Tucked away in Racine, Wisconsin, Wingspread Retreat and Executive Conference Center might look like just another architectural gem by Frank Lloyd Wright.
But beyond the clean lines and Prairie-style curves is something more powerful: a team of people who transform meetings, retreats, and overnights into deeply human experiences.
As General Manager Eric Bates puts it, “What makes being at Wingspread special? That’s an easy answer. It’s the people.”
And that’s not just lip service.
Spend a day on-site, and you’ll find a team that blends skill, purpose, and warmth with effortless grace.
Think of it as hospitality—with soul.
See What Makes Wingspread Special
More Than a Job, It’s a Calling
One theme you’ll hear from the team over and over is that this isn’t just work—it’s a passion project. Their dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring.
Amanda, the tour coordinator, has been at Wingspread for 39 years. That’s not a typo. “I love my job. I get to share Wingspread with so many interesting people coming from all over the world.” She’s not just giving tours—she’s passing on a piece of living history. When someone has done the same job for nearly four decades and still describes it as fun, you know they’ve found the right fit.
Over in maintenance, Zach echoes that sentiment. With 17 years under his belt, he thrives on the variety: “My favorite aspect is it probably changes a little bit every day. Nothing’s ever truly the same.” That adaptability keeps the wheels turning, and the Frank Lloyd Wright lighting fixtures shining.
Where Everyone Knows Your Name (and Favorite Beverage)
Sonya, a lead server with 14 years on staff, doesn’t mince words about why she sticks around: “They treat us as family, and that makes it easier for us to treat our guests as family.” That trickle-down hospitality hits you the moment you walk through the doorl; this isn’t transactional service; it’s personal.
And it’s not just veteran staffers feeling the love. Penny, a server who’s been with the team for three years, describes the Wingspread environment as finally finding her place: “It’s small, intimate groups that you get to know as your family.”
Debbie, the greeter supervisor, sums it up like this: “I just love the whole family that we have here at Wingspread.” It’s not a catchphrase, it’s a culture.
Selling More Than a Stay
In sales, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers.
But for Megan, the National Sales Manager, success looks different: “One of my favorite things… is watching our guests relax, connect, and be inspired.” That’s not a business pitch, it’s a mission. Wingspread isn’t in the business of filling rooms; it’s in the business of filling people’s cups.
And Director of Sales Heather, who relocated from Florida to Wisconsin (not a move people make for the weather), did it for a bigger reason. “I wanted to just take in the beauty of this place,” she says. “We want to bring purpose and represent the Foundation’s mission.” Wingspread isn’t just a venue—it’s an extension of the Johnson Foundation, and this team is serious about aligning every detail with that legacy.
Frontline Faces and Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
The hospitality magic doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or dining areas.
Amy, a guest service agent who started in early 2025, runs the front desk with genuine warmth. “It’s just a beautiful place to work, but the people I work with are fantastic.” First impressions matter, and Amy ensures that everyone’s welcome is memorable.
And let’s not forget Judy, who keeps everything sparkling behind the scenes in housekeeping. She’s been on the job for three years and still lights up talking about it: “Everybody is so supportive. It’s just really a fun place to work.” Clean rooms are great. Clean rooms with good vibes behind them? Even better.
Built by Wright. Brought to Life by Heart.
Eric Bates closes it out by tying the whole experience together: “There’s a hospitality spirit here that you can feel. When you leave here, you know that you’ve been cared for.” That’s not something you can fake or train overnight. The team is constantly learning and improving, ensuring that every guest experience is better than the last.
And when Eric isn’t leading the team, he’s living his own version of the Wingspread spirit: “At home I’m a chef in residence for my family and an outdoorsman. I love nature, travel, life experiences that bring joy.” It’s a fitting parallel. Whether on the trail or on the property, Eric and the team are all about crafting experiences that leave a mark.
Wingspread may have been built to inspire, but it’s the people who bring that mission to life every day. From tour guides to greeters, servers to sales pros, this is a team that doesn’t just show up. They show care. And that’s the real foundation beneath the bricks and beams.
We'd love to connect? Reach out to us here >>