will celebrate 20 years as a Woodloch employee later this month.

He’s not alone. Thirty percent of Woodloch’s employees have been working at the resort for at least 10 years, and it’s been voted PA’s Best Place to Work by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Dining room manager Fred Gelderman, whose mother was Woodloch’s first employee, arrived as a 12-year-old and has been employed at Woodloch for more than 46 years.

Reservation manager Lynne VanBlarcom is entering her 25th year and remembers the standards set by “Uncle Harry and Aunt Mary.” “We learned from the best,” said VanBlarcom. “There’s a camaraderie between the staff and the way the family treats us that we turn back to the guests. They really appreciate the warmth and hospitality they find here.”

Guests at the family resort forge friendships with other guests, employees and with the Kiesendahl family members, creating a “family beyond the family,” according to marketing director Laurie McEvoy. They show their loyalty by returning again and again, eventually with their own children. “The guests respond to the genuineness of the Kiesendahls,” said McEvoy. “There are plenty of beautiful resorts to choose from, but here, it’s like coming home to family.”

Guests purchase all-inclusive package plans complete with dining and lodging. Other family-centered programming rounds out a host of indoor and outdoor activities that change on a daily basis. “It’s about old-fashioned family fun,” said Dodson. “We focus on helping families have fun together, rather than sending the kids off to camp.”

The family wants to keep its regional customers coming to the resort as well. A special Broadway-style Golden Anniversary Celebration theme show has been choreographed and is offered in combination with an elegant meal on Wednesday and Saturday nights, according to Steve.

As for the costuming that occurs on a regular basis as staff members dress up for theme nights: that can be traced to Harry. “Harry was a real showman,” said Dodson. “He understood that people want to be entertained.”

That’s why Dodson is willing to play Cher in the staff talent shows. Although he’s tall like the famous songstress, the similarity stops there. Without the wig, John’s hair is white, and most often, he’s sporting a suit and tie. But don’t miss that glint in his eye—he’s always looking for a laugh. “Most people have forgotten how to have fun. We help them remember.”

For more information, visit woodloch.com or call 800/966-3562.