A Conversation With ... Connie Gutting

I have been here 20 years. I started in this business basically because I needed a job. I had never worked in an office and was very hesitant to do so. I had been in the Shepherd of the Hills play and had owned the trail riding business for several years when I applied at the Kimberling Inn. The first three days, I thought I had made a terrible mistake, but in a very short time I grew to love it. I like the variety of work that my job involves and the people that I work with.

What does your job entail?

I take care of the front desk. Reservations, check-in, check-out; I do a lot of (public relations), customer relations. We have three restaurants here … and I’m the first one they come to when they have a complaint, and it usually stops here and I try to deal with it. We really don’t have a manager. Each department has a supervisor.

What do you like best about your work?

Looking out the front desk window, I can see the most beautiful view of Table Rock Lake. I am truly in God’s country and never get tired of that view.

What are some things that make Kimberling Inn Resort special?

When I first came here, the inn was one of four resorts affiliated with RCI, an exchange program. Now, I cannot begin to tell you how many exchanges there are in Branson. People return to Kimberling Inn not only because of the location and the gorgeous view, but also because of our hospitality. We treat everyone like they are our relatives or long-lost friends. It’s what has kept them coming back year after year. People love to be on vacation where they can feel welcome and safe. The resort is a year-round operation. We are kept very busy until the end of December. Because of the Ozark Mountain Christmas, the whole area is extremely busy then. It is great.

Now that Branson Landing is nearing reality, with Belk open for business, how do you think your business will change?

I am very excited about Branson Landing. ... I know it must be quite an addition to the city of Branson. Hopefully, it will not only bring a lot of people to Branson but also to us on Table Rock Lake.

Tell us about some of the interesting guests you’ve had.

We have had guests from Africa, Canada, England – all over – including rock stars, country western stars, family reunions and lots of business getaways. The variety of people who stay makes the job that much more interesting.

We get a lot of people who stay here because they want to be on or close to the lake. Most of the people we get want to go to Branson and enjoy everything that it offers, but they choose to stay on or near the lake.

Are resort officials worried about low lake levels in the Ozarks?

The lake level really doesn’t concern me. It has been low before, and we still get lots of fishermen. So far, if they want to be on the lake, they get out on it.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My free time would include my son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons. They are my life. What joy the grandkids bring me – they are 8 and 4 and they are very involved in rodeos. It is great fun to watch them. Being a grandparent is as good as it can get.[[In-content Ad]]