Mike Miller tabbed as next president of Dutchman Hospitality Group

WALNUT CREEK − Dutchman Hospitality Group (DHG) has announced Mike Miller as the successor to retiring President Mike Palmer.

Miller will officially take office as president on Jan. 30, according to a news release.

After an extensive search with the assistance of consultants from North Group based in Lititz, PA, the DHG board of directors selected Miller to succeed Palmer.

According to the release from the company, Palmer served Dutchman Hospitality Group (DHG) in the role of president for more than 16 years. A multi-faceted company, DHG owns and operates restaurants, inns, retail shops, a theater and a food and supply distribution company with locations in Ohio, Indiana and Florida. The company employs from 850 to 1,400 employees, based on the time of year and tourism season at each location.

During his time as president, Palmer was instrumental in the growth and development of the company, including expansion in the Bellville, Sarasota, Florida and Middlebury, Indiana markets plus multiple major renovation and construction projects, including construction of the 500-seat Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek and the 100-room Carlisle Inn in Sarasota.

“Serving as president for nearly 17 years has been an honor and privilege," Palmer said in the release. "Having worked for four family businesses over the years, serving the Miller families has been the most rewarding. DHG is blessed with caring employees aligned with a higher purpose, supportive colleagues and partners within our communities, and a loyal guest base.”

In good hands moving forward

Palmer is confident Miller will do well leading DHG into the future.

“I congratulate Mike Miller as my successor and believe our company is in good hands with Mike at the helm," Palmer said in the release. "He is supported by a strong leadership team and governance transitioning to a dedicated next generation.”

After coming to DHG in 2011 as the general manager of Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek and an integral part of the launch of Ohio Star Theater, Miller has worked in all segments of the company, giving him a wide range of experience and expertise, the release states.

Miller attended Waynedale High School and Akron University, finalizing his business degree at DeVry University in Columbus. After high school, his original goals were focused on the medical field, but while he was attending the university, a part-time job in hospitality sparked his interest and changed the trajectory of his life.

As a college graduate, his passion for hospitality translated into a position as general manager at Courtyard by Marriott located at Easton Town Center in Columbus, receiving the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association Columbus General Manager of the Year Award in 2010.

Miller excited about being part of DHG's future

Miller shared his ideas for the future of Dutchman Hospitality.

“Dutchman Hospitality has a beautiful 54-year history, and I am humbled by the opportunity to help write its next chapter," he said in the release. "I believe in taking care of people. In hospitality, this begins with taking good care of our team members. When team members are happy, our guests are treated well and they leave happy and satisfied, which creates loyalty and strengthens our business, allowing us to reinvest in the company, our services, and our people.

“Having been raised in the area, Alexis and I were excited about the opportunity to return 11 years ago as we started our family,” Miller continued. "I am honored to pursue my passion for the hospitality industry while raising our children in this beautiful community we call home."

For more information about Dutchman Hospitality Group and to explore career opportunities within the company, visit dhgroup.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Mike Miller named new president of Dutchman Hospitality Group