Welcome to our latest blog post, where we shine a spotlight on the important work being done at Hunter Hospitality House. Today, we are excited to share an exclusive interview with our Assistant Manager, Cullen Willard. Join us as Cullen discusses his journey, shares his insights, and highlights the dedication and compassion that fuel our mission to provide a home away from home for those in need.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
I am the Assistant Manager at Hunter Hospitality House, which essentially means I do the things the Manager does on the days he’s not doing them. I take phone calls and register guests to stay with us, along with general house maintenance, yard work, laundry and grocery shopping. I also sometimes handle the bookkeeping side of things, such as paying bills and processing donations.
What inspired you to work at HHH?
Hunter Hospitality House was founded by my parents at a time when I was living in another state. I was interested in the cause and what they were managing to do in my hometown, but I wasn’t in Michigan very often. It was a coincidence in timing that I was looking to move back to Michigan and get a new job at the same time the HHH board was looking to hire someone to assist Jeff.
What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
Working in the nonprofit space has been my favorite aspect of the job. It has been very nice to feel like I’m genuinely helping people, rather than profit-seeking.
What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
One of my key projects has been videography. I have shot and edited multiple videos for events and promotional use, including the most recent volunteer interview video for Hope Blooms 2024.
What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
There are social aspects of my job that I find difficult because I’m more introverted by nature. It can sometimes feel like there’s a lot of pressure to not say the wrong thing, especially with guests who may be very vulnerable or upset by their situation. Ultimately I just try my best and take care to be kind and gentle with people the same way I hope they are with me.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
I have found interactions with guests whose loved ones are in the hospital for a mental health crisis particularly moving. Seeing the care and commitment those patients’ partners or parents have for them, and being able to keep those people close to the hospital at such a critical moment, really makes me feel like the work I’m doing is important.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
The trust that this organization puts in me is my main motivator because it’s important to me not to let them down. Continuing to learn new things and taking on different types of responsibilities is sort of the nature of the job.
Are there any mentors or role models who have influenced your career journey? If so, how?
My parents, Jeff and Tracy Willard, have of course been my primary mentors and role models in this career. In addition to actually training me for all of my current responsibilities and showing me other tasks I may take on in the future, they have also modeled the way that this organization fits into their personal lives, and the mindset and attitude that keeps everything running.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I do a lot of community theatre, on both the acting and directing side, and I also collect video games.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
Non-profit organizations like ours often have opportunities for volunteer work, so if you find yourself interested in the non-profit sector, I would probably start there. Volunteering will give you an idea of the way the organization runs and its mission statement, and it will probably also give you an idea of whether you find that sort of work fulfilling.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
This position affords me a fair amount of flexibility, so I can usually make time for the important things without taking away from the organization. It is important for me to be there for my wife and kids.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Back in Arizona, I was the Dungeon Master for my group of friends’ Dungeons and Dragons game.
What are some professional goals or aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?
I tend to let life lead the way for me and not allow myself to worry about climbing ladders or competing professionally. If I can continue to help people, I’m doing what I want to do. That said, Jeff and Tracy will retire someday, so I make efforts to understand the responsibilities of the Manager and the Executive Director so that I might fill one of those roles someday, keeping the organization rooted in our family and connected to Hunter’s memory.
How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
Being the youngest person on staff, I try to bring in a millennial perspective and make sure that our modern understanding of certain social and economic issues is represented in the organization’s culture and values, and that we don’t allow ourselves to fall into outdated ideas. Luckily this hasn’t been difficult, as the organization is very open and understanding.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
Helping people in need and seeing the willingness of a community to donate and volunteer for this cause is a joyful experience. There is also a deep sadness that comes with getting to know people at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We focus on the joy so that we can be a light in those people’s darkness.
I am the Assistant Manager at Hunter Hospitality House, which essentially means I do the things the Manager does on the days he’s not doing them. I take phone calls and register guests to stay with us, along with general house maintenance, yard work, laundry and grocery shopping. I also sometimes handle the bookkeeping side of things, such as paying bills and processing donations.
What inspired you to work at HHH?
Hunter Hospitality House was founded by my parents at a time when I was living in another state. I was interested in the cause and what they were managing to do in my hometown, but I wasn’t in Michigan very often. It was a coincidence in timing that I was looking to move back to Michigan and get a new job at the same time the HHH board was looking to hire someone to assist Jeff.
What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
Working in the nonprofit space has been my favorite aspect of the job. It has been very nice to feel like I’m genuinely helping people, rather than profit-seeking.
What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
One of my key projects has been videography. I have shot and edited multiple videos for events and promotional use, including the most recent volunteer interview video for Hope Blooms 2024.
What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
There are social aspects of my job that I find difficult because I’m more introverted by nature. It can sometimes feel like there’s a lot of pressure to not say the wrong thing, especially with guests who may be very vulnerable or upset by their situation. Ultimately I just try my best and take care to be kind and gentle with people the same way I hope they are with me.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
I have found interactions with guests whose loved ones are in the hospital for a mental health crisis particularly moving. Seeing the care and commitment those patients’ partners or parents have for them, and being able to keep those people close to the hospital at such a critical moment, really makes me feel like the work I’m doing is important.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
The trust that this organization puts in me is my main motivator because it’s important to me not to let them down. Continuing to learn new things and taking on different types of responsibilities is sort of the nature of the job.
Are there any mentors or role models who have influenced your career journey? If so, how?
My parents, Jeff and Tracy Willard, have of course been my primary mentors and role models in this career. In addition to actually training me for all of my current responsibilities and showing me other tasks I may take on in the future, they have also modeled the way that this organization fits into their personal lives, and the mindset and attitude that keeps everything running.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I do a lot of community theatre, on both the acting and directing side, and I also collect video games.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
Non-profit organizations like ours often have opportunities for volunteer work, so if you find yourself interested in the non-profit sector, I would probably start there. Volunteering will give you an idea of the way the organization runs and its mission statement, and it will probably also give you an idea of whether you find that sort of work fulfilling.
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
This position affords me a fair amount of flexibility, so I can usually make time for the important things without taking away from the organization. It is important for me to be there for my wife and kids.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Back in Arizona, I was the Dungeon Master for my group of friends’ Dungeons and Dragons game.
What are some professional goals or aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?
I tend to let life lead the way for me and not allow myself to worry about climbing ladders or competing professionally. If I can continue to help people, I’m doing what I want to do. That said, Jeff and Tracy will retire someday, so I make efforts to understand the responsibilities of the Manager and the Executive Director so that I might fill one of those roles someday, keeping the organization rooted in our family and connected to Hunter’s memory.
How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
Being the youngest person on staff, I try to bring in a millennial perspective and make sure that our modern understanding of certain social and economic issues is represented in the organization’s culture and values, and that we don’t allow ourselves to fall into outdated ideas. Luckily this hasn’t been difficult, as the organization is very open and understanding.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
Helping people in need and seeing the willingness of a community to donate and volunteer for this cause is a joyful experience. There is also a deep sadness that comes with getting to know people at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We focus on the joy so that we can be a light in those people’s darkness.
